Exploring the Ecosystems of Ecuador

Arrive in Quito late in the evening. Transfer to Hotel. Welcome to Ecuador, one the 17 countries in the world declared as Mega diverse. Despite its small size Ecuador possesses an extraordinary biodiversity; it has the largest number of plants, invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish and mammals per square kilometer in the world and is the second country with the highest diversity of endemic vertebrates. Settle in at the hotel and rest in preparation for tomorrow's journey to Antisana.

This morning have breakfast and an orientation to the program and then check-out of the hotel and depart to Antisana Ecological Reserve. Antisana is situated along the edge of the Amazon prairie forming a corridor that connects Cayambe-Coca Reserve and the Sumaco Napo Galeras National Park. Today receive an introduction to the ecosystems of Ecuador while exploring some of the parks almost 300,000 acres of flora and fauna. The park consists of a variety of ecological zones ranging from páramo to lowland rainforest and boasts spectacular views of the snow-capped Antisana Volcano, the fourth highest peak in Ecuador with an altitude of almost 19,000 feet. Later this afternoon transfer to Papallacta, situated on the along the entrance of the Amazon basin, for overnight. Dinner at the hotel this evening and time to enjoy the on site thermally heated hot springs.

After breakfast transfer to Casa del Suizo. The drive provides several stops to photograph the lush green valleys and sparkling waterfalls along the route from the scenic highlands into Amazonia. The road ends at Punta Ahuano, a tiny port town on the Napo River, where canoes will be waiting. After taking a 15 minute ride downstream, arrive to Casa del Suizo in time for lunch. In the afternoon, discover traditional Quichua culture in the village of Ahuano, where a local host will show you how to make the beverage chichi and demonstrate spiritual cleansing rituals. Before dinner, participate in a blowgun target shooting contest. This evening have an orientation with a local naturalist and prepare for tomorrow's activities.

Begin with breakfast before boarding a dugout canoe and traveling approximately 20 minutes down the Napo River to Cosano for a rainforest hike. As you walk through the primary rainforest, observe tropical birds and wildlife and learn about the surrounding vegetation. The guides will demonstrate traditional hunting traps used by natives to catch animals. Next visit Amazoonico, a center seeking to rehabilitate and reintroduce wild animals victims of traffic to their natural habitats, take care of those who can't be released and offer environmental education to visitors. Once at the center you will enjoy a talk about the different threats wild animals face and the work the center does in order to release animals back in their natural environment. Environmental Education activities will be held during your visit. Enjoy box lunch in the jungle. In the afternoon continue to a local community where you will learn about the chocolate, starting with the process to cultivate the cacao and how to transfer it into chocolate. This evening discuss today's observations and prepare for tomorrow's journey to the cloud forest.

Start the day trekking through primary and secondary forest trails, observing different species of birds, insects, and plants. The guides will point out plants that are used as medicine and in construction. After a picnic lunch, set up transects for biodiversity counts. Follow the steps of de Francisco de Orellana, who, in the XVI century, discovered the Amazon River using the same technique that indigenous communities have used during centuries to build a raft. Build your own raft! And navigate through the river accompanied by your local guides who will assist you through this adventure. In the afternoon you can visit the Mariposario to see a variety of butterflies. Or enjoy a safe canoe ride to see Caimans. This evening discuss today's observations and prepare for tomorrow's journey to the cloud forest.

This morning final activities exploring Casa del Suizo and then after lunch return to Quito. Later this afternoon have an orientation to prepare for the cloud forest tomorrow.

This morning transfer to the mist shrouded realm of the Mindo Cloudforest. Check-in at Sachatamia Lodge and Reserve. This private, ecological reserve protects a combination 300 acres of pristine cloudforest, recuperated forest, and forest undergoing processes of reforestation. Tonight have an evening discussion to compare and contrast the cloud forest and rainforest ecosystems.

Depart Sachatamia and head to the Pacific coast. Be prepared for a long journey, as the driving time is approximately 7 to 8 hours including stops en route. Along the journey you will witness a transition in the vegetation, from cloud forest to tropical humid forest and finally to tropical dry vegetation at Machalilla National Park. En route stop at a modern agro business farm to learn about the plantation and harvesting process in the coastal region of Ecuador. Continue to the charming town of Ayampe on the Pacific coast. This evening your local naturalist will help prepare students for important observations and other activities tomorrow.

Early wake up to join the volunteers of Equilibrio Azul to monitor fishery activities at the beach. Learn about the artisanal fishery and the destructive fishing practices that still handled by some local fisherman. Help volunteers to collect all the necessary information and data for their research. Continue to the NGO headquarters to enjoy a typical costeño breakfast. Continue to visit the Machalilla National Park one the largest tropical dry forest on the coast of Ecuador. Arrive at Los Frailes beach to Help local volunteers with beach cleaning Return to the hotel to freshen up. Dinner at the hotel. Enjoy an integration night with the volunteers, learn to dance Salsa!

Begin with a drive to Puerto Lopez, where you will board a boat and take a two hour journey to Isla de la Plata. Isla de la Plata, also known as Silver Island, is nicknamed the poor man's Galápagos because many of the iconic species of the islands can be found here, including Red-footed Boobies, Blue-footed Boobies, and sea lions. Upon arrival, begin a hike and explore the flora and fauna. After a boxed lunch, participate in whale and dolphin watching during the return to the mainland. This evening continue the discussion on conservation efforts in Ecuador and compare and contrast ecosystems while integrating human population effects.

Visit Escuela de Ayampe to sample local education. Donate any school supplies brought on the trip and experience a traditional dance performance by local school children. This afternoon drive south along Ruta del Sol towards Guayaquil.