Maquipucuna The Maquipucuna Reserve is a 4,500-hectare privately owned and managed nature reserve, surrounded by 14,000 hectares of “protected forest” located only 90 minutes from Quito, making it an ideal day-trip destination. 80% of Maquipucuna consists of steeply-sloped, undisturbed cloud forest. Covering four different life zones ranging from 1,200 to 2,800 meters above sea level, the Reserve houses a tremendous diversity of flora and fauna. In fact, it is located next to the Choco bioregion of northwestern Ecuador, which is one of only ten “biodiversity hotspots” in the world. Maquipucuna Reserve is a nature lover’s paradise. It is home to a great variety of species, many of them endangered and/or endemic. You can find: * Around 2,000 plant species, including bromeliads, orchids and ferns. * More than 325 bird species, including Golden-Headed-Quetzal, Toucanets, Mot Mots and an active Cock-of-the-Rock Lek. At least 25 of those birds are migratory species. This region is considered to hold among the highest bird diversity in the world, and registers more than a third of the number of species of all North America. * More than 45 species of mammals, including armadillo, agouti and spectacled bear. * Countless species of invertebrates and exotic species of butterflies and moths, including the electric-blue-morpho. Maquipucuna Reserve incorporates habitats ranging from 1,200 to 2,800 meters above sea level, where at least three different Holdrige life zones can be found: pre-montane humid forest, low-montane humid forest and montane humid forest. Average annual temperature varies between 10º and 32º Celsius. Precipitation ranges between 1,500 to 3,000 mm per year, particularly from December until April.   Accomodation The Thomas H. Davis Ecotourism Center, located within the Reserve, has among its main buildings, the Umachaca Lodge and the Family Cabin , which offer a great environment to relax and enjoy the landscape. The Umachaca Lodge is a and open and comfortable construction, built in accordance with its natural surroundings, and allows to enjoy the sound of the nearby Umachaca river. It provides accommodation for 18 visitors in five separate bedrooms, with shared bathroom and hot showers. The Family Cabin, is a very comfortable construction, with accommodation for 4 people on two bedrooms (a twin bedded room and a king size room) each one of them with private bathroom and hot showers. The Thomas H. Davis Ecotourism Center is staffed by friendly people from the local communities, under the management of the Maquipucuna Foundation. It offers a complete food service, utilizing the best of local and international recipes and ingredients. There is also a Research Station that provides basic laboratories and accommodation for 20 scientist, naturalists and volunteers; and a Camping Zone for those who are looking for a deeper contact with nature.   Activities Visitor to the Reserve may enjoy, among others, the following activities: * Hiking trails with various levels of difficulty and duration. Optional guides available. * Birdwatching. * Swimming or enjoying pristine rivers and waterfalls. * Enjoying nature adventure activities, such as mountain bike in surrounding area. * Exploring archeologic sites and trails, built by the Yumbos (pre-Incas). * Visiting various sustainable development projects supported by the Maquipucuna Foundation at local communities, such as Marianitas, Nanegal, Yunguilla, Santa Lucia and others. * Visiting traditional sugar cane factories, where you can see the process to obtain alcohol. * Sharing knowledge with scientific researchers and volunteers regarding their projects. * Enjoying the orchids and organic gardens. * Read, rest and relax on our comfortable hammocks We prefer to design itineraries according to your particular interests.

Serendip
Tel: +593-2-227 6949 / 225 4250
Fax: +593-2-224 7618

Japanese Language Support 24-hours: 593-9-973 2082 / 2092

Email: info@galapagoskankou.com

Quito - Ecuador