Natural History • Birdwatching • Flora • Wildlife • Travel Photography

THE ANDES AND AMAZON OF ECUADOR
Nature and Birds in the Andes and Rainforests

Led by Mark Smith and Ecuadorian Naturalists

January 16 - 22, 2012

(This tour combines with the separate Galapagos Tour,
January 7-17, 2012.)

Itinerary

East from Quito the lakes and paramo grasslands of 13,000 ft Papallacta Pass offer classic alpine walks with vistas of 20,000-foot Andean peaks, as well as unusual birds and bizarre flora. On the Andes east slope (upper Amazon Basin), for two days we explore waterfalls, lakes, and lush forests at many altitudes. On the Pacific slope of the Andes for three days we search out Cock-of-the-Rock at their lek, toucans, quetzals, motmots, and flocks of even 15 different brilliant tanagers. Feeders at lodges host dozens of shimmering hummers and dozens of other birds. On numerous walks we'll admire orchids, bromeliads, palms, butterflies, leafcutter and army ants, and reptiles and amphibians. By night we'll search for potoos and owls. One hotel offers hot-spring fed pools and views of the Andes, while the other is surrounded by lush forest and beautiful trails. A delightful introduction to the Andes and upper Amazon, with grand vistas and many short hikes.

Leadership

Mark Smith has led nature tours throughout the world for The Nature Conservancy, Audubon Society, and privately. After his studies at OSU, he worked as a researcher and educator for a variety of organizations, including The Nature Conservancy, the National Science Foundation, Portland Public Schools, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, and the National Marine Fisheries Service. Mark has led over 20 tours to the Galapagos and Andes, among his favorite areas. He has special expertise and interest in vertebrates, insects, botany, ecology and island biogeography, and broad interests in all natural history subjects and cultural anthropology.

Activities, Lodgings and Expectations

Quito is at 9,000 feet, and mild headaches are normal on arrival. Morning temperatures of the highest elevations are near 45° F, but for a short time. Walks are on roads and firm trails, and never more than a couple of miles. Most time is spent at 6,000 feet in forested areas. This is a drier season but some rain is possible, and trails may be muddy in places. Daytime temperature may reach the mid-70's. Transport is by small bus with no drives more than four hours and always with many stops.

Lodgings include a fine hotel in Quito at the beginning and end of the tour, and four nights at two comfortable lodges, all rooms with attached bathrooms.

Preparation

By June travelers will be sent a package of preparation materials, including articles, bird lists, reading and equipment lists, maps, etc.

Rigors of Travel

In the Ecuadorian Andes cities are close to 10,000 feet, and mild headaches are normal on arrival. Morning temperatures of the highest elevations are near 45 ° F. Walks are on roads and firm trails, and never more than a couple of miles, typically downhill. Most time is spent at 5,000–8,000 feet in forested areas.

Costs

A deposit of $200 is required to reserve one of the 12 spaces available on the Ecuador tour.

$ 200	Initial reservation deposit
$1075	Final Payment (due 60 days before departure)
$1275	Ground Fare Total (includes all meals, lodgings, transport and park fees.)
($275)	(Single supplement)
Galapagos: Approximately $700-1000, round trip from US gateways (Miami, Dallas, or Houston) to Quito.

Small Group Supplement
If our group size falls below 8, a reasonable small group supplement, calculated on a sliding scale, will be added.

A deposit of $200 is required only if you are not already signed up for the Galapagos tour. If you are already on the Galapagos tour and want to do this extension, drop Mark a note of intent, and make your international reservations accordingly.

Pam Davis of Willamette International Travel is the tour air-ticket agent; Mark has worked with Pam for over 15 years. Participants are encouraged to make bookings through Pam, which helps to coordinate our flights and keep leaders informed.

Pam Davis
Willamette International Travel
1314 NW Irving St. #101
Portland, OR 97209-2721
Email: pamd@wittravel.com
Phone: 503-224-0180 or 1-800-821-0401

Please make deposit and final payment payable to Mark Smith Nature Tours and send to:

Mark Smith
PO Box 3831
Portland, OR 97208-3831

Work phone: 503-224-0180 or 1-800-821-0401
Home phone: 360-566-0458
email, in care of: marksmithnaturetours@hotmail.com

Please contact Pam Davis of Willamette International Travel when Mark is out of town.

Cancellations

Cancellations made 90 days prior to departure receive full refund less $50. Cancellations made between 90 and 60 days prior to departure forfeit $200. Cancellations made 60 and fewer days prior to departure forfeit 70% of ground costs. Trip cancellations insurance is available from Willamette International Travel.

Itinerary - 2012

Day 1	Monday, January 16	North America, or Galapagos, to Quito, Ecuador
Flights arrive into Quito from North America in the late evening After being m et at the airport we are taken to our downtown hotel. Quito lies at 9,000 feet and has a population of one million. In a deep valley bounded by the Andes, with an ideal climate and an extensive and well-preserved Spanish colonial old town dating from the 16th century, Quito is a fascinating city and a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site. A day is spent in Quito as part of the Galapagos tour.
Day 2	Tuesday, January 17	Quito to Papallacta Pass
A relaxed departure for 13,000 ft Papallacta pass in the Eastern Andes. The highland grasslands of the pass are called Paramo, a sort of tropical alpine with unique flowers and birds adapted to the extremes of radiation, temperature, humidity and wind. Special birds of these heights include the Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, Tawny Antpitta and Red-rumped Bush Tyrant. In relict patches of endangered polylepis forest are Giant Conebill and Black-backed Bush Tyrant. At Lake Papallacta the eerie upper temperate forest holds other treasures. We spend the night at the beautiful Hotel Springs of Papallacta, which includes bathing in nine thermal pools, at about 10,500 feet.
Day 3	Wednesday, January 18	Pass, to Guango Lodge, returning to Quito
A relaxed departure to visit the upper temperate forest near Cayambe Coca National Reserve. Afterwards, we visit the bird feeders at 9,000 ft Guango Lodge in a humid temperate forest. Regulars include the stunning Gray-breasted Mountain Toucan, Montane Avocetbill, and Sword-billed Hummingbird. We return to Quito and a night at the Hotel Sebastian.
Days 4 & 5	Thursday & Friday, January 19 & 20	Sachatamia Lodge, Andean Forests
Our lodge for two nights, Sachatamia, is nestled in the picturesque Mindo Valley on the Pacific slope of the Western Andes. The lodge has fine trails and feeders with tanagers, toucans, woodpeckers, and many others. One day we'll walk to a Cock-of-the-Rock lek, where the flame orange males should be displaying. Over 300 birds have been noted in the area. Orchids, bromeliads and other epiphytes flourish in these cool, moist middle-elevation forests. At night Potoos and owls are frequently seen.
Day 6	Saturday, January 21	Mindo to Quito
A final long morning in the Mindo area, and after lunch we depart for Quito, with new stops en route. At our farewell banquet we'll recall favorite sightings.
Day 7	Sunday, January 22	Quito to the US, or western Ecuador
This morning most travelers will fly home. Others may choose to continue to the western slope of the Andes for another five days.