From: £383
From: $510
Transfer from your hotel in Quito to Maquipucuna reserve.
Arrive late morning and either relax before lunch or build up an appetite by taking one of the nature walks that extend across the reserve. Over a hearty lunch you can work out the rest of the day’s activities with your guide, who will tailor your activities according to what you would like to do.
Why not set off hiking one of the 7 trails through the forest, take a refreshing dip in the rivers and waterfalls nearby, or visit the orchid garden.
And after a delicious dinner you can choose to relax with a Chocolate Massage (not included) – before falling asleep to the sounds of the cloud forest at night.
Optional early morning bird hike, a great chance to some of the hundreds of species of birds that nest right outside the lodge. Breakfast with the humming birds and then activities of your choice.
Several hiking trails still await (including a self-guided trail), and you can choose one of many optional tours (at extra cost and by prior booking), such as visiting the archaeological site of Tulipe (pre-Inca ruins), visiting sustainable development projects in the village or exploring Maquipucuna’s very own organic coffee plantation where award winning shade-grown coffee is produced.
In “bear season” you may wish to add a Spectacled Bear Safari to spot the elusive creatures. (July-Feb, with Oct-Dec often busier).
For more active additional activities try ziplining or canopy climbing (optional).
Lunch and the chance for a siesta in one of the many hammocks, before exploring more of the reserve.
Optional early morning bird hike, then breakfast and a last chance to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the Maquipucuna reserve before your transfer back to Quito.
The lodge is made with traditional materials and there is a choice of rooms with private or shared bathrooms, all with hot water.
The dining area is surrounded by humming bird feeders offering a unique opportunity to see these beautiful birds up close. The bar area includes hammocks and stunning views over the reserve.
Below are the accommodation options we offer:
This classic accommodation offers four suites with amazing views of the forest. Each room has double beds and private bathrooms. This joins the Umachaca House by a covered bridge.
Families or small groups of friends can have a little more privacy at this classic cabin, which is located 5 minutes from the main Umachaca lodge. The cabin can comfortably sleep up to 6 guests and offers two private bathrooms and a living room.
For the true nature lovers, the open, comfortable Umachaca House is ideal. The Umacha House sleeps up to 18 guests with double or family bedrooms with shared bathroom facilities.
This luxurious cabin overlooks the crystal clear Umachaca river and is a minute’s walk from the main lodge. Two independent spacious suites feature their own private bathroom and balcony and furniture for relaxing.
You need to have a reasonable level of fitness for the trip, as the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy it.
The trip is open to anyone with a positive attitude who wants to walk in a stunning cloud forest.
As some people are bird watchers, there are times when you spend a while sitting still, but also may need to walk a few kms to get to the best spots.
Because the itinerary is flexible, and you can relax at the lodge birdwatching, the trip is open to all.
Delicious and freshly made home cooked meals are served daily, including freshly brewed specialty Arabica coffee produced in Maquipucuna.
Maquipucuna’s cooks are known for their ability to prepare tasty meals for different types of food preferences and can easily cater to any food restrictions – please ask for more.
Many locally sourced fruits and vegetables and salads are used.
Meals are prepared in an open plan kitchen using the best of local and international recipes and ingredients.
Local, bilingual English-Spanish guides will show you around the cloud forest.
Your guides will tailor your activities according to what you would like to do. Options include hiking, mountain biking and swimming in rivers and a wonderful waterfall.
There are expert bird guides (extra cost) for anyone that wants a private/specific bird watching tour.
The lodge is staffed by friendly people from the local communities, under the management of the Maquipucuna Foundation.
A fascinating and educational journey through Ecuador’s Maquipucuna Cloud Forest offered rich learning and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Guided by a passionate local expert, this Galapagos adventure offered unforgettable wildlife, activities, and warm hospitality.
A great variety of species reside at Maquipicuna, many of them endangered and/or endemic.
There are around 2,000 plant species, more than 349 bird species and more than 50 species of mammals.
Toucanets, spectacled bears, armadillos can all be seen, as well as an active Cock-of-the-Rock Lek.
Landscapes vary from the drier south to the more humid north.
The Highlands, or sierra, encompass two Andean Cordilleras (the Central and Western), which run north to south through the country. Ecuador’s largest volcano is Chimborazo (6,310m) whose summit, because of its proximity to the equator, is the closest point on earth to the sun. Several of Ecuador’s volcanoes are still active, and it’s a great area for trekking.
Descending the steep, east-facing slopes of the eastern Cordillera, one passes through a transition zone comprising dense cloud forest and humid high jungle, before entering the Amazon lowlands.
This mainly primary rainforest covers a third of the country, accounts for 5% of the population and stretches across Ecuador, from its Colombian to its Peruvian borders.
The Galapagos Islands are simply unique. Lying 600 miles off the mainland, the archipelago comprises the summits of gigantic equatorial volcanoes.
The flora and fauna of the Galapagos, long separated from their continental cousins, have evolved differently. Charles Darwin used his observations there to develop his theory of Evolution.
Ecuador is the second smallest South American country, and one of the most varied.
It comprises three main geographical areas: the coast, highlands and Amazon plus is home to the Galapagos Islands.
Because of its relatively compact size, it makes a great holiday destination as you can move from highlight to highlight fairly easily and rapidly.
Good kit is vital for every trip.
Book with Andean Trails and get 15% off Páramo’s fantastic ethical and high performance outdoor gear.
It can be very warm in the day, and you can wear shorts and t-shirts, although there are biting insects, so covering up with long cotton shirts and trousers is recommended.
At night, it can get chilly, so you will need a variety of clothing.
Please note: Guests should arrive in clothes which they do not mind getting slightly dirty or wet, and should wear footwear that is suitable to walk on a rainforest trail. Sun cream, insect repellent, hat and waterproof clothing should be carried in hand luggage and kept accessible for the journey to the lodge.
You may want to keep your binoculars and camera handy, too.
All bedding, toilet paper etc. is provided at the lodge.
Ecuador lies between latitudes 4º south and 2º north. Overall, climate varies according to time of year, altitude and region.
In the Ecuadorian highlands, there is little temperature variation by season as temperature depends largely on altitude.
In Quito, shade temperatures range from 6 to 10ºC in the morning and from 19 to 23ºC in the afternoon, with cool nights. In the lower basins between mountains, it gets significantly warmer.
Rainfall depends on whether an area lies closer to the eastern or western Andes. To the west, June-Sept is the dry period and Oct-May the wet (with often a short, dry spell in Dec or Jan).
The best period to visit Quito and trek and climb volcanoes such as Cotopaxi is the west Andean dry season of June-Sept and Dec/Jan. This is also Ecuador’s high season. During the Oct-May wet season, most rainfall is in the afternoons.
To the east, Oct to Feb are dry and Mar-Sept are wet. Overall, the southern highlands are drier than the northern highlands.
On the Pacific coast, rainfall becomes less from north to south. The coast can be enjoyed year-round, although from June-Sept mornings are often grey with the garua mists.
Jan-May is the hottest and rainiest time of year.
In Ecuador’s Amazonian region, rain can fall at any time, but Dec-March is usually the driest season and Mar-Sept is usually the wettest period.
Galapagos can be visited at any time of year.
The warm season is Jan-Jun, bringing calm, warm waters (around 70°F) and sunny days (72-9°F or 22-32°C), February and March being the hottest and sunniest months with blue skies and sunshine.
The islands receive slightly more rainfall during these months, occasional heavy bursts in the afternoon. Great for snorkelling and you can spend a lot of time in the water without wetsuits, with great, clear waters.
The dry ‘garua’ season is Jun-Dec an it’s a great time for marine life. August and September are the coolest when you may need a jacket in the evenings and the sea can be choppy and temperature drops around 15-24ºC on average.
There can be mist on the islands in the mornings (garua) which usually burns off by midday leaving overcast skies or a sunny afternoon.
Sea temperatures may drop to 60°F- 72°F (15-22°C) during this time and snorkellers will want a wet suit for prolonged periods in the sea.
A fascinating and educational journey through Ecuador’s Maquipucuna Cloud Forest offered rich learning and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Guided by a passionate local expert, this Galapagos adventure offered unforgettable wildlife, activities, and warm hospitality.
