Sachatamia Lodge

Sachatamia is a charming ecolodge located above Mindo, Ecuador. The room we stayed in was a bungalow that was very nice and quiet. The main area for dining is spacious and the staff is excellent. The food we had was fantastic. We were on an all inclusive package, so we just sat down and the food started showing up. Always a surprise and always very good. We relaxed outside while watching the birds and agoutis at the feeders. The highway runs close by, so there is some road noise. The lodge is gated for extra security. I would highly recommend Sachatamia Lodge for your stay near Mindo.

We spent for two nights as part of a six-week South America trip and this was one of the very best places we stayed in. The staff were all extremely friendly and helpful with a very strong sense of customer service. The whole lodge and surrounding outside areas are extremely well kept, clean and tidy. The lodge is nicely finished with wood and some attractive artwork; and there is a very pleasant restaurant and small lounge area. A good selection of drinks is available and we found the meals, from an extensive menu, of good quality and reasonably-priced. On check-in, we were offered a choice of rooms and the double we selected (in the main building) was very comfortable, well finished and with good views across the forest. The shower had good flow and temperature. The walls were, however, a bit thin and we could hear people in other rooms. There are some nice seating ares outside the lodge with great views and feeders which attract a good variety of birds including Hummingbirds and Tanagers. Agoutis are also regular. There are trails to follow through the forest and, a short walk from the lodge, a hide by a moth blind which attracted some good birds especially at first light. Sightings here, included Long-wattled Umbrellabird, Masked Trogon, Rufous Motmot and Mottled Owl. A map of the trails would have been useful. We thoroughly enjoyed our short stay here, and would definitely recommend it!

A great base for exploring the wonders of the Mindo area. And, on the lodge site itself are some incredible opportunities to get good shots of hummingbirds (near the lodge) and a moth blind on the property. The lodging was good, a separate cabin in the woods with all the necessary amenities. The food and atmosphere of the main lodge was very good. The lobby was full of expert birders. I was the lone photographer amongst them but enjoyed the experience very much. Highly recommended.

In late February we were on a bird-watching tour and exploring the western Andes, staying at Sachatamia Lodge for four nights. It is a good location to drive to nearby birding hotspots (they may look close on a map but often took 60+ minutes to get there). On two mornings we had to leave the lodge well before sunrise to see birds that are most active at sunrise (eg” Cock-of-the-Rock lek). Completely unexpected by us, the lodge staff served both a cold and hot breakfast; one morning was at 4:30am and the other at 5:00am!! The accommodations of the lodge are split between the main building and various cabins spread out across their property. We stayed in Cabin #6, which was a good five-minute walk to the main building. The cabin was quiet, clean and comfortable with modern bathroom fixtures, a small table with chairs and a couch (also a TV that we never turned on). There is minimal/no space to unpack your luggage – we used the couch. There was a small heater in the room which we did not use – in fact, we opened the windows and let fresh air circulate. There are enough outlets for charging equipment. Water bottles were provided – and refills available at the main lodge. Since the lodge is located in a rain-forest, they provide umbrellas and rubber-boots (and cleaning station), if wanted. They have a policy of removing or covering your shoes with disposable shoe-covers before walking indoors at both the main lodge and in your cabin. Meals were typical American/European dishes with spicy house-made salsa on the side as well as plenty of local fruits and juices. Laundry service was available with a same-day turnaround (recall paying about $10.00 per load) - they gave us a plastic bag to put our laundry in the night before and you drop it off at the main lodge in the morning. A couple of staff members were able to communicate in English. Word of caution – some of our tour group were assigned rooms in the main lodge, above the lounge and dining area. They complained about hearing noise from these common areas and from neighboring rooms. Finally - they have several bird and hummingbird feeders; to include a "moth attracting sheet" with a hide that all provide excellent bird-watching.

This is an incredible place to observe and photograph a large variety of birds. Accommodations are comfortable and spacious. Meals are excellent. There are feeders and trails to keep one busy all day, but the lodge is also convenient to day-trip to other birding destinations in the Mindo area.

I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed my stay here. It was just so comfortable. The food was good as well. I just have one complaint: nobody told me that there was a pool. I would have loved to have gone swimming.