For a true nature lover, its hard to beat Santa Lucia. You can pay to be picked up from Quito (80 km or 50 miles) or just arrange to meet in the town of Nanegal (we took the bus to Nanegal, very cheap) This is a real ecotourism adventure. The lodge was formed by several members of a community living and farming in the area who decided to conserve the area. They stopped farming and began bringing in tourists. It is remote and rustic. Community members rotate through as cooks/caretakers/ and guides.
From Nanegal you are taken by truck to the trail head, and donkeys head up the hill with your packs from there while you walk, It is a good 2-3 hour hike uphill, but is very pleasant. There is no electricty, but you won't be staying up late, as you get up early for hikes and bird-watching. Our guide was amazing, mostly self-taught, truly loves the jungle and is incredibly knowledgeable. He knows all the birds there and their calls. It was great listening to the birds answer him back! And he knows about the birds too, their habits, etc. The montane cloudforest is a unique environment and we learned a lot.
On my visit in 12/06 I went with another person and there was just one other person in the whole lodge, but they can accomodate about 20 people. The food was delicious (popcorn in the soup...surprisingly good! The bathrooms are shared, and during the day you are expected to use the composting toilets, which were very clean. Showers are also shared, and have the best view of any shower I've ever had!
The rooms are mostly for 2-4 people. There is a large common area and dining room to hang out in, and I enjoyd playing cards with the staff or taking naps in the afternoon in the hammocks on the porch. There is a nice reading library filled with nature and bird books. Lots of info in English, but some of the guides have limited English skills...they can tell you the English names for the wildlife and a little info, but if you speak Spanish you'll get more out of the experience.
In summary, this place is for those seeking a unique experience in a beautiful and remote place. If you need a bar or nightclub on your holiday, look elsewhere. If you want to see some amazing birdlife (I'm not a "birder" but I do enjoy birds) this is the place for you. It's quiet, romantic, isolated and lovely. I look forward to returning there one day soon.