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Visit us
For information
on homestays in the community, with members of the Colibrís
(Hummingbirds) women´s cooperative, email: info@santa-lucia.org
Ecotourism Project  -
Background & History
With the help of international and local
NGOs and many dedicated volunteers see history,
Santa Lucía undertook its first sustainable development
project - an ecotourism operation. The natural beauty and diversity
of Santa Lucía's cloud forest made ecotourism a logical
choice to provide a sustainable source of income for the community.
The income from this operation has enabled the community to continue
to conserve the cloud forest under their care, while at the same
time sharing its diverse treasures with others.
 The
construction of a lodge for ecotourists began through a project
funded by the International Conservation Union (IUCN) in conjunction
with local NGO Maquipucuna. Funds for the purchase of key parcels
of land were provided by Rainforest
Concern, a British conservation organization. With their
help and that of Quest
Overseas, Santa Lucía was able to finish the construction
of the Ecolodge which has facilities for up to 20 visitors. The
Ecolodge was built in the traditional local style, using sustainably
harvested wood. It provides comfortable accommodations including
some private rooms, hot water showers and a wide porch with hammocks
for resting up after birding or hiking adventures in the cloud
forest. The lodge is "romantically" lit by candlelight
at night, though in the future Santa Lucía hopes to install
a sustainable electrical system based on renewable energy.
The Ecolodge provides a peaceful mountain
retreat from the hurry and noise of modern life. The lodge can
be reached only on foot, via a hike of approximately 2 hours
from the nearest village. The approach to Santa Lucía
involves a climb of over 500 meters, so visitors should be in
reasonably good physical condition. Backpacks and other heavy
bags are brought up by muleback, so that visitors can enjoy the
views and birding opportunities along the way. Because of its
altitude and position, Santa Lucía enjoys a panoramic
view of the surrounding cloud forest hills and the valleys below,
including the nearby villages of Marianitas and Nanegal.
 Since
the inauguration of the Ecolodge in 2000, Santa Lucía`s
objective has been to manage a true community-owned and operated
ecotourism project.
There are many activities for nature-lovers,
including:
- Fantastic birding
with over 330 local species, including
a lek of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock
- Hikes through the cloud forest with
knowledgeable local guides
- Visits to mountain stream pools and
waterfalls
- Tours of the community´s reforestation
project and agroforestry plantations
- Long mountain hikes to surrounding communities
and nature reserves
For more information on ecotourism packages
and prices, or to make a reservation for the Ecolodge, please
see www.santaluciaecuador.com
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