What to Expect
Overview
The Southern Ecuador birding and conservation tour is a fast paced birding tour. We usually start the day with an early morning, before-breakfast walk, as it is best to begin birding at daybreak in the tropics, when bird activity and song are at their peaks. At the Equator, first light is around 6 am so usually we will muster then. On some occasions, we will get up extra early (to see the Umbrellabird lek and to visit the high altitude zone of Antisana. After lunch, we may have time for a siesta or enjoy watching hummingbirds at feeders at the lodges. In the late afternoon, we venture again to the forest, before returning to the lodge for dinner. We may schedule optional night walks for nocturnal species, spotlighting in the forest at night.
Food
We enjoy excellent meals provided by the various lodges’ dining facilities. Some lunches will be a lunch box in a nice setting, or occasional at a local eatery. Most dinners will be taken at the accommodation or a nearby restaurant. After dinner we compile the day’s checklist, review the day’s activities, birds, mammals and other observations, and plan the next day’s activities.
Accommodation
Accommodations vary from basic to modern, and all will be comfortable.
Walking
On most days we travel short distances with most time being spent outdoors. Birding will be mainly along quiet roads, and we enter forest areas on relatively wide and easy-to-follow trails. We will be walking along forest tracks and trails and also along roadsides. Most of the Jocotoco trails have been designed without steep inclines, but remember we are visiting a very mountainous part of the world. Trails could be muddy and rocky.
Driving
Most days have a small to moderate amount of driving. There will be two longer drives, but we make several stops along the way.
Climate
Our tour takes mainly in the west slope forests at various elevation, which are renowned for their diversity. The weather will be variable. At low elevations it can be very warm during the day. At mid-elevations it can be cool in the evenings and in cloud, or fairly warm in sun. At high elevations it can be surprisingly cold or hot (if there is full sun and no wind). At higher elevation Altitude sickness is a possibility not a trivial matter; those with heart or respiratory conditions should consult their physician. Weather varies greatly throughout the day and with elevation, and we should be prepared for a range of temperatures from chilliest forties to hottest eighties. Layers that you can pack in a small knapsack are ideal. A windbreaker is useful at high elevations. Drizzle and rain are likely. Mosquitoes and other biting insects should not be a problem.