At the present time EcoQuest Travel does not have a trip to the Ecuadorian Cloud Forests scheduled, but it is a destination that we offer frequently. Below is an example of the type of trip we generally offer. Please keep in mind that Ecuador is a diverse country and EcoQuest Travel offers many different itineraries to Ecuador – the trip listed below is an example of our Cloud Forest trips. If you are interested in the Ecuadorian Cloud Forest as a destination, or for a more detailed itinerary, please contact EcoQuest Travel by email at: info@ecoquesttravel.net.
ECUADOR
The Birds of the Cloud Forests
It is dawn in the cloud forests of Ecuador and the swirling mists blanket the epiphyte-laden trees. Moisture is everywhere and one can almost feel the oxygen being produced. As the shrouds begin to lift, the chorus of songs slowly morphs into splashes of color as a seemingly endless variety of birds flit among the branches.
Such is a typical morning in the spectacular cloud forests of Ecuador. These forests, on both the eastern and western slopes of the Andes, are incredibly diverse and nowhere is that more evident than in the richness of the bird community. EcoQuest Travel is proud to offer an unparalleled bird watching journey to the extraordinary country of Ecuador. Although we will concentrate on all bird species, we will make a concerted effort to maximize our chances to see the greatest diversity of hummingbirds possible. The hummingbird family is endemic to the Americas and reaches its apex of diversity in northwestern South America – including Ecuador. Truly spectacular hummingbirds such as the booted racket-tail, empress brilliant, Ecuadorian hillstar, great sapphirewing, violet-tailed sylph, rainbow-bearded thornbill, velvet-purple coronet and the unreal sword-billed hummingbird are among the species we could see. No less gaudy are the tanagers, cotingas, toucans, barbets, warblers, jays, parrots and other birds that inhabit these forests. In order to maximize diversity we have chosen to visit both the eastern and western slopes of the Andes. Although both slopes are draped in cloud forest, they differ markedly in their bird species composition. This composition also changes with altitude and we will witness this as we visit different elevations on each slope. In between the two slopes we will cross the high Andes and perhaps even have a chance to see Andean condor soar past the jagged peaks. We invite you to join us as we search for dazzling hummingbirds, admire the snow-capped Andes, and explore the avian wonders of Ecuador’s cloud forests.
14 – DAY ITINERARY WITH OPTIONAL 7 – DAY SOUTH ECUADOR EXTENSION
Day 1 – Raleigh to Miami and on to Quito, Ecuador
Day 2 – Yanacocha and on to Tandayapa Lodge
Day 3 – Tandayapa and the Upper Tandayapa Valley
Day 4 – Lower Tandayapa Valley and Septimo Paraiso Lodge
Day 5 – Rio Silanche Bird Sanctuary
Day 6 – Milpe and Mirador Los Bancos
Day 7 – Paz de las Aves and Back to Quito
Day 8 – Antisana, the Papallacta Pass and Guango Lodge
Day 9 – Guango Lodge and on to San Isidro Lodge
Day 10 – San Isidro Lodge
Day 11 – San Isidro Lodge and on to Wild Sumaco
Day 12 – Wild Sumaco
Day 13 – Wild Sumaco to Guacamayos Ridge Trail and Back to Quito
Day 14 – Departure for US Gateway City and Home
* Please note that EcoQuest Travel, Inc. will make every effort to adhere to this itinerary, but dates, times, activities and prices are subject to change depending on scheduling and availability.
SOUTH ECUADOR EXTENSION: PODOCARPUS NP & JOCOTOCO ANTPITTAS
Day 14 – Fly from Quito to Loja and on to Copalinga Lodge
Day 1 – Copalinga Lodge and Podocarpus National Park
Day 2 – Copalinga Lodge and on to Tipichalaca Lodge
Days 3-5 – Tipichalaca Lodge
Day 6 – Tipichalaca to Loja, Fly to Quito and Transfer to the Flights Home
Day 7 – Departure for US Gateway City and Home
* Please note that EcoQuest Travel, Inc. will make every effort to adhere to this itinerary, but dates, times, activities and prices are subject to change depending on scheduling and availability.
Day 2 – Yanacocha and on to Tandayapa Lodge
Day 3 – Tandayapa and the Upper Tandayapa Valley
Day 4 – Lower Tandayapa Valley and Septimo Paraiso Lodge
Day 5 – Rio Silanche Bird Sanctuary
Day 6 – Milpe and Mirador Los Bancos
Day 7 – Paz de las Aves and Back to Quito
Day 8 – Antisana, the Papallacta Pass and Guango Lodge
Day 9 – Guango Lodge and on to San Isidro Lodge
Day 10 – San Isidro Lodge
Day 11 – San Isidro Lodge and on to Wild Sumaco
Day 12 – Wild Sumaco
Day 13 – Wild Sumaco to Guacamayos Ridge Trail and Back to Quito
Day 14 – Departure for US Gateway City and Home
Day 1 – Copalinga Lodge and Podocarpus National Park
Day 2 – Copalinga Lodge and on to Tipichalaca Lodge
Days 3-5 – Tipichalaca Lodge
Day 6 – Tipichalaca to Loja, Fly to Quito and Transfer to the Flights Home
Day 7 – Departure for US Gateway City and Home