A two-hour drive north of Quito rewards travelers with the tropical Andes mountain range. It is located in the middle of the Mindo Cloud Forest in Ecuador. El Monte Sustainable Lodge It is a wonderful resort to unplug, relax, indulge and explore the lush green utopia.
El Monte Sustainable Lodge It is a must-visit for environmentally conscious travelers to Ecuador who want to indulge their passion for bird watching, nature walks and outdoor adventures.
Now, are you ready to read about my two-night-three-day experience? El Monte Sustainable Lodge?
Access to El Monte Sustainable Lodge
How to get to Mindo
Quito to Mindo by bus – Go to La Ofelia bus station in northern Quito, and take the Flor del Valle bus for $3-4. Keep in mind that La Ophelia can take up to an hour's drive from Centro Historico, and a taxi will cost around $10.
Quito to Mindo by private car – Costs between 60 – 80 dollars. It can be organized through your stay in Quito or El Monte Sustainable Lodge. Alternatively, check the price Car rental with Discover Cars.
How to get to El Monte Sustainable Lodge
You have arrived in Mindo! If you take the bus, take a taxi 10 minutes from the entrance El Monte Sustainable Lodge. It's best to let them know you're nearby so a member of their team will be ready to operate the pulley system for your first eco-lodge adventure.
Sit in the frame, make sure your pack is balanced, nod, and let them move the ropes to guide you across the rushing Rio Mindo River into the enclosed nature reserve.
Reasons to stay at El Monte Sustainable Lodge
Have you ever felt that way? Happy by nature Do you feel like all your stress is going away? Well, I got that vibe as soon as I arrived at El Monte Sustainable Lodge, and I didn't want the experience to end. This is one cloud forest Ecolodge You will want to visit!
Relax in Riverside Cabins
This eco-lodge in Mindo has six individual log cabins of different sizes with a traditional, authentic design. The cabana designs are created sustainably using natural materials. The rustic thatched roofs slope down to blend seamlessly into the dense forest next to the fast-flowing river.
The lodge works closely with the environment by using hydroelectric power and solar panels to power the resort.
As a nature-loving solo traveler, I was happy with the comfortable two-story cabana. Entering the cooling space with a large sofa and coffee table, as well as a table and chairs, the stairs lead to the sleeping space and bathroom.
The comfortable double bed was loaded with blankets and fresh water on the side with travel magazines to peruse. Best of all, the windows opened onto the Rio Mindo, and falling asleep to the hypnotic sound of running water was a relaxing experience.
The bathroom is elegantly stone-clad, with refillable copper bottles Natural cosmetics. It's definitely a happy environment to enjoy a good soak!
There are larger cabins to accommodate larger groups and families. Guests can swim in the natural pool in front of their accommodation.
Enjoy Sustainable dining experience
You don't need to be a foodie to know that the cuisine at El Monte Eco Lodge can rival any top-notch restaurant. They produce quality and creativity Farm-to-fork dishes From the open kitchen using locally grown produce. It's all about fresh ingredients, and knowing what to do with them!
“Simple ingredients, treated with respect…put it all together and you always get a great dish.”
— Chef José Andrés, restaurateur and founder of World Central Kitchen (WCK)
Shared meals are served in the main lodge's dining areas. It's great to catch up with the other guests and hear about their adventures in Ecuador.
For breakfast, you can usually expect organic fruits, fresh bread, homemade jam and eggs. Serve with black tea, coffee or aromatic lemon tea from the garden.
Our low-impact lunch and dinner menus change every day. Expect to eat healthy Ecuadorian foods Such as delicious soups, delicious shrimp, delicious vegetables, and delicious sauces.
Relax in the main lodge
The open house at El Monte Sustainable Lodge is a perfect viewpoint by day as you gaze up at the mist-shrouded mountains, catching a flock of tanagers chirping, a toucan that visits you every afternoon, or even a wandering agouti.
A library of wildlife and conservation books and conversations with knowledgeable guides kept me entertained between the delicious food and nature excursions.
In preparation for nightfall, the open pit is filled with wooden trees along with comfortable chairs and swinging hammocks. Food is served, and conversations are held under candlelight. With only one corner connected to WiFi, expect disconnections. Expect simple evenings with a cacophony of selva sounds echoing everywhere.
Adventures and activities in the Mindo Cloud Forest
El Monte Sustainable Lodge ensured that I was well taken care of with an itinerary that suited my sensibilities. Since the eco-lodge is located in the heart of the cloud forest, there is no need to go far in search of wildlife. Enthusiastic and friendly guides led us around the trail through moss-strewn trees on day and night walks.
There are a large number of activities you can enjoy when visiting Mindo. To experience the quiet side of the jungle, I took a peaceful ride on the tarapita, a cable car system that crosses green valleys, and walked to Cascada Reina.
An early morning visit to see the Cock-Of-The-Rocks dance in the Andes was a must, and what a performance it was! To complete my bird therapy, I take a trip to see iridescent hummingbirds and colorful tanagers.
Explore its rich biodiversity by embarking on this Guided bird watching toursWhere you can spot rare bird species such as toucans and hummingbirds.
For adrenaline seekers, Mindo Forest offers thrills Zip lining adventures In the middle of the canopy, providing stunning views of the green landscape. Take an exhilarating tour of whitewater rafting, or take in the scenery on horseback.
El Monte lives up to its “sustainable” name.
I always love learning more about the people behind environmental projects. When you meet the owners, Tom and Mariela, you realize that going green isn't just a business buzzword, it's a way of life.
This inspiring Ecuadorian-American couple meets Sustainability and ecotourism At every possible point of contact at El Monte including facilitation Mindo Biological Station. All of this provides the wonderful dream of living in Mindo while helping to preserve Ecuador's cloud forest.
For many years, they have supported indigenous communities in the Amazon to create eco-lodges such as Eden Amazon Lodge And Sunny Lodge. Their legacy continues by traveling further to make a difference by empowering communities to welcome guests to explore their culture and the rainforest on their terms.
Note: My stay at El Monte Sustainable Lodge was gifted. All opinions expressed in this blog are my own.
INSTALL FOR LATER – READ MY REVIEW ON EL MONTE SUSTAINABLE LODGE
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