This hike-in lodge is a wonderful way to see the cloud forest 2-3 hours from Quito. The setting is beautiful as the lodge sits on top of a hill and has views in all directions. When we were there we had only sun (unusual) and saw some amazing sunsets. A variety of hikes - some easy and some strenuous - with a bird and plant knowledgeable guide (included in the lodging fee as are 3 meals a day). Staff is friendly. Comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. The food was simple, but excellent.

This isolated hike-in lodge is a couple of hours from Quito by bus but a world apart. It's on the slopes of the Andes in the cloud forest and is blessed with beautiful vistas, friendly staff (although it's helpful to have some Spanish; the more the better for full enjoyment of the experience) and hikes of differing lengths and difficulty to be done. This was one of the first things I did during my month in Ecuador, and along with my stay in the Amazon at Sani Lodge, it turned out to be one of the most memorable things I did there. I loved the hiking with a huge variety of birds to be seen. It's great for serious and amateur (like me) birders alike. Even saw a spectacled bear. It's a wonderful location and the lodge is run and supported by the local community so you can feel good about supporting them.

The cabin I had was simple but clean, comfortable and with incredible views of the forest. The guiding (Julio was my guide and spoke great English, a boon for me as my Spanish is very limited) was excellent. Food was simple but good and the local coffee was a great way to greet the day. All in all, for nature lovers or anyone looking for some tranquility I can't recommend this lodge enough.

As an aside, I actually was there in March of 2010 (not 2011) but I can't choose a date that long ago. Since I am a relatively recent TA member, I am catching up on some reviews of places I've been and enjoyed.

We really liked the cloud forest hikes. I'm a bromeliad and tropical plant fiend, so it was of particular interest. Our cottage had the coolest view of the forests rolling out away from us, simply spectacular view. The food is a bit too vegetarian-based, but the taste was acceptable.

This is the first place I've traveled that compelled me to join and post on Trip Advisor. Just two hours from Quito, the Santa Lucia lodge is a beautiful getaway that I would recommend to anyone going to Ecuador. Yes, you do have to hike to the lodge, but it's a pretty easy going trek and donkeys haul your stuff. The cloud forest is as magical as it sounds with nearby waterfalls, rivers for swimming, and more bird and orchid species than I could have imagined. What compelled me to write, however, are the twelve families who cooperatively own and run Santa Lucia. They made us feel truly at home and are using the lodge to create green economic development in rural Ecuador. So not only do you have a great vacation, but you also get to support positive change.