Milpe Bird Sanctuary
Fact Sheet
- Creation Date: March, 2004
- Hectares Protected: 100 ha (247 ac)
- Altitude: 1150 m.a.s.l (3772 ft)
- Habitat Type: Montane Evergreen Forest of the Western Andes Range
- Important Bird Area: Los Bancos - Milpe (EC041)
COME VOLUNTEER WITH US
We have an active and successful volunteer program and have had the pleasure of receiving volunteers from several continents. We look forward to working with you, so please contact us to inquire.
Land of many manakin leks…
Both Club-winged and Golden-winged manakins are relatively easy to observe, photograph and enjoy. Seasonally, the White-bearded Manakin is here too, popping and whirring. Over the years we´ve hosted different ornithologists studying and filming these gems, and they never disappoint, so come to Milpe to see them live!
Mindo Cloudforest Foundation invites birders and nature lovers to explore and enjoy the Milpe Bird Sanctuary. This is our Chocó-Andean foothills reserve and official headquarters, located in the Birdlife International defined Important Bird Area Los Bancos-Milpe (EC041).
Opened in March 2004, Milpe protects 100 ha (247 ac), now including the adjacent ‘Milpe Gardens’ which has easier access to the Chalhuayacu river valley and makes a great addition to our already ample trail system.
The Bird Sanctuary covers an altitudinal range from 1020-1150 m.a.s.l and is located 700 m off km 91 of the main Calacalí-Los Bancos highway on an all-weather road. Birding guides consider this one of the finest sites in all of Ecuador and many of the most spectacular Chocó Endemics occur here: Plumbeous Forest-Falcon, Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Glistening-green Tanager, Chocó Trogon, Club-winged Manakin and Long-wattled Umbrellabird to name just a few.
At Milpe Bird Sanctuary, beyond the great birding, you can buy t-shirts and locally hand-crafted memorabilia and get refreshments at the gift shop. We offer lodging and facilities for tourists, researchers, students, interns and volunteers. With some pre-arrangement, we are happy to cook full meals for visiting groups. Why bring a boxed lunch full of junk food or run into town to eat?
At Milpe Gardens we continue to develop our Experimental Station which includes laboratory space, a classroom for meetings and workshops, a tree nursery and lodging facilities.
Entrance tickets can be purchased at either of the two entrance areas and parking lots. Look for the MCF signs.
COME STAY WITH US
At Milpe, we have several comfortable rooms with private baths and also student cabins with shared facilities. Please contact us to inquire.
Entrance Fees
We charge entrance fees to help defray our operating and maintenance costs:
Per site: $15
Combo ticket: $25 (gives you multiple entrances to all sites for a three-day period)
Map & Directions
From the Vía Calacalí km 91, take a right next to small chapel (across the street from public school) and go 700 meters Northwest on gravel road to our parking area with wooden “MCF” sign.
