Tour Options

Located 90-minutes east of Quito the Antisana Volcano (the fourth largest mountain in Ecuador) is the nation’s newest national park.  Long considered the most beautiful mountain in the country, with the best birding, it is now open to visitors.  Whether you are a geologist, botanist, birder, or general nature enthusiast, you are likely to fall in love with Antisana.  Here the vast paramos stretch off into the distance, and on a clear day, not only the huge snow-capped peak of Antisana is visible, but Cotopaxi also looms in the distance! 

Sheer cliffs appear painted with guano, with Ecuador’s best population of Andean Condor roosting here.  There is a strong probability of viewing these magnificent birds soaring close overhead.  Other birding highlights might include the Carunculated Caracara, Andean Gull, Black-faced Ibis (very restricted in range), Shining Sunbeam, and the unbelievably large Giant Hummingbird. 

Closer to the shores of Micacocha Lake, with the delightful Silvery Grebe, wildlife might become more abundant, possibly including rabbits, foxes, llamas, wild horses, pumas, deer, and more.

An easy 40-minute flight from Quito brings you to one of the most remarkable places on the globe… The lush upper Amazon neotropical rain forest and jungle of eastern Ecuador.  Here the tributaries of the Amazon flow more than 4,000 miles, from the high Andes, through the world’s greatest rainforest, into the Amazon Delta, and finally the Atlantic Ocean.  More water runs in the Amazon than any other river in the world – it alone drains more than 40% of South America. 

One of the most formidable of the Amazon tributaries is the Napo River in Ecuador.  Unlike the Amazon however, the scale is more manageable – the river is typically a couple of hundred yards, or less, wide.  This means that even on a longboat journey on the river you are close enough to the surrounding forest to revel in the changing panoramas.  Just inland from the river are myriad small lakes and streams.  The Yasuni National Park and Biosphere Reserve is one of the most bio diverse areas in the world, its conservation vital not only to Ecuador but for the planet.

There are a number of lodges remotely scattered along the Napo River, including the La Selva Jungle Lodge, Sacha Lodge, and Napo Wildlife Center.  Another wonderful way to explore a longer stretch of the Napo is traveling by deluxe river boat; M/V Anakonda or M/V Manatee.  

Antisana Volcano: day tour

Early departure with your private driver/guide heading east from Quito.  The route passes through the town of Sangolqui, with a statue of the largest hummingbird you ever saw, the rural village of Pintag, high-altitude fields that appear as a patchwork quilt-like pattern climbing the mountains, and huge lava flows.  In addition to viewing the Condor Cliffs we have the option of several short and easy hikes in Antisana National Park, including Micacocha Lake, to enjoy the scenery and look for high-altitude birds.  Tour includes park entrance fee, breakfast and lunch. 

Antisana Volcano: 2-day tour

Two days in the area affords twice the opportunities to see and fully experience the riches here.  We also have the option to be near the Condor Cliffs at different times of day, including late afternoon on the first day and early morning on the second day.  Exploring the canyons near the lodge opens new wildlife viewing options as well.  Overnight accommodations at the Guaytara Hosteria.  This is a pleasant newer country hotel with large comfortable rooms and a welcoming living-room where a log fire frequently warms the night.  This is the domain of the “chagras” or paramo cowboys.  Tour includes all meals from breakfast on the first day through lunch on the second day, overnight accommodations, and park entrance fee. 

Multi-Day Amazon basin Tours

The Amazon River and its tributaries flow more than 4,000 miles, from the high Andes, through the world’s greatest rainforest, into the Amazon Delta, and finally the Atlantic Ocean. More water runs in the Amazon than any other river in the world – it alone drains more than 40% of South America.

One of the most formidable of the Amazon tributaries is the Napo River in Ecuador. Unlike the Amazon however, the scale is more manageable – the river is typically a couple of hundred yards wide, or less, punctuated by occasional sandbars. During longboat excursions on the river you are close enough to the surrounding forest to revel in the changing panoramas. There are a number of lodges remotely scattered along the Napo River, with our favorites located in primary forest, with a focus on the local flora and fauna.

Lodge Options