Day notes
WELCOME TO QUITO!
Once you have passed immigration and collected your luggage, your guide will drive you out of the city to the Hacienda La Jimenita, a hidden treasure just a short drive 20 minute drive from the airport.
The hacienda is set in 150 acres of a nature reserve with over 90 species of birds counted. There is a short (45 minute) walking trail that you can wander through, plenty of seating areas for bird observation and some feeders close to the bar and restaurant area that attract hummingbirds.
Transfer from Mariscal Sucre International Airport [UIO] to Hacienda Jimenita Naturhotel & Wildlife Reserve
Transfer
Mariscal Sucre International Airport [UIO]
Hacienda Jimenita Naturhotel & Wildlife Reserve
Check-in to Hacienda Jimenita Naturhotel & Wildlife Reserve
Expert tips:
Rooms are spacious with comfortable beds and lots of blankets and a thick duvet. Bedroom facilities include:
- Wood burning stove that Reception will light for you if you are feeling chilly
- Toiletries - shampoo and conditioner, hand soap and body lotion
- Bathrobes
- Coffee machine and tea selection
- WiFi in the bedrooms
Some notable birds recorded here include:
- Hummingbirds - White-belled Woodtar, Western Emerald, Veridien Metaltail, Sparking Violeteat, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Black-tailed Trainbearer, Giant Hummingbird, Sword-billed Hummingbird
- Vermillion Flycatcher
- Southern Yellow Grosbeak
- Great Thrush
- Buff-breasted Mountain and Rufous-Breasted Tanager
- Tropical Mockingbird
- Sepctacled Whitestart
- Streak-backed Chat Tyrant
- Masked Flowerpiercer
- Crimson-mantled Woodpecker
- Blac-crested Warbler
Day notes
SPECTACLED BEAR WATCHING DAY ONE
Today you will visit a little bit of paradise on earth. Ecuador has so many unique species, but one of the most amazing is the Spectacled Bear. The canyon where we will be looking for this animal is the only place where people have been able to finally observe and understand their behaviour. There are over 70 bears that migrate from this canyon to the Cayambe-Coca reservation.
You will head to this bear sanctuary early in the morning to make the most of the day. Once you arrive you will begin your search at the viewpoints located around the sanctuary. This is the place to start as the bears are not very active in the morning due to a combination of the heat and their thick fur, so they look for shade in the trees. Sightings here are at a distance of approx 400 metres so good binos will be helpful for observation.
After lunch, there may be the opportunity to go down the valley, where the canyon provides shade to the bears, and so they start to move around. Sightings take patience and quietness, but if you see the bears down here, it will be an awesome opportunity to take photographs of the Spectacled Bears at a distance of around 60 metres.
After this, you will head back to the homestay where you can enjoy your dinner and rest.
Check-out from Hacienda Jimenita Naturhotel & Wildlife Reserve
Transfer from Hacienda Jimenita Naturhotel & Wildlife Reserve to Cayambe - Coca Homestay
Transfer
Hacienda Jimenita Naturhotel & Wildlife Reserve
Cayambe - Coca Homestay
Check-in to Cayambe - Coca Homestay
Expert tips:
The homestay is simple accommodation, so expect "no frills", but it is the best location for quick access to the Spectacled Bears' canyon, and we are making a direct contribution to the community by staying here. They will provide water and juice so we will call into a supermarket en route and you can pick up wine, beers or soft drinks and snacks. The food is homemade, fresh and tasty. Expect lovely avocados from their garden with every course!
The walk down the canyon is steep and around 20-30 minutes to the bottom. There are two ladders (made of bamboo tied together) that need to be negotiated. The trail is good but can be slippery with small, loose gravel-type stones. Going down we may need to walk quite quickly in case the bears move. Coming up takes time with the altitude playing a factor. We take it slowly and stop as many times as needed to rest. We take nothing down into the canyon, only cameras and a phone. The guide can provide a stick and will carry a camera if required.
A good fitness level is required, but you can remain at the viewpoints if the walk feels too challenging. We will remain with the bears for only a short period as we must be careful not to disturb them with our presence in their wild habitat. The guides will watch for any signs of anxiety on the part of the bears and we will leave as soon as we are asked to, but they are super helpful in getting us into great photography and viewing positions.
It is possible to "adopt" a bear for a year for $140 as a contribution to this not-for-profit local project. You will receive updates on all the bears and even can name a bear (if there is one as yet unnamed!)
Day notes
SPECTACLED BEAR WATCHING DAY TWO
You will repeat your activities from day one
Day notes
ANTISANA RESERVE
You will leave the homestay in the morning to head to the Antisana Ecological Reserve. This protected area is located in the eastern Andes of Ecuador, named after the Antisana Volcano, which is the fourth-highest peak in Ecuador and is part of the reserve. The reserve is home to diverse flora and fauna, and our focus will be the Critically Endangered Andean Condor which is amongst the 400 species of bird to be found here. We will look out from a viewpoint located near the base of the Antisana Volcano and observe the condors as they ride the thermal currents that rise from the mountains.
As well as Condors, you may see White-tailed Deer, Llama, Andean Fox, Carunculated Caracara and Variable Hawk. This is a great way to finish your wildlife sightings here, learning and watching the most important species of the Ecuadorian Andes.
Afternoon at leisure at Tambo Condor. Birdwatching in the gardens or go for a hike down to the Laguna de Secas
Overnight Tambo Condor Lodge: Tambo Cóndor is an ecotourism project aimed at promoting sustainable tourism in the sector. They are located in an Andean forest area with an irregular topography featuring plains, undulations, and slopes created by ancient lava flows hardened by time.
Check-out from Cayambe - Coca Homestay
Transfer from Cayambe - Coca Homestay to Tambo Condor
Transfer
Cayambe - Coca Homestay
Tambo Condor
Check-in to Tambo Condor
Day notes
ANTISANA RESERVE
Early morning, have a cup of coffee and drive to the top of the reserve to watch for Andean Condors. Small snacks are provided.
Return to the lodge for breakfast.
Early afternoon, take a drive for a couple of hours into the reserve to see what other wildlife you can spot. Watch out for Andean Grebe, Andean Ibis, and Andean Gull.
The rest of the afternoon at leisure. Spend time watching hummingbirds. There are some interesting species here, including Giant Hummingbird , Shining Sunbeam and Great Sapphirewing.
Day notes
Return to Hacienda La Jimenita tonight to be close to the airport tomorrow morning for your flight into the Amazon Rainforest.
Check-out from Tambo Condor
Transfer from Tambo Condor to Hacienda Jimenita Naturhotel & Wildlife Reserve
Transfer
Tambo Condor
Hacienda Jimenita Naturhotel & Wildlife Reserve
Check-in to Hacienda Jimenita Naturhotel & Wildlife Reserve
Day notes
FLIGHT QUITO – TO COCA – NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER
Yiur journey to the rainforest starts with a lovely 30-minute flight over the Eastern Andes mountain range to Coca, "Gateway to the Amazon"
After landing, a short 5-minute drive to the port of La Misión on the Napo River. A covered motorboat will take you on a comfortable 2.5-hour ride from the port to the Napo Wildlife Centre welcome station in Yasuní National Park. A packed lunch is provided for the boat journey and you can look out for water birds such as herons and kingfishers.
From the welcome centre, you transfer to dugout canoes operated by expert guides to quietly paddle up Añangu Creek.
This peaceful leg of the trip will lead you through an undisturbed habitat to allow your first glimpses of incredible wildlife. There are great chances to spot various species of monkeys and large birds like Toucans, Parrots or even Macaws.
Late afternoon arrival at the lodge for a welcome drink and briefing. Your home for the next four nights is situated in Yasuni National Park, the most biodiverse place on Earth, spanning nearly 2.5 million acres of lush rainforest with more than 600 bird species.
You will stay in comfortable cabins, each with a porch that looks out onto the lake
Check-out from Hacienda Jimenita Naturhotel & Wildlife Reserve
Transfer from Hacienda Jimenita Naturhotel & Wildlife Reserve to Mariscal Sucre International Airport [UIO]
Transfer
Hacienda Jimenita Naturhotel & Wildlife Reserve
Mariscal Sucre International Airport [UIO]
Scheduled Flight from Mariscal Sucre International Airport [UIO] to Francisco de Orellana Airport [OCC]
Scheduled Flight
Mariscal Sucre International Airport [UIO]
Francisco de Orellana Airport [OCC]
Cruise from Francisco de Orellana Airport [OCC] to Napo Wildlife Center Ecolodge
Cruise
Francisco de Orellana Airport [OCC]
Napo Wildlife Center Ecolodge
Check-in to Napo Wildlife Center Ecolodge
Expert tips:
Facilities at Napo Wildlife Center Ecolodge
Breakfast and dinner are buffet-style, and lunch is a set three-course menu.
Treated water is used for showers and toilets for the cabins. We strongly recommend that you do not drink any water from the tap, so potable water is provided in each cabin. There is always find drinking water in a dispenser located in the restaurant.
There is 24/7 electricity with 110-volt electric plugs in each cabin and also in the common areas like the restaurant and bar.
Satellite WiFi is available for a small fee. A single payment will provide a connection for the whole stay. Of course you may want to be "disconnected" and immerse yourself in the environment.
Day notes
NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER DAY 2
After a buffet breakfast, experience the life above the forest floor visiting the 36-metre high canopy tower. This tower is about 30 minutes from the lodge deep within the forest. As you ascend the 12-floor tower, you pass through different levels of the forest and emerge at the top of a huge Ceiba tree.
Flocks of colourful tanagers pass right through the canopy of the tree. Blue-and-yellow Macaws fly past, while, in nearby trees, Spider Monkeys search for fruit. Two species of large toucans call in the early mornings and afternoons, and the life of the forest canopy is laid out before us. Birds virtually impossible to see from the forest floor far below are suddenly beside us, usually oblivious to our presence.
Return to the lodge for a typical Ecuadorian lunch. After lunch, wander for a bit of birdwatching or relax in your hammock.
In the afternoon, hike through the primary Terra Firme forest* to discover the ecology and the role of plants in the complex world of the tropical rainforest: vines, ancient trees, bromeliads and orchids stand out. After the hike, explore the surrounding creeks with the possibility of running into a Giant Otter family.
*The literal meaning of Terra Firme is "firm earth" and refers to rainforest not inundated by flooded rivers.
Dinner back at the lodge.
Day notes
NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER DAY 3
Wake up for an early breakfast and an early start to reach the most accessible parrot clay licks in Ecuador, about one hour away from the lodge. We plan to reach this destination just before parrot activity kicks off at the clay lick between 07:30 to 08:30 to ensure the best viewing experience. A total of 11 species of parrots, parakeets, and macaws can be seen daily.
Later, hike along a forest trail to visit the Kichwa Community of Añangu and share time with a family on one of their many activities. Enjoy lunch at Napo Cultural Centre, where you share food with the people of the Kichwa community.
Then return to the creek and hike through Terra Firme forest for about 30 minutes until we arrive at the second parrot clay lick. If the weather conditions permit, we will find different species of parrots, parakeets, and perhaps macaws.
Day notes
NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER DAY 4
This morning hike along the Tiputini trail and its Terra-Firm and swamp forests, searching for more wildlife such as Golden-Mantled Tamarins, White-Faced Capuchin Monkey, Two and Three-toed Sloths and Pigmy Squirrels.
Back to the lodge for lunch and a well-deserved rest.
Paddle canoes will take you to explore deeper areas in the creeks in the afternoon.
After dinner, there will be a talk about the community and the work of the Napo Wildlife Center.
Day notes
FLIGHT TO QUITO - SAN ISIDRO LODGE
Early breakfast and last excursion canoeing back to the Napo River and the motorboat will take you back to Coca for the flight back to Quito.
A two-hour drive to your last lodge - Cabanas San Isidro. Set in the lush Cloudforest reserve, the lodge rooms are en-suite and widely spaced about the sprawling gardens, and all have direct access to the outdoors from the open-air front porches.
Start with birding around the lodge... Some regulars include Montane and Olive-backed Woodcreepers, Golden-crowned Flycatcher, Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher, Black-billed Peppershrike, Inca Jay, Bluish Flowerpiercer and Subtropical Cacique....
The rest of the day will be spent birding the trail system and forested roadside at Cabañas San Isidro, where Long-tailed Antbirds, Plain-tailed Wrens and Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonias await.
Check-out from Napo Wildlife Center Ecolodge
Transfer from Napo Wildlife Center Ecolodge to Cabañas San Isidro
Transfer
Napo Wildlife Center Ecolodge
Cabañas San Isidro
Check-in to Cabañas San Isidro
Expert tips:
Cabañas San Isidro and its immediate surroundings boast a bird list of about 330 species, many more easily found here than anywhere else in the country. Situated at about 2050 meters above sea level, the trails lead through habitats from 2,400 meters all the way down to 1,900 meters. An ideal base to observe Andean birds from the temperate zone's lower reaches down into the subtropical zone's heart.
Birds such as Highland Tinamou, Bicolored Antvireo, and Peruvian Antpitta, are a few of the exciting rarities that live within shouting distance of the lodge. The White-faced Nunbird might even appear as it has been seen at San Isidro more in recent years than at any other site on Ecuador's east slope.
There are hundreds of other bird species that one has a good chance of seeing while quietly strolling down the forest trails and forested roadsides. From the doorstep of the lodge, visitors often get their first looks at Powerful Woodpecker, Smoky Bush-Tyrant, Inca Jay, Black-billed Peppershrike.
A short walk from the cabins, the forest awaits. Be especially on the lookout for Sickle-winged Guan, Masked Trogon, Highland (Andean) Motmot, Streak-capped and Striped Treehunters, Long-tailed Antbird (a bamboo specialist) and Slate-crowned Antpittas, Marble-faced and (only a few of a long list of varied tyrannids to be found in the mixed species flocks), Black-chested Fruiteater, Pale-footed Swallow, a wonderful selection of colourful tanager species including Red-hooded and White-capped and Northern Mountain and Subtropical Caciques.
Day notes
Back to Quito for international flights home.
Extension ideas
Stay in Quito and take the time to explore the largest, best-preserved colonial city of America, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is considered the Cultural Capital of South America. We can arrange a city tour.
Add on a six-night Galapagos extension (not escorted) for only $2210 per person sharing (includes return domestic flights). One night at the start and end in Quito and four nights on the islands.
Check-out from Cabañas San Isidro
Transfer from Cabañas San Isidro to Mariscal Sucre International Airport [UIO]
Transfer
Cabañas San Isidro
Mariscal Sucre International Airport [UIO]
