Tinalandia

Built in the 1940s as a farm and later converted for tourism, Tinalandia was one of Ecuador’s first eco-lodges. The establishment is located in the cloud forest 2.5 hours from Quito, near Santo Domingo de los Colorados. A modestly sized eco-lodge, Tinalandia has 16 comfortable rooms and capacity for 30 guests.

The lodge attracts birdwatchers from around the globe and is a personal favorite of Paul Greenfield, illustrator of "The Birds of Ecuador," which is considered the definitive book of its kind. More than 350 species of birds have been sighted at Tinalandia. Just hanging out at the dining hall, you're certain to see several species of hummingbird and may well see tanagers and toucans that come to feed at a special bird feeder designed by the owner.

Tinalandia is also the best place in Ecuador to experience the latest thing in eco-tourism: butterfly watching. There hare hundreds of species of butterfly native to Tinalandia, and the owner has been cataloging them in a nifty binder with photos. Butterflies are sensitive, and their presence (or lack thereof) can tell a researcher much about a climate zone. Many nature lovers the world around are taking up butterfly-watching as an alternative to birdwatching, and in Ecuador, Tinalandia is the best place to start by far.

The area around Tinalandia has more than just birds, however. The cloud forest is of interest to biologists and hikers, and one of the world’s few remaining moss forests is within hiking distance.

The staff can arrange for whitewater rafting trips, and there is even a nine-hole golf course on the premises. Tinalandia can also arrange for guides for hiking or bird watching excursions, if you give the lodge advance notice.

Location:
Urbanizacion El Bosque 2da. Etapa Av. del Parque
Santo Domingo de los Colorados, Ecuador

Hotel

This Hotel is: High End

Room Prices:
Lower:$91
Higher:$122
Price Description:2009 - 2010 rates:

Price per person including all meals:

single: $122

double: $104

triple: $91.50

For lodging only, subtract roughly $30-40 per person per night.

Meals available separately: breakfast $8.50, lunch or dinner $18.30.

All listed prices include 22% tax and service.

Tinalandia welcomes student groups, and discount group rates can be negotiated.

Contact Information:
Phone: 593-2-244-9028 / 244-9028
E-mail: info(at)remove-this.tinalandia.com
URL: www.tinalandia.com

By Christopher Minster

I am a writer and editor at V!VA Travel guides here in Quito, where I specialize in adding quality content to the site and also in spooky things like...

Created: 04 May 2005

Updated: 05 Oct 2009

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Reviews

Traveler Reviews of Tinalandia

An excellent place to visit.

Although we are not experienced bird watchers (I work with plants), we very much enjoyed an overnight stay at Tinalandia. The short hikes were interesting and we saw many species. The cabin was clean and comfortable and the food was excellent. The dining room has hummingbird feeders all around and they are well visited. We are from the US but have lived in Quito for nearly 18 years.

Traveler from US/live in Quito, Ecuador on Feb 19, 2006