Your stay includes FREE TRANSPORTATION* to and from Mindo village. (one round trip per stay).
*The FREE TRANSPORTATION to and from Mindo is offered with a 3 nights stay minimum (or a $50 discount per stay to guests who wish to use their own transportation).
Ecollacta is located in the well-known birds region of Mindo between Quito and Mindo Village (40 miles from Quito and 20 miles from Mindo).
I. GENERAL INFORMATION:
Ecollacta has been described as a paradise by everyone who has visited it.
Ideal for short-term or long-term visits to relax away from civilization while only at 2h drive from Quito, it offers a peaceful and private stay in the Andes Mountains in the comfort of 2 large elegant homes with 360° views over the cloud forest.
The 230 acres (95 hectares) property is located less than 2 hours drive North-West of Quito, in the well-known birds region of Mindo, passing by the Equatorial line and enjoying a spectacular ride through the Andes Mountains.
It shares a mile long (1.6 km) river border with the Maquipucuna Reserve.
THE HOUSE:
The house is built mainly with wood, which gives it the aspect of chalet.
It has 2 bedrooms with queen beds, and their private bathrooms. It also has 2 additional single beds in the upper deck area, as well as a half-bathroom.
The surface is 200 m2.
The total capacity is for 6 guests (including children of all ages).
Guest houses are located at the center of the property, at the top of a hill, and are separated by a 40 m (130 feet) walkway.
This unique location in the property and the houses architecture have the privilege to permit visitors to enjoy 360 degrees breathtaking views over the mountains, the forest, and the rivers. It also allows bird watching from anywhere inside the houses and from their terraces.
II. ACTIVITIES & DAY TOURS:
The year round temperature varies from 64 °F to 78 °F (18 °C to 26°C) which makes it ideal to enjoy the many activities available at any time of the year:
1. Swimming in Ecollacta’s private river. 15 minutes walk from the guest houses.
2. Swimming in the waterfall located a few meters from the property’s entrance gate. 20 minutes walk from the guest houses.
3. Bird Watching inside the property: 244 bird species thus far officially registered at Ecollacta.
4. Hiking the “Walk of the Incas”, a 500-year old historic Inca trail which borders the estate.
5. Bird Watching Tour #1: Guided birdwatching tour in the Maquipucuna Reserve (which borders Ecollacta). Meeting time is usually 6:15 AM at a 20-minute walk from the guest houses. Upon request, we can help our visitors by contacting them to confirm guide availability and price.
6. Bird Watching Tour #2: Visit to the Cock of The Rock bird (“Gallo de la Peña”). 45 minutes drive from Ecollacta in Mindo’s direction. It is recommended to be there at 6:00 AM. They also offer guided birdwatching tours. Similarly, upon request, we can help our visitors to make contacts to confirm availability and price.
7. Day Visit #1: Mindo Village. 1 hour drive from Ecollacta. Activities include: visit of the butterfly garden, chocolate factory tour, horseback riding, as well as sporting activities such as tubing, rafting, canoeing, and ziplining.
8. Day Visit #2: Tulipe Museum. 45 minutes drive from Ecollacta, in Mindo’s direction.
III. LOCATION & NEAREST MARKETS / RESTAURANTS:
Ecollacta is located 2 hours drive west of Quito, between the towns of Nanegalito and Nanegal.
Quito International Airport located at 2h15 minutes drive.
The nearest markets and restaurants are in Nanegalito, 30 minutes drive from Ecollacta.
IV. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION:
The last 2 Kms (20 minutes drive) to Ecollacta is a unpaved road composed of gravel and stones.
It is necessary to have an SUV (type: Vitara / Hyundai Tucson / Pickup Truck etc).
2-wheel drive vehicles are fine.
Sedans and Vans will not make the last 2 KMs to Ecollacta.
If you are traveling with a sedan or a van: you can park it at our neighbor's property at the 2 KMs mark (in a secure gated parking, free of charge). This option is available only up to 8 PM daily.
We offer one round-trip (free of charge) from-and-to the 2 KMs mark with our vehicle to take up to 4 people.
If more trips are needed we will arrange for pickup taxis to meet you at the 2 KMs mark, rates are around 12 to 15 dollars each way, they can take up to 4 people each.
If you are traveling by bus: there are double cabin pickup taxis available in Nanegalito (30 minutes drive from Ecollacta), rates to and from Ecollacta are around 15 dollars each way, they can take up to 4 people each.
We can arrange all third party transportation, including to and from for airport.
V. CHECK-IN and CHECK-OUT TIMES:
Check-in time window is between 11am and 6pm.
This is due to road conditions (unlit and unpaved last 2km rural road to Ecollacta), we ask our guest to check-in during daylight hours. Once you get to know the road once, you will be able to travel back and forth at anytime with ease)
Check-out time is 12pm.
VI. CAPACITY:
Capacity is for 6 guests.
When making your reservation please indicate the total number of guests on the reservation details.
VII. COOKING and CLEANING service:
Cleaning/cooking service is available as an option for 25 USD per day.