 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Ecuador is the smallest country in South America and yet it is considered a mega-diverse country. Only 17 countries have that honor, and Ecuador is the smallest of these countries. This tiny country should be on the MUST VISIT LIST for all nature lovers. For such a small country Ecuador offers an incredible range of sites to visit. In fact, visitor SHOULD VISIT the following 4 regions: AMAZON (notably the Napo Wildlife Center), ANDES (highlands and cloudforests), COAST (particulary during whale mating season), and of course, the GALAPAGOS Islands.
|
|
|
Although Ecuador only has 2% of the Amazon Basin, the Yasuni Biosphere located in the Northern part of Ecuador boasts one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world. The Amazon rainforest spans almost 40% of the land mass in South America, which is about the size of mainland USA. And as such, for a land mass that size, the Amazon has many different regional characteristic. Peru’s rainforest is different than Ecuador’s each hosting its own endemic plant and animal life. For series naturalists, different rainforests offer their own unique qualities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NAPO Wildlife Center, although only a few years old, comes highly recommended by Core. It is truly run 100% by the local natives as of 2007. We have seen other jungle lodges that claim to be run by the local native groups, but NAPO Wildlife center truly
|
|
|
|
|
sets a standard that others should follow. Featured on PBS and Healing Seekers, Napo Wildlife center boasts one of the best parrot clicks in South America. Napo Wildlife Center is located in the Yasuni Biosphere where pristine primary rainforest still exists. Not only does the quality of wildlife and nature viewing receive high marks, but also the accommodation and service level. We are very impressed with the quality of naturalist guides leading visitors through the rainforest.
|
|
|
|
4 DAYS/3 NIGHTS $650.00 (double occupancy), ($180 single supplements)
5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS $795.00 (double occupancy), ($250 single supplement)
Shorter and longer stay rates are available. We recommend a minimum of 4 days and 3 nights to truly be able to experience the biodiversity in this region.
PRICE does not include domestic airfare Quito-Coca ($120)
INCLUDED: Accommodations, all meals, pure water, river transportation and local Coca airport transfers, all excursions, including Añangu Quichua Community and visits to the exclusive NWC`s parrot-macaw clay licks.
|
|
|
|
**Recommended trip for families with teens and pre-teens
We would not recommend this trip to the Amazon for families with young children. These areas are pristine primary rain forest where wildlife roam freely including animal predators. In addition, these areas are malarial zones. Anti-malarial drugs are very strong and can cause damage to your liver.
We recommend children be a minimum age of 12 years old to participate in a trip like this.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Valley of the Volcanoes
Ecuador is home to the most diversity of volcanoes. A drive through the Valley of the Volcanoes is simply breathtaking. Dotted through this regions are the “castles” of the highlands. Many haciendas, homes once belonging to
|
|
|
the ruling colonial Spanish, have been transformed into beautiful hotels open to the public. Ask us about our recommendations and for the inside scoop of little known places to stay.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Birder’s Paradise
The biological diversity of the cloudforests in Ecuador rival that of the Amazon Basin. If you are a birder, then Ecuador is a MUST visit destination. We recommend staying 2 to 3 days in the cloudforest region of
|
|
|
|
|
Mindo-Nambillo reserve. In addition, there are numerous private reserves in this area. Great efforts have been made to conserve the natural environment of this region.
Ecuador alone is home to 1,500 species of birds, out of the 9,000 recorded in the world. Have your group led by arguably the best birding guide in Ecuador. Call today to reserve your dates with our highly sought after birding guide.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Whale Watching
One of the most overlooked regions in Ecuador is the coast. Beautiful beaches, dry forest, coastal scrubs, world’s tallest mangroves, wet lands, and surprising levels of floral endemism.
|
|
|
|
|
One of the most fascinating times to visit is from late May to early August, to see the Humpback whales mating just off the shore of Machallila National Park and marine reserve.
|
|
|
|
