AMAZON RAINFOREST
& ANDEAN EASTERN SLOPES
NAPO CULTURAL CENTER- YASUNI NATIONAL PARK - WILD SUMACO-LORETO ROAD - GUACAMAYOS RIDGE - SAN ISIDRO- GUANGO-PAPALLACTA PASS - ANTISANA
“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness"
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ITINERARY
DAY 1
ARRIVAL TO QUITO
UNESCO World Heritage city, capital of Ecuador. Upon arrival in Quito, you will be transferred to your hotel. Most international flights to Ecuador arrive late at night. Overnight hotel in Quito.
DAY 3
PARROT CLAY LICKS & CANOPY OBSERVATION TOWER
Today you’ll experience a show of sounds and colors when reach one of the most accessible parrot clay licks in Amazonia; hundreds of these are scattered all over the Amazon rainforest. You'll get there just before the parrot activity kicks off between 7:30 to 8:30. Five different species of parrots frequent this clay lick: Dusky-headed Parakeet, White-eyed Parakeet, Blue-headed Parrot, Yellow-crowned Amazon Parrot, and the Mealy Amazon Parrot. After this you’ll return to the creek and then hike through a terra-firme forest trail for about 30 minutes towards the second parrot clay lick. This one becomes active around 10 am. Some of the species that regularly visit this clay lick are: Cobalt-winged Parakeet, Orange-cheeked Parrot, Scarlet-shouldered Parrotlet, Scarlet Macaw and the Red and Green Macaw.
The whole process is fascinating; upon arrival to the clay lick, the birds can be heard high up in the trees, over time the sound gets louder as they fly down and get closer to the ground, to the place where they can get the clay enriched with mineral salts, which helps them to neutralize certain toxins that they ingest with their food.
Later you'll return to the center of the community to have lunch at the dining hall and a well deserved break in the lodge after a productive morning. Later you'll walk for approximately one hour within a terra-firme trail that leads you to your destination: a 115 ft high canopy tower. It is a great way to experience the life above the forest floor. As you ascend you'll pass through different levels of the forest and emerge on top of a huge Ceiba tree. This gives you a unique perspective and opens up a whole new world of the Amazon diversity that is often difficult, if not impossible to see from the understory.
Imagine flocks of colorful tanagers passing right through the canopy of the tree, Blue-and Yellow Macaws flying by; in nearby trees Spider Monkeys search for fruit, while various species of toucans call in the early mornings and afternoons... Time for dinner followed by a unique activity at Napo river, onboard the ancestral catamaran to know more about their legends and traditional chants, while women grill some delicious snacks in the fire.
DAY 5
WILD SUMACO
To close with a flourish, take part on the optional “wayusada” ritual, in which at dawn around 4:30 am is the time when the kichwa family share together the sacred “wayusa” and has been a way to past their ancient knowledge to the new generations, here you also share traditional chants and have the chance to “interpret dreams” with the wisest “mamakuna” at the community, a mystique experience indeed.
Then head back for breakfast, while our staff pick you luggage for your return to Coca town, onboard our comfortable motor boats for the last chance to appreciate the Ecuadorian rainforest landscape.
After entering the docking area at port, you'll make a brief stop to prepare and continue on a road trip for 2 1/2 hours out to Wild Sumaco Lodge. The lodge is set on a ridge in the Andes' eastern foothills, with panoramic views reaching across the Rio Pucuno Valley and to the Andes beyond.
The lodge is located at a comfortable elevation of about 4900 feet a.s.l.; the forest reserve ranges from 3900 to 4900 feet a.s.l. Due to its location on the Equator, the steep Andean foothills, and the close proximity of the Amazon, the Sumaco area hosts one of the richest diversity records in the world. A wonderful mix of cloud forest species, foothill specialties, and typically amazonian birds share Wildsumaco's lush subtropical rain forest with a myriad of other animals. An astonishing 510 bird species have been recorded on this reserve and the immediately surrounding area, many of which are rare, endangered, or very difficult to see elsewhere. Overnight at Wild Sumaco.
DAY 7 & 8
CABAÑAS SAN ISIDRO
After an early birding along the road you'll reach Cabañas San Isidro. This reserve and lodge is located at 6800 feet a.s.l. with an amazing view of the Quijos Valley and Guacamayos Ridge. The lodge is set on a re-growing pasture now surrounded by secondary forest. The cabins are only a five-minute walk from a large, privately-owned reserve of about 2200 acres of pristine primary humid forest that connects two larger national reserves, one at each end. The plan is to get to San Isidro in time to get settled into your rooms, and even take a quick look around.
Large mixed flocks roam the forest such as Saffron-crowned Tanager, Black-eared Hemispingus, and Rufous-breasted Flycatcher; whereas Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatchers and Long-tailed Antbirds skulk in the bamboo patches along the road. Hummingbird feeders attract many different species like Bronzy Inca, Collared Inca, Gorgeted Woodstar, Green Violetear, Long-Tailed Sylph, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Sparkling Violetear among others.
By night you’re within earshot of hollering Rufous-banded Owls, as well as the mysterious “San Isidro Owl,” which seems to be an undescribed species.
Overnight at Cabañas San Isidro.
DAY 10
ANTISANA
If you were not lucky with the weather the previous day, you'll try again the Papallacta Pass on your way to Antisana. Dramatic changes in vegetation patterns take place with altitude variation. The snow-covered top of Antisana Volcano is located at 18,886 ft a.s.l.. It’s the fourth highest peak of Ecuador. Something that makes this place wonderful is the contact with undisturbed nature apart from crowded touristic places and its beautiful Andean scenery. The reserve provides opportunities to understand the geological history of the Andes and the importance of this unique ecosystem.
We may see many high altitude and local specialties including Ecuadorian Hillstar visiting the Chuquiragua bushes, Black-tailed Trainbearer, Stout-billed Cinclodes, Andean Tit-Spineatil, Many-striped Canastero, Tawny Antpitta, Tufted tit-Tyrant, Red-crested Cotinga, Paramo Pipit, Plumbeous Sierra-Finch and Black-winged Ground-Dove. We’ll have the chance to see many Carunculated Caracaras, Andean Gulls, Andean Lapwings, and many other species that are absent or difficult at other sites such as the rare Black-faced Ibis. This reserve has at least 4 different cliffs in which up to 30 Andean condors have been counted perching; this is a large number considering an estimated population of just 102 wild individuals in the country.
Birdlife categorizes Antisana as an Important Bird Area and is part of The Nature Conservancy's Condor Bioreserve, it is just a worthy glimpse between 10500 ft to 15000 ft a.s.l.
DAY 2
NAPO CULTURAL CENTER - YASUNÍ UNESCO BIOSPHERE RESERVE
Ecuador is an outstanding country with the highest concentration of bird species per square km in the world. The Yasuni National Park is a uniquely diverse area that covers over 9,800 square kilometers (2 million acres) of pristine amazon rainforest. The Park was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1989 by UNESCO; it is a true hot spot of biodiversity where amphibian, bird, mammal, and vascular plant diversity reach their maximum levels within the Western Hemisphere.
Napo Cultural Center, built and managed by the native Kichwa Community of Añangu, is one of the best destinations in the entire Amazon region.
Departing from Quito, a 30 minute flight over the eastern Andes mountain range will take you to the city of Puerto Francisco de Orellana (Coca).
After landing, about mid morning, a 5 min transfer from the airport to the main dock will drive you to embark onto a comfortable covered motor boat. Here you start a canoe ride along the Napo River for about 2 hours while enjoying a delicious box lunch served in route.
Arriving at Napo Cultural Center, you have the outstanding chance to step onto the aboriginal territory of the kichwa Añangu community, whose members will welcome you with a traditional and refreshing ice cold “wayusa”, the local hotel manager will give quick instructions and immediately will take you to your comfortable room with views of the rainforest in order to get ready for the first activity in the afternoon.
Hike along “Playas” trail to experience amazon wildlife for the first time in the river islands and shores amidst of one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth. Kayaking is also available as an optional activity for around 45 min. to enjoy an overwhelming and colorful sunset in the vastness of Napo River. Then head back to your cabin, rest a little bit and be prepared for a well deserved dinner. After dinner sleep with the relaxing sounds of the amazon.
DAY 4
NAPO CULTURAL CENTER
Enjoy the sunrise activity and explore different trails with excellent opportunity to see more wildlife and the unique flora from Yasuní. In the afternoon after a delicious local lunch, you'll paddle through the “Añangu” creek, a black water ecosystem where you can spot monkeys jumping from tree to tree, caimans, an overwhelming diversity of birds specialized in this unique flooded habitat and sometimes even giant river otters trying to catch fish. Upon arriving you will have time to settle back and prepare for a traditional typical dinner to taste local flavors of the amazon, such as “maito” which is grilled fish wrapped in a “bijao” leaf.
Following dinner you'll get prepare your gear for a night walk around the lodge to see different kind of insects, reptiles, amphibians, nocturnal birds and even nocturnal mammals like the night monkeys.
DAY 6
WILD SUMACO
There will be 2 consecutive days continuously on this route in which you will have a wonderful experience in Wildsumaco and fully enjoy your stay. Wildsumaco Lodge is the perfect destination for those looking for great birds and new experiences in the eastern foothills of Ecuador.
More than 30 species of hummingbirds have visited Wildsumaco feeders to date, including Lazuline Sabrewing, Ecuatoriano Piedtail, Napo Sabrewing, Black-throated Brilliant, White-tailed Hillstar, Wire-Crested Thorntail, and Gould's Jewelfront. The White-tipped Sicklebill frequents the heliconias that abound everywhere, and the Woodstar Gorgeted Woodstar, White-Bellied Woodstar, and Violet-head Hummingbird can usually be found in the porterweed in front of the rooms. At night the Great Potoo, Banded-bellied Owl, Rufescent Screech Owl, and Foothill Screech Owl often call up close. Most Wildsumaco mammals are timid or nocturnal and generally much more difficult to see than birds, but the Tamarin Napo (formerly called Black-mantle) comes daily to feed on bananas that hang from the trees outside. from the deck, and is often seen from the road or paths.
Night in Wild Sumaco.
DAY 9
GUANGO - PAPALLACTA PASS
Your journey will begin early in the morning for a scenic drive towards Guango Lodge to get a taste of the beautiful Andean temperate forests.
Colorful mixed flocks with birds such as Lacrimose and Hooded Mountain Tanagers, Blue-backed Conebill, and Black-capped Hemispingus can be seen around the lodge. Here you have possibilities for rare and very local birds like the Mountain Avocetbill, the stunning Gray Breasted Mountain-Toucan, Andean Guan, and Northern Mountain Cacique. Along the Papallacta River we’ll try to find a unique resident of fast flowing mountain rivers, a powerful swimmer and diver: the Torrent Duck. This could definitely be one of our day highlights!
After lunch If weather allows after lunch you'll visit the Papallacta Pass, a dirt road into the Cayambe Coca National Park brings us into the high elevation paramo at Papallacta, a very tundra-like habitat. On clear days the views of the surroundings and various volcanoes are breath-taking; a stop right up at the pass is one of the best spots to photograph the snow-capped Antisana Volcano as it towers over the mountains below. from this point on we should start scanning the sky from time to time for Variable Hawk, Carunculated Caracara and Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, that may soar overhead.
We’ll check stands of Polylepis woodland for Giant Conebill , Black-backed Bush Tanager, White-chinned Thistletail, Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanager, Pearled Treerunner, Golden-crowned Tanager, Pale-naped Brush-Finch and the scarce Red-rumped Bush-Tyrant.
At the highest elevations you’ll seek out the secretive and cryptic Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe.
Overnight at Guango Lodge.
DAY 10 PART 2
ANTISANA
An early departure from Guango will be taking us to the western entrance of the Antisana Ecological Reserve, about 48 km (30 miles) southeast of Quito, with a mixture of dwarf forest below and paramo above.
Arriving at "La Mica" lake, we explore the lake shore in search of Andean coots, Andean teals, Andean reddish ducks and yellow-billed pintos. This is also the best place in Ecuador to get a closer look at the regal Silvery Grebe.
Lunch at Tambocondor, a locally owned restaurant and lodge with a privileged view of the Andean Condor cliffs and with many species of hummingbirds visiting the feeders and the beautiful flowers around the restaurant. They have a wonderful platform from where we have seen Spectaclead bears on multiple occasions feeding on the succulent Puyas that abound in the area. After this, if you do not join the available extensions to the wettest runways or other destinations, you will be transferred to the Quito International Airport to catch your flight back home. If you need an extra night to rest and start over the next day, please let us know so we can make the necessary arrangements.
*Ask us about our options to extend your trip to the Andean Western Slopes or to other destinations.
Pricing
PRICE PER PERSON
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
PRICE PER PERSON
PRICE PER PERSON:
$4250 p.p Groups from 2 or more participants. Solo travelers please contact us for more information.
INCLUDED
-Accommodations in double or triple occupation.
-Single supplement add USD $490 p.p
-All meals, purified water
-Air tickets Quito-Puerto Francisco de Orellana (Coca)
-River transportation
-4D/3N birding package at Napo Cultural Center, transfer in and out in a shared canoe, private canoe and birding/naturalist guide for birding activities.
-Transfers In-Out
-Entrance fees to the Yasuni National Park and all the reserves, Sumaco, San Isidro, Guango, Brisas, Cayambe Coca National Park, Antisana
-All excursions including visits to the exclusive Yasuni National Park parrot clay licks
– Private Birding & naturalist bilingual guide for Sumaco, San Isidro, Guango.
NOT INCLUDED
-International airfare
-Alcoholic Drinks
-Tips
-Any other item not specified
-Personal expenses
– Trip Cancellation & Medical Emergency Insurance
Trips considerations
PLEASE NOTE:
This is a sample itinerary subject to change due to weather conditions, safety, and particular interests of guests and groups. Changes and additions are made in order to maximize your birding experience, wilderness enjoyment and cultural interaction with local people.
Note: A city tour in Old Town Quito or check for options of day tour close to Quito, which can be included upon request at the beginning of the trip.
