Bird watching tour Ecuador, in the Andes, Amazon Rain Forest, mindo cloud forest

Andes-Amazon-15 Days

FROM ANDES TO THE AMAZON BIRDWATCHING TOUR - 15 DAYS

Day 01.- Arrival in Quito. We pick you up at the Airport. Transfer to Hotel Dann Carlton, which is situated in the modern centre of town. In the evening, briefing with the guide. While enjoying a welcome cocktail you will be informed about the detailed order of events of your trip.
Day 02.- Quito-Mindo Birdwatching tour in Mindo. Early departure to see birds on the Nono-Mindo road in the Andean Cloud forest, afterwards we continue to Mindo town. Overnight at the Mindo Gardens Lodge. B/L/D
Day 03.- Birdwatching in Mindo. Full day of bird watching on the different trails of the Mindo cloud forest. Overnight at the Mindo Gardens Lodge. B/L/D
Day 04.- Bidwatching in Choco Patche-Bellavista. Full day of bird watching at the Choco Patche, which is located in the higher cloud forest. We spend the night at the Bellavista Lodge. From your window you can observe the many hummingbirds. B/L/D
Day 05.- Birdwatching in Bellavista. Today we will discover the cloud forest reserve of Bellavista. The 700 ha. area is the home of more than 320 species of birds, for example the tanager-finch, giant anpitta, swallow-tailed nightjar, plush-capped finch, beautiful jay, white-faced nun bird and also the plate-billed mountain toucan. Accommodation in the Bellavista Lodge. B/L/D
Day 06.- Birdwatching in Nono-Quito. We will watch birds on the Nono-Mindo road and try to spot some of the very shy birds. Accommodation in the Hotel Dann Carlton in Quito. B/L/-
Day 07.- Quito-Kapawi Lodge. After breakfast we bring you to the airport in Quito. From here you will fly to the Amazonas rainforest. Accommodation in the Kapawi Lodge, close to the Pastaza River. B/L/D
Day 08/09/10.- Birdwatching in Kapawi Lodge and Reserve. Full days of bird watching in the rain forest. Accommodation in the Kapawi Lodge. B/L/D
Day 11.- Kapawi-Quito. Early in the morning you will go by canoe to Montalvo. From this small settlement of the Achuar Indians you will fly back to Quito. We pick you up from the airport and bring you to the Hotel Dann Carlton. B/L/-
Day 12.- Quito-Papallacta. Early drive to the Papallacta Pass (4.200m). Here we can watch Montana and Páramo species. After that we will drive to the Papallacta hot springs where you can relax and hopefully see the ice giant Antizana. Overnight at Thermas de Papallacta. B/L/D
Day 13.- Papallacta San Isidro Lodge. On the way from Papallacta to the Eastern cloud forest of San Isidro you will already discover some interesting birds. In the afternoon we will watch birds in the surrounding area of the San Isidro Lodge. B/L/D
Day 14.- San Isidro-Guacamayos-Quito. Today we will observe birds at the Guacamayos Ridge (lower Montana and Montana cloud forest). Drive back to Quito in the late afternoon. Hotel Dann Carlton. B/L/-
Day 15.- Transfer Out. After the last day in Ecuador we will bring you to the airport and say good-bye hoping to welcome you another time here in the Middle of the World. B/-/-

B= Braekfast L= Lunch D=Dinner

Price 2011: USD 3.657,- per Person, minimum 2 pax:
Single Suplement USD 678.-

Included in the price:
Flight Quito - Kapawi - Quito, all transfers (private vehicle/canoe), bilingual, local guide who is a professional in Ornithology, national parks entrance fee, meals according to the program (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch, D: Dinner), accommodation in double rooms as mentioned in the itinerary, drinking water, rubber boots, rain ponchos.

Not included in the price:
International flight, International airport tax (USD 41.80,-), fee to visit the Achuar Indians (USD 10,-), surcharge for single room, alcoholic beverages, binoculars, tips, personal items, travel insurance.

What to bring with you:
Comfortable trekking boots, warm clothes, water proof clothes, passport copies (2), binoculars, (if you request we can provide rain poncho and rubber boots), sun cream, sun glasses, hat, cotton clothes (longs sleeves but no jeans) insect repellent, camera, high speed film (400 ASA), binoculars, and travel alarm clock, flashlight with batteries, zip-lock bags to keep clothing and equipment dry, shorts, sport shoes, swimsuit, towel and personal toilet kit.

Very Important:
This program can change due to weather conditions. Any changes are made in the traveler's best interest and safety. Our Jungle Camps are serving also as a base camp for researchers and scientists. Groups of more than four can compose their own tour and can choose their own starting date of the tour. The difficulty of access to the area demands relatively long boat trips.