TOURS BASED FROM SAN JORGE ECO-LODGE
& BOTANICAL RESERVE – QUITO
High Barren Plains/Highland Rainforest

HIKING AT SAN JORGE BOTANICAL RESERVE (Highland Tropical Rainforest & Paramo)
Medicinal Plant & Sacred Waterfalls Adventure Expedition.  In the San Jorge Botanical Reserve, we will trek to the highland tropical rain forest, visiting our sacred waterfalls.  Here, we will learn about the medicinal attributes of the native plants, containing up to 250 varieties in the region. At the same time you will take in the fabulous panoramic views of Quito, its valleys and mountains along with views of the volcano peaks of Cayambe, Antizana, Pasochoa, Pululahua, Pichincha and Illalo.  We can observe 11 mountains from various points of San Jorge Botanical Reserve, with 360 degree panoramic views.

HIKING IN WORLD FAMOUS CLOUD FOREST
San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Reserve (Cloud Forest).  Guided hiking nature tour, with over 450 species birds, 360 degree panoramic views, running rivers, wild surroundings, tropical plants/flowers and exotic wildlife with our tropical Cloud Forest.  Wide variety of hummingbirds at their feeders, over 40 varieties of orchids. Relax at our bungalow at lunchtime with Hummingbird viewing deck.  50 minutes from San Jorge/Quito

HIKING & SWIMMING  (Tropical Rain Forest) 
San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve (Subtropical Rainforest).  Hiking Nature Expedition.. Trek on beautiful primary trails inside a natural paradise, observing a variety of birds along the way.  This is considered a bird watching paradise with over 450 species.  Beautiful cascading waterfalls, running rivers, wild surroundings, tropical plants/flowers, over 300 varieties of orchids, colorful insects, frogs, hundreds of beautiful butterflies and moths, including wildlife and great photography.  With luck, you may see sloths, armadillos and a variety of other animals.  Swimming and enjoying the waterfalls! Bring along swim suit and water shoes.  1 hour 50 minutes  from San Jorge/Quito

HIKING – SAN JORGE BOTANICAL RESERVE – THE LAST INCAN’S EMPEROR’S TRAILS
Hiking the same footsteps as the Inca’s and sugar cane smugglers through San Jorge and up to various points on the reserve.  From the top, you will take in the fabulous panoramic views of Quito, its valleys and mountains along with views of the volcano peaks of Cayambe, Antizana, Pasochoa, Pululahua, Pichincha and Illalo.  We can observe 11 mountains from various points of San Jorge Botanical Reserve.

SHAMANISM PRACTICES Spend the evening at San Jorge Eco-Lodge or while in Otavalo with a real touch of Indian culture.  Visit with a local Shaman who will discuss his experiences, ancestral beliefs and secrets which are passed down from generation to generation. Your questions are welcome. For an incredible, unique experience, participate in a "cleansing" ritual for an introduction to Shamanism.

ECUADORIAN COOKING DEMONSTRATION  - Morning cooking lessons at San Jorge Eco-Lodge/Quito; learn hands on to make empanadas or optional delicacies.

HORSEBACK RIDING ON THE LAST INCAN EMPEROR’S TRAIL
Horseback Riding Eco-Adventure to the High Barren Plains at San Jorge Botanical Reserve.  Experience a slice of 17th Century life!    Ride our Mustang Horses with traditional saddles up to Guagua Pichincha.  Visit the Andes potato and cattle farms.  Great sightseeing!  We will go around a pre-Inca road (1500 BC) and ride up to (4700 ms osl) to the Paramo.   San Jorge invites its guests to discover this unique part of Ecuadorian life.   

THE MAGIC BIRDING CIRCUIT TOURS: Click here for detailed birdwatching itineraries
San Jorge Botanical Reserve (High Barren Plains/Highland Rainforest)

MOUNTAIN BIKING ADVENTURES Includes mountain bike, helmet, gloves, transportation, bi-lingual guide
Nono-Tandayapa Route – Downhill Trip, 55 km.  Rated: Easy
This is a famous Birdwatchers secondary route.  While descending from the beautiful virgin cloud forest, visit the Sierra, an enormous canyon, Tandayapa and Pichincha’s untouched foothills.  This is a fairly easy ride that offers incredible sightseeing from an altitude of 3,200 mts. down to 1,500 mts. To the Cloud Forest.   We will witness some amazing vegetation changes as we explore virgin rainforests on this magical tour for riders of any level! 

Middle of the World expedition -  San Jorge Botanical Reserve  Rated:  Difficult
Farm crossing adventure with the best Andes farm sightseeing in Ecuador.  Uphill climbs.

Yanacocha 1500 B.C. The Last Incan's Emperor's Trail (volcano adventure) – San Jorge Botanical Reserve Rated:  Moderate to Difficult.   Bike through a Highland Rain Forest and Andes Valleys to the Guagua Pichincha active volcano!! The best highland adventure. 

Quito crossing Cumbaya Valley, by old train road.  Rated:  Easy to moderate.

CULTURAL & HISTORICAL TOURS BASED FROM
SAN JORGE ECO-LODGE/QUITO

Old Colonial Quito City ½ Day Tour
We will explore the Capital of Ecuador, considered part of the Cultural Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO.  During your visit you will learn about the colonial art in the churches, history, archaeology and folklore in the museums.  Your bilingual guide will provide complete information of the baroque colonial art.  Visit the most important areas:  Plaza de la Independencia, Plaza San Francisco, Plaza Santo Domingo, La Merced, La Compania, Penecillo.

La Mital del Mundo (equator line) Middle of the World  – ½ day Tour – Visit the outdoor museum of indigenous artifacts.  Find out if water really does spin the other way South of the Equator; and enjoy several other demonstrations of gravity’s power.

Otavalo Indian Market & Surrounding Village Tour - Visit the world famous Otavalo Indian Market.  You will have the opportunity to shop for world famous handmade wool and alpaca products.  Also, visit San Pablo Lake, Cotacashi (leather village), and Cuicocha (sacred Indian lagoon), OR San Antonia de Ibarra wood carving village. 1 hour 50 minutes from San Jorge/Quito

Sangolgui Indian Market – Saturday or Sunday – includes round trip transportation

Papallacta Natural Hot Springs (High Barren Plains)
Journey through the High Andes Barren Plains (4000 mts. o.s.l).  Drive the same route as Francisco De Orellana walked when he discovered the Amazon River.  Visit Tumbaco, Cumbaya and Pifo Valley.  We will climb up the Central Andes chain until we reach Papallacta Lake where we will stop at the thermal springs.  This is a wonderfully relaxing day.  During the trip, your guide will give you a botanical and ecological explanation of the Coca Cayambe Reserve, which is considered a Condors area.  1 hour 10 minutes from San Jorge/Quito

Papallacta Natural Hot Springs & Hiking Tour – High Barren Plains & High Amazon
Same tour as above with hiking and birding at Papallacta Pass (High Barren Plains) and Cuyuja (High Amazon) learning about the flora and fauna and birds along the way; including a stop at the Hot Springs, then return to Quito at the end of the day.

Cotopaxi Volcano Avenue Sightseeing & Historial Tour
(High Barren Plains) Cotopaxi National Park is Ecuador’s oldest protected area, harboring the world’s highest active volcano Cotopaxi, which stands 5,887 mts high. Drive through the Volcanoes Avenue crossing all the southern area of Pichincha Province (on a clear day, great views).  This tour will be a mix of volcanology, geography, anthropology, information on local animals/ farming/cattle and history of traditional living in Ecuador.  Take in distant views of Cotopaxi Volcano and learn about its surroundings; stop at Indian food market.

TOURS BASED FROM SAN JORGE DE TANDAYAPA HUMMINGBIRD SANCTUARY
Cloud Forest

Activities at San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary are for active people who can walk  the steeper and hillier terrain of the Cloud Forest.

THE MAGIC HIKING CIRCUIT - WORLD FAMOUS CLOUD FOREST
San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary.  Guided Hiking Expedition with over 450 species birds, 360 degree panoramic views, running rivers, wild surroundings, tropical plants/flowers and exotic wildlife with our tropical Cloud Forest.  Wide variety of hummingbirds at their feeders, over 40 varieties of orchids. Relax at our bungalow at lunchtime with Hummingbird viewing deck.  50 minutes from San Jorge/Quito

THE MAGIC BIRDING CIRCUIT TOURS:   Click here for detailed birdwatching itineraries
San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary (Cloud Forest)

NIGHT WALK WITH WILD VOICES  – Hearing nightjars, Owls, Insects, Bats and other noctural mammals.  Bring flashlight or headlamp.

MOUNTAIN BIKING ADVENTURES Includes mountain bike, helmet, gloves, transportation, bi-lingual guide
Nono-Tandayapa Route – Downhill Trip, 55 km.  Rated: Easy
This is a famous Birdwatchers secondary route.  While descending from the beautiful virgin cloud forest, visit the Sierra, an enormous canyon, Tandayapa and Pichincha’s untouched foothills.  This is a fairly easy ride that offers incredible sightseeing from an altitude of 3,200 mts. down to 1,500 mts. To the Cloud Forest.   We will witness some amazing vegetation changes as we explore virgin rainforests on this magical tour for riders of any level! 

TOURS BASED FROM SAN JORGE ECO-LODGE/MILPE
Tropical Rainforest

THE MAGIC HIKING CIRCUIT - Specify easy or moderate hiking trails…

San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve  Hiking Nature Expeditions with swimming at the waterfalls. Trek on beautiful primary trails inside a natural paradise, observing a variety of birds along the way.  This is considered a bird watching paradise with over 450 species.  Beautiful cascading waterfalls, running rivers,  miles of trails, wild surroundings, tropical plants/flowers, up to 300 varieties of orchids, colorful insects, frogs, hundreds of beautiful butterflies and moths, including wildlife and great photography. Bring along swim suit and water shoes.

THE MAGIC BIRDING CIRCUIT TOURS: Click here for detailed Birdwatching itineraries
San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve (Tropical Rainforest)

NIGHT WALK WITH WILD VOICES  – Hearing nightjars, Owls, Insects, Bats and other noctural mammals.  Bring flashlight or headlamp.

BOTANIZING
San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve Trek on primary jungle trails inside a natural paradise, observing the immense flora, fauna, and wildlife along the way.  Hiking/exploring/scientific studies, majestic waterfalls, swimming in the Subtropical Rainforest; wild surroundings, tropical plants/flowers; over 300 species of orchids; exotic insects, butterflies, wildlife.  Bring along swim suit and water shoes.

ECUADORIAN COOKING CLASS  - Morning cooking lesson at San Jorge Eco-Lodge/Quito; learn hands on to make empanadas or optional delicacies.

RIVER TUBING EXCURSION - Includes, tubes, life jackets, transportation and guide.

VISIT LOCAL BUTTERFLY FARM  in AM, spend the afternoon in the town of Mindo (on own).  Includes RT transportation from San Jorge/Milpe.

SAN JORGE EXTENSION TOURS

Galapagos Island Cruises: 4 or 7 night options. Superior Tourist or First Class Yachts, including airfare from Quito to the Galapagos

Peru archeological tour to Machu Picchu, Cusco and Lima; Nazca Lines & Lake Titicaca, including airfare Quito to Lima: 5 – 10 day options

Amazon Jungle Naturalist Packages:  3 or 4 night options, including airfare from Quito to Coca

Commentaries

San Jorge de Tandayapa and Milpe are gorgeous. Morning Quito tour by José was great! Jorge, the owner is extremely knowledgeable about so many things. Having him as our guide was extremely fortunate. We could listen to him all day. José was terrific in the city AM tour. We really learned a lot from him. Outstanding!! The service was exemplary!! Overall, our experience was wonderful and we will never forget what a great time we had in Ecuador because of San Jorge Eco-lodges. Food was excellent, portions are too generous!  Dana, Rebecca Broadway, Jack Kane, Viviane Hellebuyck, Middle Grove, New York USA

All aspects of the tour to San Jorge de Quito, Tandayapa and Milpe were well coordinated. The people that were our guides and brought our food went well beyond all expectations. Facilities were well kept and food was excellent.
The attention we got in the biking trip was great. The guides were always attentive. The food was excellent, well prepared and good variety. Transportation well coordinated.   Don Shaver, Mill Valley, California USA

San Jorge de Milpe is excellent. Wonderful setting. We enjoyed the entire experience. Old Colonial Quito City Tour: The guide very knowledgeable about the history and art.  Otavalo Indian Market & Surrounding Village Tour, we enjoyed the market and Juan Carlos, very resourceful and we enjoyed his company. He knew a lot about the culture and geography of the country. Airport transfers were excellent. Food excellent, great lodging, maintenance Good. Hiking trails in Milpe, excellent. It was an excellent experience and we would recommend San Jorge Eco-lodges to our friends and family.  Shirley A Wager-Page, Washington DC USA

We really enjoyed the lodges. San Jorge de Milpe is a place of such beauty and deep healing. It is rare to visit a pristine natural environmental of primary forest. The birds, the waterfalls, the company and the sense of independence. The values of protection and conservation have made this a magical healing and at times a humbling experience. Thank you! I loved the medicinal plant tour and being introduced to such a wonderful range of birds. George Cruz’s knowledge is staggering and his ability to transmit that knowledge made the tours a joy. The hotel and touristic services are all excellent. Wonderful food and warm heart, real enthusiastic staff. It was great.  Sarah Patterson, UK

Yes, we did enjoy touring with San Jorge every day. All were outstanding -  well organized  for comfort, convenience, and access to the various ecosystems they represent.  All our guides were knowledgeable, friendly, flexible, and passionate about their work, their specialty and their beautiful country of  Ecuador. We were impressed with all aspects of  your services, specially the warmth and personal concern shown by all all staff for our comfort and satisfaction. San Jorge Ecolodge exceeded our expectations and  made us very happy  that we chose it.  We will recommend you with enthusiasm!  Stan & Rusty Towers, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA via Huron Scuba

Transportation and lodging fine. Restaurant superb with dinner and cuisine. We enjoyed Birdwatching, hiking and Otavalo Indian Market. Otavalo was very informative and guides helpful in market. Hiking: Milpe hiking through the untouched  rain forest and  waterfalls  were excellent.  Hiking in Quito was well worked.  Robert Ruenitz, USA

Milpe was very impressive and our guided morning walk to the waterfalls was excellent; also when we walked to the round hill. The trails were appreciated as an opportunity to walk in the forest. Our experience was pleasant and staff was helpful. Gorgeous, we used the Jacuzzi and steam room.  Meals were tasty.  Brian & Jenny Hulse, Atherston, UK

We found you listed in the Frommers Travel Guide. Downtown Quito was very interesting.  We loved San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve, and our guide Milton, who also took us to Mindo Butterflies which was a real treat.   And the Equator museum!   Horseback riding with Paula and Vicente was fun.  Papallacta Hot Springs with Myra was wonderful.  Otavalo Indian Market with Myra was excellent.  She was full of fun and helpful suggestions with shopping and marketing.  We also went to Cotocashi leather village – excellent.  Easy downhill mountain biking tour in Tandayapa with Vicente.  Excellent way to end our trip.  Just a beautiful, exotic ride.  We were so happy with our visit here in everyway.  I felt taken care of from the moment I connected with Cheryl by email, to our arrival to be met by George, to the care Francisco took of us everyday.  It felt like family.  I am dazzled by what your eco-lodges have to offer.   We had a spectacular time.  My four-teen year old son loved it.  We hope to return soon and bring friends and family.  Rosemary Dunsmore, Ontario, Canada

What a beautiful place!! If you like a peaceful setting in the mountains, surrounded by animals and beautiful flowers, this is the place.  Jorge, Sr., was a guide for a wonderful hike in the hills above the Hosteria.  Loved the llama family, the mustang horses and the turkeys behind the restaurant.  The pool could have been at the finest resort.  The architecture of the Hosteria was so picturesque, I couldn’t stop taking photos.  Thank you for a wonderful experience. Horseback Riding Tour was excellent!  We enjoyed our stay very much.  The grounds are beautiful and the staff very friendly.  The food was very good.  We will be back!  Thank you!  Seelenfreund Family, California USA