Welcome to the Chilcabamba
Florilegium Project
What is a Florilegium?
The word ‘florilegium’, literally a gathering of flowers, was first used in 1590 to describe a publication that focused on the beauty of the plants rather than their medicinal value.
Florilegia flourished from the 17th century to the late 19th century and they portrayed collections of rare and exotic plants.
The modern florilegium seeks to record plants in gardens of botanical and historic significance or creating collections which highlight the diversity of their respective countries’ flora or of those that are now rare and endangered.
Where Art Meets Conservation in the Heart of the Andes
Discover the Unseen Beauty of the Andean Highlands
Nestled in the majestic Cotopaxi region, Chilcabamba Mountain Lodge stands as a guardian of the Andes’ fragile beauty. Our journey into conservation began with a vision to reforest and rejuvenate our land, but what we discovered was a treasure trove of indigenous species, silently thriving in our untouched garden. These plants, though less conspicuous than their tropical counterparts, play a crucial role in the high Andean ecosystem, particularly in water conservation—an increasingly vital concern as climate change impacts our glaciers and water supply.
A Unique Conservation Effort Through the Lens of Art
In partnership with a local conservation organization and with the guidance of young conservation biologists and artists, we are creating a collection of botanical artworks that celebrate the unique species of our “garden.”
This Florilegium project goes beyond mere observation; it’s an invitation to explore, understand, and ultimately conserve the high Andean plants and flowers. Each of the ten rooms at our lodge will feature unique artwork of a different species from our land, and be named in honor of these plants. This intimate connection with nature serves not only as decoration but as a profound educational tool.
Join Us on a Journey of Discovery and Preservation
Our commitment is twofold: to protect the untouched beauty of our surroundings and to share with our guests the importance of the Andean ecosystem. Through the Chilcabamba Florilegium, we invite you to:
Explore the Art
Learn the Stories
Walk the Land
By staying with us, you’re not just choosing a unique lodging experience; you’re supporting a larger vision of conservation and education. The Chilcabamba Florilegium project is a testament to what can be achieved when art and environmental stewardship come together. Join us in celebrating and protecting the unseen wonders of the Andes.
This project was possible thanks to our partners at:
