Best Eco Lodges in the Americas
Eco Birding's Totally Biased Top 10
Ranking was determined using multiple factors described below.
- Birdy-ness: obviously, the element of utmost importance
- Amenity: no need for a spa but a good feeder is a definite plus
- Value: how good is an eco lodge if we cannot afford to stay there?
($$$) above $200
($$) $100~$200
($) below $100
- Comfort: extreme birding can be fun but for most of us, we need basic level of comfort
- Staff: having knowledgeable staff is a must for any succeful birding trip
- Location: less time spend to get to the lodge, more time for birding
This basic yet comfortable lodge is owned and operated by a local conservation organization, ECOAN, in partnership with American Birding Association. The lodge is known for critically endangered Long-whiskered Owlet but the occational flocks you see here is beyond anything you've ever seen. Stay here does not come cheap but is worth every penny.
The lodge is owned and operated by Colombia's ProAves dedicated to preservation of local birds. The lodge is comfortable and is the most suitable place to base your search for the fabled Santa Marta endemics. Afrer a long day of birding at the San Lorenzo ridge, relax by their feeders watching gorgeous Blue-naped Chlorophonias, Black-capped Tanagers and Bay-headed Tanagers.
The lodge is owned and operated by Ecuador's premier conservation group, Jocotoro Foundation. Of all Jocotoco lodges, this one stood out with its spacious comfortable cabin, outstanding staff and superb birding. Beside exploring the Jorupe Reserve where the lodge is built in, a trip to nearby Utuana Reserve is a must.
This lodge/biological station is owned and operated by the Organization for Tropical Studies, a consortium of universities and research institutions from various countries including the U.S. The cabin is basic but comfortable, meals remind you of the college days and birding in the reserve consisting of over 1,500 ha of tropical rain forest is absolutely fantastic!
This lodge in Amazonian jungle is not for faint-hearted. It's about 2-hour boat ride away from the nearby town. Electricity is luxury as their generator is often down. Mysterious bug bites apeear after a night's sleep. A giant bug is licking your tooth brush when you wake. Despite all that and high price tag, Explorer's Inn is legendary beacause birding here is just ouf of this world amazing.
This no-frills eco lodge is a working farm/ecological reserve and, without a doubt, the best bang for the buck. The accomodation is basic even with eco lodge standrad but birding here is superb and the quality of the resident bird guide is exceptional. Hands down, the best birding lodge in Guatemala.
Another simple and comfortable Jocotoco foundation lodge. This is the place to see the critically endagered elusive Jocotoco Antpitta. Besides the pittas, there are plethora of rare and amazing birds to observe in their vast 3,000 ha reserve.
This unknown eco lodge is truly a hidden gem. Their 800-acre reserve consists of various habitats as dry shrubland, salt flats, mangroves and primary forests; thus, representing a great diversity of bird species. After a busy day of birding, take a dip in the pool to cool down. Food here is fantastic and the service is exceptional.
This worldly renouned Asa Wright Nature Centre is owned and operated by a non-profit trust created by scientists and naturalists alike. Their feeders are always packed with delightful birds (and delighted birders) and their 1,500-acre ground offers multifold of interesting species.
Talari Mountain Lodge is a charming family run lodge in southern Costa Rica. They have one of the best feeders and Turquoise Cotingas have been seen right from their viewing platform. Service here is superb and homemade meal is amazing. There is a nice pool and indoor tennis courts to keep your non-birding travel pals busy. There are plenty of birds on the lodge ground but don't forget to check out nearby Los Cusingos Bird Sanctuary.
