The Junin Cloud Forest Reserve is located in
the North Western slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes. It sits at
between 1200m and 2800m above sea level, in the beautiful Intag
region of the Imbabura province. The climate is tropical and
the cloud forest is filled with many species of flora and fauna.
Primary forest, rivers, and waterfalls make Junin a beautiful
destination for travelers and adventurers. It is an excellent
location for birding, looking for butterflies and orchids as
well.
Junin rests in one of the most biodiverse areas
of the world called the Choco Reserve which Ecuador shares with
Colombia and is considered one of the single most biodiverse
regions in the world.
Travelers can stay at cabins located in the
middle of primary forest staffed by friendly locals. The
cabins are entirely run and operated by the local people of
Junin, and the profits made at the cabins directly contribute
to the successful campaign against mining in the area.
Accommodations:
The cabins are in the middle of
primary forest just up the road from the community. The cabins
have five bedrooms with two sets of bunk beds, and one private
room, with electricity. There is a bathroom and shower with
hot water. There is a large communal dining area for the guests
to eat and relax.
Around the cabins there are a variety
of hammocks perfect for reading and relaxing. There are a few
trails around the cabins for walking, as well as an orchid garden.
The staff is very friendly, and
they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which comes with the
cost of the room. The food is made with locally grown products
and a vegetarian option is available upon request. They serve
the well-known, locally grown and processed Rio Intag coffee.
The price is very affordable $35 per person which
includes the 3 meals a day and trail guide.
For Reservations, Contact
by Phone Rosario Piedra: 0988871860 (Ecuador number) or Olga Cultid: 0997109645
How to get to the
Junin Lodge:
From Quito/Otavalo:
Buses leave from Quito’s main bus terminal Ophelia to Otavalo approximately every fifteen minutes for $3.75. The ride is about 2 hours.
Once in Otavalo, take the Transportes Otavalo Busline from the main bus terminal to Garcia Moreno, which departs approximately every two hours, the ride is about 3 ½ hours and costs $3.75.
There is bus from Quito to Chontal too at the same terminal, which is 3 hours and 3.75$
Once in Garcia Moreno there are two options:
If you arrive at 1:00 pm, there is the departure of the school bus which named "la ranchera" which goes to Junin in 1 hour, for 2$.
The day before you need transport, contact Don Richard at 0968349330, (who speaks spanish only) to take you from Garcia Moreno to junin.
From Chontal, you will have to call Don Richard also the day before you need transport.
