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NARUPA 2 DAYS CAMPING TRIP
ITINERARY
DAY 1 LORETO ROAD - NARUPA
Our journey will begin early in the morning for a scenic 3 1/2 hour drive to Narupa Reserve along the famous Guacamayos - Loreto Road: Ecuador’s diversity shown at it’s best. Dramatic changes in vegetation patterns take place with altitude variation. The Loreto Road transects many ecological zones. Roadsides are excellent for birding along most of the road; hidden hiking paths will allow us to explore deeper into the beauty of the rain forest.
Our plan is to get to Narupa in time to set camp. After lunch in a small local restaurant with privileged access to the Hollin waterfall, we’ll return to the reserve to hike one of the trails where large mixed species of birds flocks roam the forest.
Narupa Reserve was established in 2006 by the conservation organization Fundacion Jocotoco, which intends to continue to expand the size of the reserve to better maintain an elevational gradient and to prevent forest clearing. It is located in the foothills of Napo province of eastern Ecuador.
Narupa Reserve currently protects 750 ha (1850 acres) and has an elevational range from 1000 to 1580 m. The reserve lies in the buffer zone of Sumaco National Park and serves to protect part of what ultimately will be a protected ecological corridor between that park and neighboring Napo-Galeras National Park, facilitating animal movement in an increasingly fragmented landscape. Narupa is categorized as IBA ( Important Bird Area) and has a growing list of birds that currently includes over 360 species. As the reserve is fairly new, much of it remains poorly explored. Five globally threatened species have been recorded, including its flagship species, the Cerulean Warbler, a long-distance migrant that breeds in eastern North America and spends the boreal winter in northwestern South America. Other globally threatened bird species that have been recorded include Black Tinamou, Military Macaw, Coppery-chested Jacamar and Foothill Elaenia.
Dinner at the reserve. Night walk if weather permits.
DAY 2 NARUPA-GUACAMAYOS
With the first sunbeam a variety of tanagers, tyrant flycatchers, and hummingbirds found on the reserve is especially impressive.
A notable rarity is the Orange-breasted Falcon, a couple of which has bred for some years on a cliff immediately adjacent to the reserve; this represents the only currently known nesting site in Ecuador for this rare globally threatened falcon.
Through camera trapping and track analysis, several large mammals have been detected including Puma (Puma concolor), Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), and Brazilian Tapir (Tapirus terrestris).
Being situated in the Amazonian foothills, Narupa has a very pleasant climate – though it must be considered that it does rain a lot, specially in the afternoon!
A network of trails is gradually being expanded, and a new footbridge over the Rio Hollin now provides access to primary forest at higher elevations in the reserve.
At sunrise the activity is higher and we have better chances to experience the diversity of this unique location. Following an early walk we’ll return to camp for breakfast. After a deserved rest we’ll go to the river, it’s crystal waters are welcoming for swimming and provide a relaxing retreat from the forest.
At noon we’ll get ready to head back to Quito. Lunch in the way.
TRIP CONSIDERATIONS
PLEASE NOTE:
This is a sample itinerary subject to change due to weather conditions, safety, and particular interests of guests and groups. Changes and additions are made in order to maximize birding, wilderness enjoyment and cultural interaction with local people.
INCLUDED:
Price per person:
1 pax $ 450
2 -3 pax $ 295
4-6 pax $ 230
- Naturalist & Birding Guide
- Private transportation
-Accommodations: Camp Site: Tents, mats and sleeping bags for use at camping area
-All meals, soft drinks
-Snacks and water through out the trip
-Transfers
-All excursions and entrance fees to the reserves
NOT INCLUDED:
-International airfare
-Alcoholic beverages
- Tips
-Any other item not specified
-Optional accommodation at Rio Hollin Lodge is available upon request with an additional cost $ 40 per person.
ADDITIONAL DAY(S):
THIS TRIP COULD BE EXTENDED WITH A RAFTING TRIP IN THE JATUNYACU RIVER OR SIMILAR. PLEASE ASK FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES AND DESTINATIONS TO EXTEND YOUR TRIP.
The Upper Rio Napo is also known locally as the Rio Jatunyacu, which in Quichua indigenous language means “BIG WATER”. A great trip for both beginners and experts alike, it has the perfect combination of exciting rapids, calm pools, and fabulous jungle scenery to delight everybody. Being the headwaters of one of the two rivers that form the mighty Amazon River, this is a rafting adventure that should not be passed up!
This is a sample itinerary subject to change due to weather conditions, safety, and particular interests of guests and groups. Changes and additions are made in order to maximize birding, wilderness enjoyment and cultural interaction with local people.
INCLUDED:
Price per person:
1 pax $ 450
2 -3 pax $ 295
4-6 pax $ 230
- Naturalist & Birding Guide
- Private transportation
-Accommodations: Camp Site: Tents, mats and sleeping bags for use at camping area
-All meals, soft drinks
-Snacks and water through out the trip
-Transfers
-All excursions and entrance fees to the reserves
NOT INCLUDED:
-International airfare
-Alcoholic beverages
- Tips
-Any other item not specified
-Optional accommodation at Rio Hollin Lodge is available upon request with an additional cost $ 40 per person.
ADDITIONAL DAY(S):
THIS TRIP COULD BE EXTENDED WITH A RAFTING TRIP IN THE JATUNYACU RIVER OR SIMILAR. PLEASE ASK FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES AND DESTINATIONS TO EXTEND YOUR TRIP.
The Upper Rio Napo is also known locally as the Rio Jatunyacu, which in Quichua indigenous language means “BIG WATER”. A great trip for both beginners and experts alike, it has the perfect combination of exciting rapids, calm pools, and fabulous jungle scenery to delight everybody. Being the headwaters of one of the two rivers that form the mighty Amazon River, this is a rafting adventure that should not be passed up!
Hollin waterfall view from the lodge.
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Sumaco Vocano view from the road side.
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Joaquin at Hollin waterfall
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