Located in northwestern South America, the country of Ecuador is rich with bird life. With over 1600 species of birds (roughly 20% of the world's total), Ecuador is without a doubt a birder's paradise. In order to take advantage of all that Ecuador has to offer, access to remote and diverse regions, as well as seasoned, bilingual guides, are essential when visiting the country. Proving to be pioneers throughout Latin America as the only birding facility to own and operate four private reserves and two eco-lodges, San Jorge Eco-Lodges and Botanical Reserves is the natural choice for birding in Ecuador.
Ecuador's Magic Birding Circuit
San Jorge Eco-Lodge
Less than 20 minutes from the Quito airport, San Jorge is both a birding epicenter and an ecological masterpiece. Home to the Magic Birding Circuit, San Jorge offers their birding guests the unique opportunity to visit four eco-systems: High Barren Plains and Highland Rainforests outside of Quito, Tandayapa Valley Cloud Forest, Upper Lowland Subtropical Rainforest in Milpe, and Andes Cloud Forest near San Isidro Valley. The Lodge and reserves are owned and operated by Dr. George Cruz, who functions as both birding guide and hospitable host, opening is arms to birders and nature enthusiasts alike. With over 1200 protected acres to bird and explore, an Jorge also prides itself on conservation by preserving the habitat of many indigenous plants, animals and over 800 species of birds. This includes very rare species such as the Greater Scythebill and Andean Condor, as well as endangered and scarce species such as
Less than 20 minutes from the Quito airport, San Jorge is both a birding epicenter and an ecological masterpiece. Home to the Magic Birding Circuit, San Jorge offers their birding guests the unique opportunity to visit four eco-systems: High Barren Plains and Highland Rainforests outside of Quito, Tandayapa Valley Cloud Forest, Upper Lowland Subtropical Rainforest in Milpe, and Andes Cloud Forest near San Isidro Valley. The Lodge and reserves are owned and operated by Dr. George Cruz, who functions as both birding guide and hospitable host, opening is arms to birders and nature enthusiasts alike. With over 1200 protected acres to bird and explore, an Jorge also prides itself on conservation by preserving the habitat of many indigenous plants, animals and over 800 species of birds. This includes very rare species such as the Greater Scythebill and Andean Condor, as well as endangered and scarce species such as
Opened in late 2006, Milpe shares many of the primary Eco-lodge's same qualities: excellent birding opportunities with over 450 species, wide trails and observatory sites, wooden rooms with views, and an extremely peaceful setting. Recently some of the most difficult species to see have been spotted in Milpe, including Choco Toucans and Toucan Barbets.
the Rufous Antpitta, Orange Breasted Falcon, and Glistening Green Tanager. In addition, 30% of all tour proceeds go directly toward their continuous conservation efforts.
The Magic Birding Circuit begins at San Jorge Eco-Lodge and Botanical Reserve in Quito. Located in the High Barren Plains and Highland Rainforest, the Lodge and surrounding reserve offer birders the chance to fully immerse themselves in Ecuador's natural beauty. While staying on the property and exploring the reserve guests have the chance to watch thirteen species of hummingbirds feed, such as the Purple-backed Thornbill and the Golden-breasted Puffleg, as well as take in astounding views of the surrounding volcanoes (Cayambe, Antizana, Pasochoa, Pululahua, Pichincha, and Illalso). San Jorge offers a variety of other tours including horseback riding, hiking, biking, Old Colonial Quito city tour, the Otavalo Indian Market tour, all of which depart from the Lodge and can be easily combined with a birding excursion or for non-birder companions.
The Magic Birding Circuit begins at San Jorge Eco-Lodge and Botanical Reserve in Quito. Located in the High Barren Plains and Highland Rainforest, the Lodge and surrounding reserve offer birders the chance to fully immerse themselves in Ecuador's natural beauty. While staying on the property and exploring the reserve guests have the chance to watch thirteen species of hummingbirds feed, such as the Purple-backed Thornbill and the Golden-breasted Puffleg, as well as take in astounding views of the surrounding volcanoes (Cayambe, Antizana, Pasochoa, Pululahua, Pichincha, and Illalso). San Jorge offers a variety of other tours including horseback riding, hiking, biking, Old Colonial Quito city tour, the Otavalo Indian Market tour, all of which depart from the Lodge and can be easily combined with a birding excursion or for non-birder companions.
San Jorge de Tandayapa Reserve
After birding and enjoying San Jorge Botanical Reserve the next stop is San Jorge de Tandayapa Reserve. Just 45 minutes from the Lodge, lying peacefully within the Cloud Forest in the lower Tandayapa Valley, Tandayapa is part of the Choco Endemic Bird Area of Northwest Ecuador. Here birders have the opportunity to take in spectacular panoramic views, rest in hammocks on the bungalow decks at lunchtime, and of course spot a wide variety of Cloud Forest birds!
After a full day at Tandayapa, a relaxing evening is spent at San Jorge's NEW birding lodge, San Jorge de Milpe. Milpe, which is found in the Upper Lowland Subtropical Rainforest, is not only one of several private birding reserves that are part of the San Jorge family but it is also the new home to their second Eco-Lodge.
After birding and enjoying San Jorge Botanical Reserve the next stop is San Jorge de Tandayapa Reserve. Just 45 minutes from the Lodge, lying peacefully within the Cloud Forest in the lower Tandayapa Valley, Tandayapa is part of the Choco Endemic Bird Area of Northwest Ecuador. Here birders have the opportunity to take in spectacular panoramic views, rest in hammocks on the bungalow decks at lunchtime, and of course spot a wide variety of Cloud Forest birds!
After a full day at Tandayapa, a relaxing evening is spent at San Jorge's NEW birding lodge, San Jorge de Milpe. Milpe, which is found in the Upper Lowland Subtropical Rainforest, is not only one of several private birding reserves that are part of the San Jorge family but it is also the new home to their second Eco-Lodge.
San Jorge de Cosanga-Yanayuca
The fourth and final private reserve is San Jorge de Cosanga-Yanayuca, a birdwatchers paradise located in the subtropical Eastern slopes of the Andes Cloud Forest near the San Isidro Valley. Adjoining the Antisana National Park, San Jorge de Cosanga-Yanayacu offers 60 acres of wild, virgin forest which are home to ocelets, panthers, night monkeys, porcupines, armadillos, and spectacle bears. Among these animals you will find hundreds of bird species fortunate enough to be protected on these grounds, safe from deforestation and harm. San Jorge's Magic Birding Circuit tours cover several other birding hot spots as well with the main emphasis on their
private reserves and the extraordinary birding opportunities found therein.
The fourth and final private reserve is San Jorge de Cosanga-Yanayuca, a birdwatchers paradise located in the subtropical Eastern slopes of the Andes Cloud Forest near the San Isidro Valley. Adjoining the Antisana National Park, San Jorge de Cosanga-Yanayacu offers 60 acres of wild, virgin forest which are home to ocelets, panthers, night monkeys, porcupines, armadillos, and spectacle bears. Among these animals you will find hundreds of bird species fortunate enough to be protected on these grounds, safe from deforestation and harm. San Jorge's Magic Birding Circuit tours cover several other birding hot spots as well with the main emphasis on their
private reserves and the extraordinary birding opportunities found therein.
The Magic Birding Circuit offers birders the chance to see several areas of Ecuador while being brought to some of the most pristine and untouched birding regions. Their birding tours coupled with attractive service, highly informative bilingual guides, and wholesome, quality cuisine make San Jorge an excellent choice for birding and vacationing in South America. For more information on San Jorge Eco-Lodges and their private reserves please visit them online at www.eco-lodgesanjorge.com or call toll-free 1-877-565-2596. Don't forget to check out their online guest book where hundreds of visitors praise their experiences with them!
Kristen Korowotny - 10th January 2007
Kristen Korowotny - 10th January 2007
San Jorge Eco-Lodge
Amazing views from the San Jorge de Tandayapa Reserve
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