Western Slopes to the Pacific Coast - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 249

hand-made cabins built of renewable materials, plus a central lodge
for socializing. Double-story A-frame cabins house one to four people
and feature an open-air common room, a bedroomand a bathroomup-
stairs. The food comes from local organic gardens, with a vegetarian
emphasis. Though there is no electricity, staying at El Monte is a
comfortable and pleasant experience. $$+ per person, which includes
lodge, meals and guide services.

2-2252-488/9 in Quito, or 800-
538-2149 in the US, [e-mail], is said to be the nicest
ecolodge in the Mindo area, although I have not visited. Situated
along the Río Mindo, private cabañas offer seclusion and comfort. Let
me know what you think. $$$

The new Mindo Garden Lodge ,

Reservations for the Bilsa Biological Reserve should be made
through the Jatun Sacha Foundation in Quito, 2-2451-626, fax 2-

2250-976, [e-mail]. The three field cabins,
which come with dining, conference, and work areas, can accommo-
date up to 45 visitors at a time. Ten private rooms in a new building
include shared showers and outhouses. Mattresses, sheets, blankets,
mosquito nets, and candles are provided. Solar panels offer some elec-
tricity (but flashlights are recommended). All meals are eaten in a
common dining area below the rooms. Visitors to the reserve are al-
ways welcome, but keep in mind that most people involved with the
station are working. Travelers must make reservations. $

Río Palenque Science Center has accommodations available
for tourists, but the center is geared more toward research than visi-
tors' needs. Rooms with bunk beds are in the main building, and two
include private baths and cold-water showers. The rest of the rooms
come with communal bathrooms. Electricity is available most of the
time and there are kitchen facilities, but bring your own supplies. See
page 245 for more details. $-$$

Camping
Camping is allowed in several of the private reserves
listed in this chapter. Bellavista Reserve (page 241) of-
fers camping facilities near the ecolodge. La Perla For-
est Reserve (page 244) offers camping as well, and is
actually the only way to visit the forest on an overnight stay.