El Monte

• Arrive in a hand-pulled cable car above the river
• Take guided nature walks in the cloudfiorest
• Watch birds from the main lodge
• Enjoy creative, wholesome meals
• Choice of optional activities 

Open: El Monte is open all year.

Location: El Monte is in the cloud forest, in a reserve of the same name, north-west of Quito, some 4kms from the town of Mindo. This is a remote site and the final stage of the journey to El Monte is by tarabita, a hand-pulled cable car, across the Rio Mindo.

Rooms: Accommodation is in 6 cabanas spaced well apart and set beside the river. All have a sitting area and en-suite bathrooms with a full size bath, hand basin, flush toilet and 24-hour hot water.

Activities: Go for nature and wildlife walks in the cloud forest with a local guide, walk to a waterfall and swim at its base, go tubing on the Rio Mindo (life jacket and safety helmet provided) and watch birds such as quetzals, aracaris, toucans, tanagers and flycatchers in the gardens while sitting in the main lodge. There are also walking trails in the grounds that offer sightings of even more birds. Other activities can be arranged at an additional fee: visit the cock of rock lek, tour the orchid garden, go to a butterfly farm, take a ride in a canopy cable car, go horse riding and mountain biking.

Facilities: The open-sided main building includes the dining room, games room with a selection of reference books and board games, bar, kitchen and 2 open air firepits. There are several hammocks where you can rest, and gardens for relaxation.

Dining: Meals are eaten in the dining room at set hours, usually 8am for breakfast, 1 pm for lunch and 7pm for dinner. Food is largely vegetarian though some chicken, turkey and fish meat dishes are available. The menu includes international fare as well as local cuisine. The kitchen is open and you are welcome to watch the cooks at work.

Children: Children of all ages are welcome. Those under 4 years stay free when sharing with parents.

Health: This is not a malarial area.

Communication: There is no internet access.