Our shuttle will pick you up from main hotels in Quito between 7 and 7:30 am (definite time will be confirmed to you a few days before your trip). We take the highway north of Quito, passing the Equator Monument and Latitude 0, and then we climb over the pass and from here on, it's downhill. Enjoy the changing views from dry landscapes to the stunning virgin lush cloud forests of Maquipucuna. About an hour after you leave your hotel, the first real forests that you encounter will be the protected highlands of the Maquipucuna Reserve. You will witness the classic example of a "rain shadow"effect created by the Andes on the moist air masses coming from the Pacific - dessert on the east slope of the mountains and lush wet forests on the pacific slopes. The drive lasts about 2 hours from Quito. Check-in to Maquipucuna Lodge, receive the welcome talk and get fitted with rubber boots and prepare yourself for an introduction trek on one of our various trails.
Before lunch: Depending on the time of the year, this could be the opportunity to spot Torrent ducks right below the Umachaca River bridge, across the lodge and to watch up to 8 species of hummingbirds that flock around the dining room.
After lunch: We could walk through the Bear trail and part of the Palmito or River trails in search of Spectacled bears or their traces. This is a moderate hike through Secondary and some Primary Forest. The most incredible birding and wildlife can be expected along this hike as emblematic birds such as the Lanceolated Monklet, the Choco Toucan, the Esmeraldas Antbird, the Guayaquil Woodpecker, various species of raptors, and the occasional Cock-of-the-rock are possible to see along this trail. This trail can be thought of as a journey through the progression of forest regeneration from secondary forest to primary forest. One of the tree species that characterize the regeneration is a Lauraceae tree, known locally as Pacche. When in season, these trees carry an abundance of mini avocado fruits. This is the fruit responsible for attracting unusually high numbers of bears yearly as well as parrots, toucans, and recently the Long-wattled umbrella bird and Oilbirds.
6:00 pm Bar opens officially; however, if you desire a drink before then, please let our staff know and they will be happy to serve you.
Optional guided night hike.
