Guango Lodge

Overview

More Photos

Type of destination:

Forest / rainforest

Type of accommodation:

Bungalow / cabaña / ecolodge

Rates: (in US dollars)

$76 – 100

Target Market:

Mid range

Description

Guango Lodge, near the paramo and the hot springs of Papallacta, is a paradise for hummingbird lovers and photographers. Seeing 14 species of hummingbirds within an hour is not uncommon, and the sword-billed hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera) with its amazingly long bill is sure to come buzzing in. Our scenic vistas and variety of trails offer great opportunities to hike in a beautiful setting surrounded by forested mountains. The small but cozy lodge is right in the middle of it all.

The lodge is about one hour away from San Isidro, lying at a higher elevation (about 8,858 feet or 2,700 meters) on Ecuador's eastern slope, only 7 miles (11 km) down the main Interoceanica Highway from the town of Papallacta. This area is centered in a zone classified as humid temperate forest, a habitat distinctly different from San Isidro and characterized by its more stunted trees, thicker canopy, cooler climate, and different bird and plant composition.

Rooms

7 double and 1 single room

Amenities

Hot water
Laundry service
Private bathroom
Restaurant
Telephone
Transportation

Other:

Coffee maker in common room
Traditional Ecuadorian original recipes, with plenty of choices (buffet when more than 5 guests).
Various common areas, you will always find privacy

Activities

Adventure sports
Bird watching
Eco / nature / wildlife
Fishing
Guided tours
Mountain climbing
Visits to conservation projects
Walking / hiking

Other:

Orchid garden
Hummingbird feeder stations
Cooking lessons if you are interested in learning a local dish
Photography lessons
Waterfalls, botany, and proximity to the famous thermal waters!

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 6

Percentage of local employees: 5

Guango Lodge is adjacent to the Cayambe Coca National Park and contributes to conservation by adjoining to the park its primary forest reserve. Guango Lodge supports the community by hiring local people and training them in various areas such as guiding, cooking, housekeeping, and more. As part of the Cabañas San Isidro group, Guango is also active in land purchase for conservation and biology research.

Rates

$76 – 100

For more information about rates, please visit:

cabanasanisidro.com/pages/reservations.htm (available in English).

Getting There

Nearest international airport: Quito (UIO)

Travel time to nearest airport: 1.5 hours

Reaching Guango Lodge from Quito is easy, especially since much of the road is recently paved. From Quito, take the Via Interoceanica Highway east past the towns of Cumbayá, Tumbaco, and then Pifo of the central valley. From here, the road starts to climb up towards the continental divide, or what is known as the Papallacta Pass, and then afterwards continues downhill again, passing through the small town of Papallacta. Guango is located 6 mi (10 km) past Papallacta, you will see a sign on the right side of the road.