Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN QUITO – TRANSFER TO HOTEL
Arrival in Quito, one of South America’s most attractive colonial capitals. Nestled at the foot of the Pichincha volcano, Quito is the second-highest capital in the world at 9,000 feet above sea level. Hotel check-in is usually available in the afternoon. Settle in and relax; dinner tonight is at your leisure. Accommodations at Mercure Hotel
DAY 2: ZUROLOMA – ALAMBI – LAS COTINGAS RESERVES – LOWER MINDO VALLEY Driving up out of Quito we pass over the western ridge of the Andes, we make our way northwest to the Zuroloma Reserve, nestled on the slopes of Pichincha Volcano. This lush cloud forest, framed by snowcapped peaks, is an exceptionally beautiful and diverse ecosystem. Here, a remarkable variety of tanagers and hummingbirds may be encountered, including Buffwinged Starfrontlet, Goldenbreasted and Sapphire-vented
Pufflegs, Great Sapphirewing, Tyrian Metaltail, Shining Sunbeam, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, and the extraordinary Sword-billed Hummingbird. With a good measure of luck, we may even find the rare and highly localized Black-breasted Puffleg. We will also keep a close watch for mixed-species feeding flocks, often composed of temperate forest specialties such as White-throated and White-banded Tyrannulets, Superciliaried Hemispingus, Rufous Wren, Pearl Treerunner, Golden-crowned Tanager, White-browed Spinetail, Black-crested Warbler, and Scarlet-bellied, Black-chested, and Hooded Mountain-Tanagers, along with the attractive and highly sought-after Giant Conebill. We also hope to encounter the elusive Chestnut-naped Antpitta during our visit.
Next, we pass over the western ridge of the Andes and drop down onto the pacific slope along the Tandayapa road. Over the years this forested valley has gained an impressive reputation for the quality and number of birds that can be seen along its length including Toucan Barbet, Plate-billed MountainToucan, Masked Trogon, Whitecapped Dipper, Cinnamon
Flycatcher, many species of tanager and even the rare White-faced Nunbird. Located in the Andean
Chocó ecosystem we’ll find the Alambi and Las Cotingas Reserves which preserves the cloud forest in the famous Tandayapa Valley, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and marvel with the beauty of species like the Golden-headed Quetzal and Crested Quetzal, Violetbellied Hummingbird, Andean Emerald, Whitenecked Jacobin, Flame-rumped Tanager, Tropical Parula and others.
We will have our lunch en route and aim to arrive in the lower Mindo valley in the late afternoon. We will spend the rest of the day birdwatching leisurely around the lodge and admiring an array of hummingbirds and other species. We will watch for Violettailed Sylph, Collared Inca, Velvet-purple Coronet, Empress Brilliant, Brown Violetear, Booted Racket-tail, and the evocatively named Gorgeted Sunangel as well as numerous tanagers moving through the canopy. We settle into our comfortable Sachatamia for three nights. (B, L, D)
DAY 3-4: UPPER & MIDDLE PART OF MASHPI ROAD – TO THE LOWER ELEVATIONS
The lush hilltops and forests along the Chocó Biosphere Reserve offer almost unparalleled birding and an exciting three days are in prospect as we follow the network of trails that criss-cross the area. The hummingbird list will increase further as we encounter species such as Andean Emerald, Purple-throated Woodstar, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird and Speckled Hummingbird. Tanagers are also well represented in this tropical forest habitat. One of the most striking of these is the well-named Grass Green Tanager, whilst other equally bright family members include Blue-winged Mountain- Tanager, Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager and also much smaller but yet colorful Golden, Berylspangled and Golden-naped Tanagers. Given ideal weather conditions, birding in this area can be hectic with huge mixed-species feeding flocks moving through the forest. Over 450 species of birds have been recorded within the whole valley
and so we will make full use of our time here in search of such species as Crimson mantled and Powerful Woodpeckers, Strong-billed Woodcreeper, Toucan Barbet, Golden-headed Quetzal, Streaked Tuftedcheek, Red-billed Parrot, Scalynaped Amazon, Slate-throated Whitestart, Western Hemispingus, Beautiful Jay and many more!
We will visit spectacular first-class birding and wildlife locations like Las Cotingas, Fruttitour, Sacha Guatusa, Santa Elena, Manduriacu River and the lower Silanche area, affording us a wide spectrum of habitats to be birded. Observing birds and different species of wildlife and plants in these reserves also allows us to contribute to local conservation initiatives aimed at preserving habitats in the long run. Some of the species buzzing around are the Tawny-bellied Hermit, Green-tailed Trainbearer Andean Emerald, Velvet-purple Coronet, Gorgeted Sunangel, Purple bibbed Whitetip, Fawnbreasted Brilliant, Brown and Collared Incas, Booted Racket-tail, Violettailed Sylph, Hoary Puffleg, Wedge-billed Hummingbird and Purple-throated and White-bellied Woodstars!
One morning during our stay at Sachatamia Lodge will entail a very early start for a drive to reach an exciting ecotourism destination, where Marcelo transformed his land into a place for birdwatching, to safeguard flora and fauna. He created the Fruttitour and Birdwatching project where you will learn about various local fruits trees, flowers as well as admire species such as: Brown Wood-Rail, Yellow-throated Toucan, Golden-
olive Woodpecker, Blue-gray Tanager, Ecuadorian Thrush, Orange-billed Sparrow, Saffron Finch, Long-billed Starthroat, among others.
The forested ridges around the town of Mindo itself will also warrant time for a full exploration on foot. The birding is wonderful here. As the sunlight penetrates the canopy it may illuminate the splendid plumage of a Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, whilst a pair of Toucan Barbets may reveal their presence by their loud duetting calls. As the mist rolls in, swirling flocks of dazzling Golden, Flame faced, Golden-naped, Beryl-spangled, Blue-capped and Fawnbreasted Tanagers may be seen feeding on the fruits of the silvery-leaved Cecropia trees. Sets of hummingbird feeders around the lodge provide a thrilling spectacle with White-whiskered and Stripe-throated Hermits, Green-crowned Brilliant, Green-crowned Woodnymph and other species we may see in this area include Crested Guan, Barred and Roadside Hawks, Band-tailed, Plumbeous and Ruddy Pigeons, Red-billed Parrot, Golden-headed Quetzal, Masked Trogon, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Azara’s and Red-faced Spinetails, Rusty winged Barbtail, Uniform Treehunter, Longtailed Antbird, Spillmann’s and Nariño Tapaculos, White-tailed Tyrannulet, Bronze-olive Pygmy-Tyrant, Smoke coloured Pewee, Black Phoebe, Streaknecked, Cinnamon, Ornate and Goldencrowned Flycatchers, Green-and-black Fruiteater, Olivaceous Piha, Turquoise and Beautiful Jays, Mountain Wren, Grey-breasted Wood-Wren, Brown-
capped Vireo, Black-crested and Three-strip d Warblers, Spectacled and Slate-throated Whitestarts, Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, Dusky Bush-Tanager, Superciliaried, and Black-eared Hemispinguses, Tricoloured Brush-Finch and Masked and White-sided Flowerpiercers. (B, BL, D)
DAY 5: PAZ DE LAS AVES ANTPITTA REFUGE – QUITO
Ángel Paz, a resident of Nanegalito, a small town near Mindo, once had other plans for his beautiful reserve in the forest-clad hills of northwest Ecuador, including agriculture
and valuable hardwoods. Talking to neighbours involved in ecotourism, Ángel came to realize that his land might have an even greater value and a sustainable future. He first allowed visitors onto his land to see a small Cock of the Rock lek. He soon discovered that visitors were interested in other birds and at this point he embarked on a quest that nobody else had ever thought possible: to earn the confidence of these secretive, almost mythical birds, luring them out of their shadowy haunts with food and gentle whistling so that birders could enjoy
them in all their splendor. It took time, effort and patience and after several months of hard effort with not a day missed, he had three of Ecuador’s most coveted antpittas coming in for their morning breakfast of fat earthworms – Giant, Moustached and Yellow-breasted. To put this feat into context, Giant Antpitta was only rediscovered in the early ’90s after decades of being essentially “lost”. With no record of its voice – even less was known of Moustached – a few old specimens from Colombia were the only clue to its existence. Yellow-breasted meanwhile was only recorded within Ecuador in the 1980s!
Paz de las Aves Refuge has developed one of the most impressive examples of set- piece birding anywhere in the world. We may also have an opportunity to see Andean Cock of the Rock at a hide adjacent to a small lek. As the morning unfolds, walks along the trails may reveal Golden-headed Quetzal, Olivacious Piha, Toucan Barbet and Blackchinned Mountain-tanager. After this, we will walk back to the entrance to enjoy a sumptuous breakfast. Further time will then be spent in and around the reserve in search of such species as Scaled and Orange-breasted Fruiteaters, colorful tanagers and various species of hummingbirds around the property.
Late in the evening, after a thorough exploration of the Chocó Biosphere Reserve, we arrive at our friendly guesthouse San Jose de Puembo Hotel (B, BL, D)
DAY 6: TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT – FLIGHT TO COCA – TRANSFER TO SACHA LODGE Our flight to the Amazon departs from Quito’s airport in the morning. A 35-minute flight takes us over the Andes and down to the port town of Coca, properly named
Puerto Francisco de Orellana, after the discoverer of the Ecuadorian Amazon. The hot, humid jungle air will hit us as we step from the plane. Met by locally-based naturalist guides, we’ll be taken to Sacha’s private house to use the facilities and grab a quick lunch. From there we will be taken down to the docks where we board a covered motorized canoe for the 2hour, 50-mile journey downstream to Sacha. The River Napo is Ecuador’s principal Amazon tributary and at this point, it is about 1/3 of a mile wide. Its waters are sediment rich and during the dry season, huge sandy beaches are exposed. We will look for various birds such as Greater Yellow-headed Vulture, Black and
Yellow-headed Caracaras, Cocoi and Capped
Herons, Ringed and Amazon Kingfishers, and birds of prey as we continue downstream.
Upon arrival at Sacha’s 5,000-acre reserve, we will take our first walk along a raised boardwalk through dense flooded palm forest where several species of monkeys are often seen including Squirrel Monkeys and White-fronted Capuchins.
The path leads to the tranquil blackwater oxbow lake of Pilchicocha where traditional dugout canoes (with paddlers!) await to take us across to the far side of the lake where the lodge lies partially concealed in the rainforest. After a welcome drink, we will do some birdwatching around the lodge before sunset. The swampy land around Pilchicocha supports a large group of Hoatzin, that strange Archaeopteryx-like bird, plus Greater and Smooth-billed Anis, Red-capped Cardinal, Black-
capped Donacobius, Magpie Tanager, Straight-billed Woodcreeper, Violaceous Jay, Great and Lesser Kiskadees and many more.
After our first of Sacha’s superb buffet meals, we will retire to bed in comfortable cabins with the sounds of the rainforest echoing around us. (B, BL, D)
Note: There are two types of guides at Sacha Lodge, and it is essential that we assign you the correct type of guide to ensure that you get the best out of your rainforest stay. The majority of visitors to Sacha Lodge enjoy a “general” rainforest experience, in the company of an English-speaking naturalist guide and a local indigenous guide. In this scenario, you can expect some birdwatching, mammal-searching, a visit to the canopy tower, talks on medicinal plants and soil ecology, and a visit to the butterfly house.
The other type of guide is a knowledgeable birding guide, with a full tape/CD library of bird calls. With him, you can expect largely dawn to dusk birding, including calling out the more secretive species with tapes/CDs, in order to see as many species as possible in the period of your stay.
Generally, on this Andes & Amazon tour we tend to attract quite keen birders, the majority of whom like the full-on birding experience at Sacha Lodge. However, a percentage of most groups (sometimes up to half) prefer the more rounded visit with a general naturalist guide. In order to make the necessary arrangements please let us know as soon as possible if you think that you might prefer a break from the birding, and would prefer a more general experience or if you would prefer the “hardcore birding” experience (we would need to confirm a private birding guide -for the whole stay- at extra cost).
DAY 7 – 9: SACHA LODGE
A typical day at Sacha begins at sunrise or earlier (your guide will give you a detailed briefing each evening). After a laid-back lunch, a siesta or relaxation time is usually enjoyed during the heat of the day before afternoon activities begin between 3 pm and 4 pm.
The highlights of the lodge are many. An unforgettable morning or afternoon (or both) will be spent in Sacha’s 43- metre canopy tower. This amazing structure is constructed around a giant kapok tree and affords splendid views of the surrounding rainforest canopy. Toucans, tanagers, flycatchers and raptors abound as well as many highly sought-after canopy-dwelling species such as Plumthroated and Spangled Cotinga, Whitebrowed Purpletuft, Amazonian Umbrellabird
and Dugand’s Antwren. With some luck, Red Howler Monkeys, Squirrel Monkeys, Pygmy Marmosets and Three-toed Sloth may also be seen from the tower. A favourite activity of Sacha’s guests is to paddle to or from the tower by dugout canoe along the beautiful tannin-rich blackwater creek called ‘orchidia’.
Sacha also has one of the best canopy walkways in western Amazonia, being one of the very few rigid, self-standing suspension walkways in the world. Two of the three towers have observation platforms every 12 metres, making the towers accessible for all. The 900-feet long walkway is suspended at 36 metres above
the forest floor and it is designed as a sturdy walkway enabling guests to move along at their own pace while enjoying the spectacular views.
An extensive trail system meandering through both terrafirma and flooded forest provides challenging inner-forest birding for antbirds, foliage gleaners, manakins and woodcreepers. The same trails lead us past many medicinal plants and give us opportunities to discuss with our local guides the fascinating ethnobotany and soil ecology of the Amazon basis. Buttress roots, leafcutter ants, a chance encounter with a vine snake, boa, tree frog or an inquisitive family of Dusky Titi or Night Monkeys are all on the menu.
The oxbow lake of Pilchicocha, adjacent to the lodge, offers a wonderful post-walk swim. Piranha fishing (catch and release!), using very basic tackle, is also on offer for those inclined! The lake supports all of the usual Amazonian waterside birds, the star being Hoatzin.
We will also arrange, subject to eather conditions, an earlymorning trip to the Yasuni
National Park parrot lick, located 30 minutes downstream from
Sacha. In ideal conditions (sunny and dry), dozens of parrots and parakeets can be seen eating the exposed clay. Parrots eat a variety of toxic and acidic fruits and the
clay acts as an ‘antacid’ to neutralize these toxins in their bodies. Parrots can be seen gathering around the clay bank between 7 am and 8 am for a stunning display of sound and colour. We must have dry, sunny conditions though!
On the way to the parrot lick, keener birders will want to call in on the river islands in the Napo. These ever-changing islands of shifting sand and caña brava have their own distinct avifauna with spinetails, flycatchers and, with luck, Castlenau’s Antshrike and Grey-breasted Crake.
Another attraction of the lodge is one of Ecuador’s largest butterfly houses. We will spend an afternoon in the flying area admiring the butterflies and taking advantage of the photographic opportunities.
After dark, when the evening frog and insect chorus will be in full swing, a night walk in the forest is a whole new experience again and we shall also take to the waters of Pilchicocha at night to search for the Spectacled Caiman with powerful spotlights. When the sky is clear over Sacha at night, the Milky Way overhead is stunning so some gentle astronomy is on the cards. (B, BL, D)
In short, there will be plenty to keep us entertained!
DAY 10 – 11: OVERLAND TRANSFER FROM COCA TO CABAÑAS SAN ISIDRO, WITH A
TWO-NIGHT STAY
One final walk along the boardwalk through the flooded palm forest will bring us back out to the River Napo for our journey upstream to Coca. From here we board a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. Once packed and on board, we head east over the Amazonian floodplain. If the weather is clear, the Andes will gradually loom into view, with the isolated volcanic peak of Sumaco (12,600 ft. – dormant) to the north of our route. After a couple of hours of fairly uneventful travel, we will reach the Andean foothills and start to gain altitude, finally reaching Cabañas San
Isidro, which nestles at 6,800 ft in the picturesque Quijos Valley, one of the westernmost headwaters of the Amazon basin.
Cabañas San Isidro was founded over forty years ago by the Bustamante family of Quito when the uncharted lands of eastern Ecuador were first made available to the public by a government campaign to convert unclaimed lands into productive farms. With a deep concern for proper natural resource management as well as for the urgent need to protect the unique flora and fauna of the zone, Simón Bustamante (one of the pioneer modern-day explorers of the Ecuadorian Amazon) left the majority of his 1,300-hectare property untouched despite the pressure from many levels to clear the forest for what was then considered a land improvement.
Over the years and through a slow evolution, Cabañas San Isidro has matured into a comfortable birding/nature-oriented lodge surrounded by some of the largest and most accessible tracts of primary, humid subtropical forest in Ecuador. Simón’s daughter, Carmen, our host, has managed the lodge for the last 20 years. It is into this comfortable and superbly-located base that we settle for the next 2 nights.
Cabañas San Isidro and its immediate surroundings boast a bird list of about 310 species, many of which are more easily found here than anywhere else in Ecuador. Branching out from the lodge, trails lead through elevational gradients that passthrough habitats from 2,400 meters all the way down to 1,850 meters. This means birders have an ideal base to observe Andean birds from the lower reaches of the temperate zone down into the heart of the subtropical zone. Birds such as Highland Tinamou, Greater Scythebill, Bicolored Antvireo, Peruvian and Giant Antpittas, and White-rimmed Brush-Finch are a few of the exciting rarities that make their homes at San Isidro Lodge. The White-faced Nunbird might even put in an appearance as it has been seen at San Isidro more in recent years than at any other single site on the east slope in Ecuador.
While rarities are fun to aim for, they are indeed hard to come by and not to be expected! What really makes San Isidro Lodge such a joy to birds though are the hundreds of other bird species that one has a good chance of seeing while quietly strolling down the forest trails and forested roadsides. Pick a direction to start walking from the cabins, and there will be birds all around! Right from the cabin doorstep, you can start looking out for White-capped Parrot, Powerful Woodpecker, Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher, Pale-edged Flycatcher, Smoky Bush-Tyrant, Green-and black Fruiteater, Inca Jay, Black-billed Peppershrike, Andean Solitaire, and Saffron-crowned Tanager.
A short walk from the cabins, the forest awaits, whether along with one of the winding trails or simply right from the roadside. Here mixed understory and canopy flocks seemingly drip from the foliage, frugivores – large and small – raid trees and bushes for the ‘fruit-of-the-month’ and skulkers steal about in the shade of low vegetation betraying their presence by an occasional whistled song. Be especially on the lookout for Sickle winged Guan, Crested and Golden-headed Quetzals, Masked Trogon, Highland Motmot, Black-billed Mountain-Toucan, Streak-capped and Striped Treehunters, Long-tailed Antbird (a bamboo specialist), Chestnut-crowned, Whitebellied, and Slate-crowned Antpittas, Barred Antthrush, Marble-faced & Variegated Bristle-Tyrants and Sulphur-bellied Tyrannulet (only a few of a long list of varied tyrannids to be found in the mixedspecies flocks), Black-chested Fruiteater, Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonia, Dusky Piha, Palefooted Swallow, Golden-collared Honeycreeper, a wonderful selection of colorful tanager species including Redhooded and White-capped and Northern Mountain and Subtropical Caciques. All of these species, among many others, are residents here and are commonly seen by visitors.
Of all of the known sites where Andean Cock-of-the-Rock is found in Ecuador, the small congregation of brilliant orange, screaming individuals at San Isidro’s mating lek (most active between Oct-Mar.) are relatively easily accessible, being only a twenty-minute walk from the cabins down an easy-to-walk trail. Once the morning activity has waned, around 10 am, it’s time to watch the skies for soaring raptors that take flight over the lodge’s forests on sunny days: Plain-breasted, Barred, and White-rumped Hawks, and Black and chestnut Eagle are all readily seen during a stay of a few days. With some extra luck, a Semicolloared Hawk or even a Solitary Eagle might glide into view.
One does not need to go any further than the front porch or the hummingbird garden to enjoy the dazzling array of hummingbird species. 18 of the known 30 hummer species of the area are either resident or seasonal visitors to the feeders: Sparkling Violetear, Speckled Hummingbird, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Bronzy and Collared Incas, Buff-tailed (the rare eastern flavescens race) and Chestnut-breasted Coronets, Tyrian Metaltail, Long-tailed Sylph and Gorgeted Woodstar can be found at the feeders for
much (or all) of the year, while species such as Brown and Green Violetears, Rufousvented, Whitetip, Violet-fronted Brilliant, White-tailed Hillstar, Mountain Velvetbreast, Wedge-billed Hummingbird and White-bellied Woodstar show more seasonality and tend to be present in smaller numbers. The hummingbird garden is a great place to relax after a long hike or during a rainy spell.
San Isidro and its surroundings abound with nightbirds, including Andean Potoo (rare, but sometimes staked-out), Rufous-bellied Nighthawk (almost every dawn and dusk around the cabins), and Rufous-banded and Mottled Owls (both of which inhabit the immediate surrounding forests), but the most exciting night attraction in recent years has been a large and beautiful species of owl that is only currently known from the forests next to the lodge, from where it emerges in the early evening, and then hunts (right next to the cabins!) on a nightly basis. On two occasions the resident pair have even raised young. Similar in appearance to the Black-banded Owl, many top ornithologists believe it to represent a new species to science and studies are underway to determine its identity. During a multi-night stay such as ours, guests have a very good chance of seeing this owl, and at very close range. There are some possible sightings from other areas, but nowhere else has this ‘mystery owl’ recently been seen with certainty. What better way to finish a day of birding than with a gorgeous new species of owl?
The majority of the forests here are what most newcomers to the tropics envision: large hardwood trees draped with lush mosses that support a seemingly endless number of orchid and bromeliad species. Orchids and other flamboyant epiphytes reach their peak diversity at these mid-elevation habitats, and the accessibility of these species for photography and admiration are among the many benefits of staying at San Isidro.
Other distinct and fascinating habitats to explore include the vast Chusquea (bamboo) stands and riverine edge forests; each supports its own complement of flora and fauna. Around one corner a brightly colored hummingbird may be sipping nectar from a gaudy red epiphyte bloom; around another, a tanager flock might be gulping fruits at a canopy tree, flashing their gaudy blues, yellows, and greens. Along the rushing rivers and streams of the area, watch for Torrent Duck and White-capped Dipper, both are regulars. San Isidro’s antpitta feeders are another key attraction; here we will likely see White-bellied Antpitta only feet away, and maybe even the very rare Peruvian.
An action-packed couple of days of rewarding birding is promised at San Isidro, with a comfortable, homely, and superbly-located lodge to return to each evening. Two nights at San Isidro Lodge (B, L, D)
DAY 12: SAN ISIDRO – TERMAS DE PAPALLACTA
After enjoying one last morning around the cabins at San Isidro, we drive up the east Andean slope today for lunch at Guango Lodge. Guango Lodge, about 1 hour away from San Isidro, lies at a higher elevation (about 2,700 meters). This area is in a zone classified as a humid temperate forest, a habitat distinctly different from San Isidro and characterized by its more stunted trees (and thicker canopy), cooler climate, and different bird and plant composition.
As we gain altitude and near the continental divide, species like Black-chested BuzzardEagle, Viridian Metaltail, and Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanager become possible. Before and after lunch, we’ll have a good crack at Guango’s hummingbird feeders, which can include Tourmaline Sunangel, Sword-billed Hummingbird, and White-bellied Woodstar.
After a bird-filled visit to Guango, we continue up towards the pass at Papallacta, where we stay for the night at the thermal springs. A freshly cooked trout, a bottle of chilled Chilean wine, and a soak in the hot water under the equatorial stars – there cannot be too many better ways to finish a day’s birding! Night at Termas de Papallacta (B, L, D)
DAY 13: TERMAS DE PAPALLACTA – PUEMBO Our focus today is the high, windswept paramo. Among the many bird possibilities, we will be particularly on the lookout for Andean Condor, Carunculated Caracara, Andean Gull, Black-tailed Trainbearer, Scrub & Blueand-Yellow Tanagers, and Southern Yellow-Grosbeak. On clear days the scenery is spectacular (photographers will
be particularly happy), with superb views
of the snow-capped Volcán Antisana. This area, known as the Papallacta Pass by birders, is rich in paramo birdlife, and with decent weather, we can expect to see some of the following: Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, Ecuadorian Hillstar, Tawny Antpitta, Many-striped Canastero, White-chinned Thistletail, Red-rumped Bush-Tyrant, Black-billed ShrikeTyrant, Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant, some interesting seedeaters, and even Giant Conebill.
Late in the afternoon, we drive back to the outskirts of Quito to a comfortable birders’ guesthouse. San Jose de Puembo Hotel (B, L, D)
DAY 14: ANTISANA NATIONAL PARK – TRANSFER TO QUITO’S AIRPORT (DEPARTURES) Leaving Quito early this morning we drive east through the city and up to the eastern ridge of the Andes to the hulking snowcapped mass of Antisana volcano. With good luck, we may find an Andean Condor soaring over the crags and Black-faced Ibis wandering around the plains. Other species to look for in the Antisana National Park include Aplomado Falcon, Cinereous Harrier, Black-chested Eagle, Giant Hummingbird, Chestnut-winged and Stout-billed Cinclodes, Streaked-backed and Many striped Canasteros, Glossy Flowerpiercer, Band-tailed Seedeater, Tawny Antpitta, Spot-billed Ground Tyrant, Blackbilled Shrike-Tyrant, White-crested Elaenia, Blue-mantled Thornbill, Ecuadorian Hillstar, Red-crested Cotinga, Paramo Pipit, and Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe. Paramo Andean Fox is also sometimes seen around this area.
In the late morning, we’ll visit Micacocha lake which lies in full view of Antisana’s glaciers towering above. At the lake, we’re likely to find loafing Andean Coots, Silvery Grebe, Andean Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail, and Andean Ruddy Ducks. We enjoy a delicious lunch at Tambo condor, a small local farm with a great view of the rock walls were Andean Condors roost and nest. In the afternoon we’ll make an effort to see any species thus far missed before winding our way back to the airport in time to check-in for your flight back home. Please schedule flights departing after 7:00 PM. (B, L)
Note: You can combine The Andes & Amazon Exotic program with an extension to the Galapagos Islands. We can customize the package based on your request and send you a quote.
Important Notes and Information:
Ecuador – The Andes and Amazon Exotic – Highlights
This itinerary has been designed to guarantee the best wildlife-viewing opportunities at several of the most gorgeous reserves and landscapes in mainland Ecuador.
° Immerse yourself in the remarkable biodiversity of the Choco Biosphere Reserve, a prestigious biodiversity hotspot, home to a multitude of endemic species and specialties like the Cock-of-the-Rock, tanagers, 45 species of hummingbirds and other Neotropical species.
° A visit to the legendary Angel Paz Antpitta Reserve in Mindo, a must for birding and nature enthusiasts.
° High-altitude birding at Papallacta, with species like the Seedsnipe & Andean Condor.
° 5 days immersed in the heart of the Amazon rainforest at the renowned Sacha Lodge. Located in the Yasuni National Park Biosphere, home to magnificent species of birds, mammals among other wonderful creatures.
° Wonderful cloud forest & mountain scenery as well mesmerizing Amazon landscapes, shapes and colors.
° You will not only witness rare and elusive bird species and wildlife in general but also contribute to the conservation projects that safeguard their habitats. ° Expertly guided by one of our outstanding Ecuadorian naturalist guides.
° We operate with personalized service in small groups, catering to birdwatchers and photographers of all levels.
° Extend your holiday with a visit to the Galapagos Islands.
Departs: All year round
Note: In some departures the Guide may modify the plan on any particular day -during the first part of the journey- based on weather, feeder activity, recent sighting information, newly opened sites, and other factors. There is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary (Mindo-Mashpi Road-Chocó Bioregion areas).
Grading: Level 3. Moderately strenuous. To enjoy the trip to the full you should enjoy spending time in the fresh air on foot. The time spent up on the Papallacta Pass will be at over 4,000 m in altitude. It is not a strenuous tour involving difficult walking or terrain, although there will be some early starts. At Refugio Paz, we will need to walk roughly half a mile (about 1 km) on moderately steep and often slippery trails in order to photograph some of the special birds. There will also be short walks on trails to target a few things at Alambi, FruttiTour & Birdwatching Reserve and Guango.
On the Amazon rainforest, much more walking is required, up to 3 miles (4.8 km) a day, and sometimes on trails that are very muddy (the lodge provides rubber boots), and accessing the canopy tower requires climbing up 135 ft. (43 m.) via a sturdy and well-made staircase.
Weather: During this tour we will experience a variety of different climates. In the mountains out from Quito, temperatures are generally pleasant during the day; cool in the early morning (50s) to warm at midday (60s to 80s at lower elevations). However, at higher elevations (especially in the upper temperate and Paramo zones), the temperatures can drop to the low 40s on occasion, and you should be prepared to layer for warmth with thermal underwear and/or a warm long-sleeved shirt, plus a warm jacket or sweater. Lowland areas can be warm-to-hot temperatures at midday (typically 70s to low 90s) depending on cloud-cover. We may also get caught in an occasional rain shower.
In the Western and Eastern Andes mountains you can shed layers as the day warms up (or add them as it cools down). We can expect the rain to show up mostly in short intervals and often only at night. In the Andes it may even rain in the dry season -on the much wetter east slope- so we may possibly be out in at least some mist or light rain; cloud cover, and even fog can be the norm in the Andes, and preferred for our birding purposes; birds in this region do not like sunny days! so a good umbrella or light rain jacket is essential.
In the Amazon rainforest it is best to be prepared for all kinds of weather. At times it can be hot and sunny, but a cool rainstorm may appear at a moment’s notice during any time of the year. The lodge has air conditioning and a ceiling fan in each room for hot afternoons, but at night (especially after the rain) some guests are surprised at the need for a sweatshirt!
Clothing: The tour covers a wide range of elevations, ecosystems, and habitats on both the western and eastern Andean slopes and therefore presents somewhat varying climatic conditions as we ascend/descend in elevation and we advise you to be prepared to layer your clothing as temperature and weather conditions change.
Dress is casual or informal throughout the tour, we suggest dark or dull-colored field pants and shirts, not whites, and avoid startling patterns that frighten the birds and other wildlife. We suggest lightweight long-sleeved shirts that dry quickly (long sleeves are not essential, but offer additional protection from sun and biting insects). Also important are a hat and sunscreen for sun protection and a rain jacket, poncho, or umbrella.
For the Andes portions of the trip think layering as we ascend the mountains, considering warm, or even lightweight long-sleeved button shirts over a short-sleeve or long-sleeve undershirt in most areas visited, along with a sweater or jacket for layering to provide extra warmth at higher elevations. If you chill easily, you may wish to use thermal underwear or a flannel nightgown for warmth while sleeping at higher elevations (i.e., Papallacta and Antisana). Gloves and a warm hat are also recommended at these locations or for our visit to Yanacocha Reserve.
Note: You will not want to miss out on the thermal baths at Termas de Papallacta (either day or night), so do pack a bathing suit!
Amazon portion: Lightweight pants and long-sleeved cotton shirts are ideal for walks in the forest. Dark or muted-tone trousers and shirts for outdoor use. Plenty of rain ponchos are available at the lodge with no charge if you do not have your own, and they also supply rubber boots for walks in the forest interior. Comfortable shoes (or sandals), shorts and tshirts are fine for walking on boardwalks and around the lodge during meals and free time.
Footwear: Good footwear is essential, we strongly suggest sturdy mud boots or waterproof hiking boots. A second, lighter pair to change into during downtime around the various lodges. Athletic shoes are acceptable but will not keep your feet dry and can become soiled from muddy conditions. Sandals or other open-toed shoes are appropriate around hotels and in towns. In any case, your footgear for the field should at the very least be rated “waterresistant,” as this is a damp climate. Even the dew on the roadside grass will get your feet wet!
What’s included:
° Expert guidance
° Transport service
° Airport transfers and visits described in the itinerary
° Accommodation (in a standard room) and meals, as described in the itinerary
° Drinking water provided during the day
° All entry fees to natural reserves
° Domestic flight Quito – Coca
Not included:
° Soft and alcoholic beverages
° Gratuities
° Wi-Fi (due to the remote location of some of the places we will visit, internet connection may be intermittent and low-bandwidth)
° Personal expenses (extra nights, late checkout, laundry, gifts, private and/or birding guide in the Amazon rainforest, etc.)
° Transfers, accommodation and meals not described in the program
° Travel / Medical Insurance
° International flights
Conditions:
*Please be aware that the itinerary outlines our planned program of excursions. However, due to adverse weather conditions and other local factors, it may be necessary to adjust the schedule during the course of the tour. Rest assured, any changes will be made to ensure the best possible use of available time and weather conditions. The trip itinerary is created months in advance, and while we make every effort to plan thoroughly, unforeseen changes may arise during the trip. These changes could be caused by weather, road conditions, safety concerns, or other circumstances. In such cases, it is the responsibility of the tour leader(s) to carefully assess and implement suitable alternatives. Any additional costs resulting from these changes will be the responsibility of each individual participant. No refunds will be issued due to changes in the itinerary.
*Please be aware that this is a sample itinerary. We can customize the package based on your request and send you a quote.
*Accommodation options are subject to change based upon availability.
*All entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.
*Rates for domestic flights included in this program are subject to change until we have issued the tickets according to the requested travel date.
General notes:
*Baggage: The airlines now strictly enforce baggage regulations. Excess baggage charges, which can be substantial, are the personal responsibility of each participant. Please consult your airline to find out specific weight restrictions. Bear in mind that domestic airlines in Ecuador have a limit of one piece of checked luggage not exceeding 50 pounds (23 kilos) and 17 pounds (8 kg) for hand luggage and 1 personal item (handbag, camera bag, laptop, etc.). The costs for excess weight or a second piece of checked luggage is at your own expense. As a precaution against lost luggage, we suggest that you pack a change of clothes, toiletries, medications, your travel documents, optics, and any other essential items in your carry-on bag. These items are the full responsibility of the guest at all times. Kindly note that tripods are not allowed as carry-on and must be packed in your checked baggage.
*All baggage must be securely packed, and be properly, clearly labeled. Liquid, fragile, perishable and/or other items that are not packed as such will be transported at the guests’ own risk.
*We are not liable for loss or damage to baggage and/or any other personal item during air travel. We are not liable for baggage stored in shore-side facilities.
*We are not liable for the loss of, or damage of, of any aforementioned personal items. We reserve the right to charge for the return of personal items left at the hotels.
*TRAVEL INSURANCE: To safeguard against losses due to illness, accident, or other unforeseen circumstances, we strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance, that covers trip cancellation/interruption, as soon as possible after making a deposit.
* Visa requirements differ by country, nationality of the traveler and duration and purpose of your intended stay. It may be necessary to obtain a visa or an electronic travel authorization in advance of your travel. It is therefore vitally important that you check with your travel agent/consulate/embassy for exact visa requirements.
*Please DO NOT book any flights until GER-EXPEDITIONS Team have officially confirmed the tour.
