This tour will show you the wildlife of the Western Cloud Forest, a region known as “Chocó”. A hotspot in terms of diversity and endemism. The most diverse groups in the “choco” region are birds, frogs, butterflies in terms of fauna and orchids and bromeliads in terms of flora.
This tour will show you the wildlife of the Western Cloud Forest, a region known as “Chocó”. A hotspot in terms of diversity and endemism. The most diverse groups in the “choco” region are birds, frogs, butterflies in terms of fauna and orchids and bromeliads in terms of flora.
Details:
Day 1: Quito – Yanacocha – Bellavista (B,L,D)
Day 2: Bellavista (B,L,D)
Day 3: Paz de las Aves reserve – Mindo (B,L,D)
Day 4: Mindo – Quito (B,L)
<p>We start our tour picking you up in the early morning from your hotel in Quito. We will visit the highlands out of Quito, a reserve called Yanacocha. Here we can enjoy of one of the last remnants of Andean forest in Ecuador, an ecosystem in danger of extinction. During the walks we will be able to find a great diversity of birds, including various species of hummingbirds. Today we can start our check list of hummingbirds so at the end of the tour you will realize the great diversity of them living in this region of the country. After Yanacocha we will continue towards Bellavista lodge where we will stay the night. We have Lunch in the lodge and in the afternoon we will enjoy of a nice walk in the reserve to learn about the cloud forest and the “Choco” region before coming back and get ready for dinner. At night it is possible to check on the mammal feeders to look for one of the newest species of mammal described in the world called Olinguito. Accommodation and meals are included.</p>
<p>Today we will walk on the trails that Bellavista reserve has to offer. Bromeliads and orchids, hummingbirds and tanagers, toucans and antpittas, all vie for our attention, and could keep any dedicated naturalist enthused for a lifetime of observation. Add to that the sense of adventure hiking the forest trails, or deep adventure hiking up streams to reach hidden waterfalls. We will be in the upper montane forest at 2000 meters high (6400 feet).</p><p>In the afternoon we will keep exploring the area walking a different trail or enjoying the hummingbird feeders and the surroundings. Accommodation and meals are included.</p>
<p>This day we will visit “Paz de las Aves” reserve. We will check out the night before and will have an early wake up today to have the chance to see one of the most amazing wildlife shows in the Cloudforest: The Andean Cock of the Rock Lek. This is an area of display where the Andean Cock of the Rock males congregate to dance, sing and perform in front of the females in order to attract them for mating. After this show, we will continue to Mindo town for breakfast. After breakfast we will visit the upper part of the town and will go hike the route to the waterfalls enjoying the amazing landscapes of this cloud forest. We will continue after to Mindo town and the biggest Butterfly farm in the area. Will check in at the hotel and will go for lunch. In the afternoon we will go visit the orchid garden off Mindo and an artisan Chocolate Factory to learn about the process of making dark chocolate. Finally we will return to the hotel accommodation.</p><p>Optional for tonight is a night walk (Extra cost with previous notification) Accommodation and meals are included</p>
<p>The last day we have early birdwatching around the lodge area. We will have breakfast and will visit one hummingbird reserve on our way back to Quito. We will have lunch before arriving to the hotel. Accommodation and lunch are included. Dinners is on your own.</p>
The Trip Cost Include
- Certified bilingual guide
- Private transportation for the cloud forest
- 3 nights in a Cloud Forest Lodge
- Meals as mentioned
- Entrance fees to: Yanacocha and Paz de las Aves reserve, Buterfly farm and hummingbird gardens.
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 Yanacocha Reserve, located at approximately at 3.300 meters high (10.560 feet high). The lowest point will be Mindo Valley at 1200 meters high (3.840 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 Yanachocha 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 Mindo area the altitude is much lower so weather is warm and humid. Light weighed clothes will be good for this part of the trip.
