My wife and I stayed there for three days, and could easily have stayed another day or two. The cabins, while spartan in furniture, are large and comfortable. The doors remained unlocked, but there was never an issue. The owner, Tom, had dinner with us each night and is both genuine and interesting, and always put the table at ease.... More

We weren't originally planning to go to Mindo, and only went there as we had to cut our Galapagos trip short due to some unexpected reasons. But we were glad we did, thanks to El Monte Lodge and the wonderful experience we had there. Picture-postcard setting, gracious and helpful hosts, excellent birdwatching, huge cottages and THE best food we had... More

From the moment we sat on the terabita transporting us across the river into El Monte, I could feel my stress oozing away. The cabins, the common area, the reading materials, the astonishing birdwaching just from the lounge chairs (a toucan joined us for breakfast!), the staff who went out of their way to accomodate our requests, the owner -... More

My wife and I spent 2 days at El Monte and it is truly a special place. It's the perfect place to relax and get away from it all OR get out and see a wonderful side of Mindo. We decided on the latter and were treated to hikes and birdwatching tours from a wonderful employee, Ernesto. The food was... More

Staying at El Monte was a dream come true for me. The cabana provided simple beauty and plenty of space for my husband, daughter, and me. The open-sided lodge, with delicious family style meals, good conversation with other guests around a large table, and candle light and tiki torches make magical evenings, was a beautiful place to relax. The staff,... More

Everything about El Monte Lodge is simply lovely. The main lodge, the cabanas, the food, the service, the location. We went with two families and everyone loved it--the kids and grown-ups alike. My favorite part is the small details: the cozy slippers to wear in the main lodge, the bathroom that opens up in back so you can soak in... More

The location, the rooms, the food, made a great experience. But the staff made it exceptional. It exceeded our expectations. More

This last August was a my third visit to El Monte over the past decade or more. (An earlier review I thought I sent never made it to publication.) This time, my partner and I invited a friend who came down to visit us in Ecuador. The three of us had an absolutely marvelous time. The newer cottages, which we... More

Very expensive. they say eco-lodge but to build it the vaste an entire forest. For sure they timbered not in Mindo but where? Now they have electricity (they didn't 5 years ago) and the biggest part of the magic over there is gone. This is good if you have big money in your pocket and nothing in your head. More