Birding can be excellent when trees are in fruit. The most common birds are tanagers, with some twenty or so species possible. There are also numerous kinds of hummingbirds. The property list includes several species of particular interest to birders: Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (which nests on the property), Booted Racket-tail and White-tipped Sicklebill, Lyre-tailed Nightjar, Torrent Duck (also a nester), Masked Trogon, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Toucan Barbet and the Plate-billed Mountain Toucan (The later two are more easily seen at Siempre Verde.) Apart from the birds, there are many butterflies, including at least two owl butterfly species, which appear just at dusk. Mammals seen on the property include oncilla (a diminutive spotted cat), red brocket deer, tayra (a large weasel), armadillo, and kinkajou. The swift-running Toabunchi has a population of rainbow trout, and we can supply you with a rod (lowest possible tech). There are many trails on the property, on both sides of the river, in addition there are many other interesting walks in the neighborhood, from easy to arduous. We can provide a map to assist you.
Guiding: your reservation comes with the services of a Spanish-speaking guide, available to give you a tour of the area, accompany you on walks, and find you birds and orchids. We suggest the following three-day program:
Day One: Morning: Walk trails on the property, which include a climb to the mirador, with panoramic views of the valley and Volcan Cotacachi, birding inside the forest. Afternoon: Tour the coffee plantation and see other crops, including citrus, avocado, yuca (manioc), cabuya (sisal), etc.
Day Two (half day): Explore the Intag Cloud Forest Reserve, a forty-minute walk from El Refugio, which features excellent birding possibilities (such as the very rare White-faced Nunbird). The highlight is a Cock-of-the-Rock lek during late afternoon. There is an extra charge of $10 per person to visit the reserve.
Day Three: Explore the nearby reserve Siempre Verde, a half-hour four-wheel drive from El Refugio. This reserve includes spectacular high altitude forest trails, with different flora and a good chance to see the Plate-billed Mountain Toucan. There is an extra charge of $10 per person for this visit as well.
Other possibilites include a visit to the town of Apuela, a twenty-minute ride past Santa Rosa, or a stay at the Nangulvi thermal springs, an additional twenty minutes further west.
Or, of course, you may just wish to relax. We have a good library and hammocks!