MINDO-NAMBILLO CLOUD FOREST RESERVE

(2 days / 1 night)

Day 1. Depart northwest of Quito for birding along the Nono-Mindo road, with over 50,000 acres of sub-tropical vegetations, home to 300 species of birds and abundant flora. Overnight at comfortable loge with complete facilities.

Day 2. After an “early-bird” Breakfast, we examine morning wildlife activity and return in the late afternoon with an increased “life bird” list.

THE CLOUD FOREST

waterfalls of life

Halfway down on either side of the Andes lies the cloud forest habitat, watershed of the Pacific lowlands and the Amazon River basin. This moist atmosphere creates a luxuriant montane forest full of orchids, plus many species of birds the spectacular Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola rupicola), whose males “dress” in brilliant red and jet-black.
SAN RAFAEL CLOUD FOREST RESERVE

(3 days / 2 night)

Day 1. Over the East Andes through primary Polilepis forest, Thermal springs and ever-changing landscapes we reach our simple lodge at San Rafael. Afternoon glimpse at the falls with their magnificent 430 foot (130 meter).

Day 2. Huge mixed flocks of tanagers, woodpeckers, flycatchers and hummingbirds traverse treetops. Trek down to the Coca River basin to reach the top of the fall.

Day 3. Catch a glimpse of cone-shaped Reventador Volcano breaking through the morning mist and gradually backtrack to Quito in the abternoon.