We arrive Sunday evening and stay at the comfortable Hotel Sebastian in Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. We'll head to the eastern Andes for 2 nights at Guango Lodge near the village of Papallacta. Then we descend to lower elevation where we'll stay at famed Cabanas San Isidro for 3 nights before returning to Quito.
HOTEL SEBASTIAN
Hotel Sebastian is an elegant hotel located in the heart of New Town in Quito just 15 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes from Colonial Quito. It offers a warm and cozy atmosphere where guests can relax and enjoy their stay. The Bar Cafe offers informal dining while the Mistral Restaurant on the premises offers exquisite Ecuadorian and international cuisine. Rooms are nicely decorated, roomy, and full of light. They feature queen or twin beds, cable TV, and private bath with hot water showers. TOP
GUANGO LODGE
Guango Lodge is a relatively new lodge developed by the owners of Cabanas San Isidro. It is located near the town of Papallacta at an elevation of about 9000 ft. on the east slope of the Andes. The food is very good and unique. On cloudy (and rainy) days and at night, it can get cold, so it's a good idea to bring warm clothing and rain gear. Verandas offer very nice views. The dining room area features a sitting room with a fire place where visitors can sit and relax. Hummingbird feeders attract a variety of higher elevation species typical of the high Andes.ý
The rooms are very charming and feature the original and typical arquitecture of the area. The walls are made out of stone while round roofs are made of wood. All rooms have hot water showers. TOPý
CABANAS SAN ISIDRO
Cabanas San Isidro is the best birding lodge on the east slope of the Andes. The hacienda-style ranch was purchased over 31 years ago by a family concerned with preserving the region, and the property has remained uncultivated and forested as a result. The accommodations are extremely comfortable and feature a very pleasant and relaxing lounge that overlooks the cloud forest canopy and surrounding hills. An additional living room area is a wonderful place to socialize after each day of birding. Excellent Ecuadorian and international cuisine is served in the dining room accompanied by warm, friendly hospitality.
Rooms are well appointed and in immaculate condition. Windows look out onto the gardens surrounding the lodge. They feature hardwood floors and comfortable double beds with private bathrooms and hot showers. TOP
