Day 1

Arrive to Quito and Transfer to your hotel. Hosteria San Jorge Eco – Lodge is the only native reserve located near Quito. It is located twenty minutes from the capital city, at km 4, on the old road to Nono in the northeast Pichincha foothills. It is comprised of 80 hectares, wherein native vegetation belonging to the high land tropical rain forest is found at 3000 - 3500 mts. o.s.l. (over sea level) and 9,850 - 11,450 ft., o.s.l. The Reserve contains approximately 250 native plants, 85 species of birds, and a number of marsupials, rodents and mammals. There are 15 natural running waterfalls located on the reserve. Overnight.

Day 2

Quito – Bellavista Reserve (02 Hours). Breakfast. Departure to Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve. We then descend a scenic mountain road with the option to stop for a hike to see the rushing waterfall and orchid display at the Pahuma Reserve (photo). Arrive to Bellavista Reserve. Bellavista is located at 0º 00’ 46’’ latitude South in the cloud forest at 1600-2500 metres (5250-8200 feet) altitude. The average temperature is 14-22 degrees C (58º – 72º F) The reserve is 700 hectares (over 1800 acres), and growing. We offer our guests a unique stay in paradise, either above the forest canopy, in our four storey, thatched roof, 360 degree glassed geodesic dome (surrounded by 19 different kinds of hummingbirds), or in a unique bamboo house, or in our traditional Trailhead House, or the Bellavista Suite! Hummingbirds come in to the feeders and flowers, providing a close-up spectacle of these magnificent birds that have shown greater species numbers in the Tandayapa than anywhere else (to the best of our knowledge) on the planet – over 43 recorded species! Lunch. Afternoon forest hike – discover the ecology of this mysterious forest - and/or bird watching. Dinner. Overnight

Day 3

Bellavista Reserve (Full Day) Optional early morning bird hike. Breakfast. Hike to a waterfall hidden in the forest, or walk our Self-guided Trail. Lunch. Afternoon: Further options for easy hikes or true adventure with a guide! Dinner. Overnight.

Day 4

Bellavista Reserve – Punta Prieta (Pacific Coast). An early morning bird hike is recommended to discover more about the colorful denizens of the forest. Breakfast. Departure to Punta Prieta. During this journey we will observe exuberant vegetation and a scenic change from a cloud forest to a tropical dry forest; small villages whose main activity of economic development is the agriculture (banana tree plantations, coffee, rice, etc.). Arrive to Punta Prieta Guest House: located right on the Equator Line in the Manabi province, nature lovers will find in Punta Prieta Guest House a place where they can relax surrounded by beautiful landscape, tropical dry forest, iguanas, frigate birds, pelicans and much more. Overnight

Day 5

Punta Prieta (Full Day). Breaskfast. Excursion to the dry-primary forest La Ceiba Reserve. The creation of this area is with the purpose of conserving the last dry forests of mainland Ecuador; it has an extension of 700 hectares, with maximum altitude of 600 m.as.l and the lowest part with 200 m.as.l. We find trees like the Ceibo, Guayacan, Soto, among other and a special endemic wildlife. Free afternoon in exclusive beach. Overnight in Punta Prieta.

Day 6

Punta Prieta – Bahia de Caraquez (Eco-coast village). Breakfast. Arrive to Rio Muchacho Organic Farm; this place is situated in the river valley of the same name on the mid coast of Ecuador just north of Bahia de Caraquez. The trip to Rio Muchacho is a unique adventure with a rich interaction between environment and culture. It is not only a chance to see rural Ecuador as the locals do… from the back of a horse but to share, learn, and participate in a different culture. Overnight

Day 7

Rio Muchacho Organic Farm (Full Day). Breakfast. During this day we have several activities: Agroecology-Permaculture Horse trek (or jeep ride) through beautiful scenery to the farm. Visit the Environmental Community School. Tour of the farm to see the recycling systems & tropical crops eg. yuca, turmeric sesame, coffee, pineapple, passion fruit, cocoa, banana, and examples of rice, ginger, balsa wood, and more. Explanation of permaculture and organic agriculture practices. Make chocolate- from the bean to the cup. Overnight

Day 8

Breakfast. Visit to Corazon Island. This island is situated near Bahia de Caraquez Ecovillage, in the estuary formed by the Chone and Carrizal rivers. Until 1977 the estuary was proud to have 4.000 ha of mangroves, but with the growing shrimp industry the area has been transformed and only 400 has of forest remains. Many families depended on the mangrove forest and estuary for collecting crab and shellfish etc. Sadly they are no longer able to make a livelihood from this, and activities like ecotourism have provided a good alternative. Corazon Island is a tourism project where the local people have trained and become excellent guides. This place is protected, as a part of the remaining mangrove forest; it is a perfect place to see the forest and the large colony of frigate birds. Afternoon: Hike in tropical dry forest reserve, excellent views of Bahia. Overnight.

Day 9

Bahia de Caraquez – Machalilla Nacional Park. We will have a spectacular journey through the Route of the Sun, from where we have the possibility to see and to admire the beautiful beaches and dry forests of the Ecuador during all our way. Arrive to Puerto Rico – Hosteria Alandaluz. It is located right across the sea, this magnificent and innovative “Hosteria” is built mainly of bamboo; it has a private and large beach and it is surrounded by magnificent flower and organic vegetable gardens as well as small bamboo forests. It is important to highlight that “Alandaluz” has become an alternative development center through the implementation of agro-ecologic systems, bio-architecture techniques, the development of gardening and landscaping, recycling systems, the use of appropriate technologies, the management of natural areas, the recovery of craftsmanship, etc. All of these processes have generated dozens of jobs and permanent training processes. Overnight in Alandaluz.

Day 10

Excursions to Plata Island (Full Day). Breakfast. Puerto Lopez – Plata Island (2 hours). Arrive to the island and hikes: The “Punta Escalera” Trail: this trail borders one side of the Island. Colonies of “Piqueros de Patas Azules”, ”Piqueros Enmascarados” and “Fragatas” can be watched. “ Piqueros Patas Rojas” can be watched in the lower section of the cliffs. Lunch Box. Snorkeling can be practiced near the Island with the equipment to be provided in the boat. Return to Alandaluz.

Day 11

Machalilla National Park. Agua Blanca Community & Frailes Beach. In the morning visit to the prehistoric city of “Agua Blanca” (and return). This is an “in situ” museum where very well maintained archeological ruins can be appreciated. These ruins formed a solar calendar to celebrate the rites of the hiemal (winter) or vernal (summer) solstices. Additionally the funeral urns of the “Manteña” culture can be observed. The visitor can enjoy a bath in the sulphur water lagoon and try the medicinal mud, “the natural SPA” of the area. Lunch Box Afternoon visit Frailes Beach: “La Playita”, ferrous sand (black), specially fit for children. “La Tortuguita”: white sand and transparent waters, and also coral white rocks. The name comes from a witness rock located between the sand and the ocean, resembling a tortoise. “Los Frailes”: The name comes from the trees formerly exiting in the area which were called “ovo-frailes” (a type of prune). This is the largest, white sand and calm and transparent waters beach.. There is a watch tower where the magnificent landscaping of the cliffs, beaches and virgin forests can be observed. Return to Alandaluz

Day 12

Breakfasts. Excursions & hikes in Cantalapiedra (full Day): it is located at the heart of the “Ayampe” river, near the “Machalilla” National Park One of the best tropical rain forests of the Chongon-Colonche range of mountains is located in this area. This is a wild life Sanctuary populated by howling monkeys, ant bears, “yaguarundis”, wildcats and other species. Cantalapiedra is crossed by a clean waters river and it possesses a rich and highly endemic flora and fauna species. Its more than 200 bird species, bamboo forests, magic gardens and a rich sampling of exotic palm trees, native fruit gardens, bamboos and heliconias have to be highlighted. From the very beginning you will become a part of this magnificent and natural environment, full of peace and beauty. Overnight in Alandaluz and Farewell dinner.

Day 13

Breakfast. Departure to Guayaquil or Manta to take your flight back to Quito. Transfer in Quito to San Jorge Lodge.

Rate per person:

Ecuador: Cloud & Dry Forest Tour (13D-12N) 1 Person 2Persons 3Persons 4Persons Quito -San Jorge Lodge  $3985,00 $2.480 $1.925 $1.700 Quito - Patio Andaluz $ 4.020 $ 2.500 $1.920 $  1.725 Quito - Dann Carlton $  3.970 $  2.425 $ 1.890 $ 1.890

Rate Includes:

• All transfers in Ecuador mainland
• Accommodation. Quito: 3 alternatives: San Jorge Lodge: Private Natural Reserve located 20 minutes form Quito. Patio Andaluz: Colonial boutique hotel in Quito (Smart Voyage Certification). Dann Carlton Hotel: 5 star hotel located in commercial center of Quito. Included Breakfast
• Hotels during the trip: Bellavista Reserve: located 2 hours from Quito in the heart of the cloud forest. Punta Prieta House (Pedernales): a place where you can relax surrounded by beautiful landscape. Rio Muchacho Organic Farm is situated in the river valley of the same name on the mid coast of Ecuador just north of Bahia de Caraquez; it has rustic, clean, and sure huts in good conditions for our guest. Hosteria Alandaluz: Located right across the sea, this magnificent and innovative “Hosteria” is built mainly of bamboo.
• Professional Bilingual guide
• Private Transportation
• Visits according with the itinerary. Visit to Isla de la Plata includes: marine transportation, guide and box lunch. Excursion to Cantalapiedra – Sanctuary Lodge includes. Canopy tour, equipment, lunch and welcome drink in this day.
• Farewell dinner in Hosteria Alandaluz

Rates do not include:

• Services and Meals not indicated in the itinerary
• Drinks
• Additional nights because of delay or cancellations flights.
• Flight ticket Guayaquil – Quito ($ 70 USD) or Manta – Quito ($ 60 USD)
• Entrance fee to nationals parks (Machalilla $ 35 USD), natural reserves
• Personal Expenses
• International Departure Taxes
• All services not indicated

Remarks:

• Note: humpbacked whales are possible to see during June, July, August and September in Isla de la Plata Tour