This trip is designed to visit the mountain and the coastal ecosystems in the Ecuador with its flora and fauna. We will visit some of the Fauna Reserves in the Andes, part of the ecological region known as “Choco” and the beautiful beaches on the pacific coast that are surrounded by forests.
This trip is designed to visit the mountain and the coastal ecosystems in the Ecuador with its flora and fauna. We will visit some of the Fauna Reserves in the Andes, part of the ecological region known as “Choco” and the beautiful beaches on the pacific coast that are surrounded by forests.
Details:
Day 01: Quito – Yanacocha – Bellavista (B,L,D)
Day 02: Bellavista FD (B,L,D)
Day 03: Mindo – Quito (B,L)
Day 04: Quito – Antisana Reserve – Papallacta hot springs (B,L,D)
Day 05: Papallacta – Cayambe Coca Reserve – Quito (B,L)
Day 06: Manta – Pacoche – Machalilla National Park (B,L)
Day 07: FD Isla de la Plata in Machalilla National Park (B,L)
Day 08: Machalilla National Park – Manta – Quito (B,L)
Notes: There is a chance to horseback ride in the Ecological Reserve with previous reservation and extra cost.
It is possible to add another day in Quito for a city tour. Extra cost apply.
<p>We start our tour visiting the highlands west of Quito, a reserve called Yanacocha. Here we can enjoy of one of the last remnants of the Western Andean Forest in Ecuador, an ecosystem in danger of extinction. During the walk we will be able to find a great variety of flora and fauna, especially birds. We will see some of the most amazing birds living in America: The Hummingbirds.</p><p>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 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.</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 vying 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. All meals will be served at the lodge.</p><p>At night we will go for a night walk around the area of the hotel looking for those creatures that wake up at night that form part of this amazing ecosystem. </p>
<p>Early bird watching activity for those enthusiasts that would like to take advantage of one of the best birding places in the Ecuadorian Cloud Forest. After breakfast we move to Mindo town and we will visit the biggest Butterfly farm in the area. The purpose of the farm is the conservation of these insects and to provide environmental education. We will also visit an Orchid garden and an artisanal Chocolate Factory. Lunch is in the town.</p><p>We will return to Quito for accommodation. Dinner is on your own.</p>
<p>Today we will move a bit higher in elevation. We will visit one of the Fauna Reserves: Antisana. We will depart from your hotel in Quito and we will go east to this protected area. We have several stops during the ride towards the Ecological Reserve trying to spot the Andean Condor. There is more Andean wildlife that is possible to see in this reserve. We will arrive to “La Mica” lake and we will hike around this area to learn about the ecology and importance of the Paramos (Andean grasslands) in Ecuador. Later on, we will go for Lunch after lunch we will continue to Papallacta hot springs for dinner and accommodation. </p>
<p>After a nice and relaxing night in a very comfortable bed we will get ready to have breakfast and go to another Ecological Reserve in the highlands by Papallacta. WE will walk on the trails of this Reserve trying to spot the wildlife living in here before returning to the hot springs to soak in the pools and relax. We have lunch in this area and will continue to a small reserve in the eastern slope of the Andes to watch a big variety of hummingbirds. We will enjoy some coffee and cookies while we observe and enjoy these amazing birds. We will return to Quito afterwards. Accommodation included. Dinner is on your own.</p>
<p>Early in the morning we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Manta city. </p><p>Arrival at Manta and transfer to Machalilla National Park. We will visit Pacoche reserve on the way. A protected area located around one hour from Manta city. At Pacoche we will enjoy the humid forest of the coast and will have the chance to observe the Black Howler Monkeys living in the area. Lunch at pacoche lodge. After lunch we will depart to Machalilla National Park. We continue to the lodge for accommodation. Dinner is on your own.</p>
<p>Full day “Isla de la Plata” in Machalilla National Park. Isla de la Plata is a continental Island located one and half hours from Puerto Lopez by boat. It is also called the Little Galápagos for the kind of vegetation and fauna living on the Island. It is possible to watch blue footed boobies, frigate birds and sea lions. During the months of late June to early September it is possible to watch Humpbacks Whales. The Whales arrive to the coast of Ecuador for the mating season.</p><p>After the visit to the island we have lunch on the boat and have the chance to go snorkeling. </p><p>We will be arriving to the hotel in the midafternoon. You will have some time off to relax. Accommodation included. Dinner is on your own.</p>
<p>This last day we will start our transfer to Manta for our flight back to Quito city. On the way we will stop at the community of Agua Blanca where we will learn about the first cultures that settled on the Ecuadorian coast. Lunch is included.</p><p>Arrival at Quito and transfer to your hotel. End of the trip.</p>
The Trip Cost Include
- Certified bilingual guide
- Private transportation
- Accommodation as mentioned
- Meals as mentioned on the program
- Air ticket Quito – Manta – Quito
- Entrance fee to sites and reserves as mentioned on the program, (Yanacocha, butterfly farm, orchid garden, chocolate factory, Hummingbird reserves, Agua Blanca community, Los Frailes beach, Isla de la Plata excursion)
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 can be relative to how used to high altitude you are during some visits and weather conditions.
he highest point will be Antisana Reserve, located at approximately at 3.900 meters high (12.500 feet high). The lowest point will be the Pacific Coast at sea level.
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 and Yanacocha 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 the Pacific coast weather is warm/hot and also humid. Light weighed clothes will be good for this part of the trip. Do not forget swimming suits.
