Which bird species do you think is the biggest attraction to visitors to your lodge?
Hummingbirds
Sword-billed Hummingbird
What is the name of your lodge, and since when has your lodge been operating?
Guango Lodge. We have been operating since 2000
How best to travel to your lodge?
Guests can arrive by car. We are located 30 km east of Quito. One hour from the airport.
What kind of services – except for accommodation and food – does your lodge offer to visiting birders?
Photography blinds, a large system of trails to bird and walk, various porches from where you can enjoy the hummingbirds at the feeders, delicious home-made Ecuadorian food, fireplaces, hot tub, guided tours at extra cost to nearby birding sites
Torrent Duck
What makes your lodge special?
Birding possibilities, friendly service, and location – Guango Lodge is located close to the famous thermal pools and other bird sites and is just one hour from Quito´s airport -. Our commitment to conservation efforts and the community around us. Ecuadorian delicious food – especially our soups.
Chestnut-crowned Antpitta
What are the 10 – 20 most interesting birds that your lodge offers good chances to see?
- Mountain Velvetbreast
- Sword-billed Hummingbird
- Tourmaline Sunangel
- Golden-breasted and Glowing Pufflegs
- Mountain Avocetbill
- White-bellied and Gorgeted Woodstars
- Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan
- Torrent Duck
- Green Jay
- Turquoise Jay
- Golden-headed Quetzal
- Fasciated Tiger-heron
- White-capped Dipper
- Scarlet-bellied Lacrimose
- Buff-breasted and Hooded Mountain Tanagers
- Gray-hooded Bush-Tanager
- Black-headed, Black-capped, and Black-eared Hemispingus
- Slaty Brush-Finch
Fasciated Tiger-heron
What is the best time to visit your lodge, and why?
Any time of the year is good, there is very little bird seasonality.
Is your lodge involved in conservation efforts? If yes, please describe them.
Guango Lodge is located on the east slope of the Andes, surrounded by a 300-hectare temperate forest reserve. The area is classified as a humid temperate forest, a habitat characterized by stunted trees, a cooler climate, and stunning orchid diversity. The property has been in the family hands for more than 60 years and we have kept most of the forest on site. We have implemented waste management policies and have biodigesters to minimize the impact. We have donated trees for reforestation projects and helped the community in many ways to understand the importance of conservation. We are certified by the Rainforest Alliance.
Inca Jay
What other suggestions can you give to birders interested in visiting your lodge?
Packing: Highlands (Papallacta Pass, Guango Lodge) – At these areas where you will need your warmest clothing: heavy jackets, gloves, warm hats, etc. Extremely cold temperatures aren’t always the case, but these high elevations are known for their harsher (and often unpredictable) weather.
PACKING LIST:
- Collapsible umbrella
- Comfortable hiking shoes or boots.
- Comfortable shoes or sandals for non-birding situations.
- Rubber boots (If your shoe size is very big)
- A wide-brim hat for the intense sun.
- Rain jacket
- Fleece jacket, gloves, warm hat.
- T-shirts and a couple of long sleeve shirts
- Extra socks
- Light fabric pants (that dry fast) and outdoor pants
- Bathing suit
- Extra duffel bag if you plan to go shopping!
OTHER USEFUL THINGS TO BRING:
Binoculars, camera, belt, a daypack for the field, water bottle for hiking, plastic bags to protect optics in heavier rains, plenty of sunscreen, flashlight, alarm clock, lip balm, lens tissue, washcloth, sink stopper, 2-prong adapter as many outlets do not have the ground, extra batteries should you need them, a collapsible stool for longer hikes (this only if you get tired easily), a little notebook and pen, “Birds of Ecuador” book by Ridgely, and trail mix or favorite snacks, plastic bags for the dirty clothes or shoes, insect repellent, antihistaminic, pain killers and any prescribed medicines.
PHOTOGRAPHY:
This is a very scenic area so you will want to make sure to have your camera ready should you be interested in photography. Serious bird photography is often best left to the experts, but even with a simple point-and-shoot camera, you will have some opportunities to get some nice hummingbird shots at the various feeders. Don’t forget to bring all necessary batteries and chargers since these may not be available here in Ecuador.
Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan
Do you have activities for non-birders? If so, please describe.
Hot tub, trekking, hummingbird feeder stations, orchid garden, fishing, WIFI, white light for insect/bird observation. Night walks. Visit to the hot springs. Board and card games. Bonfire with marshmallows. Activities for children. Extensive trail system for easy walks to the river and waterfall.
If any reader of 10,000 Birds is interested in staying at your lodge, how can they best contact you?
By e-mail to: info@guangolodge.com / whatsapp +(593) 97 934 7725 / Social media: @guangolodge
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