El Nido del Cóndor Ecolodge

You cross a 2,700-meter canyon by gondola to reach a plateau between the Molinos River and the Campanario River canyons. It feels completely cut off from the world below. Getting there means an hour on a dirt road in the right kind of car, then that gondola ride. The Botero family of architects built five safari-style glamping tents on the plateau. Each has wide canyon views, a wood-burning fireplace, and a level of quiet I’d forgotten was possible. Food follows their "kilómetro cero" approach: it's grown on-site or pulled from the river below. A few things come from nearby cities, but this is the most real farm-to-table experience I've had. You can watch kitchen staff pick tomatoes while you wait for dinner. The lodge takes its name from a pair of condors that have nested on the cliff below for more than 20 years. The staff know their whole story by heart. Most mornings you see them at eye level, coming out around 9:00 AM when the sun is out and the wind starts picking up. This is easily the most unique hotel experience I've had.

The safari tent worked perfectly for us, two adults and our teenager. We had decks at both ends for taking in the views, from the volcano to the valley, and everything felt thoughtfully provided: great bedding, cozy blankets, soft lights, a fire, a kettle, coffee and infusions, towels, robes, and good toiletries. The cute hexagonal bathroom has an open window, so you can enjoy the view even in the shower. There were binoculars too, for getting a closer look at everything around us. We spent time learning about the place as well as enjoying it. The pollinators tour covered the grounds and the birds, bees, and butterflies. After dinner there was a moth talk, and we saw the frogs making a chorus. Our guide on the slow, challenging five-hour walk was brilliant, explained the area and wildlife, and we saw the condor fly. The wellness area is beautifully done, and we also tried the sauna. There are other therapies available. The food was delicious, and we loved the nature, birds, sky, walks, spa, and warm hospitality. Staff sent helpful directions and lots of information after we booked. One tip for the drive: pick a high car with good suspension if you haven't rented one yet. The rough road is stressful in a normal saloon, though manageable. And that cable car arrival is something else.

We had a spacious tent with a view I won't forget, and even the bathroom looked out over a beautiful scene. Those details helped make Nido del Condor feel special. Every morning, condors soaring overhead added an almost surreal touch. The owners took time to talk with guests and make sure things were going well. Stefania, Luis, and Sebastian were all welcoming, knowledgeable, and accommodating, and went out of their way to make the visit memorable. The place sits high on a mountain, with extraordinary views and a peaceful feeling that brings you close to nature. I’ve traveled to many places, and this is my favorite destination. The food was a creative and delicious surprise, and the challenging hikes and activities were worth doing if you're after adventure. There are also plenty of chances to watch birds and spend time in nature. It's a memory I'll always cherish, and I can't wait to return.

The gardens kept hummingbirds coming almost constantly, and the meals were remarkable too. Everyone on staff was kind, knowledgeable, and keen to help us explore and appreciate this gorgeous place. Leaving genuinely hurt. We'll be talking about the visit for years.