The Magic Roundabout is a British-run Cloudforest retreat, located on the Eastern slopes of the Andes, with views over the Amazon.

Situated 12km south of the town of Baeza, half-way between Quito and Tena, it is surrounded by three large National Parks, which are teeming with wildlife: Antisana, Sumaco-Napo-Galeras, and Cayambe-Coca. Our local community is called 'Las Palmas', which consists of 13 mostly farming families. We follow Community Based Tourism principals, and run a number of volunteer programmes for those who wish to be more involved with the locals and offer a cultural exchange. We can also host students on placements.

If you are wanting to get out of the city and unwind, or stopping over on the way to the jungle, The Magic Roundabout acts as a perfect location. Should you want to leave your hammock, there are a lot of good walks on the property itself and all around. Other activities include fishing, cycling, inner tubing, finding all 3 waterfalls on the land, milking cows and lots lots more. In the main lodge, we have a pool table, table tennis table and darts board for those wanting to stay indoors (which is not recommended!)

The area is known up to now mainly by birdwatchers, and just on the property itself, there are over 180 different species, but with many more yet to be discovered. (Please refer to the birdlist.) The area is also well known to rafters and kayakers who often visit the valley as there are high quality grade 4+ rivers nearby.

We offer home cooked organic food and a cosy homely atmosphere, with a wood burning stove in the main room. The lodge is timber framed and there is a large verandah to relax on in hammocks, enjoy the views, and listen to the sound of the river and the birds. Our pets include llamas, very friendly dogs, cats, a bat and a tortoise. This year, we are expanding our small-holding by having guinea pigs, chickens and sheep.

Tourism is steadily expanding and we are working together with the local community and government to promote the province of Quijos in its entirety.