Mountain tapir, Let’s birding & follow the mammals prints
Discover Ecuador’s extraordinary biodiversity as you search for colorful birds and follow the tracks of elusive mammals through some of South America’s most pristine wilderness areas.
This unique and wonderful expedition gives you the opportunity to enjoy of the amazing Ecuador’s wildlife, some of the species that we hope to see are the incredible Spectacle bear, Andean Tapir, Olinguito and others. Also during this tour we can expect to see amazing bird species visiting the Cloud Forest of the east and west ranges of the Andes including the Choco region and the central Andean Paramo of Ecuador.
Itinerary
Itinerary 12 Days / 11 Nights
Day 1: Arrival to Quito, Ecuador
Arrival to Quito, where you will be met at the airport by our guide and transferred to your hotel, overnight.
Hotel Cultura Manor
Ikala Quito Hotel Boutique
Day 2: Quito – Canande Reserve
After breakfast our guide will be waiting for you in order to depart to the north-west of the city until arrive to Canande reserve one of the reserves of Jocotoco Foundation (5 hours approximately), en route you will stop at Mirador del Río Blanco, a place that offers an incredible view of the valley and where you can find different species of tanagers and some hummingbirds such as the tiny Green Thorntail and the beautiful Green-Crowned Brilliant.
Then you will continue to Canande reserve. Most of the drive is through degraded habitat and plantations. At our arrival a delicious lunch will be waiting for you and in the afternoon, you can explore this amazing reserve. Jocotoco Foundation protects more than 14,000 acres in the Canandé Reserve, which is home to one of the world’s most important and threatened hotspots of biodiversity: the Chocó. Diner and overnight.
Chocó Lodge (Canandé Reserve)
(B.L.D)
Day 3: Rio Canandé Reserve & its surroundings
After breakfast you will have full day to enjoy of the trails of Canande reserve and its surroundings, footprints and camera traps have allowed seeing four cat species such as Jaguar, Puma, Ocelot and Margay; also it has been recorded other species like: the Collared Peccary and Red Brocket Deer. Three species of monkeys are easily to see close to the lodge: the Mantled Howler monkey, Brown-headed Spider, and White-headed Capuchin. Return to the lodge, dinner and overnight.
About birding, some of the birds that you can see are: Chestnut-backed Antbirds, Broad-billed Sapayoa, Band-tailed Barbthroat, White-whiskered Puffbird, Blue-crowned Manakin, Ornate Hawk-eagle!, Gray-backed Hawk, Black-tipped Cotinga, Great Jacamars.
Return to the lodge, dinner and overnight.
(B.L.D)
Day 4: Canande Reserve Trails – Tandayapa Valley: Bellavista Lodge
After an early breakfast you will have the last chance to enjoy of the trails of Canande reserve where if you are lucky you can find couple mammals species, colorful birds and reptiles. After this wonderful time in Canande you will depart to Tandayapa valley.
You will arrive to Bellavista Lodge where a delicious lunch will be waiting for you, time to rest and at night you will have the opportunity to see the first new carnivore species discovered in the western hemisphere for 35 years, the Olinguito; dinner and overnight.
Bellavista Lodge
(B.BL.D)
Day 5: The Amazing Cock of the Rock – Traveling to the North of Ecuador
Early in the morning, after a cup of hot coffee, you will visit the famous Paz de las Aves Refuge where you will have the opportunity to have one of the most amazing experiences, visiting the cock of the rock lek, where, during the breeding season, the males produce a special sound and fly like real acrobats waiting for the female to choose one of them to mate. Besides here it is possible to see four species of Antpittas, the Giant Antpitta, the Moustached Antpitta, Ochre bellied, and the Yellow Breasted Antpitta. Then you will visit the feeding station to see black chinned and blue winged mountain tanagers, toucan barbet, dusky piha, sickle winged guan, crimsom rumped toucanet, etc.
Return to the main house of this reserve to enjoy of a typical breakfast of this region and keep birding to find an ocellated tapaculo being fed with worms, yellow vented woodpecker, powerfull woodpecker, crimsom mantled woodpecker, orange breasted fruiteater etc.
After this visit, you will depart to Imbabura province located to the north of Quito until arrive to Sigsipamba community or Hacienda Pantavi where you will diner and overnight.
San José de Sigsipamba community
Hosteria Museart Pantavi
(B.BL.D)
Day 6: Following the Spectacled Bear prints
At 05h00 after a cup of coffee you will depart to San José de Sigsipamba community where the local people with the support of the Big Mammals Conservation Foundation, and the Environment Ministry has developed an interesting project to protect the amazing Spectacled Bear that is one of the largest mammals in South America, this specie is in serious danger of extinction because of hunting and destruction of their habitat.
You will arrive to the “Oso Andino overlooking” from where you can see at 200 meters some individuals that arrive to this area to feed on ‘Pacche’ trees. These trees bear lipid-rich wild avocado like fruits that are an important nutritious delicatessen that attract old and young bears as well as females with bear cubs, also they eat higueron and achupallas.
Return to your hotel, dinner and overnight.
(B.BL.D)
Day 7: Sigsipamba – Papallacta Region
After an early breakfast, depending on how successful was our previous day; we will return to the Mirador in order to looking for more Andean bears and other species around the area.
At noon you will depart to Papallacta region that is part of Cayambe – Coca Ecological Reserve, another important protected zone, that has an approximate area of 400,000 hectares (1 million acres) composed mainly by páramo, primary forests, rivers and lagoons. It’ is considered one of the protected areas of greatest animal and plant diversity in Ecuador.
Dinner and overnight in Guango Lodge.
Guango Lodge
(B.L.D)
Day 8: Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve & its surroundings
After breakfast, this day you will walk around Cayambe Coca Ecological reserve.
Starting in Papallacta you can visit the reserve highlands composed of Andean paramo and high forests. The paramo, considered a carbon deposit, collects and regulates water flow. The unique habitat of Cayambe – Coca reserve holds special Andean birds and some mammal’s species.
During this day with the help of our bilingual naturalist guide and a local ranger, you will walk through the trails of this Ecological reserve in order to try to see the Mountain Tapir, spectacled bear, Andean fox, Armadillos, rabbits and others. In the afternoon you will continue with your trip to San Isidro Lodge, it lies at an elevation of about 2,000m (6,800 ft.) above sea level, in a zone still mostly blanketed by extensive humid forest. This combination of factors offers you an agreeable temperature, exciting birds, and a diversity of other wildlife, including large mammals.
Box lunch en route and in the afternoon, you will return to Guango lodge, you can walk around the lodge looking for hummingbird species at feeders, diner and overnight.
(B.BL.D)
Day 9: Antisana Ecological Reserve – Patate Valley
After breakfast our naturalist guide will be waiting for you in order to depart to the Antisana Ecological Reserve that is located in the oriental slope of the Andes. This day with the help of a Ranger of this reserve you will walk in order to try to find a Tapir and other mammals and enjoy of the amazing landscape of the impressive Antisana volcano (5704 mts, 18.714 ft)
This is an excellent place is home of endangered mammals species like the spectacled bear and the mountain tapir, among others like the white-tailed deer, rabbits, skunks, Andean fox, dwarf deer, puma and others. Also in wilderness we can find large populations of sheep and horses. Among the amphibians there are marsupial frogs and Antisana jambatos.
You will visit the Mica Lake in order to see Silvery Grebe, Andean Teal, Andean ruddy Duck, Yellow-billed Pintail, Andean Coot, and as well as many land birds such as Aplomado Falcon, Andean Gull, Andean Lapwing and Carunculated Caracara. Here you have a high probability to be in contact with the majestic Andean Condor and other species like Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle and Variable Hawk, black faced ibis, paramo ground tyrant, paramo pipit, sedge wren, bairds sandpiper, cinereous harrier, Bar-winged and Stout-billed Cinclodes, Black-faced Ibis, Shining Sunbeam, Red- rumped Bush-Tyrant, Paramo Pipit, Giant Conebill, and Spectacled Whitestart.
You will enjoy of a delicious box lunch en route and then you will depart to Hacienda Leito located in Patate valley where you will diner and overnight.
Hacienda Leito
(B.L.D)
Day 10: Leito Reserve: The Llanganati National Park
After breakfast you will depart to “Leito” Private Natural Reserve located in the damping area of the Llanganati National Park, it is a 37.5km journey by car through the humid Andean Tundra. The flora, fauna and the very interesting history decorated by tales of Inca gold, surrounds this incredible place with mysticism.
You will arrive to San Jorge community where you will visit the Interpretation Center and then you will start to hike through the paramo, home of amazing species like: pumas, tapirs, bears, birds, and Andean spirits.
The wildlife sightseeing is difficult to observe and we cannot guarantee it, but surely you will live a unique experience by finding its footprints that allow you to feel its presence within the forest.
In addition, there are camera traps that use radio telemetry to study the behavior of these emblematic species of the South American Andes. In the afternoon you will return to your hotel, overnight.
(B.BL.D)
Day 11: Baños City – Quito
After breakfast you can explore and walk around Hacienda Leito or if you prefer you can visit Baños city where you can see how people extract a delicious juice from the sugar cane, production of melcochas, and you can buy beautiful handicrafts made by balsa and tagua.
Also you can visit the famous waterfall route, you can find beautiful waterfalls like Manto de la Novia hanging for more than 200 mts above the river, here you will cross the Pastaza River by a rustic lift, then you can hike down to admire the waterfall from the base. Also, the most important waterfall is El Pailón del Diablo, known as the most impressive waterfall in the area as well as for being the world’s 10th highest water drops in the region. You will follow the trail until the waterfall and it takes you about 20 minutes, time to enjoy of this place and then you will return to the top (it takes you about 1 hour).
After this full morning of activities, lunch in a local restaurant and then you will return to Quito, overnight in a hotel located close to the airport.
Quinta La Constanza
San José de Puembo
La Palma Polo Club
(B.L)
Day 12: Quito – home flight
After an unforgettable expedition in Ecuador full of nature and adventure you will be transferred to the airport to catch your international flight.
(B)
Explore the
place you stay
Hotel Cultura Manor. It is located in the center of Quito, close to most restaurants, souvenir shops and internet cafe’s. You can enjoy a delicious breakfast in a separated area. Boutique Hotel Cultura Manor in Quito is a delightful mix of European traditions and contemporary trend. It is considered an inner city retreat, with an out-going personality and inspirational food.
Standard rooms: Tourist
Suites: First Class
Ikala Quito Hotel Boutique is a charming and stylish boutique hotel, built in may 2010, guided by the prestige value of traditional hospitality service. The hotel is located in a ideal sector in Quito, in the neighborhood of La Mariscal, the most traditional, commercial and touristic area of Quito. It is the ambition to host you in this hotel featuring the authenticity and diversity of the worlds of Ecuador with a hart for quality and style in every aspect ranging from accommodation, gastronomy to service.
Tourist Sup
Chocó Lodge (Canandé Reserve) is an ecological forest hotel located in the tropical forest of the Choco Region, in Esmeraldas province. The Lodge offers 4 comfortable rooms with private bathroom, hot/cold water, restaurant, cozy social areas like a bar and a shop, laundry service using biodegradable products; excellent trails and a superb observation tower.
Tourist
Bellavista Lodge offers to our guests a unique stay above the forest canopy! The 360-degree view from the dome allows you to gaze upon the rugged peaks of Pichincha and Cotacachi in the distance. You can also sit out on your private balcony and observe the magical activity of the forests. Bromeliads and orchids, hummingbirds and tanagers, toucans and antpittas, all vie for our attention, and could keep any dedicated naturalist enthused for a lifetime of observation.
San José de Sigsipamba community, a local family offers accommodation in basic but comfortable rooms with shared bathroom surrounded by the beautiful landscape.
Economic
Hosteria Museart Pantavi, nestled in the heart of the northern Ecuadorian mountain range, close to Ibarra and Otavalo. This magical place offers unique spaces, beautiful architecture and an amazing artistic atmosphere. This hotel offers 22 comfortable Premium, Standard and Suites rooms, with private bathrooms and hot water showers.
Tourist Superior
Guango Lodge lies at a higher elevation (about 2,700 meters) on Ecuador’s eastern slope, only 11 kms down the main Interoceanic Highway from Papallacta. This area is located in a zone classified as humid temperate forest, characterized by its more stunted trees (and thicker canopy), cooler climate, and different bird and plant composition.
Tourist
Hacienda Leito is located, between majestic and enigmatic mountains at the entrance of Llanganates National Park, where centuries ago the Incas hide their more valuable treasures of the Spanish conquerors. Hacienda Leito was residence of the Jesuits in the Colony times; its rooms still keep perfumes from Ecuador of long ago. History passed through its halls leaving us vestiges of its presence, which today only the privileged guests can enjoy them.
Tourist Sup
Quinta La Constanza, it is located in Tababela valley at 10minutes from the International Airport, it offers an outdoor pool, a beautiful garden, Free WiFi access, laundry service, all rooms are really beautiful and comfortable with private bathroom, hot/cold water, garden view, cable TV, 24-hour front desk, children’s playground.
Tourist
San José de Puembo, is located in the sunny Puembo valley, just 15 minutes from Quito’s airport. The hotel is established in a restored colonial building, which dates back to the 18th Century. This beautiful place offers comfortable and elegant rooms, fully equipped gym and SPA, 2 heated pools and trails for jogging, walking or riding, high-speed WiFi, 40,000 m² of legend and beautiful gardens.
Tourist Superior
La Palma Polo Club, an iconic hotel where luxury meets nature. Located 20 minutes from the airport in Puembo, a green and peaceful neighborhood of Quito. The hotel offers 16 finely decorated luxury suites equipped with a kitchenette, private terrace, living room and spacious bathroom. All of our rooms have incredible views that overlook the polo fields and lakes, in order to make your stay an unforgettable experience and a restful night of sleep.
First Class
Dates & Rates
| PRICE PER PERSON 2024 IN USD | ||||||||
| HOTELS CATEGORY | 1 PAX | 2-3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX | 7 PAX | 8 PAX | Sing Sup |
| Tourist | $6.942 | $4.136 | $3.630 | $3.194 | $2.945 | $2.743 | $2.580 | $299 |
| Tourist Sup | $7.029 | $4.176 | $3.670 | $3.240 | $2.990 | $2.785 | $2.620 | $330 |
| First Class | $7.204 | $4.276 | $3.766 | $3.329 | $3.081 | $2.879 | $2.714 | $399 |
| PRICE PER PERSON 2025 IN USD | ||||||||
| HOTELS CATEGORY | 1 PAX | 2-3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX | 7 PAX | 8 PAX | Sing Sup |
| Tourist | $6.964 | $4.156 | $3.660 | $3.225 | $2.967 | $2.767 | $2.665 | $340 |
| Tourist Sup | $7.105 | $4.236 | $3.723 | $3.289 | $3.045 | $2.845 | $2.682 | $360 |
| First Class | $7.275 | $4.312 | $3.802 | $3.366 | $3.118 | $2.917 | $2.752 | $445 |
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What's Included
- Private transportation
- Bilingual naturalist guide
- Accommodation based on double rooms in all the hotels and lodges detailed in the itinerary (single supplement under request)
- Meals as described in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to: Paz de las aves reserve, Canande reserve, San Jose Sigsipamba, Cayambe Coca ecological reserve, Antisana ecological reserve, Leito reserve (LLanganatis National Park)
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Meals not specified
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips
- Personal expenses
