SOUTH AMERICA
The Ecuadorian Ecological Adventure
Experience the wonder of true nature preserves. For more detailed information about this special experience, please click here.
Itinerary Price Trip Specifics
Day 1
Ecuador - Arrive Quito, private transport to El Monte Sustainable Lodge, located in the Mindo Cloud Forest, internationally known as one of the most diverse, species rich places on earth. D
Day 2
Mindo Biological Station - Hike up to the Mindo Biological Station, accompanied by an experienced, local bird guide, watching for the many rare and endemic avian species that inhabit this unique ecosystem. Spend the night at the Bio-Station, located inside a protected forest, 1300 meters above sea level. B,L,D
Day 3
El Monte Cloud Forest - Early dawn visit the spectacular Cock of the Rock lek, one of birding's rarest sights it is a sort of dance arena, high in the tree tops where male birds court females. Then after breakfast, visit two spectacular 15-meter waterfalls, hiking deep into the heart of primary cloud forest. After lunch descend the 2-hour trail back to El Monte at a leisurely pace, continuing the search for rare birds such as the Plate-Billed Mountain Toucan, Pale-Mandibled Aracari, Toucan Barbet, and Golden-Headed Quetzal, among others. Guests will eat dinner and spend the night at El Monte Sustainable Lodge. B,L,D
Day 4
Middle of the World - Depart El Monte early morning to Quito with a stop at Mitad Del Mundo, or The Middle Of The World. Here, visit the monument marking the equator, and have your picture taken standing in both hemispheres at the same time, also visit the museum dedicated to the history of the monument. Arrive for lunch in Quito and afternoon sight seeing around Old Town, visit churches, museums, plazas, etc. The evening may be spent experiencing Quito's night life (discotecs, salsa bars and pubs) Spend the night at Casa Sol, a clean, well run, quiet Bed and Breakfast, located in Quito's bustling tourist district. B
Day 5
Sani Lodge - After breakfast departure to airport for the 30-min flight from Quito to Coca. In Coca, the guests will be met by the Sani Lodge motorized canoe for the 4 hour trip down river, into the heart of the rain forest and up to the lodge, located on a beautiful black water lagoon. B,L,D
Day 6
Nature Excursion - Early morning hike (5 to 6 hours) after a 45-min paddle across the lagoon to the western end. From this trail, guests have a good chance to see critically endangered Woolly Monkeys, Howler Monkeys, Peccaries, and much more. All excursions at Sani Lodge are guided by an expert native as well as a bilingual naturalist, well versed in the flora and fauna of the area. A snack will be given on the trail and lunch will be served back at the lodge. After a siesta, guests may want to spend time bird watching on the lagoon and watching the sunset from our dugout canoes. B,L,D
Day 7
Napo River - Depart the Lodge in the early morning and head to the incredible parrot lick located on the south side of the Rio Napo. From a blind located just meters away, you may observe several species of parrots as they descend to the clay lick, sometimes as many as 200-300 parrots are seen here. Later in the morning hike our South Side Trail and visit the to territory inhabited by Spider Monkeys, Monk Saki, Equatorial Saki and Golden Mantled Tamarins, all primate species which can not be found on the north side of the Napo and species very difficult to see anywhere else in Ecuador. Lunch will be brought with the group and served along the trail. In the afternoon enjoy a float down the Napo and the winding ride back up our beautiful steam which leads to the lodge.
After dinner our guests will certainly not want to miss the night hike during which strange looking insects, night monkeys and all sorts of other wonderful suprises may be encountered. B,L,D
Day 8
Activity Day - Spend the morning atop our 35 meter tree tower, built around a mighty Kapoc tree and have the opportunity to see great birds, including the Scarlet Macaw, Amazon Umbrella Bird, many birds of prey, tanagers, woodpeckers, toucans and aracaris.
In the afternoon, fishing for piranha is always a favorite activity. Later in the dark, after dinner, guests may want to go back out on the lagoon looking for the gigantic 5 meter Black Caiman which are almost always seen lying in our lagoon, orange eyes and head out of the water looking for an evening meal. B,L,D
Day 9
Quito - Early departure from Sani Lodge, back up to Coca to catch the flight to Quito. Arrive in Quito for a late lunch, and in the afternoon guests are free to explore the city on their own. The night will be spent at Casa Sol. B
Day 10
Return - After breakfast, transfer to International airport for return flight back to USA. B
Per Person: TBA
Single Supplement: TBA
Cost Includes:
- Nine (9) nights accomodations based on Double Occupancy
- Meals as noted in Itinerary: B - breakfast / L - lunch / D - dinner
- Sightseeing fees as per itinerary
- Guided transfers
- English-speaking Guides
Cost does not include:
- Sleeping Bags
- Airport taxes
- Travel insurance (available through our offices)
- Tips & any personal spending
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