# Rio Quijos EcoLodge: Birding and Rest in Ecuador's Quijos Valley

> Rio Quijos EcoLodge is a small lodge on the Quijos River in Ecuador's Napo province, about 2 hours from Quito's international airport. It's best for birdwatchers, nature lovers and small groups who want cabins, gardens and forest trails, with yoga as a gentle extra.

Source: https://www.retreatvacations.net/rioquijos-ecolodge/
Last checked: 2026-10-20
Location: Quijos Valley, near El Chaco, Napo, Ecuador
Type: eco lodge, yoga
Official website: https://rioquijosecolodge.com
Best for: Birdwatchers, couples and small groups who like quiet nature stays
Setting: Riverside gardens and 29+ hectares of protected cloud forest
Rooms: Lodge suite, cabin balcony suites and cabin rooms sleeping up to 4
Activities: Guided birding, trails, waterfalls, rafting, coffee tour, yoga platform
Getting there: About 2 hours from Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport

## What it's like

Rio Quijos EcoLodge is a small, quiet lodge on the banks of the Quijos River, in the valley that drops from the high Andes toward Ecuador's Amazon region. The setting is all gardens, forest and river sound: the lodge says the only thing you'll hear at night is the water, and in the morning it's birds. According to its [official website](https://rioquijosecolodge.com), the property protects more than 29 hectares (over 90 acres) of cloud forest registered with Ecuador's environment ministry.

This isn't a structured retreat with a daily timetable. It's a calm base where you can sit with binoculars on your balcony, walk the trails, swing in a hammock, or head out on guided trips. A yoga and event platform, a sauna and a private river beach round things out, and the lodge also hosts weddings, family reunions and group getaways. Its rooms and activities pages were updated during 2026.

## The programs

Birdwatching is the headline. The lodge says more than 100 bird species have been recorded on the property itself, including tanagers, green jays, oropendolas, motmots, torrent ducks, sunbitterns, the Andean cock-of-the-rock and over 30 kinds of hummingbird. Local guides can take you out, and the lodge lists both a 2-day birding tour and a 12-day itinerary covering the paramo, cloud forest and Amazon basin.

Other things to do:

- **Four connected nature trails** running from the river into the forest, with medicinal plants along the way
- **Cueva de los Tayos**, a half-day hike into a canyon cave home to oilbirds
- **Waterfall tours** to Cascada Magica and Cascada Escondida
- **A coffee tour** focused on a local cooperative that grows coffee while reforesting
- **Whitewater rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, fishing and cycling**
- **Yoga** on the lodge's platform

## Who it suits (and who it doesn't)

It's a natural fit for birders, photographers, couples and small groups who want a peaceful nature stay with some adventure on tap. Groups can also book the whole property, including the main lodge, kitchen, sauna, trails and yoga platform, which makes it workable for a self-run yoga or wellness retreat.

If you're after a set yoga schedule, a full spa menu or a packed program run by teachers, this isn't really that. Yoga here is something you do in a lovely spot, not the core offer.

Rooms include the Gallo de la Peña lodge suite with a king bed, sitting area and garden-view balcony; four cabin suites with balconies; and four cabin rooms with two double beds that sleep up to 4. All have private entrances, hot-water bathrooms, wifi and breakfast. Meals and a bar are available, and catering can be arranged for groups.

## Getting there

The lodge sits on Route 45 between San Francisco de Borja and El Chaco in Napo province, about 6 km from El Chaco. From Quito, it's roughly 114 km over the Papallacta Pass, around 2 hours from Mariscal Sucre International Airport. The lodge can arrange private transport from anywhere in Ecuador. Pack rubber boots, binoculars and a light sweater, since the valley can be wet and surprisingly cool.

## Frequently asked questions

### How far is it from Quito?
About 114 km, or around 2 hours from Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport, according to the lodge.

### Is it good for birdwatching?
Yes, that's its main focus. The lodge reports over 100 species on the property and offers guided outings and multi-day birding tours.

### Is breakfast included?
Yes. The lodge lists breakfast with every room type.

### Can I host a group or retreat there?
Yes. You can book the entire property, including the yoga and event platform, sauna, trails and kitchen, with catering available.

### Do I need to speak Spanish?
The website is mostly in English, and the lodge lists a US phone number as well as a WhatsApp line in Ecuador, so English-speaking guests can get in touch easily.