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PAPALLACTA PASS-GUANGO LODGE
ITINERARY
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Pick-up at 7:30 am. Some 65 km (41 miles) East of Quito the road brings us into the high elevation paramo at Papallacta, a very tundra-like habitat. On clear days the views of the surroundings and various volcanoes are breath-taking; a stop right up at the pass is one of the best spots to photograph the snow-capped Antisana Volcano as it towers over the mountains below.
If weather allows, from this point on we should start scanning the sky from time to time for the Andean Condor, Variable Hawk, Carunculated Caracara and Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, that may soar overhead. We’ll check stands of Polylepis woodland for Giant Conebill , Black-backed Bush Tanager, White-chinned Thistletail, Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanager, Pearled Treerunner, Golden-crowned Tanager, Pale-naped Brush-Finch and the scarce Red-rumped Bush-Tyrant. At the highest elevations we’ll seek out the secretive and cryptic Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe. In the afternoon we’ll drive to Guango Reserve, where we will embark on a hike along the trails around the lodge to get a taste of the beautiful Andean temperate forests. Colorful mixed flocks with birds such as Lacrimose and Hooded Mountain Tanagers, Blue-backed Conebill, Black-capped Hemispingus can be seen around the lodge. Here we have possibilities for rare and very local birds like the Mountain Avocetbill, the stunning Gray Breasted Mountain-Toucan, Andean Guan, and Northern Mountain Cacique. Along the Papallacta River we’ll try to find a unique resident of fast flowing mountain rivers, a powerful swimmer and diver: the Torrent Duck. This could definitely be one of our day highlights!I We'll drive back to Quito late in the afternoon. An early pick-up can be arranged if you want to experience the best bird activity and light. |
Available add-on option: visit the Hots Springs Complex
Add a visit to the best thermal water complex in Ecuador, relax and absorb the benefits of the therapeutic waters. The richness of the hydro thermal waters in Papallacta is due its location: a volcanic complex with more than 3 million years of persistent activity called Chacana. The hot springs that feed Termas Papallacta arise from deep geological layers through fissures, up to the surface, loaded with minerals and potential for health benefits.
If you take this trip extension you'll be dropped off in your hotel around 6:30 - 7 pm.
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.
PRICE PER PERSON Private Tour
1 pax $ 370
2 pax $ 210
3-4 pax $ 170
5-6 pax $150
7-10 pax $110
*Optional early pick-up from 5 am to 6am depending on your interest
$40 USD per person in groups of 1 to 3 includes breakfast
$20 USD per person in groups of 4 or more includes breakfast
*Add- on visit to the Hot Springs Complex: $30.00 per person
INCLUDED:
-Pick up and drop off at your hotel in Quito
-Private transportation
- Bilingual, naturalist/ birding guide
-Lunch and soft drinks
-All excursions and entrance fees to the reserves
NOT INCLUDED:
-Tips
-Alcoholic beverages
-Personal expenses
ADDITIONAL DAY(S):
PLEASE ASK FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES AND DESTINATIONS TO EXTEND YOUR TRIP.
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.
PRICE PER PERSON Private Tour
1 pax $ 370
2 pax $ 210
3-4 pax $ 170
5-6 pax $150
7-10 pax $110
*Optional early pick-up from 5 am to 6am depending on your interest
$40 USD per person in groups of 1 to 3 includes breakfast
$20 USD per person in groups of 4 or more includes breakfast
*Add- on visit to the Hot Springs Complex: $30.00 per person
INCLUDED:
-Pick up and drop off at your hotel in Quito
-Private transportation
- Bilingual, naturalist/ birding guide
-Lunch and soft drinks
-All excursions and entrance fees to the reserves
NOT INCLUDED:
-Tips
-Alcoholic beverages
-Personal expenses
ADDITIONAL DAY(S):
PLEASE ASK FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES AND DESTINATIONS TO EXTEND YOUR TRIP.
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