Ecuador Birding Adventure
February 6 – 20, 2010 FULL!
Eastern Andes, Chocó Specialties, Andean Cock-of-the-Rock Lek & Oilbird Cave, possible nesting Harpy Eagle
15days/14nights with two expert guides, native Ecuadorians Marcelo Andy and Andres Vasquez
Limit 12 participants FULL!
Day 1: Arrival in Quito
Transfer to Hotel Sebastian upon arrival. We will have dinner together to discuss final details about the trip (time permitting, depending on airline schedules).
Day 2: Yanacocha Reserve / Old Nono-Mindo Road
We leave Quito early for morning birding at Yanacocha Reserve at 3300masl. At this altitude, highland specialties are the main dish. The main attraction of the area is the rare Black-breasted Puffleg, a hummer found almost strictly in this reserve. Other conspicuous hummingbirds are Sword-billed Hummingbird, Great Sapphirewing, Golden-breasted Puffleg and 13 more hummers, plus colorful mountain-tanagers, chat-tyrants and even a possibility of the very rare Andean Condor. After a box lunch, we head downhill to the Tandayapa Valley through the famous Old Nono-Mindo Road which will take us to the very heart of the cloud forest. We bird on the way, trying to get specialties like Golden-headed Quetzal and Toucan Barbet. We will spend the night at Bellavista Lodge.
Day 3: Upper and Lower Tandayapa Valley
Today we bird the cloud forest at around 2000masl. This altitude is rich in hummingbirds with over 40 resident species including Chocó endemic Violet-tailed Sylph, Gorgeted Sunangel, and Brown Inca. Surrounded by dozens of species of glittering Tanagers, the magnificence of the seven colors of the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan stands out. We will search for endemics like Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Cloud-Forest Pygmy-Owl, Beautiful Jay and the extremely local Tanager Finch plus the Powerful Woodpecker and the always elusive but spectacular Ocellated Tapaculo. In the evening we will look for Lyre-tailed Nightjar and other crepuscular and nocturnal species. Overnight at Bellavista Lodge.
Day 4: Angel Paz Antpittas Reserve “Paz de las Aves”
We will spend today searching for specific species. During the morning we will visit one of the cloud forest’s main attractions, an Andean Cock-of-the-Rock Lek. Next, we will bird this reserve which became famous for the presence of Giant, Moustached, Ochre-breasted and Yellow-breasted Antpittas. These normally very elusive species respond relatively easily to the voice of Angel, the owner of the reserve, who calls them by names he gave to particular individuals; unusual, indeed! ! ! In the afternoon we move towards Maquipucuna Reserve and Lodge for the night. Before going to bed we will look for the Spectacled Owl which sometimes calls around the lodge.
Day 5: Maquipucuna Reserve and Oilbird Cave
We start the day birding around the lodge where Torrent Duck is present along with White-capped Dipper and Torrent Tyrannulet. During the months of December through February Spectacled Bear is possible!!! By midmorning we move towards an Oilbird cave where we can see these enigmatic birds while they roost by day in a very narrow canyon. Other birds usually seen on the way include Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Band-backed Wren and even Gray-breasted Flycatcher. Before dark we move to a lower elevation near Los Bancos for dinner and a good rest at Ayalir Lodge.
Day 6: Milpe Bird Sanctuary and Mindo Loma
We will spend the morning around this renowned sanctuary at 1100masl where a Lek of the endemic Club-winged Manakin is present. This area is great for the endemics Choco Toucan and Pale-mandibled Aracari. Rarities like Moss-backed Tanager, Esmeraldas Antbird, Choco Trogon, Pacific Tuftedcheek and Glistening-green Tanager are regularly found here along with other conspicuous birds like Guayaquil Woodpecker, Choco Warbler, Golden-winged Manakin and some Foliage-Gleaners. During the afternoon, we visit Mindo Loma reserve in search of local endemics, Hoary Puffleg and Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager. Night in Ayalir Lodge.
Day 7: Silanche Bird Sanctuary
Today we will bird at the lowest altitude for the trip at 250masl. The reserve has a canopy tower that can help us get some rare tanagers like Emerald, Blue-whiskered, Scarlet-and-White and Rufous-winged, plus Scarlet-breasted, Yellow-tufted and Scarlet-tighted Dacnises. On the ground the birding is great and antbirds are well represented by Checker-throated, Pacific and Griscom´s Antwrens, Chestnut-backed and Bicolored Antbirds and Western Slaty Antshrike. On the way to the reserve, the disturbed and secondary forests along the dirt road can yield some interesting birds like Brown Wood-Rail, Scarlet-backed and Cinnamon Woodpeckers, Dusky-faced Tanager and even the spectacular Red-billed Scythebill. During the afternoon we will focus on whatever group of birds we did not observe during the morning. Night in Ayalir Lodge.
Day 8: Pacto-Pachijal Road and Calacalí Area
We will spend the morning trying to get any important cloud forest birds we might have missed, and this old road is good for that. In any given day we may expect good birds like Esmeraldas Antbird, Russet Antshrike, Orange-fronted Barbet, Black-billed Peppershrike, among others. The area is thought to house a bird only known for the west coast, the great Golden-chested Tanager. After lunch we start heading back to Quito and during the afternoon we bird the dry area around Calacalí located at 2800masl. This habitat is home to specialties like White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant, Giant Hummingbird, Rusty Flowerpiercer and the seasonal rarity Purple-collared Woodstar. Night in Hotel Sebastian in Quito.
Day 9: Antisana Reserve and Papallacta Pass
During the morning we will visit the fantastic Antisana Reserve where the main attraction is Ecuador’s national bird, the amazing Andean Condor. The Condors roost in cliffs within the reserve, making them relatively reliable to find. In addiiton, the very local Black-faced Ibis, White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant, Aplomado Falcon, and the cute Ecuadorian Hillstar are often spotted there. After a box lunch, we head towards Guango Lodge located just past Papallacta Pass where we will stop for some specifics like Rufous-bellied Seed-Snipe and Giant Conebill. Night at Guango Lodge.
Day 10: Papallacta Pass and Guango
We come back up to Papallacta for the entire morning. This time we do a deeper search for paramo birds. Mixed flocks are expected and we will pay special attention to Black-backed Bush-Tanager, Masked Mountain-Tanager, White-chinned Thistletail, Blue-mantled Thornbill, Agile Tit-Tyrant and Red-rumped Bush-Tyrant. Around lunch we will watch the wonderful hummingbird feeders that are visited constantly by over 15 species. Sword-billed Hummingbird is the favorite, but also present are species like the scarce Gorgeted Woodstar, Long-tailed Sylph, Mountain Velvetbreast, Tourmaline Sunangel and Mountain Avocetbill. In the afternoon we will bird the lodge´s trails for some specialties like Torrent Duck, Dusky Piha, Gray-headed Bush-Tanager and Slaty Brush-Finch. Late in the afternoon we move lower towards San Isidro Lodge where we will spend the night.
Day 11: Guacamayos Ridge – Loreto – Gareno Lodge
Today we will drop considerably in elevation as we bird our way to the low foothills through the famous Guacamayos Ridge. Here, rarities like White-capped Tanager, Greater Scythebill, White-rimmed Brush-Finch, Barred Antthrush and Chestnut-breasted Wren are possible. During the afternoon we will bird along the foothills trying to get some rare specialties of that altitude like Coppery-chested Jacamar, Fiery-throated Fruiteater, Orange-breasted Falcon, among others. Just before dusk we will be arriving at Gareno Lodge for the overnight.
Day 12: Gareno Lodge
Today will be spent birding the trails around the lodge. Gareno is famous for having a Harpy Eagle nest in the area every 3 or 4 years. The nest could be active in 2010, but the Eagle is seen with some regularity even when the nest is inactive. The area also holds the very local Rufous Potoo which roosts next to the cabins. Other birds of interest found around the area are Paradise Jacamar, Pavonine Quetzal, Buff-tailed Sicklebill and Blue-backed Manakin. As ant swarms are often found nearby, we have a chance to view White-plumed, Sooty, Bicolored and Scale-backed Antbirds. By night, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, Tropical Screech-Owl and the great Spectacled Owl are around. Night at Gareno Lodge.
Day 13: Gareno Lodge – Loreto – San Isidro
Today we go up the hill again trying to pick up anything we missed on the way down. First, though, we make sure we are satisfied with the birds in Gareno and if not, we bird the trails again for the morning and in the afternoon we go back to San Isidro. On the other hand, if birding has been good in Gareno, we move early towards the Loreto Road for the morning. In any case, we expect to reach San Isidro Lodge by night. We will attempt to get the very local Andean Potoo and the amazing Swallow-tailed Nightjar along the top of the Guacamayos Ridge at dusk. Night at San Isidro Lodge.
Day 14: San Isidro
The major attraction is indubitably the Mystery Owl, a Strix owl whose species is yet to be determined. Besides this unique bird, Golden-headed and Crested Quetzals are often heard and seen. Big birds like Sickle-winged and Wattled Guans and, with some luck, Black-billed Mountain-Toucan and Black-chested Fruiteater are encountered feeding on the fruiting trees. At dusk Rufous-bellied Nighthawk can be found. Commonly seen here are Emerald Toucanet and Chestnut-crowned and White-bellied Antpittas. Just outside the restaurant almost every morning Inca Jay, Highland Motmot, Masked Trogon and Pale-edged Flycatcher are seen. After lunch, we start heading back to Quito, again sweeping off birds we missed either in Guango area or in the Papallacta Pass. Night at Hotel Sebastian in Quito
Day 15: Departure or possible extensions
This day a transfer to the airport is provided for the ones leaving. Other people can start an extension trip of 5 or 6 days in the Amazon Rain Forest, to Sani Lodge. Extension details can be found by clicking the link above.
The price INCLUDES:
- All meals during tour (box meals when needed)
- All entry fees to reserves in itinerary
- Lodging (first class hotel in Quito and most reserves, Gareno lodge is modest but comfortable)
- 2 expert bird guides during the entire trip
- Private transportation during tour
- Transfers to and from airport
- Guides´ and driver´s expenses
- Welcome and farewell dinners in Quito
The price does NOT include:
- Airfare
- Departure tax
- Tips
- Items of a personal nature, such as extra drinks, snacks, alcoholic beverages, laundry, souvenirs, etc.
Lodging is subject to change, but all hotels will have private bathrooms. Gareno Lodge has no electricity.
PAYMENT INFORMATION:
Deposit of $400 with registration (link for registration form is at the bottom of this page). Balance due on or before November 1, 2009*.
Checks should be made payable to Cheepers! Birding on a Budget and mailed with the registration form to Cheepers! Birding on a Budget, Post Office Box 385, Spring Valley, OH 45370.
Cancellation policy*:
Before July 6 – full refund of deposit
Before October 6 – 50% refund of deposit
After October 6 – No refund of deposit
If cancellation occurs after full payment is made, a refund will be given only if the vacant spot is filled. Trip insurance is recommended.
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR TRAVEL TO ECUADOR
- Climate: In general, weather in Ecuador is extremely variable and unpredictable. The Amazon (Gareno) is humid and typically hot (around 85F). Quito is dry, and average temperature is 59F. The rest of the trip takes place in both western and eastern Andes slopes and foothills and temperature varies from 50F in the highest area to 80F in the lowest. Rains are expected any given day; forecast is not heard in Ecuador.
- Clothing: We will be moving in various altitudes so we need some warm clothes for 3 the days around Quito and light clothes for the Amazon (Gareno) and last days of Chocó part. Clothes need to be inconspicuous (cryptic), dark colors like green, blue, black are recommended. Light colors like white, yellow, red, pink, orange are not appreciated by the guides.
- Vaccinations and mosquitoes: Most doctors will recommend Malaria pills and Yellow fever & Tetanus shots. However, the areas visited have not reported any case of these diseases in years. Mosquitoes are present in several places but they never get to be a major concern; repellent is recommended.
- Electricity: In Ecuador power supply is 110w. In every lodge we visit we have 24 hours of electricity except for Gareno lodge . Blackouts are rare.
- Water: Water from the tap is not recommended in general. Everywhere we go we have easy access to pure safe water to drink.
- Personal Bills & Currency: US dollars are the only currency used in Ecuador. For extra expenses incurred during the trip, such as bar bills or gift shop purchases, credit cards are accepted in big lodges (Bellavista, Maquipucuna, Napo Wildlife Center); cash is the best option in smaller lodges (Ayalir, Gareno) and stores. American Express (AE) Credit Card is not useful though AE traveler´s checks are not rejected.
- Baggage: Weight is only limited on the flight to and from Coca (around 44lbs per person) for people taking the Amazon extension to Napo Wildlife Center. For those taking the extension, bags can be held at hotel in Quito for a small fee.
- Health issues: We recommend asking a doctor for advice about high altitudes only if you have a problem with blood pressure and/or a heart condition. As birding at those elevations is easy and mostly flat, the guides report problems among birders are usually no more serious than an occasional headache. Some people suffer stomach problems for a short time due to unfamiliar spices, so you might want to bring an antacid or Pepto Bismo.
- Extras: Hats and sunscreen are recommended. Hiking boots are the best footwear. Alarm clock is imperative as well as a headlamp or flashlight. The guides will bring a spotting scope but you may bring your own if you like.
- Cultural issues and Language: In Ecuador Spanish is spoken and a few people also speak English. People in places on our itinerary are accustomed to tourists and will understand basic needs. Ecuadorians are really helpful people and even if some do not understand English very well, they will do anything they can to help you.
Contact us
email: cheepers@sbcglobal.net
Home phone: 937-862-4505
Cell phone: 937-974-0803
Snail mail: PO Box 385
Spring Valley, OH 45370
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