Ecuador and Galápagos | Birding and Nature Exploration with Delaware Nature Society

Upon arrival in Quito you will be met and escorted to your hotel.

Discover the beauty of the Ecuadorian cloud forest, considered one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. Visit Guango Lodge, located about an hour away from Quito. At 8,858 feet above sea level on Ecuador's eastern slope, this is a paradise for hummingbird lovers and photographers. The scenic vistas and a variety of trails offer visitors great opportunities to hike in a beautiful setting surrounded by forest-covered mountains. Guango's orchid garden is a fascinating place to spend some time, as there is almost always a nice assortment in bloom. Continue your exploration to the area of Papallacta. Enjoy lunch at the Papallacta Thermal Spring complex and free time to relax in the thermal pools. In the afternoon, return to Quito in time for dinner and a talk titled "Introduction to Geology of the Galápagos Islands."

Depart early for Yanacocha Biological Reserve. Clinging to the slopes of Pichincha Volcano at an elevation of approximately 10,000 feet, and comprising 2,371 acres of mostly elfin Polylepis forest, this protected area was established to safeguard the critically endangered and endemic Black-breasted Puffleg. Other high-altitude species include Andean Guan, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Golden-breasted and Sapphire-vented Pufflegs, Great Sapphirewing, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Rufous and Tawny Antpittas, Ocellated and Blackish Tapaculos, Black-chested and Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanagers, Golden-crowned Tanager, and many more. Enjoy lunch at the reserve. We will also learn about the work of Aves y Conservacion and the community nursery at Alambi. Continue through the Eco-route to Mindo.

Spend the day at Mashpi-Amagusa Reserve, a 320-acre protected area in the Chocó foothills that functions as a critical link between lower subtropical forest and higher montane forest at neighboring Mashpi Lodge. The altitude here ranges from 2,450 to 5,600 feet. The birding is fantastic along this corridor, with many Chocó endemics that are difficult to find elsewhere, such as Rose-faced Parrot, Orange-breasted Fruiteater, Chocó Vireo, Moss-backed Tanager, Black Solitaire, and Indigo Flowerpiercer; a few, like Long-wattled Umbrellabird, require a little luck. Feeders on-site also offer great photo opportunities for hummingbirds and tanagers. Enjoy a boxed lunch during the excursion.

Check out and start early with a visit to Refugio Paz de las Aves near Nanegalito (13 miles northeast of Mindo, at 4,590 feet). Ángel Paz is the proprietor of this private reserve, and his story is an excellent example of community conservation. Ángel was formerly a local logger who transformed his property into a haven for antpittas and Andean Cocks-of-the-rock more than a decade ago. His early fame came quickly when he learned how to coax the rare and elusive Giant Antpitta into the open with earthworms. He now has six different species of antpittas staked out on his property: Giant, Yellow-breasted, Ochre-breasted, Chestnut-crowned, Moustached, and Scaled. Other incredible birds on the property include Lyre-tailed Nightjar, Rufous-bellied Nighthawk, Olivaceous Piha, Dark-backed Wood-Quail, Crested and Golden-headed Quetzals, and a fantastic mix of hummingbirds. Continue to visit El Pahuma Orchid Reserve in the afternoon. Return to Quito, making a brief stop at the Middle of the World Monument en route, and then continue to Puembo.

Fly from mainland Ecuador to Baltra. After boarding M/C Tip Top V, attend your first orientation and have a light snack. After lunch, disembark on Mosquera Islet, a reef of rocks and coral and a great white sand beach. Observe colonies of sea lions, Brown Pelicans, Blue-footed Boobies, and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Optional: time today for those who would like to swim or snorkel. Back on board the boat, enjoy a welcome cocktail with the entire crew, followed by dinner. Each night during the cruise there will be an orientation to discuss the events of the day and the next day’s plans.

*Cruise itineraries are subject to change without prior notice for various factors including, but not limited to: safety, weather, mechanical breakdown, unforeseen emergencies, and the discretion of the Captain, Guide, and the Galapagos National Park.

This morning, go ashore at Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, a perfect place to get a feel for the volcanic origin of the islands. Look for new plant growth among the two distinct types of lava, pahoehoe and a'a. Return to the boat for lunch, followed by an excursion on Rábida Island, distinguished by its red sand beaches. Here you can observe marine iguanas, sea lions, Blue-footed Boobies, Masked Boobies, and Brown Pelicans. Walk to a small saltwater lagoon where you can see Galápagos Flamingos. Optional: time today for those who would like to swim, snorkel or kayak.

Today, visit Espinoza Point on Fernandina Island to observe a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, Flightless Cormorants, and clumps of lava cactus. Optional: time today for those who would like to swim or snorkel. In the afternoon, take a panga boat ride around the islets of Elizabeth Bay to look for marine iguanas, sea turtles, seabirds, shorebirds, herons, Galápagos Penguins, and Blue-footed Boobies. Tonight, attend an orientation to learn about conservation efforts to protect the islands.

This morning, disembark on Isabela Island at Urbina Bay, a coral area at the base of Alcedo Volcano with land iguanas, Flightless Cormorants, and giant tortoises. Return to the yacht for lunch. In the afternoon, take a panga ride around Tagus Cove, located between the shoulders of two volcanic craters, which protect it from the open sea. Observe marine iguanas, sea lions, and a variety of birds, including Galápagos Penguins, Flightless Cormorants, and Blue-footed Boobies. Optional: time today for those who would like to swim, snorkel or kayak.

Today we land at James Bay (Puerto Egas) for a walk on Santiago Island where we may see a variety of shore birds, marine iguanas, and sea lions. Visit Bartolomé Island in the afternoon to hike to the summit. During the hike, it's possible to observe colonies of marine iguanas and lava lizards, and on the summit you'll see an impressive view of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock, one of the most iconic sights in the archipelago. Take your time, the climb is worth it. Probably the most strenuous activity of the trip, there are 350+ steps to the top! Optional: time today for those who would like to swim or snorkel.

Start the day landing on Chinese Hat (Sombrero Chino), a small island off the coast of Santiago Island. Here you can observe Galápagos Penguins, eagle rays, sea lions, and marine iguanas from the rocky shoreline. This is an excellent snorkeling site. Optional: time for those who would like to swim, snorkel or kayak. This afternoon, explore Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island, where you can see land iguanas and walk to a hypersalinic lagoon (saltier than the ocean) to observe flamingos, Common Stilts, White-cheeked Pintails, and other bird species. Optional: time today for those who would like to swim or snorkel.

Today, disembark and take the bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island for a visit to the strikingly beautiful native scalesia forest and Los Gemelos; technically sink holes, the "Twin Craters" are collapsed magma chambers. Then, visit a farm where you can see giant tortoises in the wild. Return to Puerto Ayora to check out the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center and Interpretation Center inside the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Take an early morning walk along the coast and the interior of North Seymour Island, a low, flat island that was uplifted from the sea by underground seismic activity. Observe nesting Blue-footed Boobies, marine iguanas, pelicans, frigatebirds, shore birds, sea lions, and the endemic palo santo trees. Return to the yacht and navigate to the pier to disembark and travel across the Itabaca Channel for the bus ride to the airport. Lunch is on your own today, and there are several food options at the airport. Spend the afternoon in Quito at leisure for last-minute packing or relaxing in your room before gathering for a farewell dinner at the hotel this evening. For those departing tonight, you will be taken to the Quito International Airport after dinner for your flight home.

Today, transfer to the airport for your flight home.