Cynthia Miller Hopkins - Ecuador Mainland Post Extension

Early morning transfer to Manglares Churute, located 29 miles from Guayaquil. Home to one of the best preserved mangrove forests in the world Manglares Churutes is ~50,000 hectares of varied ecosystems, including coastal tropical dry rainforest, mangrove forest, and subtropical dry rainforest. Wildlife sightings include armadillos, white-fronted capuchins, mantled howler monkeys, tigrillos, ocelots, and bottlenose dolphins. More than 300 species of birds have been recorded on site, including woodpeckers, herons, and ducks. Continue your journey along a road that climbs to the Andes, via a scenic bus trip ascending more than 6,562 ft in just 4 hours. During this trip witness the abrupt changes of climate, vegetation, and geography a benefit of the Andes Mountain Range.

Today, visit the Majestic Chimborazo Volcano, the highest summit in Ecuador (20,703 feet above sea level). The protected reserve surrounding the volcano is an important area for preservation and reproduction of different species of the Andean ecosystem, such as llamas, vicuñas and alpacas. Admire the beautiful Andean landscape
along the route, considered one of the most picturesque routes in Ecuador. Continue to a local Indigenous community where you will learn about the close relation of nature and indigenous beliefs. Enjoy a healthy meal based in typical ingredients from the Andes. In the afternoon continue you journey to Cotopaxi Province.

Cotopaxi National Park is located approximately 37 miles south of Quito. It is considered one of the most important natural reserves in the country. The Park is home to a variety of different animal species such as the Andean wolf, deer, rabbits, and llamas. The majestic Cotopaxi volcano has a perfect snow-covered cone and is considered the highest active volcano in Ecuador (19, 347 ft above sea level). Enjoy a moderate walk around the Limpiopungo lagoon (12,700 ft.) where it’s possible to find abundant flora and fauna adapted to the altitude. Combine the natural adventure at the National Park, with a visit to one of the picturesque indigenous markets in the region. The markets are a mix of colors, sounds and smells, where local people buy and sell typical Andean products, animals and handcrafts. Later travel to Puembo for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast depart for Antisana Ecological Reserve for bird watching. The reserve’s 12,000 hectares are a birdwatcher’s paradise with ecological zones ranging from lowland rainforest to páramo (18,886 ft). Birds found at this site include the Andean Condor, Giant Hummingbird, Corunculated Cara Cara, Black-faced Ibis, Speckled Teal, Andean Duck, Silvery Grebe, Slate-colored Coot, Andean Gull, Andean Lapwing, and Aplomado Falcon. Enjoy a delicious meal with a view of the volcano. Continue to Papallacta, a small village famous for its thermal hot springs of volcanic origin. The rest of the afternoon and night will be spent at The Papallacta Thermal Springs hotel. Enjoy time at leisure in the thermal pools.

Enjoy the morning at leisure to relax in the pools and enjoy the restorative effects of the hot springs which mineral richness come from the Cayambe and Antisana volcanoes. Spa treatments are available at the hotel (additional cost). After lunch travel back to Puembo for overnight.

Depart early this morning following the Quinde Eco-route, one of the most important natural routes in the area and is considered a birdwatchers paradise. Visit a private 1600 acre preserve, home to a multitude of epiphytes, including bromeliads, orchids, moss and ferns. There will be a stop at hummingbird feeders near the lodge you will have lunch. Following your time in the forest reserves, we’ll return to Puembo in time for an early farewell dinner, as some flights depart this evening. For those with a departure this evening, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight(s) home.

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight(s) home.