First time in South America.
Having never visited South America before, Jacha and Gwyn weren’t sure what to expect when travelling to Ecuador. Read on to discover just what a fantastic trip it was!
They flew into the capital, Quito and were met by a guide – the whole trip including guides was organised by the fabulous Think Galapagos. They stayed in a charming boutique hotel in the heart of Quito’s colonial sector. Originally an 18th Century Colonial Mansion before being converted to a hotel. Located on La Ronda, a very safe street that gives a real taste of the old town.
After a good nights sleep, they explored the colonial section of Ecuador’s capital city nestled high in the Andes. The former northern capital of the Incan Empire, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its colonial architecture, Quito is a beautiful city which gives a real taste of Andean life.
The next day saw them leave Quito behind and head to Napo Wildlife Center in the heart of Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest. The lodge, which is 100% owned and operated by the local indigenous community, enjoys a stunning location by the side of a secluded lake, with an incredible bird list of 569 species, spectacular parrot licks and a network of trails. The wildlife viewing here is spectacular – Jacha was in his element taking photos.
Day 1
They were collected from their hotel and taken to the airport for a short flight across the Andes to Coca. They were met by the team from NWC and the Amazon adventure began! First up was a motorised canoe ride along the Napo river for about two hours. After arriving at NWC’s entry dock it was then into a dug out canoe for a further one hours paddle along a narrow creek that connects to the Añangu lake where the lodge is located. During this time the heavens opened and the rains poured down! They arrived at Napo a little wet but not deterred.
The lodge was spectacular, kept very very clean and the staff were fantastic. After their journey today Jacha and Gwyn enjoyed a good nights sleep, before more adventures to come.
Day 2
It was an early wake up today so that they could travel to one of the best and easily accessible parrot clay licks in Ecuador. They arrived just before parrot activity started. Nothing could prepare them for the sights and sounds of the lick. So many parrots visited, coming and going in great numbers. Many different species, including Macaws, blue headed parrots and white eyed parakeets flew in and out of the lick.
The licks play an important part of the biology of parrots. Both parrots and Macaws eat buts from a variety of trees. Some of the trees have developed defences against their nuts being eaten – typically by having evolved a toxin in the nut to protect it. However parrots and Macaws have evolved with the trees and developed their own response to the toxins in the nuts. The answer is for them to visit the licks as they contain minerals that neutralise the nut toxins.
Day 3
Today’s adventure was visiting a 36 metre canopy tower to experience life above the forest floor. The canopy is located deep within a Terre Firma forest, as they climbed the 12 story tower Jacha and Gwyn passed through different levels of the forest, finally emerging on top of a huge Ceiba tree. The view at the topic is normally reserved only for the birds. Birds that are virtually impossible to see from the forest floor were now flying right beside them!
Day 4
The morning of day 4 saw Jacha and Gwyn hiking along the Tiputini trail and its terra-firma forests and swamp forests searching for more spectacular wildlife. After lunch back at the lodge there was time for a short rest before heading out in the afternoon for another canoe paddle. This time the paddle gave them chance to explore the deeper areas in the surrounding creeks. Much to Jacha’s excitement they were lucky to spot a Giant Otter family, which was one of the species he had hoped to see while this trip. See a short video clip of the otters here.
After dinner they were shown a fascinating video about the local community and Napo Wildlife Center.
Day 5
It was an early departure from the lodge for a last excursion canoeing back along the creek to Napo river. Then it was into the motorised canoes to return to Coca, once again the rains made an appearance and they arrived in Coca more than a little wet! A short flight saw them back in Quito for a good nights sleep before the next stage of this magical trip began. Check out Jacha’s reel of their stay at Napo.
Stay tuned for the next instalment – exploring the Galapagos Islands.
