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, including at least two owl butterflies.  Mammals seen on the property include oncilla (a diminutive spotted cat), red brocket deer, tayra (a large weasel), armadillo, kinkajou, and Andean bear.

The swift-running Toabunchi river has a population of rainbow trout, and we can supply you with a rod and reel.

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: Your reservation comes with the services of a guide, English- and Spanish-speaking, who will accompany you on walks on the reserve and help you find orchids, birds and other wildlife.

Activities farther afield include a visit to the small town of Apuela, a short ride past Santa Rosa.  Sunday is market day, and you may wish to take a tour of the coffee cooperative Café Rio Intag, open everyday.  Several kilometers down the road is Nangulvi Thermal 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.