AMAZON
RAINFOREST
&
ANDEAN
EASTERN SLOPES
SANI LODGE- YASUNI NATIONAL PARK - WILD SUMACO - SAN ISIDRO- GUANGO-PAPALLACTA PASS - ANTISANA
“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness"
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 2
SANI LODGE
Departing from Quito, a 30-minute flight over the eastern Andean 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 1/2 hours while enjoying a delicious box lunch served in route. The Sani Isla Kichwa Community was founded with the purpose of defending their culture, customs, and language. The community protects 42,000 hectares north and south of the Napo River. The community currently includes 600 adults and children, working together for mutual support, continuing their traditions, and protecting their territory. In the afternoon you’ll have time to explore around the lodge with the aid of dugout canoes, or you can have a short walk on the nearby trails with the opportunity to start your experience by photographing some of the most iconic species of this unmatched region.
DAY 3
PARROT CLAY LICKS & - YASUNÍ UNESCO BIOSPHERE RESERVE
Today you'll visit the Yasuni National Park.
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. Here you'll experience a show of sounds and colors as your reach one of the most accessible parrot clay licks in Amazonia; hundreds of these are scattered all over the Amazon rainforest. You'll arrive just before the parrot activity kicks off. 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 take a trail and 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 and the extraordinary Scarlet 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 also helps them to neutralize certain toxins that they ingest with their food.
Later you'll visit the center of the Añangu Kichwa community to enjoy a box lunch and get a well-deserved break after a productive morning. Later you'll walk for approximately 20 minutes on a scenic trail that leads you to your next 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.
Tanagers, Cotingas, Aracaris, Puffbirds, Flycatchers and more perch or pass right through the canopy of the tree. Later you'll take a canoe that will bring you to Sani Lodge, birding along the way.
DAY 4
SANI LODGE
After breakfast, experience the bird life on the tree tops from the 35-meter (118 ft.) observation tower. To get there your leaders will paddle on the Challuacocha Lake for 30 minutes followed by a short 10-minute walk. Over 565 species of birds have been registered so far. Flocks of oropendolas, aracaris, tanagers, and euphonias roam the canopy in search of fruit. Spangled and plum-throated cotingas sing from the treetops while raptors perch on vantage points to dry off in the morning sun. White-browed purpletufts and crowned slaty flycatchers compete for insects, numerous parrots and macaws fly by or drop in if there is a fruiting tree nearby, and many other species wander past (and through!) the towering tree. The journey continues exploring the nearby trails searching for more Amazonian wildlife. After lunch at the lodge, you will explore a terra firme trail to discover the beautiful and mysterious wildlife that hides in the forest interior. There are great possibilities to see lizards, different species of monkeys, plus rare and unique insects, amphibians and more.
DAY 5
WILD SUMACO
At sunrise you'll be transfer back to the Napo river to aboard our comfortable motor boat for your return trip back to Coca.
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 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. In the vicinity of the rooms, you can frequently spot hummingbirds such as the Gorgeted Woodstar, and Violet-headed Hummingbird gracefully hovering around the porter weed, adding a touch of vibrancy to the surroundings.
As night falls, the enchanting calls of the Banded-bellied Owl, Rufescent Screech Owl, and Foothill Screech Owl can be heard nearby, creating an atmospheric ambiance. While most of the mesmerizing mammalian inhabitants of Wild Sumaco are elusive and primarily active during the nocturnal hours, the Napo Tamarin (formerly known as the Black-mantle Tamarin) presents a delightful exception. These curious creatures make a daily appearance, attracted by the hanging bananas outside the deck, and can often be observed from the road or pathways.
Night at Wild Sumaco (B/L/D)
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 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
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 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 Slate-colored Coots, Andean teals, Andean ruddy ducks and Yellow-billed Pintail. 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 Andean western slopes 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 fresh the next day, please let us know so we can make the necessary arrangements.
ITINERARY MAP
*Ask us about our options to extend your trip to the Andean Western Slopes or to other destinations.
Pricing
2022- 2023 PRICE PER PERSON
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
2022- 2023 PRICE PER PERSON
PRICE PER PERSON:
$4450 p.p Groups from 2 to more participants. Solo travelers, customized, or private tours 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
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.
This is a birding tour with good opportunities for photography at feeders at different reserves, however if you are a serious photographer please request more details about our photo focused tour.
Note: A city tour in Old Town Quito or check for options of day tours close to Quito, which can be included upon request at the beginning of the trip.
Trips considerations
WEATHER
PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY
WEATHER
Due to the complex topography, weather is highly variable. In the lowlands of the Amazon Rainforest it can be rather hot (usually 68°-90°F, 20°-32°C) and very humid and sunny. Most of the rest of the tour is at middle elevations of the Andes where it is quite pleasant (usually around 50°-75°F, 10°-24°C). At higher elevations you’ll have to be ready to experience different weather conditions, it can be sunny, but also it can get very cold, sometimes it can be near freezing and windy. Layer clothing is recommended. Some rain can be expected throughout the tour, especially in the afternoons and evenings.
PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY
The tour is considered moderate to intense according with the participants fitness level and physiological response at different elevations.There will be a mixture of trail, feeders and road birding. In most places the trails and roads are in good condition and partially flat, although there will be some steeper and moderately difficult trails were you might find useful to have walking sticks. You can expect to walk around 2-3 miles (3.2-4.8 km) per day on average. At Antisana and Papallacta Pass you’ll spent good birding time at high elevations ranging from about 10,000-14,000 ft (3200-4300 m), but the walks are fairly easy.
