Venture into Rio Quijos scenic Valley

Venture into an unparalleled journey throughout different ecosystems in the Andean Eastern Slopes, from a high altitude tundra-like habitat to lush green vast mountainous rainforest. Witness the origin of the exceptional water path between the Andes and the refreshing network of rivers that actually flows to the mighty Amazon basin. This area acts as a very important continuous corridor between the Andes and the vast tropical rainforest of the Amazon Region. Due to its location on the Equator, the steep Andean foothills, and the close proximity of the Amazon, the Quijos Valley area hosts one of the richest diversity records in the world. Our specialized guides will make sure that you get the best out of this day. They all know the right places to increase your chances to admire some of the most emblematic species of flora and fauna. You'll even take time to search for Andean Bears along the way. An amazing diversity of hummingbird species will also make this a memorable experience.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   2 hours

   Pick-up at 7:00 am. Some 65 km (41 miles) East of Quito the road brings us into the high elevation paramo at Papallacta, a very tundra-like habitat. On clear days the views of the surroundings and various volcanoes are breath-taking; a stop right up at the pass is one of the best spots to photograph the snow-capped Antisana Volcano as it towers over the mountains below. The surroundings of Quito provide different opportunities to find wild bears and other emblematic fauna with good chances of close encounters. Bears can be found in the cloud forests and paramos (highlands) around the District of Quito.It is in the paramo, north east of Quito where you can increase your probabilities of a great encounter with bears and other Andean wildlife, sometimes close enough to have wonderful views and photographs. The area to visit covers the surroundings of two national parks with special natural feeding sites where the presence of bears is frequent all year around.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   6 hours

   Later you’ll drive towards one of the most amazing ecosystems in the Tropical Andes, surrounded by forested mountains and drained by a refreshing network of rivers that actually flows to the mighty Amazon basin. Today you will explore different reserves in the the Quijos Valley. An amazing diversity of hummingbird species will make this a memorable experience. Green-backed Hillstar, Violet-fronted Brillant, Peruvian-booted Raquetail, Gorgeted Woodstar, Bronzy Inca, Tawny-bellied Hermit among other species are common at different locations of this valley. This area acts as a very important continuous corridor between the Andes and the vast tropical rainforest of the Amazon Region. Due to its location on the Equator, the steep Andean foothills, and the close proximity of the Amazon, the Quijos Valley area hosts one of the richest diversity records in the world.

• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.