This is **NOT** your average tour!
Teaser Trailer:
It’s no coincidence that both Charles Darwin, Alexander Humboldt and Alfred Russel Wallace first began to understand evolution while exploring the rich tangle of life found in the tropics.
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Explore the rainforest with an intimate and small group of like minded nature and science enthusiasts who just want to learn about Ecuador's ecosystems and peoples. We'll get in the thick of it to be surrounded by incredible wildlife, expansive ecosystems, and enthusiastic locals.
Join Nancy Miorelli (SciBugs) and Jon Perry (Stated Clearly) on this
8 day all inclusive tour that covers three of Ecuador's unique ecosystems.
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You will meet hundreds of species including birds, mammals, insects and fish. You will witness as they play out their lives the spectacular drama that Darwin called “The struggle for existence”.
Throughout the trip, Nancy (the entomologist) will share her expertise on all things bugs and Jon (the evolution educator) will share his enthusiasm and insight surrounding evolutionary theory. Between jungle hikes and boat rides, they will give detailed presentations about the evolutionary history of the creatures you will meet.
The Tour Summary
The slideshow below was made from photos taken by previous tour guests and include just some of the things you'll see and do on your adventure! Ride canoes, ascend mountains in gondolas, and come face to face with some of Ecuador's most amazing wildlife!
The wildlife is incredible and you're likely to see river dolphins, peacock katydids, howler monkeys, amazon dragons, blue-and-gold macaws, and even catch piranhas right out of the river!
Dates: July 16-25, 2024
Early Bird Special: January 24, 2024
Standard Booking: January 31, 2024
Early Bird Pricing is ONLY available to those signed up for our newsletter. Those signed up will receive early access to secure your spot in January for our July tour. Pricing indicates assumed double occupancy. You can upgrade when booking opens if you want your own space!
Summary of Places
The Amazon Rainforest
The Cuyabeno reserve, the part of the amazon rainforest located near the Colombian border, is home to playful dolphins, chattering macaws, pocket sized monkeys and floating forests! It’s the second largest reserve of the national parks in Ecuador, protecting 5,900 kilometers of pristine Amazon tributaries.
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We'll be visiting Waita Lodge and it is truly in the heart of the Amazon. Located three hours upriver by boat, you’ll be greeted by dolphins, toucans, and dragonflies as you make your way up the narrowing Amazon rivers. The tranquil lodge has a balanced mix of water activities including paddle boating and canoe rides, and land based activities. Learn about medicinal plants, follow leaf cutter ant trails, and learn about the people and cultures that live in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Eastern Cloud Forest
The Eastern cloud forest sits at 8,000ft above sea level and is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world! Hummingbirds that can only be found here flit through the trees and glittering insects wander around the elephant sized leaves. This area is protected thanks to community efforts.
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We'll be visiting Guango Lodge which is known for its diversity of hummingbirds and other iconic Ecuadorian birds. Don't just look up as you'll miss the dazzling array of orchids scattered through the landscape and the breathtaking mountains.
Volcanic Paramo
Quito, Ecuador's capital, is surrounded by nature and shrouded in history. The high altitude Paramo ecosystem is where you land when first arriving in Ecuador. Several towering volcanos rise from the outskirts of the city while cobblestone roads and golden churches litter the central streets. Above the city skyline is the volcano Pichincha - a beautiful natural refuge housing dozens of unique plants and bird species. Ecuador's history is palpable whether you're climbing up the Pichincha volcano, trekking through the archeological parks, or standing next to the Virgin Mary atop the Panecillo.
Dates: July 16-25, 2024
Early Bird Special: January 24, 2024
Standard Booking: January 31, 2024
$2,450 per person Early Bird Special January 24, 2024
$2,825 per person after January 31, 2024
Shane O
"I came to learn about bugs and went away inspired and immersed in entirely new worlds ancient, moist, and minuscule. You connected us to the Ecuadorian people like I never could have expected. "
Rory
" Visiting the Amazon has been a dream of mine for years and this tour made it come true. It has been so much more wonderful than I dared to hope! Seeing so many fascinating species in life which I had only watched on screens before was incredible! "
Michelle C
" Thank you for sharing your knowledge, your experiences, and your kindness. But mostly, Thank you for bringing this group of people together! I have a new family who appreciates me and my uniqueness! "
See what's been said about the trip!
