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El Monte Lodge

  • El Monte Lodge
  • El Monte Lodge
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Rustic, eco-friendly lodge in a remote nature reserve, with an emphasis on simple and sustainable living combined with comfort and attractive contemporary style.

The rustic, eco-friendly El Monte Lodge is set on the Río Mindo within a lush private nature reserve. It places an emphasis on its simple and sustainable living, and has a distinct air of remoteness – even reaching the property is an adventure, entailing a memorable river crossing via a wooden swing operated by ropes and pulleys.

Once within the grounds, an idyllic scene unfolds: the main lodge with its dramatic pitched roof is surrounded by lustrous, mist-shrouded greenery, dissected by the river which flows past the lodge’s six thatched cabins.

These follow a traditional indigenous design and look very much at home within the surrounding cloud-forest, alive with the movement and song of the area’s abundant bird population. The lodge is powered by solar panels and hydroelectricity. There’s a bar, lounge and games area within the giant, open-sided cedar wood main lodge, cosily kitted out with sofas and two open fire pits. This is also the only area to get Wi-Fi and the setting for set menu meals (no red meat), prepared using produce from the lodge’s own garden

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • "The owners of El Monte were most welcoming. The lodge was run on the most positive ecological lines and the simple cooking delicious.”

    JH, Chester Nov 2013
  • Wonderful place and setting. An extra night would have been better....As it was, we saw little of El Monte as we had to leave at 5am next day. This was…

    MP, Hemel Hempstead Nov 2016
  • Wonderful retreat in such peaceful surroundings. Food is superb and hosts very genuine, friendly people committed to their business.

    KS Southampton Jan 2015
  • Accessed by a rope-drawn seat across a river, El Monte is a fabulous eco-lodge set in lovely grounds. The owner, Tom, is extremely helpful and great company. The food is…

    JB, Newcastle Apr 2019
  • Lovely place to finish our holiday. If only we had another day there!

    TC, St Albans Oct 2016
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Our Expert's Opinion

Jamie
Jamie Swan - Product & Marketing

Jamie backpacked across Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina and Brazil before joining us; he has a degree in politics and is also a keen sportsman..

Papagaio

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Bartolome, Galápagos

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  • Steve Yates
    Steve Yates - Travel Expert

    Steve has travelled extensively over the years, experiencing destinations in many different ways. From backpacking through basic hostels, hitchhiking and taking overnight buses, to enjoying stays in some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and lodges, he has developed a deep appreciation for every style of travel

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    Mary Anne Nelson - Travel Expert

    Born in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Mary’s insider knowledge and dry sense of humour make her a highly valued member of the Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tour sales team.

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    Julia Golden - Travel Expert

    Julia’s passion for Latin America was sparked during an unforgettable year-long journey that began in Brazil and continued all the way to Mexico. Along the way, she experienced the continent in many different ways, from vibrant cities and remote villages to breathtaking landscapes and hidden natural wonders. Exploring such a diverse range of destinations gave her a deep appreciation for the region’s cultures, people and scenery, and inspired her love of creating memorable travel experiences for others.

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    Chris Rendell-Dunn - Travel Expert

    Anglo-Peruvian Chris grew up in Lima and spent much of his adult life in between London and Cusco as a tour leader, before settling permanently in our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours sales team.

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    Sally Watkins - Travel Expert

    A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.

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    Hannah Donaldson - Travel Expert

    Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is a much valued Travel Expert in our Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tours sales team.

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