[littlelulu]

Planning a trip to Ecuador and would like to go to either the Bellavista Cloud Forest facility or the Tandayapa Lodge. Has anyone gone to either place? Can you tell me what you thought of the facility and it's staff?

[Dave B Smith]

Hello Littlelulu,
First, on behalf of the staff, welcome to the Birdforum. While you are waiting for some responses to your questions you might also want to search this site using key word "Ecuador" and you'll find posts like this on Ecuador Trips

Good luck on your trip planning.

[Vectis Birder]

Hi there. When are you thinking of going? I'm off to both Bellavista and Tandayapa in May and can let you know what both places are like. I researched these places a few months ago and have heard and read nothing but good things about both.

[forthbirder]

Hi folks. I hope to go to Ecuador in September, and would also be interested in hearing comparisons between Bellavista and Tandayapa. Also if anyone has stayed at any of the lodges in Mindo, such as Septimo Paraiso, El Pachijal, Las Grallarias, or Mindo Gardens, any info regarding accomodation, service, staff (as well as quality of birding) would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks, Mark.

[Vectis Birder]

Well, I'll post on here and on my website about how it is.

[jimbob]

Hi there, Just returned from a few days in the cloud forest. What an experience! A friend and myself stayed at pachijal Lodge, I can highly recommend this. Our host Jaime was great company and was always making sure we had everything we needed. The lodge itself is wonderful, set deep in the forest. Meals were spot on, and in the evenings if we werent birding we sat with a beer on the balcony as the hummimgbirds fed from the feeders. Perfect. We had a local Guide Julia take us out during the days, she was a fantastic birder and very keen, always made sure we could see the birds before moving on. We saw a huge range of species, ill try put a trip report on if i get time. Have a look at their website:
http://www.pachijalreserve.com/
cant say enough good things about my 3 days there! Prices are a bit cheaper compared to some of the other lodges nearby.
enjoy it, its a great country with great birds.
Jim

[forthbirder]

Hi Jim. El pachijal is one place I was considering going to, glad you liked it. Is there an extensive trail system on the property, enough to keep one occupied for a few days without venturing off site? Also, what kind of rates did your guide charge for the day? My Spanish language skills are severely limited. Do you think this would be a major problem at this lodge and Ecuador in general? Thanking you in advance for any advice you could give, Mark.

[purpleturtle]

I've also just returned from the cloud forest near mindo. I stayed 3 nights in a small hotel in Mindo for $10 pppn and then spent 3 nights at septimo paraiso at $120 per room (huge difference in price but only a little in comfort). Although septimo has fantastic trails and viewing deck, I saw just as many species in the local village area, on a much smaller budget.
(Most of the toucans,barbets,motmots,trogons were in the SP grounds though)
There are english speaking birdguides in the village too. Better to patronise the local economy than the big companies eh?

I've not finished my trip report/photos/videos etc yet but I do have an ecuador bird audio id on my blog at the moment....click below to see if you can help.

[purpleturtle]

Paul Greenfields "birds of ecuador" is a fantastic field guide but comes in 2 huge volumes.
A very clever canadian birder I met in the cloud forest had taken his books to a printers and had them colour copy just the plates. This made for a much lighter and easy-to-carry reference. Clever guy....wish I'd thought of it!!!

[forthbirder]

Hi Neil. Looks like Septimo Pariaso is a bit out out of my price range. I might stay in Mindo and just walk out to lodge and pay the ten dollars or so to bird the trails and watch the feeders. Is Septimo within comfortable walking distance of Mindo Village? What was the name of the hotel you stayed in Mindo. Cheers, Mark.

[purpleturtle]

There are several small hostels and hotels in Mindo itself. Cant remember the names of them all, but they are all in the $10 to $20 range. Touts will probably meet you when you arrive on the bus from quito. (bus costs $2.50 each way from quito) I can recommend hostel "san blas" in the old town of quito. Very friendly and quiet family-run place, they really helped me with my Spanish, and looked after my gear while I was in Mindo and Galapagos.

Its a very steep hill up 5kms from Mindo to SP but a taxi will take you up there for $3/4 after a bit of haggling. I'm sure you could just walk the trails there and no one would notice. Their hummingbird feeders are visited by about 20 species. Spectacular!

[Chris D]

My info is old (2002) but I'd recommend staying in both places. It's great to be on the porch of Bella Vista at sunset. Don't forget a visit to Tony Nunnery's house.

[Vectis Birder]

Originally Posted by purpleturtle

Paul Greenfields "birds of ecuador" is a fantastic field guide but comes in 2 huge volumes.
A very clever canadian birder I met in the cloud forest had taken his books to a printers and had them colour copy just the plates. This made for a much lighter and easy-to-carry reference. Clever guy....wish I'd thought of it!!!

A good idea, but I wonder how many printers would be willing to do it, bearing in mind copyright issues? The Canadian guy's printer may have been a one off.

[sclateria]

Originally Posted by Vectis Birder

A good idea, but I wonder how many printers would be willing to do it, bearing in mind copyright issues? The Canadian guy's printer may have been a one off.

A number of birders have taken a blade to the spine and cut the plates out of the book and then re-bound them (a spiral binding works well). Of course many others will see this mutilation as sacrilegious!

[purpleturtle]

I did mention the copyright issue to Hugh (the canadian birder) but he pointed out that he'd already bought the book and wasnt selling copies. He said the printer was happy to do it. Its kind of like the DRM issue on digital music. You've bought the CD but want to listen to it on your MP3 player?!?!

Common sense and honesty should prevail.

Perhaps Greenfield et al should print a more portable version of the plates with the 2 volumes, as most buyers will be travelling to and from Ecuador from afar.

[Vectis Birder]

Originally Posted by sclateria

A number of birders have taken a blade to the spine and cut the plates out of the book and then re-bound them (a spiral binding works well). Of course many others will see this mutilation as sacrilegious!

I have to confess that I just couldn't bring myself to do this. I'm off to Ecuador in two weeks and the whole volume 2 is coming along!

[sclateria]

Well, I wouldn't contemplate for a second leaving either volume at home. You'll find that the species accounts and distribution information provide valuable help in identifying the birds you see and fitting mystery birds into their habitat and elevational ranges. Cutting the plates out helps if a birder isn't particularly inclined (or able) to carry around either volume in its entirety while in the field.

[jimbob]

Originally Posted by register

Hi Jim. El pachijal is one place I was considering going to, glad you liked it. Is there an extensive trail system on the property, enough to keep one occupied for a few days without venturing off site? Also, what kind of rates did your guide charge for the day? My Spanish language skills are severely limited. Do you think this would be a major problem at this lodge and Ecuador in general? Thanking you in advance for any advice you could give, Mark.

Mark,
The trail system is good, enough for a day or 2 Iwould imagine. Its easy to walk into Mindo from where you are based too.
I wouldnt worry to much about your Spanish, might be worth getting a hold of a cd and getting a few basics learnt. In the touristy areas English is widely spoken. I know enough to get by- asking for a bus, food, drink, hostals etc.
the package was as follows-

"The package of Birdwatching in the Cloudforest of Mindo and surroundings costs 224 USD per person plus 12% VAT.
The package INCLUDES all basic services
Lodging+ Reserve entrance+ Local Guide+ horseback riding+ Shuttle from the bus stop to the Reserve and back+ room service+ 10% service

PLUS

Meals+ birding licensed guide+ excursions (Ecoroute Paseo del Quinde, Lek of the Cock-of-the-Rock, Antpittas)

The birding package DOES NOT include

Shuttle from/to Mindo village
Alcoholics
Snacks and drinks apart from meals
Laundry service"

I also have a list of the birds seen at Mindo- its big! If you want it, ill email it to you.
Jim.

[mmdnje]

Just a comment. If you are in Quito, Librimundi (a known book store) has the new edition of birds of Ecuador. The field guide has split in two volumes: one is the plates, and the other one the text. It is convenient. Jose

[purpleturtle]

I do know "libremundi". I thought that it was over-priced (especially for Ecuador). Amazon or eBay can easily beat those prices.
Even split in two, the field guide is still more than just the plates. By getting a printer to copy just the plates, you are left with a guide the size of the average paperback novel.

[forthbirder]

Hi Jimbob. Thanks for your help. I have sent you a pm regarding the list. Cheers, Mark.

[Optilete]

There is also a website about birds in Ecuador: http://www.avesecuador.com
I think it can be useful when you plan your trip.

[fbeeldens]

hello there,

currently birding in Mindo. we're staying at the cakafessu otel in Mindo itself and can highly recommend it. (cheap and good quality. Price we,re paying is 17 dollar per person per night)

cheers,

filip