El Monte
Sustainable Lodge
El Monte Lodge is a nature-focused lodge located in the Ecuadorian Amazon within the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the country. Surrounded by primary rainforest, rivers, and lagoons, the lodge offers an authentic experience in the Amazon, ideal for travelers interested in wildlife observation, nature exploration, and responsible tourism.
The lodge provides comfortable accommodations designed to blend with the natural environment. Guests can participate in activities such as canoe excursions through flooded forests, guided jungle hikes, birdwatching, and night walks to discover nocturnal wildlife. These excursions are led by experienced naturalist guides who share knowledge about the Amazon ecosystem, its remarkable biodiversity, and the traditions of the local communities living in the region.
General Interest Program
Mindo began almost solely as a bird watching and ecotourism destination, and nowadays has added many local activities to complement these nature excursions.
Day 1: First Day in Mindo: Arrival and Riverside Exploration
11:00AM. Arrival to El Monte. A car can be arranged to pick you up in Quito and bring you to El Monte (also the public bus works great). Upon arrival, you will be introduced to your guide and can choose between coffee, tea or lemonade. Later you can get settled in your cabaña, or the guide can show you around the garden and grounds.
1:00PM Lunch.
3:00PM. Introductory 1.5 to 2 hour walk along a trail beside the Rio Mindo, where orchids, birds and medicinal plants can be observed.
5:00-7:00PM. You might want to take advantage of this time to have a hot bath, visit the bar, play board games in the Main House…
7:00PM. Dinner is served followed by a short conversation on the following day’s activities.
Day 2. Birdwatching and Waterfall Exploration in Mindo
6:00AM. Wake up. (Remember this is optional, you can decide to just have breakfast at 8:00AM).
6:30AM. Guided walk to observe wildlife (mostly birds). There are good possibilities to see toucans, quetzals, parrots (mostly flying) and lots of colorful smaller birds. Sometimes small mammals, like squirrels and agoutis are seen.
8:00AM. Breakfast.
9:00AM. Guided nature walk. This walk takes you on a trail that goes up behind the El Monte Reserve and then drops down into the Nambillo Valley. Birding is usually excellent along this path. You will end up at a waterfall, with a crystal clear pool underneath. So be sure to bring your bathing suit! This whole excursion is usually about 3 to 3.5 hours.
1:00PM. Lunch
3:00PM. The put-in point is just below El Monte, on the Rio Mindo and ends up near the town of Mindo. The actual rafting time depends on how high the river is… in the Dry(er) Season it is about 30-40 minutes, in the Rainy Season about half of this!
5:00-7:00. This is a great time to visit the bar, rest in a hammock, take a hot bath, play a board game…
7:00PM. Dinner and briefing on next day’s activity.
Day 3. Final Cloud Forest Walk and Return to Quito
6:00AM. Wake up ( time optional)
6:00AM. Morning bird and nature walk (optional).
8:00AM.Breakfast.
9:00AM. Guided walk to the Cordillera San Lorenzo (Mindo-Nambillo). Once in this area you may decide to cross a 530 meter canopy cable car (Taravita de Montaña) that crosses about 100 meters over the Nambillo River Canyon (small additional cost).
1:00PM. Lunch.
Return to Quito
- 3 full meals (from first lunch), lunch is served until 1:30 PM, and Dinner until 7:30 PM
- private riverside cabaña
- Bird watching
- Nature walks, observing flora and fauna
- Night walks
- Transportation from / to Quito.
- The entrance fees to visit the butterfly farm ($8 per person)
- Visit the Orchid Garden ($3 per person)
- 530 Meter Cable-car Crossing plus walk on the other side ($5 per person)
- Zip Lines ($20 per person)
- Cock-of-the-Rock Lek visit (2 leks to choose from – the least expensive is $10 per person plus $20
- total transport)
- Bird watching guide ($50 per day)
- Chocolate making tour ($10 per person)
- White-water tubing ($12 per person).
- Insurance
- Tips
- Alcoholic drinks
- International Airfare to Quito
- Anything else not described on the tour.
Prices are Per Person – 2026
- Binoculars, this is probably one of the most important items to bring to Ecuador because many of the birds and other wildlife, and even plants like orchids, are high up in the forest canopy and you will be able to appreciate them much better with binoculars.. Nowadays you can get waterproof binoculars starting at under $200. And we suggest 8 x 42 or 10 x 42. Let us know if you would like any advice on binocular brands.
- Flashlight
- Light pants & long sleeved clothing
- Refillable Water Bottle
- Rechargable Batteries for cameras, flashlights etc
- Natural insect repellent & sun protector
- Rain poncho or jacket
- Bathing suit
- Camera
- Crocs or other slip on and off shoes (easier for taking off shoes before entering cabañas)
Please do not bring any type of pet, we have wildlife near our cabins and domestic animals may interfere with their habits. Also, it is not advisable to bring any type of noise or music maker. Malaria and yellow fever preventive medications are not necessary for a visit to Mindo. We provide rubber boots for our visitors, but do not have all sizes. Please check with us if you need very large boots or children’s sizes to make sure we have them in stock. Boots can be purchased in town for about $10.
El Monte Sustainable Lodge Gallery
Activities
Butterfly Farm
Just across the Rio Mindo from El Monte is the Mindo Butterfly Farm, which is a favorite of many of guests. At the Farm a guide will introduce you to the entire life cycle of many species of local butterflies, from the egg to the adult. Afterwards you are free to walk inside an enclosed greenhouse observing many of the local butterfly species found in Mindo.
Orchid Garden
Also found in the town of Mindo is the Harmonia Orchid Garden. With over 200 species of orchids, mostly originating from the Mindo area, the La Harmonia Orchid Garden is a must-see for orchid lovers and plant lovers in general. A guide is provided who will identify the various species of this fascinating plant
Cable Car
About a 45 nature walk from El Monte guests arrive to a 530 meter crossing of the Rio Nambillo by cable car or “tarabita”. The cable car affords spectacular views of the Nambillo valley and also to an extensive system of trails, many of which provide access to waterfalls.
Birding
There are many excellent guides in and around Mindo. It started with Bird Guides and has now expanded to English-speaking naturalist guides. This has been one of the biggest successes of the environmental/ecotourism movement here in Mindo.
Horse-back Riding
Just outside the town of Mindo, or about a 15 minute taxi ride from El Monte, horse-back riding is offered. Horses are well-trained and walks are offered with a guide on dirt roads. Guests can choose from 1 hour to 2 or 3 hours. Western-style saddles are provided.
White-Water Tubing
One of the favorite activities of our guests is White-Water Tubing. Large truck inner tubes are roped securely together and up to 7 guests can float on these “rafts” down the Rio Mindo. “Float” is maybe not the best word to describe this thrilling journey.
Ziplining
One of the favorite adventure activitities are the Ziplines, with a course of 10 lines varying in speed and elevation this should satisfy all adrenaline seekers! All 10 lines takes about 1 hour to complete and the Ziplines themselves are about a 1 hour walk or 15 minute ride from El Monte Sustainable Lodge.
