Peggy (my wife) and I had such a wonderful time at El Refugio. We are so grateful that Nick (the owner of Hacienda Cusin) encouraged us to change our plans and go to Intag. It was a blast from the moment Oswaldo picked us up. Oswaldo was so warm and easy going it made it fun to HAVE to speak... More

A spectacular location managed by a friendly staff. I rented a room and got a house with all of the amenities. It is in a stunning valley framed by the Cotacachi mountain and a peaceful river lined with huge old trees. The forest was unbelievable, filled with spectacular orchids and birds like gems , they have kilometers of trails and... More

We just returned from a trip to Ecuador and had the privilege of spending two nights at El Refugio. As soon as we met Oswaldo, the caretaker and guide, and he picked us up at Hacienda Cusin for the ride to El Refugio, we knew we were in good hands. From that point forward, we had an amazing experience, learned... More

We stayed at El Refugio for 2 days and wish it had been longer. We had a wonderful experience. Devoted birders will be enchanted. But so too will those who just enjoy seeing and hearing an incredible assortment of colorful, wonderful birds and butterflies. It's also the place for you if you just want to kick back and relax in... More

I visited here on April 11, 2011. I had been to the Intag Cloud Forest some 13 years ago and wanted to take my Dutch husband to see all the orchids! We LOVED El Refugio!! The resident care-taker/guide, Oswaldo, was the best! He knows all the orchids and where to see them. He also found the elusive Cock of the... More

Very remote but if you love nature and birdwatching, this is the place. Orchids grow everywhere. The caretakers speak no English but they cook all the meals (delicious) and provide wonderful walking tours through the Cloud Forest. The manager, Sandy Statz, lives nearby and speaks perfect English. She makes sure the guests have all their needs met. She made sure... More

I got to the Intag Cloud Forest retreat from Otavala. it was a good bus ride - and while i contuned to be awre of the altitutde, the drive through the Cloud Forest was spectacularand well worth any effort. When you sit finally at the front veradah of the Intag Cloud Forest Retreat - enveloped by the mountains and the... More

the journey from Otavalo, via Cotacachi mountain and twisting down through dense Gunera and bamboo and through several eco-systems, is stimulating in itself. Arriving into the utter peace of El Refugio is a reward unto itself. Oswaldo, my engaging and knowledgeable guide and his wife, my superb cook (and embroidery artist), the climbs up plant-festooned mountains, over gurgling streams and... More