Wildsumaco Lodge is set on a ridge in the Andes’ Eastern Foothills, with panoramic views across the Rio Pucuno Valley and the Andes beyond. On clear days the distant snow-covered heights of Volcanoes Antisana, El Altar and Tungurahua glow white against the brilliant blue sky. North of the lodge Sumaco Volcano can be seen peeking through the mist. To the south and east the Amazonian lowlands stretch out beyond. Wildsumaco Lodge is located at a comfortable elevation of about 1,480m (4900 feet).
Wildsumaco Lodge was built by birders for birders. There are two cabañas housing a total of 8 twin and 2 double en suite rooms. Private bathrooms have walk-in showers with hot water. There’s a desk that nicely holds a computer, good lighting for reading and outlets to recharge electronics. The beds are comfortable; you will fall asleep to the sound of night creatures. There is a large, open dining and sitting area complete with bar and fireplace. Outside there is a deck overlooking the Andes to the west.
The meals feature fresh home-style cooking, and soft drinks, beer and wine are available to purchase from the bar. The dining room and bar are well-lit, perfect to review notes, photos or do bird lists. Coffee and tea always at hand. While waiting for dinner, browse the gift shop or look through the library. In the mornings Napo Tamarin monkeys come to feed on bananas. Perhaps the Black Agouti will come in as well. Watch birds in the trees across from the deck, and then hit the trails.
Most guests come to Wildsumaco to birdwatch, and after a long day on the trails they enjoy relaxing on the large deck or in the living room. The views are stunning, and lodge guests enjoy watching the hummingbirds at feeders.
Wildsumaco, is quite simply, is a beautiful place with great birds. The reserve encompasses many habitats, from road to grasslands to primary forest. The guides can help locate the most cryptic birds, or you can go in search of them yourself. Due to its location on the Equator, the steep Andean Foothills, and the proximity of the Amazon, the area holds one of the richest avifaunas in the world. Over 425 bird species have been seen here.
Other Wildlife surrounds you – massive trees, vines, flowers, bushes, birds, insects. Although most of larger animal species are nocturnal, during the day you’ll find that almost every square foot of forest is inhabited by scurrying insects and other creatures. Butterflies float even in the deepest forest, an incredible number of moths come at night. Armadillo, collared peccary, kinkajou, several species of opossum, 5 species of cat, deer, two-toed sloth, frogs, and many reptiles and amphibians have been seen here as well. There are giant centipedes, and giant earthworms that emerge after a heavy rain.
Whether birding, taking photos or butterflying, when you visit Wildsumaco, you’ll probably spend most of your time here walking our trails or along the road, soaking in the subtropical beauty of it all.
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