From the mountains in the Andes to the eastern cloud forest. This tour will take you to the most beautiful scenery and amazing wildlife on the Eastern part of the Andes of Ecuador.
From the mountains in the Andes to the eastern cloud forest. This tour will take you to the most beautiful scenery and amazing wildlife on the Eastern part of the Andes of Ecuador.
Details:
Day 1: Quito – Antisana – Papallacta (B,L,D)
Day 2: Papallacta – Guango – Wild Sumaco (B,L,D)
Day 3: Wild Sumaco (B,L,D)
Day 4: Wild Sumaco– Quito (B,L)
<p>Today we start early in the morning picking you up from your hotel and going to Antisana Ecological Reserve. This day we will go looking for the majestic Andean Condor in one of the most beautiful reserves of Ecuador. The Andean Condor is the bird symbol of Ecuador and is in danger of extinction in the country with no more than 103 individuals. The Antisana Ecological Reserve is a protected area with high diversity of ecosystems, occupying part of the Andes and part of the eastern cloud forest. This time we will be in the Andean Grasslands called “Paramo”, around 4000 meters above sea level (12000 feet).</p><p>The Andean Condor has made this reserve its home because of the many cliffs found here for nesting and we will go looking for them. During the visit, it can be possible to spot some more wildlife in the area (not guaranty) like White Tailed Deer, Andean Fox and a good variety of other birds apart of the Condor and life in these mountains.</p><p>After lunch we will continue our journey to Papallacta hot springs. After approximately an hour and a half ride we will arrive at the resort and will check in. Dinner is included at the resort. This night you will have the chance to relax in the hot springs just outside of your cabin. </p>
<p>After breakfast we will continue to the eastern Cloud forest. On our way we will visit a private reserve called “Guango”, conserving pieces of the Andean Cloud forest, an ecosystem in danger of extinction. Here we will have the chance to observe a great variety of hummingbirds and hike on Andean Forest. Ecuador has an amazing diversity of these birds and it is considered one of the best destinations for birdwatching in the world. After this visit we will go for lunch in a little town called Baeza, located one and half hours approx.</p><p>In the afternoon we will reach our destination in the lower part of the eastern cloud forest at Wild Sumaco. Depending on the time of arrival we will stay in the surroundings of the lodge enjoying the peacefulness of the forest or watching the amazing flight of the hummingbirds living in this reserve. </p>
<p>A full day of birding in the area of Wildsumaco and the surroundings. This is one of the most diverse could forest in the eastern slopes of the Andes. There are many trails to walk around the reserve and areas to visit. The observation deck that is a nice place for relaxing, enjoy the view of the forest and spot some amazing birds. We will also visit the hummingbird feeders and will talk about birds and ecology. The road passing through the reserve offers great birding, and it is one of many areas from which to see mixed flocks. Wildsumaco Lodge is located at a comfortable elevation of about 1480m (4900 feet) and the forest reserve ranges from 1200 to about 1600 meters (3900 to 4900 feet). It has a panoramic view reaching across the Rio Pucuno Valley and to the Andes beyond. The rooms are big and comfortable. The kitchen serves a variety of dishes from around the world. Soft drinks, wine and beer are available at the bar. </p>
<p>After breakfast we can enjoy one last walk in the reserve before we move back to Quito. Lunch will be served in the same town as in the way in (Baeza). Arrival in Quito in the afternoon and end of the tour.</p>
The Trip Cost Include
- Certified bilingual guide
- Private transportation
- 1 night in Papallacta
- 2 nights in Wild Sumaco
- 1 night in Quito
- Meals as mentioned on the program
- Entrance fee to Hummingbird garden
The Trip Cost Excludes
- Other meals not mentioned
- Drinks and alcoholic drinks
- Tips, gratuities and personal expenses
All the activities are from easy to moderate. However this may change according to weather conditions.
The highest point will be Antisana Reserve, located at approximately at 3.900 meters high (12.500 feet high). The lowest point will be Wild Sumaco at 800 meters high (2.560 feet high).
Our guides are Certified Naturalist Guides with extensive experience on the destinations. They have knowledge on flora, fauna and ecology. They speak great English and some of them have knowledge and experience in photography
On this trip we will be changing to different altitudes. For Antisana we recommend to wear layers. Temperature ranges during the day between 12 and 21 degrees Celsius (50 – 70 Fahrenheit). During the rainy season (October through May) the Andes are cloudy and humid and it is recommended to bring rain gear. Wear comfortable hiking or walking shoes (if they are water proof will be much better). In Wild Sumaco the altitude is much lower so weather is war/hot and humid. Light weighed clothes will be good for this part of the trip.
