Activities:  Birding in the area can be excellent. The most common birds at El Refugio are tanagers, with some twenty or so species possible.  There are also numerous kinds of hummingbirds.  See the El Refugio Birding section for more detail.

Apart from the birds, there are many butterfly species and orchid species (this region is home to the highest orchid diversity on the planet!).  Mammals seen on the property include oncilla (a diminutive spotted cat), red brocket deer, tayra (a large weasel), armadillo, kinkajou, and Andean bear (on rare occasions).

The swift-running Toabunchi river has a population of rainbow trout, suitable for fishing (we may be able to supply a rod & reel with advance notice).

There are many trails on the property, on both sides of the river.  In addition there are many other interesting walks in the neighboring countryside, from easy to arduous. 

Guiding: We can help arrange a guide who will accompany you on walks on the reserve and help you find orchids, birds and other wildlife. Inquire about rates.

Activities farther afield include a visit to the small town of Apuela, about 30 minutes from El Refugio de Intag.  Sunday is market day, and you may wish to take a tour of the coffee cooperative Café Rio Intag, open every day.  A few km further down the road are the Nangulvi Thermal Springs, beautiful public hot springs adjacent to Rio Intag, featuring bathing pools of varying temperatures.  Wariman, a pre-Inca archeological site, with pyramids and a small museum, is located on a bluff high above the surrounding countryside.  It offers stunning vistas, as well as Ecuador’s longest zipline.

Or of course you may just wish to relax. We have a good library and lots of comfortable chairs!