I spent two weeks in Ecuador visiting all four of the San-Jorge reserves and staying at the three Eco-lodges - Quito, Tandayapa and Milpe. I am not a fanaticall birder but I saw 300 species of bird and had a wonderful holiday. The staff were always friendly and helpful, the four course meals beautifully presented and tasty and the accomodation comfortable. If you want classy, sophisticated rooms and service then this is not the holiday for you.However if you enjoy nature, want to see lots of birds and are happy with simple, comfortable accomodation then you will enjoy your visit. Given the chance I will be going back.

We spent two glorious weeks in Ecuador doing the circuit from San Jorge Eco-Lodge in Quito, Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary, Milpe Eco Lodge, and Sani Lodge in the Amazon. Fabulous & healthy four-course meals in Quito were served by the charming Vicente and Jaibir, and in Tandayapa, Dona Pilar cooked like a domestic goddess. There was a lovely dining room in Quito, and the food presentation was right out of a magazine page. Our guides, Dr. Jorge Cruz, Estalin (Tandayapa), and Carlos Huallinga (Sani Lodge) were knowledgeable and engaging. Whether you are a serious or a backyard birder, if you love nature, this is the place to go. Be prepared with sweaters/jackets for cooler evenings in the mountains and bring lightweight rain gear. Ecuador offers stunning views, friendly people, unforgettable encounters with the natural world, and world class cuisine.

To enjoy this wonderful experience, you must be prepared to tolerate the occasional insect (outdoors). If your idea of vacation is poolside at Disney with cable TV, this is not the place for you, but for the adventurous, it's heaven. Two thumbs up!

My husband and I are serious (but not fanatic) birders on our eighth trip to Ecuador. We spent a week birding in eastern Ecuador before spending the last two nights at San Jorge in Quito. The hacienda is a charming old home laden with exquisitely carved wooden furniture and doors, lovely wrought iron rails and window guards, and rooms conveying the feel of the Spanish colonial era. The lodge on the hillside above had comfortable rooms with electric heaters and a partial view of the Quito valley. The campus structures, balustrades, and plant beds provide myriad opportunities for photography. Hummingbirds are active at the feeders, especially in the morning. The manager is exceedingly helpful and willing to please. The food is average.
The property sits on a steep hill, with an extensive trail system. We spent most of our time sitting quietly in the scrubby area above the lodge, but saw few birds. The hummers coming to the feeders were common species, but it was nice to see them close up and get photos. If you are a novice birder, this is a good place to start or end your trip. For us, the birding was disappointing.
There is no denying the campus is showing its age. There were few staff to help keep up the grounds and make improvements. The brickwork/patios/walkways are uneven, and there are many steps in unexpected places, so if you have a vision problem or a physical disability, this is not the place for you. For me, it was an effort to get around without tripping or losing my balance. The walkway from the rooms down to the main house is very steep, with railings only part way down. Luckily, I had someone to hold on to. Other guests didn't seem to have a problem, but they were younger or in better shape. The advantage of staying at San Jorge is that you can stay in a country setting so close to the airport.

We been there for 3 days, The service is horroble, accomodation is below 2 star and the owner is trying to sell you the moon at night and sun at daytime, never ever think about this place if you want real vacation in Ecuador