THE LODGE
San Jorge Eco-lodge Sumaco Bajo is a birding paradise nestled in the beating heart of the Amazon jungle. Our newly stablished birding lodge is situated at an elevation of 1300ft (400m), while our private reserve extends up to 2600ft (800m). Nestled in the lower reaches of the Sumaco Napo-Galeras National Park and Sacha Urku, Our birding lodge boasts an ideal centralized location amidst the diverse microclimate of the Amazon jungle. offering unparalleled access to a variety of habitats for birding and wildlife photography.
Our cozy cabins are thoughtfully situated around the tranquil Sacha Cocha Lagoon, where shimmering islands and the meandering Tutapishco River enhance the landscape and attract a remarkable array of wildlife.
Immerse yourself in the extraordinary biodiversity of Sumaco Bajo, home to nearly every lowland Amazonian ecosystem. Explore tranquil lagoons, lush swamps, and meandering crystal-clear rivers, all framed by towering trees in the majestic terra firme forests. These vibrant landscapes are teeming with wildlife, offering an unparalleled Amazonian birding adventure.
LOCATION
Our wildlife paradise is 40 minutes away from Coca airport, and a mere 2 hours of scenic driving from San Jorge Eco-lodge Guacamayos . We are located 1 hour away from Wawa Sumaco town, 40 minutes away from Napo river, and right next to Sacha Urku.
OUR CANOPY TOWER
Birding and wildlife photography soar to exhilarating new heights from Sumaco Bajo's canopy tower. From this breathtaking vantage point, you’ll be immersed in a dynamic panorama of life—vivid toucans and tanagers flitting through the canopy, elusive parrots blending with the foliage, and majestic raptors soaring high above. As you capture stunning photos against the lush, emerald backdrop, you'll experience the rainforest's symphony of sounds and sights, echoing the vibrant essence of the Amazon.
Our canopy tower, positioned at eye level with the jungle canopy, offers the unique advantage of capturing breathtaking, eye-level shots of iconic Amazonian species like tanagers, toucans, and cotingas.
OUR BIRD RESERVE
San Jorge Eco-lodge Sumaco Bajo is home to an 800-hectare private reserve, stretching from 1,300 ft (400 m) to 2,600 ft (800 m). Our reserve offers a variety of ecosystems brimming with wildlife, all accessible through an array of immersive trails.
Sacha Cocha Loop: This easy, picturesque trail meanders through the lush forest surrounding the tranquil Sacha Cocha lagoon and its vibrant neighboring swamp ecosystem. These rich habitats are a paradise for exceptional bird species, including the Gray-bellied Hawk, Sungrebe, Sunbittern, Black-capped Donacobius, Hoatzin, Capped Heron, Green-and-Rufous Kingfisher, Rufous-sided Crake, Green Oropendola, Gray-cowled Wood-Rail, Long-billed Woodcreeper, and many more. By night, the trail reveals a different world, offering the perfect opportunity to encounter Ecuador's most colorful tree frogs and fascinating insects.
Manakin Circuit: This captivating trail is aptly named for the opportunity to observe up to nine manakin species. It takes you to the edge of our reserve and into the surrounding Terra Firme forest. As you ascend through varying elevations, each section of the trail features different manakin species, including the Striolated, Blue-backed, White-crowned, Blue-crowned, Dwarf Tyrant-Manakin, Green Manakin, White-bearded, Wire-tailed, and Golden-headed Manakin. Active leks for several of these species have been identified along the route. Additionally, you’ll encounter unique forest species such as the Cinnamon Manakin-Tyrant, Wing-barred Piprites, Cinereous Mourner, Screaming Piha, Red-necked Woodpecker, Great Jacamar, Collared Puffbird, and many more.
Plumed Jewel Trail: Named after the spectacular White-plumed Antbird, this trail offers excellent opportunities to witness an army antswarm. In addition to the White-plumed Antbird, birders may encounter other fascinating species such as the Hairy-crested Antbird, Reddish-winged Bare-eye, Moustached Antwren, White-browed Antbird, and Black Bushbird. A hanging bridge over the Lagarto River leads to the reserve’s highest point, granting access to untouched wilderness. This pristine area is a sanctuary for remarkable species including the Gray-winged Trumpeter, Chestnut-belted Gnateater, Pavonine Quetzal, Nocturnal Curassow, Chestnut-capped Puffbird, Ocellated Poorwill, Purplish Jacamar, and the rare Rufous-vented Ground Cuckoo, which has been recorded in our reserve.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The lodges's sustainable architecture seamlessly blends with the natural landscape, offering breathtaking views from every angle. Our ecological rooms offer a harmonious blend of comfort, rustic charm, and sustainability, providing a unique and eco-friendly lodging experience. Nestled within the lush greenery, our ecological rooms are constructed with locally-sourced and eco-friendly materials that blend seamlessly with nature. The use of renewable resources and low-impact construction techniques ensures that these rooms have a minimal ecological footprint.
Our rooms feature private balconies and large windows that frame breathtaking views of the Sacha Cocha lagoon and the surrounding Amazon jungle. Awaken to the breathtaking sight of rich, emerald-green natural beauty, serenaded by the soft symphony of diverse birdlife gracefully soaring above the serene Sacha Cocha lagoon. Inside, the rooms are tastefully decorated with elements inspired by the Amazon rainforest's beauty. Earthy tones and natural textures create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, where guests can unwind and rejuvenate after a day of exploration. All our rooms are equipped with ceiling fans and air condition units, ensuring that guests have both comfort and control over their environment throughout their stay.
Sumaco Bajo is home to an incredible 14 parrot species! Among them, the charming Black-headed Parrot, a frequent visitor to our canopy tower.
Sumaco Bajo hosts an impressive eight toucan species, and our canopy tower offers the best eye-level shots of them.
Capture the beauty of the Amazon's rarest and most spectacular butterflies at our lodge, including the stunning Harmonia Mantle, frequently spotted near our restaurant!