Ecuador

 

San Jorge Eco-Lodge

San Jorge Eco-Lodge is a traditional 18th Century Ecuadorian farm with all the comforts of modern life. Close to all the tourist and commercial centers of Quito, the country inn is also located far enough away from the noisy metropolis to provide guests with peace and tranquility.

Located at Km 4 on the Cotocollao-Nono road, at only 15 minutes from the city, at northeast Pichincha´s foothills, is a traditional and natural world apart. . The area forms part of the Pichincha cloud forest, 200 acres of which are owned exclusively by San Jorge. The virgin forest has abundant native flora that our guests are welcome to discover in San Jorge's Botanical Reserve

San Jorge Eco-Lodge is an ecological way to enjoy nature and countryside, still being close to everything you need about the city. The lodge has 25 comfortable rooms available to guests, including suites, shared cabins, single, double, triple rooms, and conference rooms for up to 90 people. Each room is equipped with a rustic stone fireplace and bathroom with a 24 hour hot water supply. The inn has its own tempered swimming pool, sauna, turkish bath, Jacuzzi, cold water pool filled with pure spring water, a wonderful lake and gardens. We have a restaurant-bar, various lounges, a billiard room, darts, a bull fight ring, and horseraces with prizes given to the winners. We have facilities for all types of social events and conferences. We also provide bilingual jungle guide service (english-spanish).

Being in ecoturism developing our principal goal, we offer eco-adventures ranging from 1-21 days, in National Parks Areas, traditional villages, mountains and rivers around the country.Personalized and friendly service. Enjoy nature as it is, at active volcanoes, Andes Highland, Cloud, Amazon Rainforest, colonial cities and forgotten villages. Horseback Riding, Trekking, Mountain Biking, Climbing, Cultural Tours, Shamanism expeditions, Acclimatization Center, Birdwatching, Boating, Canoeing, Kayaking, Traditional Holidays and Spanish School.

We are located within one of last remaining vigin forests in the Andes. Belonging to the humid high zone, at altitudes ranging from 3000 to 3500 metres above sea level, the area is perfect for learning about the region's native vegetation. The area also boasts 15 exquisite waterfalls, 250 plant species,approximately 100 bird species, eight different hummingbird species, and numerous other forms of wildlife. A tour through our forest makes an ideal trip for nature lovers and birdwatchers. We also have tours of traditional farms, producing staple products such as potatoes and beans. You may also visit our BONSAI shop.

Ecuador's capital city, Quito, whose historic center was officially declared a Cultural Heritage Site, is located just a few minutes from the inn. Guests are welcome to join our tours of the historic district and visit centuries-old churches, busy plazas, and interesting museums. We also visit the Mitad del Mundo monument, the famous Otavalo Market, Cotopaxi National Park, and more.

Through research done by local archaeologists, a pre-Inca road (1500 B.C.) used for trade between the tribes of Cotocollao and the those of the Coast has been discovered in the area. 500-year-old pots found nearby attest to the presence of these early inhabitants. Improvements were made to the road in the 18th century by the Ecuadorian scientist, Pedro Vicente Maldonado who, joined by the French scientist, Charles-Marie de la Condamine, was the first to determine the exact location of the equator.

The inn itself has a rich ancestry. The hacienda, once known as Hacienda Singuna, was owned by many of Ecuador's most important families, including the illustrious 19th century president, Eloy Alfaro.

Packing list: casual sweater, hat, bathing suit, shorts, t-shirts, warm clothes, comfortable sport shoes, and boots. A first aid kit is available.

The inn's 200 acres of land range from 3000 to 3500 metres above sea level. Expect spring-like weather from June to October with lots of sunshine and afternoon winds. From October to June the climate is comfortable, afternoon rains, and moderate winds. Average temperature: 16oC.

2006 Room Rates: single = US$54, standard double = $66, deluxe double = $102, triple = $90, quad = $114
Plus 22% tax
One way transfer from Quito = $12 per person
Children from 6-12 = 30% discount off all services
Children from 1-5 = 50% discount off all services

Sample Tours - excursions include a private bilingual guide and are based on a 2 person minimum unless otherwise stated. (all prices are for 2006 plus tax).

Horseback Riding Day Tours to Cloud Forest, full day - $102 for 1 person, $78 each for 2 people
Horseback Riding Camping Expedition in Andes Mts., 2 - 5 days - $168 per person per day
Shamanism Night with cleansing - $78 for 1 person, $66 each for 2 people
Trekking, Sacred waterfalls & Medicinal Plants, full day - $78 for 1 person, $66 each for 2 people
Mountain Biking Day Tours - $78 per person
Full Day Birdwatching with specialist guide- $168 for 1 person, $108 each for 2 people
Guided Tour of Quito Old City, half day - $108 for 1 person, $78 each for 2 people
La Mitad del Mundo, Resort on Equator Line, half day - $66 each for 2 + people
Otovalo market, Cotacashi (leather village), San Antonio de Ibarra (wood carving village), boat trip around active cvolcano & more - $114 per person
Latacunga or Saquisili markets -- $114 per person
Papallacta Natural Hot Springs, full day - $90 per person
Cotopaxi Volcano, Limpiopungo Lk, Ave of Volcanoes, full day - $100 (+ $10 park entrance fee)
Whitewater rafting, full day - $100 per person

More Tour options:
Shamanism Practices in Ecuador - 2 or 10 or 11 day tour
4, 5, & 6 day Birdwatching tours
Andes Eco-Adventure Nature & Cultural Tour, 10 day tour
Cultural Tour of Cuenca, 3 - 4 days
Machamillia on the Coast, 5 days
Fishing Trips, full day
Mountain Climbing Tours
Trekking & Bird Watching to Yanacocha, 1 or 2 days
Trekking to GuaGua Pichincha Active Volcano, 2 days camping
Trekking Rucu Pichincha, Highland Rainforest, 3 or 4 days camping
Honeymoon Packages