Western Slopes to the Pacific Coast - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 248

prime access to other reserves in the area (including those mentioned
above). $$, meals included.

Maquipucuna Biological Reserve Lodge is at Baquerizo 238
and Tamayo, La Floresta, Quito,

2-2507-200/201, fax [phone],
[e-mail]. In the USA, c/o Institute of Ecology, Uni-
versity of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-2202, 706-542-2968, fax 706-

542-6040, [e-mail], www.arches.uga.edu/~maqui. It is
situated at the low end of a river valley, combining rustic beauty with
all the necessary amenities, including cold cervezas . Thatched-roofs
and bamboo buildings blend into the natural environment, while the
open sides of the common room provide views of the adjacent forest
and its colorful hummingbirds and butterflies. Indeed, the experi-
ence here is one of pure relaxation. The kitchen serves a variety of
scrumptious dishes using food grown by the local community. There
are maps and several self-guided trails into the surrounding wilder-
ness, and local guides are available upon request. Make arrange-
ments before you arrive if you require English-speaking guides.

To get there, from Quito travel along the Puerto-Quito Highway
through Mitad del Mundo and Calacalí (northwest) for a couple of
hours. Turn right at Nanegalito onto the rough and bumpy dirt or
mud road through Nanegal, until you come to the signpost for the re-
serve. Continue on until you arrive. Check at the bus station in Quito
for the daily departure to Nanegalito and Nanegal. $$ (meals in-
cluded in price).

The Hostería El Carmelo de Mindo , Valle de Mindo, 2-2224-

713, /fax [phone], www.mindo.com.ec, is about half a mile out-

side the village of Mindo. The cabañas are a good choice for birders
and nature travelers. There are inexpensive camping or dormitory
options, as well as more expensive private rooms. All accommoda-
tions are on attractive grounds adorned with fruit trees and gardens.
The family that owns and operates the Hostería is very friendly and
happy to lead guided trips into the forest. $$ for private cabins, $
dorm-style rooms.

For a more modest place with a family-feeling about it, try El Monte .
Contact

2-2765-472, www.
ecuadorcloudforest.com/index.html or elmonte@ecuadorexplorer.
com. Alternatively, you can make a reservation through the Cultura
Reservation Center at Café Cultura, Robles and Reina Victoria in
Quito. The Ecuadorian-American couple who runEl Monte have done
a wonderful job of creating a pleasant atmosphere, with ecotourism
and sustainable development in mind. The facilities consist of three

them directly in Mindo at