SAN JORGE MILPE

THE LODGE

San Jorge Eco-lodge Milpe- Bird Sanctuary is a secluded birding eco-lodge located in the heart of one of the most biologically-diverse spots in the world, the Choco Endemic Corridor. Our eco-lodge is surrounded by 300-hectares of stunning tropical forest in between the mega-diverse Masphi River Basin and Mindo Nambillo protected reserve, which in 1997, was declared an Area of International Importance for Birds. The lodge has strategically been placed at a transitional elevation between the upper tropical forest and the lower subtropical forest allowing the movement of a ludicrous amount of bird species from both eco-systems. Our hummingbird feeders  are visited by up to 12 hummingbird species including the White-tipped Sicklebill, the endemic White-whiskered Hermit, and, seasonally, the Tooth-billed Hummingbird. Nearly all the hummingbird species at this eco-lodge differ from the ones at our Tandayapa lodge. San Jorge Eco-lodge Milpe marks the last point of the eco-toursitic “Ruta del Colibir” or “Hummingbird Route”. Its owners Irina and George opened the lodge in 2007 to receive birdwatchers, bird photographers, and, nature lovers from all over the world. 

LOCATION

Our lodge can be reached with minimum logistics as it is located 20 minutes away from the noisy town of Mindo at 3000 feet (900m). We are located 2 1/2 hours away from Quito airport, 2 hours from most hotels in Quito city/San Jorge Eco-lodge Quito, and, 1 hour away from San Jorge Eco-lodge Tandayapa. We offer excellent central location if you are planning to visit Mindo area, Andean Cock-of-the-rock Lek in Mindo, Angel Paz Antpitta Feeding Station, Mindo Nambillo Protected Reserve, Rio Silanche Bird Reserve, Long-wattled Umbrellabird Lek, and, San Miguel de los Bancos town bus station. 

OUR BIRD RESERVE

Our ravishing 300-hectare private reserve ranges in elevation from 3000 feet (900m) around the lodge, all the way down to 2000 feet (600m) in the lowermost part of our "Waterfall Trail". Our private tropical bird reserve  can be explored through various trails that pass over different types of terrain. Our "Manakin Trail" loops around the forest near the lodge visiting an area where up to four different species of manakins and five endemic tanager species such as the Glistening-green Tanager can be recorded in a single walk.

A sleek Tyra moves gracefully through the high branches of our private reserve, its agile presence a testament to the rich biodiversity thriving within this pristine ecosystem.

 The lowermost area of our reserve, can be explored through our "Waterfall Trail" which crosses through several crystal-clear waterfalls and streams which flow into the large Chaguaryacu river. Birds like the Long-wattled Umbrellabird, Scarlet-and-white Tanager, Sunbittern, Green-fronted Lancebill, and White-tipped Sicklebill hummingbird are easier to spot along the edges of Chaguaryacu Rirver.  Our "Cuckoo Trail" loops around the most forested zone of our reserve where you can find impressive tall hardwood crowded with bromeliads, likens, and, other epiphytes. The likelihood of stumbling upon an army ant swarm is higher along this trail hence almost all the sightings and photographs of the critically-endangered Banded Ground-Cuckoo come from this trail. Since January 2019, the Banded Ground-cuckoo has been visitng our bird hide with great consistency. Recent photographic evidence suggests that a young bird, born in our reserve, is currently been fed by its parents.

ACCOMMODATIONS

UPGRADED LODGING COMPLEX

Our upgraded lodging complex consists of eight extravagant two-story bungalows sprinkled around the main dinning area and observation deck. Each bungalow consists of two floors, each independent floor enjoys two queen-sized beds and a private balcony with hammocks and close views of the exuberant tropical forest. All rooms in this complex have spacious private bathrooms with hot running water, flushing toilet, and, mesh netting to keep out insects. Enjoy 24-hour electricity, comfortable orthopedic mattresses, and a compartment to place and dry-out any photographic equipment. Become deeply involved with the breath-taking wilderness of one of the most biologically-diverse forests of the world without having to give up to modern conveniences.  Our lodge and all our rooms have been built with the most ecologically minded construction techniques and materials.

TOP 8 BIRDS