Which bird species do you think is the biggest attraction to visitors of your lodge (please only name one species)?
The Long-wattled Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus penduliger) is undoubtedly the flagship species attracting birders to our lodge. Its spectacular lekking displays can be observed from nearby trails, providing guests with a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience. This rare and iconic bird is a symbol of the rich biodiversity that our conservation efforts at Jocotoco aim to protect.
What is the name of your lodge, and since when has your lodge been operating?
Our lodge is called Umbrellabird Lodge, located within the Buenaventura Reserve. It has been operating since the early 2000s, with a special focus on bird species from the Chocó-Tumbes region, one of the most biodiverse areas in Ecuador.
How best to travel to your lodge?
From Machala: The reserve is about a 1.5-hour drive from Machala. Take the road toward Piñas, and after passing the town of Zaracay, look for the sign for Fundación Jocotoco and the Selva Alegre recreational area on the left. Turn left onto the secondary dirt/gravel road and continue for approximately 5 kilometers until you reach the reserve entrance.
From Piñas: Head toward Zaracay and Machala. About 25 minutes from Piñas, you’ll see a sign for Fundación Jocotoco and Selva Alegre. Turn right onto the secondary road and continue for about 5 kilometers to reach the entrance to the reserve.
Ocellated Tapaculo (Andres Vasquez)
What kind of services – except for accommodation and food – does your lodge offer to visiting birders?
Umbrellabird Lodge offers a variety of services for birders, including hummingbird, tanager, and chachalaca feeders right next to the dining area for close-up viewing. Guests can explore well-maintained rainforest trails and visit an active Long-wattled Umbrellabird lek. Additional amenities include a small nature library, souvenirs, access to local bird guides, and guided interpretive tours within the reserve.
What makes your lodge special?
Umbrellabird Lodge offers a unique blend of lush tropical forest, close-up encounters with hummingbirds, and regular sightings of Long-wattled Umbrellabirds and coatis right around the lodge. Guests enjoy a balance of rustic comfort and direct immersion in one of Ecuador’s most biodiverse ecosystems, making it an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and birders alike.
What are the 10 – 20 most interesting birds that your lodge offers good chances to see?
Birders visiting Umbrellabird Lodge can expect great chances of seeing the Long-wattled Umbrellabird and the El Oro Parakeet, an endemic and threatened species. Other highlights include the Pacific Royal-Flycatcher, Ecuadorian Tapaculo, Rufous-headed Chachalaca, Ochre-bellied Dove, Grey-backed Hawk, and Ochraceous Attila. Close to the lodge is a lek of the threatened Long-wattled Umbrellabird. Different types of feeders are placed near the lodge for birds and mammals, where a diversity of Hummingbirds, Tanagers, and Toucans can be seen alongside Coaties. making the reserve a must-visit destination for bird diversity in the Chocó-Tumbes region.
El Oro Parakeet (Leovigildo Cabrera)
What is the best time to visit your lodge, and why?
The lodge can be visited year-round, as bird activity remains high in both dry and rainy seasons. However, the best season goes from October to March because it´s breeding season, the feeders are more active, and the birds’ plumage is brighter.
Green Honeycreeper
Is your lodge involved in conservation efforts? If yes, please describe them.
Yes. Umbrellabird Lodge is part of the Buenaventura Reserve, which plays a key role in the protection of the remaining Chocó forest. The reserve supports reforestation projects and provides vital habitat for over 330 bird species, including 15 globally threatened species, reinforcing our commitment to long-term biodiversity conservation.
What other suggestions can you give to birders interested in visiting your lodge?
We recommend bringing insect repellent, sturdy waterproof boots, a camera with a fast flash, and clothing suitable for humid conditions. For a truly special experience, join our local guides at dawn to visit the Umbrellabird lek, when activity is at its peak.
Do you have activities for non-birders? If so, please describe.
Yes. Non-birders can enjoy guided hikes through tropical forest trails, with opportunities to spot mammals such as capuchin monkeys, sloths, and coatis. We also offer cultural experiences with nearby communities, providing a deeper connection to the region and its people.
Coatimundi (Pancho Somoza)
If any reader of 10,000 Birds is interested in staying at your lodge, how can they best contact you?
For reservations or more information, please contact us at:
Email: info@jocotoursecuador.com
Phone: +593 99 244 0038
Website: https://jocotoursecuador.com
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