MAGIC BIRDING CIRCUIT
OF ECUADOR

Magic Photography Circuit

Magic nature Eco-Tours

The Galapagos Islands

Reading Interest

Reservations



San Jorge de Sumaco Bajo Bird Sanctuary - Amazon Birds
Harpy Eagle




San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary Lodge


Waterfalls San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve




Bird Photography Tours
Moths & Butterflies Ecuador




Wildlife Photography Ecuador


Swimming in the waterfalls at San Jorge de Milpe


Outdoor breakfast at San Jorge Eco-Lodge/Quito

Butterflies Ecuador


Wild Orchids Ecuador
found in natural habitat





San Jorge’s Published Books
The Birds of the Metropolitan District of Quito
Read Book Preview


Medicinal Plants of Ecuador
Read Book Preview


Yumbo Culture
Read Book Preview


San Jorge Cookbook
Read Book Preview

Welcome to San Jorge Eco-lodges & Botanical ReserveS

Ecuador Birdwatching Tours & Bird Photography

The magic birding & Photography circuit

OFFERING THE FINEST BIRDING LODGES, PRIVATE BIRD RESERVES
& GUIDED TOURS of ecuador

Home of the Banded-ground Cuckoo, one of 50 most rare birds in the word

The Magic Birding & Photography Circuit is the first of its kind in South America, We own 7 private Birding Reserves and 4 Eco-Lodges in Ecuador, most within a two hour radius of Quito. Experience our Ecuador Birdwatching Tours & Bird & Wildlife Photography Tours and  Eco-Tours for nature lovers, visiting up to 13 diverse eco-systems throughout the Andes Highlands, Cloud Forest, Upper Tropical Rainforest, East & West Andes Slope, Paramo, Amazon Tropical Rainforest & Pacific Lowlands.  We have recently have added two new private nature reserves to The Magic Circuit collection, introducing San Jorge de Sumaco Bajo Bird Sanctuary in the Amazon Tropical Rainforest, and the new San Jorge de Guacamayos Bird Paradise in the Eastern Andes Cloud Forest.

Our private nature reserves offer up to 1,600 possible bird species and 100 Hummingbird species, 15 running waterfalls, ponds, rivers, wild orchids in natural habitat, medicinal plants,seasonal butterflies, mammals & diverse flora & fauna. Our all-inclusive Ecuador Tours include airport transfers or pick up from downtown Quito, delicious meals, lodging, specialized English speaking native guides and private transportation throughout the reserves. We bird our way from reserve to reserve eliminating unnecessary driving. Our 6 Ecuador Eco-Lodges are rustic and environmentally friendly and offer quality service with comfortable well-appointed rooms furnished in typical décor with optional upgrades for private balcony and stunning views or rustic bungalow rooms inside the tropical rainforest located at our new Forest Eco-Lodge. Enjoy nature and wildlife from our 60-foot high spacious observation tower overlooking the canopy in the Amazon, swimming at the cascading waterfalls with a picnic lunch, or selecting one of our Ecuadorian cultural tours.

~ NEW ADDITIONS AT SAN JORGE ~

Grand Opening! San Jorge de Guacamayos NEW Eco-Lodge has opened in October, 2022! San Jorge de Guacamayos Private Bird Paradise Reserve is located in the Sub-tropical Cloud Forest on the East Andes and offers 6 spacious rooms, a large open-air restaurant with vast mountain views, birding trails and observation areas for wildlife.  Its Solar panel system takes care of the facilities electrical needs.  The reserve is surrounded by Antisana National Park, Sumaco NP, Napo Galeras NP and Cayambe Coca NP making this the largest and most protected natural area in Ecuador. San Jorge de Guacayamos Bird Paradise offers hundreds and hundreds of bird and butterfly species, a large variety of mammals such as Spectacled bears, Tapirs, Pumas, Tyra’s, deer and Jaguar, including numerous wild orchid and plant species. This reserve has been added to our portfolio and is known for an enormous amount of birds.  All participants booked on our East Andes Slope Magic Birding/Photography Circuit Tours will able to enjoy this new lodge and facilities. We are the only brand new lodge on the East Andes Slope.

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NEW San Jorge de Sumaco Bajo Eco-Lodge will open in 2023!  The aquatic lodge overlooks our signature Lagoon with 8 spacious rooms, an open-air restaurant overlooking the water, and a large variety of birds and water life.   San Jorge de Sumaco Bajo Bird Sanctuary is located on 400 acres in the Tropical Amazonian Rainforest and is also a new to our collection of private reserves in Ecuador. It is a paradise for birdwatchers, photographers and nature lovers.  Here you will find a variety of walking trails, hundreds of tropical birds,  streams, rivers, 8 Manikin Leks, 12 species of Parrots and 4 Macaw species, along with gorgeous swimming holes along with a 60-foot high spacious observation tower which overlooks the Amazonian canopy!

Birds at The Magic Birding Circuit
Photos by George Cruz

Hummingbirds at San Jorge Reserves


Photo credit by Jan Petra

San Jorge Eco-Lodges is a licensed Quito Tour Operator offers the following pre-scheduled or private tours:
 
  • Birdwatching Tours, Senior Birdwatching Tours, Hummingbird Tours
  • Bird & Wildlife Photography Tours, Hummingbird Photography
  • Eco-Tours for nature lovers & Cultural Tours

Contact Us

VIDEO_San Jorge Eco-Lodges & Botanical Reserves Ecuador



Trip Advisor Certificates of Excellence Awards for the past 11 consecutive years

San Jorge de Tandayapa
Hummingbird Sanctuary & Lodge
San Jorge de Milpe Orchid &
Bird Reserve & Lodges
San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve/Quito



Magic Birding Circuit Tours:
 Ecuador Birdwatching Tours - All-inclusive birdwatching  tours are offered throughout the year, ranging from 8 thru 18 nights. Travel through The Magic Circuit and visit all the climate steps of the world on the most diverse tours in Ecuador.  Pre-scheduled tours or private.

Magic Bird & Wildlife Photo Tours:  Ecuador Photography – All-inclusive bird photography tours in Ecuador. Hummingbird Photography. Active hummingbird feeders at all San Jorge Lodges & Reserves; 2 large Observation Photography Towers; Canopy Islands Wild Photography Center in the Cloud Forest, Superb photo options. Pre-scheduled tours or private.

Magic Eco-Tours for Nature Lovers: Ecuador Eco-Tours - Ecuador Eco-Adventures - All-inclusive pre-scheduled tours for nature lovers scheduled throughout the year, ranging from 4 to 14 nights throughout the East & West Andes Slope and Amazon Tropical Rainforest.



San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve/Quito, an 18th Century Spanish Hacienda located in the Pichincha Foothills in the Andes Highlands on 230 acres of untouched, protected land. It preserves the wild and natural habitat of the many endemic plants, mammals, and over 90 different highland species of birds which are native only to the Andes region. We are the only private reserve near Quito, yet a world away from the busy city to provide guests with peace and tranquility. Start birding and enjoy nature as soon as you arrive to Quito! Enjoy Birdwatching, Photography, Hiking the Last Incan Emperor’s Trails, Medicinal plants & sacred waterfalls, Ecuadorian Cooking Classes. Join us for delicious food, Andes music, comfortable rooms, private baths, and lovely gardens. Recently a new trail has  been constructed from the lower level to the upper lodge for easier walking with trail lights, new stone patios; new Photo Center with feeders designed just for bird photography. Moderate Wi-Fi is offered in the upper level rooms and courtyard, including lower level courtyard and reading room. A wonderful natural environment awaits you. Explore our beautiful gardens within a comfortable Eco-Resort environment. Relax at our festive El Cucayco Restaurant that serves delicious Ecuadorian and international cuisine, and overlooks the valley of Quito.

San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary & Lodge

San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary & Lodge is located in the Cloud Forest on 150 acres of prime birding & hiking property.  A gorgeous mountain top lodge in Tandayapa Valley with pristine birding and hiking trails, bird huts, running rivers, 2 ponds, open air Hummingbird Restaurant & Bar surrounded by active hummingbird & tanager feeders overlooking the Cloud Forest views.  It offers wild orchid gardens in their natural habitat at The Canopy Islands Wild Photography observation decks. Accommodations include spacious rooms with private baths, and optional upgraded rooms with magnificent views and private balcony or private patio. Located one hour from San Jorge Eco-Lodge/Quito, it is part of the Choco Bird Area of N.W. Ecuador where as many as 500 species live and superb photography options.



San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve has 2 Lodges on this reserve, located in the Upper Tropical Rainforest on 260 acres of prime birding & hiking property. Enjoy spectacular scenery, fabulous birding and hiking trails, running rivers, 11 waterfalls, over 500 species of tropical birds, hundreds of butterflies, numerous wild orchids in their natural habitat, including a wide array of tropical flora and fauna. San Jorge’s Observatory Hill is unique with four species of parrots including the Rose Faced Parrot, four species of Toucans, including a huge amount of Tanagers and many more! 45-foot high spacious Observation Tower overlooking the canopy.  San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve has the comfort and rustic elegance of a rainforest lodge, making it the ideal retreat for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers alike.  Spectacular birding & nature at the most beautiful lodge of the surroundings.


Rustic Bungalows at
San Jorge de Milpe Forest Lodge
San Jorge Forest Lodge has spacious rustic Bungalow Rooms with - 2 queen beds, private bath, large windows; optional private Balcony & Views, hammocks for relaxing , see birds from your room. Wi-Fi is offered at this lodge. Large open air restaurant with views, active hummingbird, tanager & toucan feeders; reading room, lounge, 45 -foot high overhead observation deck - all canopy.
 Ecuador Bird Lodge

San Jorge Cliff Lodge (Scientific Research Center)  offers double rooms –2 twin beds and private bath, open air restaurant, observation decks, feeders, pristine trails, wild orchids in natural habitat. No Wi-Fi is available at this remote location of the reserve.



San Jorge de Cosanga-Yanayacu Wildlife & Bird Reserve - Eastern Andes Slope
, is in the Highland Cloud Forest adjoining Antisana National Park. This reserve is yet another birdwatchers paradise within the Subtropical Eastern Slopes of the Andes offering a wealth of new birds.


San Jorge de Estero Hondo Botanical Reserve is a private tropical reserve located in the Pacific lowlands of Ecuador in a transitional zone between the semi-humid and dry tropical forests of the now endangered Tumbesian Endemic Corridor. It is rapidly becoming one of the last pristine reserves in the lowlands of the west. Estero Hondo is a paradise of 300 possible bird species within the reserve and other sites nearby, with mantled howlers, white-fronted capuchin monkeys, peccaries, jaguarondi’s, ocelots and tamandua anteaters.


Chestnut-eared Aracari
San Jorge de Sumaco Bajo Reserve (Rio Tutapishco)  - Amazon Tropical Rainforest, a private tropical reserve on 400 acres. A magnificent pristine prehistoric forest surrounded by several protected areas including the enormous Sumaco - Galeras National Park. Up to 550 bird species are presently inventoried with an amazing collection of wild creatures and is situated in one of the most diverse climate steps in Ecuador. This new reserve offers beautiful crystal rivers, several streams and springs, and a hilly area between the flat land, providing a multitude of options for natural history, birdwatching and bird & wildlife photography. San Jorge de Guacamayos Bird Paradise  - Eastern Sub-Cloud Forest, Located in the Epicenter of the Christmas Bird Count World Record area of 540 species in 1 day! Surrounded by Antisana National Park, Sumaco NP, Napo Galeras NP and Cayambe Coca National Park making this the largest and most protected natural areas in Ecuador. This wonderful property has amazing natural resources and magnificent panorama views. San Jorge de Guacayamos Bird Paradise offers hundreds and hundreds of bird and butterfly species, a large variety of mammals such as Spectacled bears, Tapirs, Pumas, Tyra's, deer and Jaguar, including a wide variety of wild orchids and plant species - all found in this pristine Cloud Forest.

San Jorge offers the best options for Birdwatching, Bird & Wildlife Photography,  Ecuador Bird Lodges, Nature Eco-Tours,
Cultural - Historical Tours & Amazon adventures. 

MAGIC BIRDING CIRCUIT TOURS

MAGIC BIRD & WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS

MAGIC ECO-TOURS FOR NATURE LOVERS  


CLICK TO ENLARGE Magic Birding & Photography Circuit Map

THE MAGIC BIRDING & PHOTOGRAPHY CIRCUIT
owns & operates 8 Private Bird Reserves & 6 Eco-Lodges in Ecuador



SAN JORGE eco-lodge & botanical reserve/quito 
KM 4 VÍA ANTIGUA A NONO (CONT. CALLE MACHALA)
andes highlands/high barren plains/highland rainforest
Altitude: 3,000 - 3,100 m.  (9,580 - 10,500 ft. o.s.l.)

SAN JORGE DE TANDAYAPA hummingbird sanctuary & lodge
cloud forest
KM 3,5 PARTIDERO ANTIGUO A TANDAYAPA
altitude:  1,700 m.  (5,600 ft. o.s.l.)

SAN JORGE DE MILPE BIRD & orchid reserve
San Jorge forest lodge & san jorge Cliff lodge 
upper tropical rainforest
KM 3,7 CAMINO A MILPE
altitude: 900 m.  (3,000 ft. o.s.l.)

san jorge de sumaco bird reserve & Lodge
lower amazon region
altitude:  500 m.  (1,600 ft. o.s.l.)

SAN JORGE DE GUACAMAYOS BIRD PARADISe & LODGE
East Slope Cloud Forest
Altitude: (4,200 ft.  5,100 ft. O.S.L.)

SAN JORGE DE COSANGA - YANAYACU WILDLIFE & BIRD RESERVEs
andes highland cloud forest
KM3,6 CAMINO A LAS CAUCHERAS
altitude: 2,500 m. (8,000 ft. o.s.l.)

SAN JORGE DE ESTERO HONDO botanical reserve
PACIFIC COASTal LOWLANDS
altitude:  200 m.  (600 ft. o.s.l.)

ecuador hummingbird poster - san jorge eco-lodge quito ecuador birding

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Cheryl Korowotny
International Director
The Magic Birding & Photography Circuit
SAN JORGE ECO-LODGES & BOTANICAL RESERVES
Located in Quito-Tandayapa-Milpe-Cosanga-Yanayacu-Estero Hondo-Sumaco Bajo-Guacamayos
Ecuador – South America

Email: birdwatching@eco-lodgesanjorge.com
(877) 565-2596 Toll Free USA & Canada.

 

Photography accredited to George Cruz