Effective July 2011, Touch The Jungle
is no longer taking reservations for Playa de Oro. At this time,
Playa de Oro has not passed on any replacement agency to handle
reservations to us that we can refer you to as of yet. We apologize
for the inconvenience.
Alternative suggestion to community based ecotourism
in Ecuador:
The Junin Cloud Forest Reserve is located in the
North Western slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes. It sits at between
1200m and 2800m above sea level, in the beautiful Intag region
of the Imbabura province. The climate is tropical and the cloud
forest is filled with many species of flora and fauna. Primary
forest, rivers, and waterfalls make Junin a beautiful destination
for travelers and adventurers. It is an excellent location for
birding, looking for butterflies and orchids as well.
Junin rests in one of the most biodiverse areas
of the world called the Choco Reserve which Ecuador shares with
Colombia and is considered one of the single most biodiverse regions
in the world.
Travelers can stay at cabins located in the middle
of primary forest staffed by friendly locals. The cabins are entirely
run and operated by the local people of Junin, and the profits
made at the cabins directly contribute to the successful campaign
against mining in the area.
The cabins are in the middle of primary forest just up the road
from the community. The cabins have five bedrooms with two sets
of bunk beds, and one private room, with electricity. There is
a bathroom and shower with hot water. There is a large communal
dining area for the guests to eat and relax.
Around the cabins there are a variety of hammocks perfect for
reading and relaxing. There are a few trails around the cabins
for walking, as well as an orchid garden.
The staff is very friendly, and they serve breakfast, lunch,
and dinner, which comes with the cost of the room. The food is
made with locally grown products and a vegetarian option is available
upon request. They serve the well-known, locally grown and processed
Rio Intag coffee.
The price is $30 per person which includes the 3 meals a day
and trail guide.
Or Phone to Rosario Piedra: 088871860 (Ecuador number) Sometimes
it is best to phone as email is not checked daily.
How to get to the Junin Lodge:
From Quito: Buses leave from Quito’s main bus terminal to
Otavalo approximately every fifteen minutes for $2.50. The ride
is about 2 hours. Once in Otavalo take the Transportes Otavalo
Busline from the main bus terminal to Garcia Moreno, which departs
approximately every two hours, the ride is about 3 ½ hours
and costs $3.50.
Once in Garcia Moreno there are two options: A 3 hour hike through
the goregeous Andes with a guide for $10, or you can hire a truck
for $30 to drive you, (this might be a better option for those
who have a lot of luggage).
Before arrival to Garcia Moreno contact Alido Romeriz 093 640
364 to arrange either a ride, or guide to be waiting for you in
Garcia Moreno.
