Extreme weather, disasters and viruses

March 25th, 2017

Some challenges are man made and some are truly powerful, natural occurrences. Last year was full of both.
The big, bad news about the Zika virus, two volcanos that threatened to blow up any minute, the insecurities about the opening and closing of the Cuenca airport, the lingering el Niño threat, an unstable economy and to top it off – a massive 7.8 earthquake on the coast of Ecuador on April 16th 2016…

A handicap accessible room, camping & budget accommodation

May 19th, 2016

After a long break the news are back with lots and lots of exciting and fun stuff…

Permaculture, Banana circles, hammocks and coffee

October 23rd, 2014

Even before we started our renovation some 4 years ago – we decided on a place where we would collect all our organic “garbage”. Partly because we both grew up with the knowledge that anything that decomposes…

Some of the most dramatic before and after pictures…

March 16th, 2014

One of people’s favorite evening entertainment is watching pictures of the renovation and creation of the Santuario Hibiscus. Since Dan is the planner, drawer of the plans, electrician, plumber and carpenter he is seldom at a loss of an answer to the numerous questions people have! This is what 1 1/2 years of renovation look like…

…and another one!

October 3rd, 2013

Let pictures do the talk….

October 1st, 2013

The fruit of our labor

August 21st, 2013

We are very excited! Our idea to create a small, sustainable oasis in this busy world took effect even before we knew…Even after all this time we are amazed at how fast nature develops, plants grow and wildlife returned to our property. Butterflies, geckos and most of all birds – they enjoy our feeders and are a huge attraction with our guests. More and more travelers find their way to the Santuario Hibiscus and enjoy a few days off the beaten track – relaxing in a hammock, taking a stroll through our property or catching a fish for dinner! Our […]

Pale-headed Brush Finch

A visit to the Jocotoco bird reserve

July 2nd, 2013

This beautiful little oasis with open, bushy slopes, large, old trees covered with bromeliads and a small creek is home to many beautiful birds.This small piece of land only came to the attention of biologists in 1998 when the then believed to be extinct Pale-headed Brushfinch (Atlapetes pallidiceps) was rediscovered. During a visit on an early morning in March we had the good fortune to be able to observe a German biologist and her colleague. Birds are caught in special nets to take blood, to weigh and mark them with a ring. The population growths is closely monitored to ensure […]

Where to stay in the Yunguilla Valley, Ecuador: Santuario Hibiscus

April 3rd, 2013

The following video was recently published on youtube:

Mountain biking in the Andes

October 6th, 2012

One very scenic tour starts right at the Santuario Hibiscus. A camioneta (cab) will take you and your bicycle further up our road. Ask the driver to drop you off close to the little village called Tupali. On your way downhill (approx. 8km/5miles) you’ll have plenty opportunity to admire the Andes, the countryside and the way people farm here. You’ll pass old adobe houses – some abandoned and some still lived in…