Welcome everyone!
Thank you in advance for your support and responsiveness.
We are planning a trip to Quito next year and Mindo has been added to our itinerary. We are new to Mindo as a birding destination and looking for guidance on accommodations. The travel consultant recommended an Eco-Lodge, and of course there are many. But also see that the birding opportunity appears to go well beyond lodge-based experiences.
My wife is a lifelong nature photographer although I would not describe us as avid birders but she has photographed many birds. Also, my wife can only handle about a 1/2 day of shooting before she is worn out and Galapagos will follow this part of the journey and don't want her worn out before she gets there. So here's the first question. If it's our first time to the area, and given the physical restraints, does a lodge make sense because it sits on a large parcel of land and allows you to experience more birds than we have ever seen in our lives without having to traverse from one place to the next, makes it easier to take breaks, etc. and be back in our room as needed? The second question, if the answer to the first question is yes, what full service lodges (guides, restaurant on-site) might you recommend. As I said, there are many and all seem to have their quirks. Any guidance is appreciated. Thank you all so much!
Doctor D
Thank you in advance for your support and responsiveness.
We are planning a trip to Quito next year and Mindo has been added to our itinerary. We are new to Mindo as a birding destination and looking for guidance on accommodations. The travel consultant recommended an Eco-Lodge, and of course there are many. But also see that the birding opportunity appears to go well beyond lodge-based experiences.
My wife is a lifelong nature photographer although I would not describe us as avid birders but she has photographed many birds. Also, my wife can only handle about a 1/2 day of shooting before she is worn out and Galapagos will follow this part of the journey and don't want her worn out before she gets there. So here's the first question. If it's our first time to the area, and given the physical restraints, does a lodge make sense because it sits on a large parcel of land and allows you to experience more birds than we have ever seen in our lives without having to traverse from one place to the next, makes it easier to take breaks, etc. and be back in our room as needed? The second question, if the answer to the first question is yes, what full service lodges (guides, restaurant on-site) might you recommend. As I said, there are many and all seem to have their quirks. Any guidance is appreciated. Thank you all so much!
Doctor D