Overview
This tour is built around day-trips from Quito, so it's the perfect add-on to a Galapagos tour. With a combination of cultural and nature-based activities, your private guide can help you see and learn about some of the Andes' most famous residents ... Condors, Hummingbirds, maybe even Spectacled Bears.
Sample itinerary
Day 1. Arrival to Quito. Pick up from the Airport. Overnight Hacienda La Jimenita, Deluxe Suite King Bed. The lodge is a natural paradise surrounded with 10 volcanoes, splendid views, birding trails, excellent accommodation and service. Dinner own expense.
Day 2. (B/L/D) Morning birding in Hacienda La Jimenita Reserve, a nine acre property with secondary forest. An excursion for about 2 hours in the main trails and also feeding our friendly llamas with carrots. In the afternoon a visit to our pre-inca archeological tunnel on site to discover the history of the hacienda that will take you to a different era. Welcome Dinner. Overnight Hacienda La Jimenita. Meals.
OR
After breakfast we will start our tour to visit the main textile and handcraft market in the north of Ecuador. A drive of about 2 hours with stopping at a Traditional Biscuit and Local Cheese Factory, a viewing Point to Lake San Pablo while admiring the Andes Chain of Mountains. Upon arrival to the market, explore its main streets and shops. This is the best indigenous market to visit in South America. We will recommend a place to have lunch viewing the market. Afternoon return to the lodge. Overnight in Hacienda La Jimenita.
Day 3. (B/BL/D) Antisana Condor Reserve Tour. Best spot to observe the Andean Condor. This tour is most panoramic with stops at strategic locations for wildlife and landscapes. Possible also to observe Spectacled Bear, White-tailed Deer, Andean Rabbit, Llamas, Andean Fox and Weasels. Overnight Hacienda La Jimenita. Dinner, own expense.
Day 4. (B/BL/D) Yanacocha Reserve, Old-Nono Mindo Road and Hummingbird Paradise Tour. Visit the Andean Slope with a transition towards the West Slope Cloud Forest. Observation of Owls, Tanagers, Antpittas, and up to 15 different species of hummingbird 1 meter away from you. Overnight in Mindo Lodge.
Day 5. (B/BL) Andean Cock of the Rock Lek, San Tadeo Tanagers and Milpe Birding Sanctuary Tour. Top day to observe Antpittas at close range, tanagers, observation tower of cloud forest, Andean cock of the rock lek. Overnight in Hacienda La Jimenita. Dinner own expense.
Day 6. (B/L/D) Guango Reserve East Slope Cloud Forest. Top reserves to observe toucans, tanagers, other species of hummingbirds, torrent ducks in the river, spectacled bears (endangered bear specie in south America) we have found their feeding places and its possibly to see them. Return to our lodge. Farewell Dinner. Overnight in Hacienda La Jimenita.
Day 7 (B). Transfer out to the airport. End of service.
Inclusions
- Welcome Drink
- Souvenir Safari Hat for Excursions!
- Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Lodge with Excellent Accommodations Private
- Reserve and Hotel near the airport of Quito
- Selected Delicious Meals according to Itinerary.
- 24/7 Private Transfers & Personalized Service
- Specialized English Speaking Guide and Quality Services
- Entrance Fees to mentioned reserves
Style of travel
This trip is suitable for any age. You only need a basic level of fitness. This trip can be tailored to your specific interests and needs. Your guide will be on hand to look after you throughout.