George Cruz, an Ecuadorian - American Citizen born in New Jersey, United States in 1961 and in 1963 his family returned to Ecuador. He was educated at the American School of Quito and received a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1987 from Central University in Quito. Dr. Cruz completed his post-graduate studies in small animal surgery at New York Flushing Medical Center in 1998. In 1999 he received a Hotel Management license from the Instur Hotel Management School in Quito.

As the Founder of San Jorge Eco-lodge & Botanical Reserve of Quito, Ecuador, in 1990, Dr. Cruz established the historical, archeological, botanical and ornithological research programs at the eco-lodge’s reserves. He oversaw the development of resources to provide medical aid and educational support to residents of surrounding villages. He is also the owner of four private birding reserves in Ecuador known as The Magic Birding & Hiking Circuit.

Dr. Cruz has been a natural and cultural history guide since 1995 and a birding guide since 2000.

A recent commentary from a guest, written about Dr. George Cruz: “The birding is made extraordinary by the creator and owner of these 5 sites, Dr. George Cruz, who happens to be a fabulous ornithological guide . He knows the birds by sight and sound. He is also well versed in the medicinal uses of many plants, which adds yet another layer to his narrative.” Dr. Cruz is the author of several publications: A Cook Book of San Jorge Eco-Lodges which contains traditional Ecuadorian recipes from the different provinces of Ecuador.

Shamanic Medicinal Plants of San Jorge Eco-lodges Book, a complete medical ancestral information , The Yumbos, traditions an interesting information about this preinca group.

The Birds of the Metropolitan District of Quito, this last book with more than 460 bird species photographs, sponsored by the Municipality of Quito.

Bird Life International published Dr. Cruz’s articles on the birds of Ecuador and the role they play in the conservation of the native flora and fauna, entitled ‘Hummingbirds from Ecuador.’ He wrote several articles on Hummingbirds for Aves y Conservacion during 2006. An accomplished paint artist and photographer as well, Dr. Cruz added bird paintings to his repertoire, along with wildlife photography throughout the San Jorge website. In 2003 Dr. Cruz painted and illustrated a Hummingbirds of Ecuador poster that arranges the species by altitude and region at San Jorge’s reserves and several photo posters about raptors and endemic bird of the Magic Birding Circuit., a wonderful complete bird and hike tour covering all climate steps of the world, created by George.

Dr. Cruz is fluent in English, Spanish and French and has traveled extensively throughout Europe, South America, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, China, Africa and the USA, observing tourism and eco-tourism which he has implemented at San Jorge Eco-Lodges & Botanical Reserves.