Jocotoco Foundation runs six reserves, four with tourist lodges (www.fjocotoco.org).
Reservations at the foundation's eco-lodges at Tapichalaca and Buenaventura should be made through the Jocotours website at www.jocotoursecuador.com/en. Jocotours also offers all-inclusive and custom reserve-tour packages.
At Tapichalaca Reserve, 50 miles south of Loja, the main lodge, Casa Simpson, is cozy, with a big living room and fireplace. A more secluded room option is also available. Rooms range from singles to triples. The house is equipped with Wi-Fi and a small library.
Buenaventura Reserve, 10 miles south of Piñas, has Umbrellabird Lodge at Buenaventura. It is in a beautiful area of temperate forest overlooking a valley. The patio is spectacular, with couches and a dining area, with excellent views of some of Ecuador's finest hummingbird feeders. Rooms range from singles to triples and are arranged in cabin formations.
Single beds at Tapichalaca and Buenaventura start at $165 (includes meals and entrance to the reserve plus an additional $5/person contribution to conservation); Internet and laundry are additional. Guided birding tours are not included in the flat rate for a bed.
