2025 Ecuador: A Birder's Paradise (Amazon + Mashpi Lodge

Upon arrival in Quito, you will be met at the airport outside the arrivals area by a local representative holding a sign with your name on it.  You’ll be assisted with your luggage and transferred to your accommodations for the evening.

IN QUITO, ECUADOR:   If you don't connect with the local rep within 10-15 minutes, then head to the INFORMATION CENTER (look for the red letter I; the stand is located between both international exit doors). Please do not move beyond the international arrivals area. Do not exit the building. 

Your flight:    

Record Locator:

WELCOME LETTER AND DAILY  PICK UP TIMES  AND TRANSFERS

At the hotel, you’ll receive a welcome envelope including important information about airport transfers and daily pick up times for your excursions and important emergency contact details during your stay.  PLEASE LOOK FOR THIS LETTER AT THE HOTEL AND KEEP IT WITH YOU.

Our partners in Ecuador will be assisting you throughout your stay on the mainland not only to help you enjoy your adventure, but also to step in and assist with any problems you might encounter. Feel comfortable knowing you’ll be well looked after.

Welcome to Ecuador!

* All internal flights  booked by Premier Tours are E-tickets;  our partner in Quito will confirm flights for you and assist with  boarding passes. You will just need to show your passports at the ticket counter.

FULL-DAY EXCURSION WITH PRIVATE GUIDE AND LUNCH.  

REMINDER:  ALL PICK UP AND TRANSFER TIMES ARE PROVIDED IN YOUR WELCOME LETTER DELIVERED TO YOUR HOTEL UPON ARRIVAL.

The breathtaking city of Quito is located about 9,300 – 10,000 feet altitude. Nestled in an Andean valley of volcanoes, the capital of Ecuador is considered one of the most beautiful in South America and in 1978, was the world’s first city to be declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

At the Equator, just 13 miles from the city, you’ll straddle the Northern and Southern hemispheres and learn about the geographical and astronomical importance of “El Mitad del Mundo.”

We've added a ride on Quito's teleferico (cable car), which runs from the edge of the city center up the east side of Pichincha Volcano to the Cruz Loma Lookout. It is one of the highest aerial lifts in the world, rising from 3,117 m (10,226 ft) to 3,945 m (12,943 ft). The ascent takes about twenty minutes, traveling 2237 linear metres.  On a clear day, the views will be spectacular.

After lunch,  on your private city tour, you’ll wander among cobblestone streets and stop at several of Old Town’s gold-encrusted colonial 16th century churches and monasteries (nearly 90 dot the city). Overall, the city’s amazing blend of Spanish, Moorish and Flemish architecture is a pleasure to explore.

PRO TIP: If you are returning to Quito and staying at the same hotel after your Napo stay, you may wish to leave behind a locked suitcase with the concierge to pick up on your return.  Consider leaving behind any heavy coats or souvenirs that you won’t need on your cruise.

Private transfer provided from your hotel to the Quito Airport.

Departing from Quito, a 30 minute flight to Coca will bring you over the eastern Andes mountain range. After landing during the mid-morning, a 5 min transfer will take you to “La Mision” Port, where you will embark on a comfortable covered motor-boat. Here we will ride along the Napo River for about 2 hours while enjoying a box lunch and coffee, which is provided en route.

CONFIRMED COCA FLIGHT:   Please note that flight times constantly change and are issued 15 days prior to departure. Your local guide will check departure times and coordinate hotel to airport transfers. These are e-tickets and you will only need to show your passport to check in. two hours prior to departure.

Along the way, you will have opportunities to spot birds like herons, kingfishers, and others.

We recommend any waterproof gear such as ponchos and dry bags / zip lock bags to keep your gear safe.  Wifi and laundry service available.  Recent travelers also recommend sitting a bit farther back from the bow of the canoe to avoid water spray on the transfer from Coca, as well as having a poncho handy during the transfer in case of a downpour.

After arriving at Napo Wildlife Center’s entry dock, we disembark for a short break and to visit the restroom. Next, we take you on a majestic and peaceful 2 hour paddle canoe ride surrounded by trees and wildlife, paddling along a narrow creek that connects to the lake where the lodge is located.

There will be chances to see some species of monkeys as well as large birds like toucans, parrots, or even macaws. A late afternoon arrival to Napo Wildlife Center with an overwhelming view of the Añangu Lake will be accompanied by a welcome drink followed by a briefing from the local manager.

More Napo Wildlife Center details here:

https://www.napowildlifecenter.com/frequently-asked-questions/ 

Luggage restriction: Passengers on flights Quito – Coca are allowed to check in a maximum of 20 kg per person plus a carry-on hand luggage item of 10 kg with reading material, camera, binoculars, and personal documents. Additional or excess baggage is charged per pound directly by the airline. 

Exploring the Amazon with your private naturalist guide.

Exploring the Amazon with your private naturalist guide.

Your last day at Napo will entail an early departure and final 2 hour excursion canoeing back to the Napo River. The creek may reveal new sights of giant otters, monk saki monkeys, and rare birds along the way. Once we have reached the river, you will transfer to the motorized canoe to return the way you came. You will arrive in Coca after an approximately 2 hour boat ride in order to check-in for your Coca – Quito flight. Precise schedule to be announced according to departure details and arrangements.

Upon arrival into Quito, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodations for the evening.

If you left any luggage behind at your hotel, please don't forget to retrieve it.

Group transfer and pick up at Casa Gangotena / Hilton Colon / JW Marriott / Swissotel provided by Mashpi Lodge. Estimated pick up time is 8:00 AM (Confirmed by Mashpi).  Due to the remote conditions of the lodge, transfer time is between 3.5 to 4.5 hours from the city to Mashpi.

Upon arrival at the lodge, you'll be welcomed for lunch. Check in is at 2:00 PM.  Your first activity will be this afternoon.

For more information about your stay and explorations of the cloud forest:  

https://www.mashpilodge.com/faq/ 

https://www.mashpilodge.com/explorations/ 

https://www.mashpilodge.com/packing-list/ 

Exploring Mashpi with your private naturalist guide.

Exploring Mashpi with your private naturalist guide.

Mashpi Lodge will coordinate a SHARED shuttle transfer to Quito hotels (JW Marriott, Swissotel, Casa Gangotena, Hilton Colon).  The ride will take approximately 3.5 hours, arriving into the city in the late afternoon (estimated 3:00 PM - confirmed by Mashpi Lodge).

Upon arrival in Quito, Mashpi Lodge will coordinate a separate pick up from one of their shuttle transfer locations to the airport hotel where you can relax until your departure tonight.

There is a free airport shuttle service provided by the hotel. We recommend checking in for your flight at least three hours prior to departure.

 * After you check into your international flight, there is a VIP Lounge inside the terminal that you can use for approximately $40 per person.

Your flight:  

Buen retorno! (Safe travels home)!

Arrival in USA.