For our 4 day weekend in November, we traveled to El Refugio Cloud Forest Lodge in the Intag Cloud Forest in Northwest Ecuador. The cloud forests of Ecuador have some of the most biologically diverse species of plants and animals in the world.

The lodge itself was beautiful and the food was all grown on the property or locally sourced. A very kind local couple and their 2 children manage the property. We had some of the best meals there that we have had in Ecuador. The first day we walked the trails on the property, including a climb to the mirador with views of the Intag valley and Volcan Cotacachi as well as the Toabunchi River.

The next day we explored the Siempre Verde reserve, about a half-hour drive from the refugio. We hiked several trails that included both primary and secondary forest. We saw different types of flowers and birds on our hike.

The highlight of our trip was exploring the Intag Cloud Forest Reserve, a forty-minute walk from El Refugio. We hiked to a beautiful waterfall and, on a second hike in the late afternoon, we were able to see the elusive Andean cock-of-the-rock. Overall, it was a relaxing long weekend at one of the most beautiful, natural places in Ecuador.