Nature & Wildlife

THE BEST NATURE EXPERIENCE FOR BIRD AND NATURE LOVERS

Discover the remarkable biodiversity of Ecuador in a compact time. You start in Mindo; a mist-covered cloud forest reserve located northwest from Quito, named the “Choco Andino de Pichincha Biosphere Reserve”. On the excursions you may spot lots of birds especially various hummingbirds, reptiles, insects and although limited mammals and of course orchids. Ecuador counted 4032 species of orchids. You overnight in characteristic accommodations surrounded by nature. The last day you have excellent chances to spot the Andean Condor!

Full Program

Duration: 5 Days

PRICE PER PERSON IN USD 2023
  • $140502 Pax
  • $112903 Pax
  • $96504 Pax
  • $90105 Pax
  • $82206 Pax
  • $122Single Supplement
Enquire Now

OVERVIEW

  • – Day 1: Journey from Quito to Mindo via the Yanacocha reserve and overnight in Mindo
  • – Day 2: Bird watching in Mindo’s cloud forest and hike to waterfalls with best photo opportunities, overnight in lodge
  • – Day 3: Discover the Cock of the Rock and visit an Orchid & Butterfly garden, overnight in Lodge
  • – Day 4: Last hike in the primary cloud forest and travel to the highland, overnight in a mountain lodge
  • – Day 5: Observe the Condor flight and deer in the Antisana National Park, return to Quito

GENERAL INFORMATION

BEST TIME TO VISIT

All the year

dry season May to November

EQUIPMENT LIST
Equipment list for hiking

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Easy Hiking

ACCLIMATIZATION

No previous acclimatization is required for this itinerary. Rain must be expected every day in the cloud forest, even in the dry season.

INCLUDES

  • Private transportation
  • English speaking Naturalist Guide
  • Accommodation based on a double room in *** hotels
  • Meals conform the itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch or box lunch, D = dinner)
  • Mentioned activities, permits and entrance fees
  • Costs guide and driver
  • Certification of biosecurity
  • Water bottle of recycled material and sufficient drinking water
  • First aid kit

NOT INCLUDED

  • – Beverages
  • – Single supplement
  • – Personal equipment
  • – Not mentioned meals
  • – Eventually tips
  • – Travel insurance

FULL ITINERARY:

Day 1

Journey from Quito to Mindo via the Yanacocha reserve and overnight in Mindo

This high variety and learning journey leads you to the ever-green cloud forest of Mindo while on the way you visit the Yanacocha Reserve. This reserve offers you a nice introduction of the wildlife in Ecuador. The Andean Highland is a good habitat for birds like antpittas, wood creepers and flycatchers. After lunch you continue to Mindo and on your way you visit a small humming bird reserve. You will be amazed how many hummingbirds of different species visit the feeders in this special garden. Check – in at the lodge and relax.

Travel time 2.5 hours, excursion 2 hours (L-D)

Day 2

Bird watching in Mindo’s cloud forest and hike to waterfalls with best photo opportunities, overnight in lodge

Your early wake up will be rewarded by spotting a lively birdlife. The first hour of day light is the best time to watch wildlife. After breakfast you will walk toward several waterfalls which offer excellent view and so photo opportunities. Today you discover the wealthy flora world of Mindo. Did you know that Ecuador offers 10 % of all planets’ plant species? Today you will encounter many including wild orchids. The best time of the year to spot blooming orchids is between February and June. Later in the afternoon you have time to visit a small handcrafted chocolate factory and learn about the processing of chocolate.
3 – 4 hours hiking (B-L-D)

Day 3

Discover the Cock of the Rock and visit an Orchid & Butterfly garden, overnight in Lodge

Early in the morning again you head by vehicle toward a lek where you can observe the cock of the rock as well as some other birds. The male cock of the rock has a striking red color and is easy to see when it’s there. In this private reserve you have the opportunity to spot these incredible birds at day break.
Later in the day, depending on your interests, you visit an orchid as well as a butterfly garden. In the evening you will hear sounds of frogs, birds and all other noises of the forest. Enjoy your last night in the cloud forest!

Travel time 1.5 hours, hiking up to 3 hours (B-L-D)

Day 4

Last hike in the primary cloud forest and travel to the highland, overnight in a mountain lodge

Enjoy your last hike into Mindo’s cloud forest. On an interesting excursion you have the last opportunity to discover the secrets of Mindo’s cloud forest. You will be picked up in the afternoon and the driver will bring you safely to the eastern Andes of Ecuador for overnight.
Travel time 3 hours (B-L-D)

Day 5

Observe the Condor flight in the Antisana National Park, return to Quito

A short transfer brings you to the Antisana National Park, which is the home of the largest Andean Condor colony in Ecuador. The bird has a maximum wingspan of 3.3 meters is by far the largest bird in the world. The Condor is in danger of becoming completely extinct due to loss of its habitat; today you have a good opportunity to spot them, flying in free nature. Afterwards you continue to the Mica Lagoon, located at the foothills of the snowcapped Antisana volcano. Other raptors like hawks and caracaras are occasionally seen as well as deer and rabbits. In the afternoon you return to Quito.
Travel time 3 hours, 1-2 hours walk (B-L)

overlay
shape dark