This place is not for the lazy traveller. To see its wonders, you have to hike up and down paths in often wet weather. However, what you see is definitely worthwhile! The area is beautiful and there is exceptional wildlife - the "cock of the rock" mating ritual and we even saw a spectacled bear. The community basis and small scale give it a special atmosphere. We stayed (three nights, four days) in the general accommodation (not in a private cabana) with shared bathroom - and it was very comfortable. Food was served communally and it was a high quality; you shared the table with other paying guests, volunteers and staff. Our guide (Mauricio) was excellent, although his English was limited - however this didn't matter to us since we spoke enough Spanish to get by. Overall, this was a very exciting stay.

This was a great experience from the very start. Mules carried our bags up to the lodge on the mule trail as my husband and I followed our guide up to the lodge on the main trail. The walk in was about 1.5 to 2 hours all uphill. We were prepared for a very rustic experience, but what we got was a gorgeous private cabin overlooking the valley below, great meals, and a very knowledgable guide who took us on walks every morning and talked to us after dinner every night to ask us what we wanted to do for the next day. We stayed 4 nights and quickly developed a routine of birding and hiking in the morning and taking a siesta after lunch as the rains started up. We truly appreciated that this was a community run lodge, developed by a number of families who had originally been given the land after a government land reform program. After agricultural efforts did not pan out, the families decided to try an ecolodge, a gutsy move considering its remote location and hike in. The cloudforest location is a great draw for birders and biologists. The only negative comment I have was the lack of coffee in the morning (it was available the first morning and then it was black tea from then on), a hard thing for an addict like myself! And no I did not ask, figuring that they had not had their mule delivery recently! Other than that, a fabulous place. The last night we were there, a number of young men picked up their instruments and played traditional ecuadorian music after dinner, what a treat!

I cannot recommend Santa Lucia highly enough. It is the most beautiful place with breathtaking views and stunning birdlife. There are many areas in which to walk and many fascinating things to see. The food is simple but delicious and the fresh juices are to die for! The view from the cabanas are absolutely amazing and overhang the cloud forest. There was no electricity in our cabana but this made it very romantic! We saw over 120 species of bird and lots of beautiful orchids. There is also the most amazing rope swing- it's a must do!
The only word of warning I would have is to be prepared for a LOT of walking- most of which is up or downhill. If you don't mind that, and you like scenery and wildlife, you will absolutely love this place.

I have now visited Santa Lucia lodge on 3 occasions over the last few years, both as a volunteer and a tourist. My initial trip, inspired a period of 2 years of worldwide travel, leading to volunteering again 2 years on. The lodge is beautiful, the views you get on reaching the lodge are just amazing. The people always offer a very warm and friendly service. If you are in Ecuador and want to experience the fantastic sights of the cloud forest and the forever welcoming local hospitality as well s the great local cuisine, then this is the place to visit.

The accommodation is in either the eco-lodge, or one of 5 brand new cabins, all offering amazing views of the mountain scenery. The lodge is remote and although it seems a bit of a mission to walk the trail from the end of the road to the lodge (allow an hour, but don't worry the mules take your main backpacks), you are rewarded for your labors by receiving one of the most amazing vistas you could imagine.

There is really nothing that I can fault about Santa Lucia and I would visit again at any available opportunity. Thanks to all the workers for the good work and I wish the best of success to them in the future.