After breakfast, head out towards Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve. Waterfalls and pristine subtropical rainforest vegetation on this 700 hectare property are truly outstanding. This combination invites you to a day excursion in the surroundings, which will acquaint you with the exuberant vegetation of the cloud forest, its diversity, and the fascinating adaptations of life in this unique ecosystem. Once in Bellavista, the hummingbirds take our full attention. Large numbers hover constantly around the feeders, and it is easy to identify over 10 species at very close range. Bellavista's resident mammals include the Spectacled Bear, as well as the the newly described Olinguito. When this species was discovered, it was the first time that scientists had named a new carnivorous mammal found in the Americas in 35 years! Researchers at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History were examining fur and skeletal samples from several species of olingos that had been preserved in the collections of various museums. In the process, they noticed that some specimens were significantly smaller and also displayed other differences. They did some DNA testing to double check, and it turned out that these smaller specimens indeed were not olingos at all, but rather a new species, which they named “ Olinguito” (Bassaricyon neblina). At the lodge they have set a fruit feeder that attracts this nocturnal and otherwise elusive species. The night also offers the chance to see kinkajoos. In the next morning you might have the chance to see Tayras (Eira barbara), an omnivorous mammal from the weasel family, native to the Neotropics.
INCLUDES: Private transportation, specialized bilingual guide, entrance fees to the Reserves, lunch, dinner, overnight at Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve, breakfast.