5 Day Expedition and Wildlife Tour Into the Heart of The Cloud Forest in Ecuador
Ecuador Cloud Forest Wildlife Tour
Embark on a 5-day immersive private expedition into Ecuador's Cloud Forest. Venture into the heart of one of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems with a captivating 5-day expedition into Ecuador's enchanting cloud forest. This journey offers a unique blend of community-based ecotourism, thrilling adventure, and unparalleled wildlife encounters, from the delicate beauty of native orchids to the vibrant plumage of exotic birds.
Key information
- Group safari
- Maximum group size of 16 participants
- Children under the age of 8 years old are allowed to participate under the supervision of a parent or guardian.
- Languages spoken: English; Spanish; Castilian
- All related park entry fees are included
Highlights
- World-class birdwatching in Mashpi
- Visit a hummingbird garden and a butterfly farm
- Community-led orchid tour
- Unique biking adventure through the forest and refreshing waterfall hikes
- Learn about the customs and traditions of the ancient Yumbos people
- Total cloud forest immersion
- Chocolate tour in Mindo valley
- 4 nights accommodation with meals
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
Styles
Accommodation
You will stay in the following accommodations:
- Pacto at Piripe Wellness Lodge (or similar) in a standard single or double cabin (2 nights)
- Mindo at Casa Divina Eco Lodge (or similar) in a standard single or double cabin (2 nights)
Program
Your adventure begins in the Yunguilla community, a pioneering example of sustainable tourism nestled in the Andean slopes. Here, you will embark on an insightful orchid tour, learning about the region's incredible diversity of these fascinating flowers. Local guides, deeply connected to the forest, will lead you through lush trails and community greenhouses, revealing the intricate relationships between orchids and their environment. This experience offers a glimpse into the conservation efforts that protect this fragile ecosystem while supporting the local community.
The expedition continues to the renowned Mashpi Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot teeming with life. Prepare for an unforgettable birdwatching experience, where the forest canopy and undergrowth reveal a dazzling array of avian species. With expert guides, you'll have the chance to spot toucans, hummingbirds, and the vibrant Andean cock-of-the-rock.
The adventure intensifies with your choice of a thrilling Mashpi bicycle tour or a refreshing waterfall hike. Alternatively, you can choose to hike to one of the reserve's numerous pristine waterfalls. Trails of varying difficulty levels wind through the verdant landscape, leading to crystal-clear cascades where you can take a revitalizing dip.
Throughout the expedition, you will be immersed in the mystical ambiance of the cloud forest. Hiking through this ethereal landscape, you'll be surrounded by a symphony of nature's sounds, from the calls of unseen creatures to the gentle rustle of leaves in the mist-laden air. This 5-day journey promises an intimate and unforgettable connection with the natural wonders of Ecuador.
Itinerary
Day 1: Orchid tour in Yunguilla, Visit a Hummingbird Garden, and Aroma Panela Tour
Start your adventure with an orchid tour, where you can learn more about these stunning plants and see a variety of colorful species! Next, visit the Alambi Reserve, home to a charming hummingbird garden, making it an ideal spot to observe a range of these beautiful little birds.
In the afternoon, you will head to Piripe Lodge and join the Panela Aroma Tour. This hands-on experience allows you to engage in the panela manufacturing process, including grinding the cane, arranging the bagasse, and crafting your own sweet treat.
- Highlights: Orchids, Alambi Reserve, hummingbirds
- Meals: Lunch, dinner
- Group type: Private, small group
Day 2: Birdwatching in Mashpi, Yumbo’s Heritage Tour, and Night Walk
In the morning, embark on a birdwatching excursion in the Choco Biosphere Reserve, where Mashpi is located. This area is an ideal destination for birdwatching, serving as a hotspot for biodiversity. It is one of the best places to see over 22 species of endemic birds.
In the afternoon, discover the customs and traditions of the ancient Yumbos people with a local guide. Participate in planting and harvesting local fruits, learn about the benefits of medicinal plants, and savor seasonal organic fruits straight from the tree. At night, immerse yourself in the captivating nightlife of Mashpi. Listen to the serenades of crickets and cicadas, and if you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the night monkey (cuchucho).
- Highlights: Mashpi Reserve, local fruits plantation
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Group type: Small group
Day 3: Mashpi Bicycle Tour or Waterfall Hike, and Chocolate Tour in Mindo
On this day in the morning, you can choose between a Mashpi bicycle tour, a 21 km (13 miles) ride through the forest, or a waterfall hike if you prefer something less challenging. At the end of the cycling route, the crystal-clear waters of the river await you in the heart of the Mashpi Reserve. There's nothing like a refreshing bath full of natural energy after a walk! This route passes through fruit trees and lush forests.
In the afternoon, visit the Mindo Valley, where you can enjoy a chocolate tour, discover how cocoa beans are processed into chocolate bars and other products. Witness the transformation of the beans, grind cocoa by hand, and savor chocolate in its many forms, some sweeter than others.
- Highlights: Mashpi Reserve, Piripe Waterfall, chocolate tour, Mindo Valley
- Meals: Breakfast
- Group type: Private, small group
Day 4: Hiking through the Cloud Forest, Visiting the Butterfly Farm, and a Night Walk
Head out early in the morning to a beautiful private reserve featuring various trails across the cloud forest. If you're lucky, you might spot different types of animals like guatusas, toucans, hummingbirds, and even monkeys! Hike up to the Mindo viewpoint and enjoy breakfast there with a stunning view of the valley.
In the afternoon, visit the butterfly farm to learn more about these beautiful creatures. At night, embark on a night walk to explore the incredible nightlife of the forest. Keep an eye out for frogs, insects, and other nocturnal animals.
- Highlights: Mindo viewpoint, butterfly farm, yellow house trails
- Meals: Box breakfast
- Group type: Private
Day 5: Waterfall Hike and Transfer Back to Quito
Start your day with an unforgettable adventure on the outskirts of Mindo. Soar above a lush canyon aboard a tarabita cable car, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the cloud forest. Once across, embark on a self-paced hike through various trails that lead to a series of hidden waterfalls of different sizes. Enjoy a swim, then continue to explore the cloud forest. After your exploration, your private driver will take you safely back to your hotel in Quito or directly to the airport.
- Highlights: Cloud forest, waterfalls, tarabita cable car
- Meals: Breakfast
- Group type: Private
Location
The Wonders of the Cloud Forest
- Native orchids and conservation efforts
- World-class birdwatching
- Lush trails to discover pristine and hidden waterfalls
- Local conservation efforts
Food
You will be provided with the following meals:
- 4 breakfasts
- 2 lunches
- 2 dinners
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Lacto-ovo Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
What's included
- Expeditions as indicated in the program
- Private guide and transportation as indicated in the program
- Small group tours where indicated
- 24/7 emergency contact
- All related park entry fees
- Pick up from hotel in Quito or from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) if arrival on day 1
- 4 nights accommodation in 3-star lodges in standard rooms
- Meals as mentioned in the program
What's not included
- Airfare
- Travel insurance
- Extra activities not mentioned in the program
- Extra meals and beverages not mentioned in the program
- Tips
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Mariscal Sucre International Airport
52 km
Transfer included
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO). The trip starts with a pickup from your hotel in Quito or upon arrival at the airport, provided it's on the same day.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 15 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookAllSafaris.com. All major credit cards supported.