TOM'S HOME PAGE          ECUADOR Amazon East Jan/Feb 2011    SOUTH AFRICA Aug/Sept 2010   

 POINT PELEE MAY 2010         CANADIAN PRAIRIES JUNE 2010 

Northern Ecuador 

tentatively scheduled for early February, 2011

For a complete trip report and list from our Jan/Feb 2008 trip CLICK HERE

A few photos from previous Ecuador trips that Tom has led...

Barred Fruiteater, male

Empress Brilliant (female) and Yellow-breasted Antpitta

Immaculate Antbird and Chestnut-breasted Coronet (male)

Violet-tailed Sylph (male) and Masked Trogon (male)

NORTHERN ECUADOR    -   early Feb, 2011

NOTE: ALL DATE INFORMATION BELOW APPLIES TO 2010 TRIP

Introduction

Good things come in small packages. And so it is with the wonderful compact country of Ecuador . Roughly the size of Arizona , this tiny Latin jewel boasts a list of over 1600 species of birds, the fourth largest list of any country on the planet. The source of this diversity is the extremely varied topography and the long term stability of the tropics which has favored specialization. By changing elevation we will gain access to tropical, subtropical, and temperate forests and paramo (the equivalent of alpine habitat or tundra). The Andes bisect Ecuador and by accessing these life zones on both the west and east slopes of the Andes we will greatly increase the bird life we discover. 

If you love hummingbirds, this is the trip for you!  Ecuador has become the most outstanding destination in the world for viewing and photographing hummingbirds. On this trip, we can expect to get outstanding close views of over 50 species of hummingbirds! Just a few of the spectacular hummers we should find include Sword-billed Hummingbird, Booted Rackettail, Velvet-purple Coronet, Violet-tailed and Long-tailed Sylphs, Great Sapphirewing, Collared Inca and Tourmaline Sunangel.  Others that we have a good chance of seeing include Rainbow-bearded Thornbill,  Napo Sabrewing, Wire-crested Thorntail, Empress Brilliant and Purple-bibbed Whitetip. At several of the lodges we stay at, the photography opportunities for hummingbirds are excellent.   

Antpittas are sure to be another highlight of this trip. As any experienced tropical birder will tell you, this group of birds is notoriously difficult to see. Denizens of the understorey and shade, they are often heard at tantalizingly close range. All too often in the past, it is only the leader who glimpses the bird, or perhaps one or two lucky participants in the right spot at the right time who get that fleeting view. And often these views were after extended playback to tease the bird into the open. Well that has all changed! Angel and Rogrido Paz have unlocked the key to experiencing antpittas really well and we will spend a morning with them searching for these delightful birds. In addition, several other lodges we use have begun to learn the same tricks from Angel and Rodrigo. It is possible that we may get reasonable to excellent views of Giant, Yellow-breasted, Rufous, Tawny, White-bellied and Chestnut-crowned Antpittas.  

Another highlight of this tour is a reasonable chance to see many exceptionally rare species that are seldom encountered. In a recent tour (2007) on this same itinerary, our group had SCOPE views of ALL the following species: White-faced Nunbird, Moss-backed Tanager, Choco Trogon, Purple-throated Fruit Crow, Black-billed Mountain Toucan, Rufous-banded Owl, Orange-breasted Falcon, Masked Mountain Tanager, Olivaceous Piha and Golden-collared Toucanet!!!! Add to this good views of the globally endangered Black-breasted Puffleg, a flock of three Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, two Scaled Fruiteaters, Purple-chested Hummingbird, and point blank views of Dark-backed Wood Quail, and it becomes clear what the enormous potential is for this trip. 

In the past decade, Ecuador has emerged as one of the most accessible and birder friendly countries in the world. The wonderful birder friendly lodges now found throughout our itinerary are the icing on the cake. What more could you ask for than comfortable accommodations, hours of operation matching those of birders, great food and great birding right on the grounds?  And because we spend four nights at our main lodge in the west and three nights at our main lodge in the east, participants can easily take a morning, an afternoon, or a full day to simply relax and enjoy the grounds of the lodges. And there is surely no place in the world with better opportunities for spectacular views of hummingbirds than the eco-lodges of Ecuador . 

When Is the Trip?

The tour begins on February 17th, 2010  in Quito , Ecuador and ends February 28^th, 2010 in Quito , Ecuador . It is strongly recommended that participants arrive two or more days early to acclimatize to altitude and to partake of the non birding tourism sights of the central valley and Quito . In terms of International airfare, participants should plan on arriving in Quito in time for dinner on February 17^th, 2010 (we will get together at 6pm).  For most participants, that will mean arriving no later than the evening of the 16^th, due to arrival times of connecting international flights. Our hotel is a convenient fifteen minute transfer away from the Quito airport. Departures should be scheduled for February 28th, 2010. Transfers are available from our hotel throughout the morning. 

Early Arrivals

If you opt to arrive in Quito early (as recommended), it is probably easiest to stay at the Quito Sheraton. We can arrange for you to stay at this hotel for a lower rate than advertised on the internet (in 2009 our rate was US$105 per night but yet to be confirmed for 2010). One advantage of using the Sheraton is that you get free transfers to and from the airport. The drivers are professional and courteous and the transfer only takes about 15 minutes. Also the Sheraton desk staff is bilingual and quite proficient in English. They can help with arranging city tours, etc.

Getting to Quito

There are two or three options for getting to Quito (airport code UIO). Most international connections go via either Miami (American) or Houston (Continental). Participants who sign up will receive full details on the arrival process, which is straightforward.

How Big Is the Group?

The group will be limited to twelve participants. The trip will be confirmed once eight participants have signed up. Please do not book airfare until the group size is confirmed. To confirm space on the tour, please send in your deposit check. This will be held until the group size is large enough to confirm the tour. Then your check will be deposited and you will be notified the tour is confirmed and that airfare can be booked.

Who Are the Leaders?

Tom Hince and Bruce Di Labio will co-lead this tour with Ecuadorian guide Galo Real. This will be Tom’s ninth trip to Ecuador . This will be his sixth visit to Ecuador in the last four years.  He has fallen in love with this magical country and takes pride in extolling its natural wonders.

Bruce has extensive experience guiding in central and North America and Cuba . He has led numerous trips to Costa Rica and is an experienced tropical guide. Tom and Bruce are life long friends and they look forward to sharing this adventure with you. Please forgive them if they have the odd chuckle about old times birding together! 

Galo is an experienced birding guide who has traveled extensively in Ecuador and whose love for his country and its people is infectious. This will be the fifth trip that Galo and Tom have worked on together. Galo lives in southern Ecuador in the town of Macas where he operates a bed and breakfast with his wife RhoAnn and young daughter Aster.

What Is the Focus of the Trip?

The focus of the trip will be birding, but we will also use opportunities to take in other fauna and flora. Galo is an excellent all around naturalist whose knowledge will help with cultural and natural history. While mammals are difficult to see in tropical and subtropical forests we will encounter a few. Last year we were lucky enough to spot the extremely rare Mountain Tapir as well as Oncilla and Black Agouti!

We also realize that this is likely one of the few, if only, times that most participants will visit this region. Where feasible we will stop for photography of scenic viewpoints, occasional souvenir shopping, and other key points of interest. 

Pace of the Trip

This trip is best described as moderate in terms of difficulty. Although the majority of the birding will be done from the bus, lodge grounds and good trails and roadsides, there is a fair bit of birding at higher altitudes. In addition, the walk at Angel Paz antpitta farm is muddy and steep and not suitable for anyone with mobility issues, or knee problems. That said, anyone who is decent condition and active will likely have no problem with this trip and will wonder why it is rated as moderate.

If you are concerned about any activities, keep in mind that all day trips are optional (excepting on transfer days between sites). In addition, all of our lodges have good birding on the grounds, if participants want to take a day off and recharge. We will be in the field from before sunrise to late afternoon to take advantage of the best activity. 

Please keep in mind that all activities are optional, and that the bus is never far away. 

Elevation

The majority of this trip will take place at elevations between 1000 and 2000 metres (ie. 3250 to 6500 feet). However, some portions of the trip are at higher elevations. When birding on two days (Yanacocha on Day 7, Antisana and Papallacta on Days 2 and 3 ) we reach our highest elevations. However, we will only be taking very short walks, or in most cases birding right from the bus. All participants should check with their physician regarding their personal situation with higher elevations. Quito itself is relatively high (2850 metres). The microwave towers at Papallacta are the highest point we will visit on the tour (elevation here is about 4400 metres but we typically are only here for twenty minutes).

The best ways to avoid altitude sickness are to strictly limit alcohol intake, drink lots of water, get lots of rest, and limit physical activity.

Internet Access:

During this itinerary, we have limited internet access. It will be available for all the nights we are at the Sheraton (where they have wireless in the lobby, and a business center with internet access). Otherwise, I would be surprised if we have any access during the rest of the trip.

Health: 

I recommend that you consult a travel clinic prior to the trip. To be clear, I am not a medical professional. It is my understanding that Yellow Fever inoculation is required but your travel clinic can confirm this. In terms of malaria, it is my understanding that the areas we visit are low risk. The areas we are travelling are at higher altitudes and most of our time is in the province of Pichincha . We do day trips to lower altitudes where we enter eastern Esmeraldas province and western Napo province. Our lodging on the east slope is at 2400 meters and on the west slope at about 1400 meters. We travel to lower elevations during the day time, but do not spend evenings or nights at lower altitudes. The lowest altitude we reach on the Pacific slope is Rio Silanche, where the altitude is around 800 meters. On the east slope of the Andes , we do a day trip to around 1250 meters on the Loreto Road .

The standards of food are good in Ecuador , but as always it is best to come prepared in case of a stomach or GI upset. I recommend that you get a prescription from your doctor for an antibiotic and also pick up a product like Immodium. That said, it is quite unlikely you will need it.

Hazards: 

This itinerary generally does not encounter many biting insects. We spend a fair bit of time at mid altitudes. Sandflies (no see ums) are possible at Yanacocha, but in four visits there, they have only been a nuisance once.  That said I do recommend that you bring an insect repellent with a high DEET content. This will also help to ward off any chiggers, which are always a concern at lower altitudes or anywhere we encounter pastures with livestock. Some people also treat their clothes with anti tick spray (I do too!). These are available at stores like Cabelas, but perhaps not in Canada .

Money: 

Ecuador uses the US dollar as their currency. They have their own coins but use US bills for all transactions. Large US bills (50s and 100s) are tough to use outside the city, or for smaller purchases in the city (due to counterfeit, and the ability to provide change). There are ATMs readily accessible in Quito , but not elsewhere. Credit cards are readily accepted at most restaurants, hotels, stores but outside Quito they are often not accepted.

Clothing/packing & Climate

This is the rainy season in northern Ecuador , and we will generally be at mid altitudes of around 1000 to 2000 meters for most of the trip. Temperatures with vary from potentially near freezing at Termas de Papallacta to 35 C (90-95 F) in the lowlands. However, we will really only spend three days in warm/hot conditions, and two days in cold conditions. For the majority of the trip, expect mild spring like conditions with typical highs around 20-25 C (65-75 F) and lows about 5-10 C cooler (55- 65 F). It is the rainy season so you should bring a waterproof jacket and pants, and rubber boots, or footwear that you dont mind getting a bit muddy. Conditions vary tremendously from year to year, with some rainy seasons being relatively dry, while others (like this past winter - the wettest in a decade!) are very wet. A small collapsable umbrella is often a good supplement or alternative to bulky raingear at lower altitudes. I just hook mine onto my belt.

 The key is to bring clothing that can be layered and easily removed or added as it warms or cools. I bring zip off pants that can be converted to shorts if it does get hot and sunny while in the lowlands. I have two zip up hooded sweatshirts which can be opened, or worn hood up or down so I can adapt as it warms/cools. I also bring a mix of t shirts and long sleeved under shirts for base layers. A light pair of gloves are a good addition. A good pair of hiking boots or shoes that are waterproof or that you can step into the puddles or dont mind getting muddy is essential. For Angel Paz trails, rubber boots are pretty much essential.

 For all meals the dress is casual.  In terms of clothing colour, please do not bring bright white shirts or clothing.  A good sunhat and sunscreen is ESSENTIAL. I'm not a hat person myself, but in the tropics, even when cloudy, you must use one!  Other important items to bring include a small flashlight, all the batteries of chargers you need, all personal medications, a photocopy of your passport photo page and plane ticket, and a water bottle.

Water, drinks and snacks

We will always have good drinking water available at all times. It is a good idea to bring your own personal water bottle. You can refill this as required from the stock of large jugs that we will supply, or the lodge drinking water supplies. We will also have a small suppply of water bottles in the event you do not bring one. However, I do request that once you use a small bottle that you keep and refill it, in the interests of conservation. Please DO NOT drink tap water anywhere, anytime. Although it is probably fine, there is no reason to take a chance on a short trip like this. For that reason, please use only PURIFIED WATER for brushing your teeth, taking medications, or drinking.  

While on the trip, we provide a limited selection of snacks. While we will endeavour to cater to the wish list of the group, this has to be moderated by what will last in the bus, and what is available.

I tend to be a bit paranoid about eating, but these precautions have served me well. I don't eat salads, though some participants do. Why? Salads are sometimes rinsed in tap water. I also don't take drinks with ice in them, because again the ice is probably made from tap water. Maybe a bit paranoid, but as I said, this has served me well.  At our lodges we will check to make sure ice and salads are prepared with purified water.  The standard of food on this trip is typically excellent, and it is extremely unusual for anyone to get sick on this itinerary.

What Are the Accommodations Like?

All accommodations on this itinerary are clean, comfortable and high quality lodges or hotels.  Rooms at lodges are generally simple but in spectacular settings. Tom has personally inspected and stayed at all properties we use. 

What About Ground Transportation?

We will have a dedicated driver and a bus (likely 22 seater or larger and air conditioned). This will allow for room for passengers and luggage, and lots of horsepower for mountainous areas. Having a dedicated driver will also mean that someone is always with the bus to ensure any items left with it are secure.  

Are Flights Included in the Price?

The cost of flights to and from Quito , Ecuador is NOT included. There are no in country flights in this itinerary.

What Is the Cost?

The cost of this trip is US $3650 per person, based upon double occupancy.  This price includes the items listed below beginning in Quito , Ecuador on February 17th, 2010 and concluding on February 28th, 2010 morning in Quito . Pricing is based upon 12 participants. If fewer than nine subscribe, a  small party supplement may be necessary. Participants can remit funds in either US $ check or the equivalent conversion in Canadian $. This amount is based upon a cash exchange rate (accounts will be credited based upon converting these funds into US$).  All payments are by personal check made out to “Tom Hince” (sorry, no credit card payments are accepted).

Inclusions:

This price is based upon double occupancy and includes 11 nights accommodations (double occupancy); ground transportation beginning with transfer from airport on Day 1 and ending with transfer to airport on Day 12; all meals beginning with dinner on Day 1 and ending with breakfast on Day 12 (ie 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 11 dinners); services of tour leaders from Day 1 to Day 12 (including local resident bilingual birding guide); tips for hotel and restaurant staff and Ecuadorian guide and bus driver; entrance fees to Yanacocha, Tony Nunnerys, Mindo Loma, Milpe Reserve, Angel Paz Antpitta reserve, Antisana reserve, Guacamayos Ridge trail; drinks (water and pop) and some snacks while in the field (we will make a couple of stops during the trip for participants to stock up if they wish to buy their own personal snacks); use of scopes; group photo (digital file); trip highlights photo CD; checklist for use in the field; full trip report. 

Exclusions:

The trip cost specifically does NOT include transportation to and from Quito , Ecuador ; alcoholic beverages; departure taxes for international air tickets (approx US$ 42 from Quito airport per person); phone calls; laundry; or items of a personal nature; or any items not specifically listed as inclusions above. Many participants choose to provide the bus driver and bilingual guide with an additional personal tip. This is not mandatory, but given the level of service that these individuals provide, it is a widely accepted tradition. As a guide to tipping, it would be appropriate to tip each of these individuals $3-5 US per person, per day for the long hours they put in.

Meals

Meals are included in the cost of this trip. Where possible we will do our utmost to accommodate dietary restrictions, and to offer several options to participants. However at several of our lodges, dinners are provided on a set menu basis (though there is some variety). Here is a guide to how meals will generally work:

1 The majority of breakfasts will be early and sit down meals at our accommodations. However, on several mornings we will take box breakfasts and eat these in the field.

2 To maximize time in the field approximately half of the lunches will be box lunches in the field.  Where at all feasible, we will have sit down hot lunches (about half the days).  

3 Dinner will be a sit down meal.  In most of our accommodations dinner will be country style with one main course or a set menu meal. For the nights in Quito participants will be able to choose from several options from the hotel menu. 

4 Cold beverages (water and pop) will be available to participants during the day while birding. 

What About Singles?

A single supplement of US $650 applies if you do not wish to share a room, or if a room mate cannot be found. In some cases, shared accommodation may still be necessary depending upon lodging capacity (though we will do our utmost to avoid this). Single accommodations will be given on a first come, first served basis (in some cases the number of single rooms is limited).

Refunds and Cancellation Insurance & Financial Stuff

Full payment is due 120 days prior to the commencement of the trip.

Up to 120 days prior to the beginning of the trip: If you cancel, the deposit is non refundable.  

After 120 days to 60 days prior to the beginning of the trip: Funds paid up to fifty percent of the entire trip cost is forfeit. The balance paid beyond this is fully refundable. 

Within 60 days of the beginning of the trip: The entire cost of the trip is forfeit.

It is strongly recommended that participants purchase trip cancellation insurance from an independent agent.   

How Do I Join Up?

Prior to sending any deposit, please contact Tom or Bruce by email to confirm your interest. A US $500 per person deposit is required to hold space on the tour.  Your deposit will be held until enough participants sign up to confirm the tour. At that point your check will be deposited and you will be notified that the tour is confirmed, and that you can proceed to book airfare. Full payment of the trip fee is due 120 days prior to departure.  PLEASE DO NOT BOOK AIRFARE until you are notified that the trip is confirmed. All deposit checks should be made out to Tom Hince and mailed to: Tom Hince, P.O. Box 281 , RR1, 21298 Harbour Road , Wheatley , ON . N0P 2P0 Canada .

Books:

The book to get is The "FIELD GUIDE" volume of the two volume "The Birds of Ecuador" by Robert Ridgely and Paul Greenfield. Unless you are a real keener you do not need the other "STATUS DISTRIBUTION AND TAXONOMY" volume. You will need to get this from a specialty bookstore like ABA . If you have trouble finding it, just let me know and I can help you find a copy.

What some folks do is remove the plate portion and have it bound at somewhere like Kinkos. You would then need to repair the binding on the rest of the volume (I just did mine with shipping tape). This way you end up with a smaller slim volume with just the plates that will fit much more easily into a field pouch or pack.

If you are interested in other faunal or floral books, just send me a specific email and I will send some ideas.

Additional Questions?

I'm sure I've forgotten some important details, so please don't hesitate to give me a call, or drop me an email (I read my email every few hours during the workday). You can contact Tom at (519) 981-5994 or peleetom@netcore.ca  or Bruce at (613) 839-4395 bruce.dilabio@sympatico.ca

Where Does the Trip Go?

The trip focuses on northern Ecuador with time split almost equally between the west and east slopes of the Andes . On both slopes we will explore habitats from paramo down to tropical zones. 

NOTE: ALL DATE INFORMATION BELOW APPLIES TO 2010 TRIP

Detailed Itinerary

TOM'S HOME PAGE          ECUADOR Amazon East Jan/Feb 2011    SOUTH AFRICA Aug/Sept 2010   

 POINT PELEE MAY 2010         CANADIAN PRAIRIES JUNE 2010