Playa de Oro Reserva de Los Tigrillos

Location:
Community of Playa de Oro (Luis Vargas Torres), Rio Santiago
Ecuador

Hotel Types:
Cabin

By Alex Narracott

The last settlement on the Rio Santiago, the Afro-Ecuadorian community of Playa de Oro offers the region's first eco-tourism project. It is designed to protect their 10,000Ha reserve of pristine rainforest, which is also the only Margay (jungle cat) reserve in the world, and considered one of the most important areas in the world for endemism in birds. This makes a great trip to a remote area. Playa de Oro offer you the option of either staying in wooden cabins in the heart of their community, or a half hour up-river in the Reserva de Tigrillos Lodge.

Set back 100 meters or so from the river, the Reserva de Tigrillos Lodge--an abandoned military barracks converted into a lodge by the locals-is totally surrounded by protected jungle, except for the river side, where one follows a path through a "food forest" made up of tropical fruit trees (banana, anona, papaya), sugar cane, and pineapples.

The lodge is rustic (meaning, built of rough-hewn wood), but is as comfortable as anything you will find anywhere in the Ecuadorian rainforest. Rooms are simply furnished, with a bed, a table, a stool, shelves for clothes and things, and a large lock-box for valuables. Rooms are screened and beds are mosquito-netted.

The dining room and kitchen are downstairs, where the two wings of the lodge meet. Upstairs the big corner rooms are the library and the hammock lounge. The library has a small collection of books, and some interesting information on the area.

The village has constructed 3 wooden cabañas set apart from each other, overlooking the river and on the edge of the village. A path runs past the cabañas and down to the beach, and continues through the trees to the village football pitch (daily matches can get quite contested!)

The cabañas are luxurious by jungle standards, with ensuite and spacious balconies. There are two doubles or triples and a large one that can take 8 people. Being close to the village they have electricity from 6pm until 10pm every day. Food is served in a family house.

Once at Playa de Oro, as well as learning about the life and culture of the Afro-Ecuadorians, experienced village guides will take you out on their many jungle trails, offering hikes ranging from one to four hours. These are a great opportunity to experience the rich flora and fauna that abounds in their untouched reserve (particularly good for bird watching), as well as taking you to some beautiful sites.

In addition to the hikes, there are relatively short boat trips (1 hour or less) upriver to more remote parts of the reserve; for example, to an interesting rock formation called La Cathedral, or to explore rocky beach areas.

The river is great for swimming and playing in mild rapids, and if the conditions are right, don’t miss the opportunity to free float down river.

This Hotel is: Mid-Range

Hotel Amenities, Services and Facilities Restaurant, Bar, Breakfast Included, Laundry Service, Book Exchange - Free, Linens Included, Towels Included, Taxes Included in Price

Getting There:
From Esmeraldas, which has regular connections from all over the country, you need to get a bus to Selva Alegre with Del Pacifico (at 10am) or La Costeñita (06.10 or 13.10). Cost $4.50 and take 4 hours. From Selva Alegre the community will pick you up

Room Prices:
Lower:$50
Price Description:This is an all-inclusive daily price per person for a private room, 3 meals a day, and excursiones with experienced jungle guides.

Contact Information:
E-mail: tracy(at)remove-this.touchthejungle.org
URL: www.touchthejungle.org