Get to know the cloud forest

the comfortable way!

The lodge is spaciously laid out in a wild garden setting of separate cabin complexes for a more private and exclusive experience. All rooms allow convenient access to the outdoors via private, open-air porches. The completely restored and modernized dining room and common areas, that were once the main family farm house and that date back to the 1950’s, are constructed of beautiful native wood, ensuring an authentic and warm feeling. The large wrap-around, covered porch here is ideal for relaxation, nature viewing, and affords amazing views of the surrounding forested mountains and valley. Our heated pool is centered right in the middle of the lodge buildings, so conveniently located between the rooms and dining room without sacrificing that spectacular view. A wide walkway ties all of this together, and makes for easy commutes between all areas of the lodge.

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Getting

here

Getting to the lodge is easy and is a close mountain get away from Quito for anyone looking to disconnect from civilization and surround themselves by gorgeous forest and unparalleled scenery, sample sensational food in a comfortable lodge atmosphere with personalized service and find peace and tranquility at its best. The reserve offers kilometers of well-marked and maintained forest trails through primary forest, all easily accessed from the lodge. Our guests run the entire interest spectrum, from serious birders and researchers, to casual nature lovers, families and first-timers to the cloud forest in search of a pure, inspiring and relaxing experience. There is a niche for everybody, and we’ll see to it that you find yours!

what to bring

and expect

While the weather at San Isidro Lodge is often mild and spring-like, keep in mind that it is more than a mile high and in the heart of the humid Ecuadorian forest. Rainy and cold days and nights, as well as warm sunny days at San Isidro are equally common. So, one needs to come prepared to make for an ideal experience. Generally, the weather is unpredictable, but the ‘dry’ season tends to be September-March, and the ‘wetter’ season from June-August with a spike in April.

Items to bring​

​Here is a short reminder-list of some of the more basic items that will make for a more pleasant stay at San Isidro:

  • Passport, valid for six months (plus some photocopies in a separate bag for emergencies).
  • Rain jacket and umbrella.
  • Hat.
  • Gloves (in the event of a cooler period).
  • Comfortable shoes.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Rubber boots (we have a stock of average sizes, but you may prefer your own)
  • Hiking boots.
  • Sweater or jacket.
  • Flashlight and spare batteries.
  • Binoculars.
  • Daypack.
  • Water bottle.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Plastic bags (to protect electronics and optics from rain).
  • 3 to 2 prong adapter.

The currency in Ecuador is the US dollar (so no need to worry about changing cash if coming from the US). As a general hint for traveling in Ecuador, it is better to bring bill denominations no larger than $20 since larger bills are often not accepted.