Tailormade Holidays in Ecuador & Galápagos

Situated beside an ancient and tranquil oxbow lake and accessed by means of a 45-minute flight from Quito then a 3-hour boat journey down the Napo River, the Napo Wildlife Centre is a high quality rainforest lodge surrounded by a 22,000- hectare private nature reserve within the Yasuni National Park. The lodge lies within the ancestral territory of the Añangu community who co-own the lodge. Wildlife-viewing possibilities abound in the vicinity, among them a resident family of Giant Otters, the regional endemic Golden-mantled Tamarin and a huge list of over 565 bird species. There are two viewing towers that elevate guests into the rainforest canopy to witness flocks of colourful tanagers and a host of other bird species, plus Colombian Red Howler Monkeys, Marañón White-fronted Capuchins and, with luck, Napo Sakis and White-bellied Spider Monkeys. These towers, plus a network of trails through undisturbed primary rainforest, ensure superb birding. One of the highlights is an early morning visit to a parrot clay-lick where comfortable hides allow excellent viewing of up to 10 or more parrot species. The area also holds rare and majestic raptors, flocks of antbirds, and a number of toucans. A foray into the forest after nightfall to experience the incredible cacophony of insect sounds is also highly recommended. The lodge consists of 20 extremely spacious rooms all of which have en suite facilities. There’s a library, dining hall and separate bar with great views that on a clear day can even reveal Andean peaks!

Sacha Lodge is located to the north of the Napo River beside another tranquil ox-bow lake amongst the rainforest. The many highlights here include outstanding forest canopy facilities which are arguably the best in western Amazonia and comprise a canopy tower built around an ancient kapok tree and also a 270-metre-long, 37-metre-high canopy walkway. On a good morning either of these can produce a staggering 100 or more bird species, among them many birds that can be hard to see from the ground such as White-browed Purpletuft, Spangled Cotinga and numerous tanager, aracari and euphonia species. Tranquil excursions by dugout canoe to explore the area’s ox-bow lakes and rainforest streams are not to be missed and offer the chance to see secretive species such as Agami Heron and perhaps even a Giant Anaconda. Forest trails for walking and understorey birding are plentiful and varied, and yield birds such as Wire-tailed Manakin, Musician Wren and White-plumed Antbird. Primates are well represented too, and include Pygmy Marmoset, White-fronted Capuchin, Black-mantled Tamarin, Red Howler Monkey, Squirrel Monkey, Dusky Titi Monkey and Night Monkey. Other mammals can include Kinkajou, Southern Tamandua, Black Agouti and, on occasion, the elusive Ocelot. All of Sacha’s 26 cabins (equipped with ceiling fans and en suite facilities with hot water) are designed to provide comfort for guests whilst preserving the ambience of the rainforest setting. They all have a terrace and hammock – perfect for relaxing between forest activities!

The Beluga is a first-class motor yacht of eight en suite double or twin cabins, all of which are slightly more spacious than those of its sister vessel, the Cachalote Explorer. The panoramic windows from the saloon and the spacious sundeck offer the perfect locations from which to relax or observe the island’s magnificent wildlife. The crew of both boats pride themselves on outstanding customer service and Naturetrek have enjoyed a successful relationship with these hard-working and friendly operators for well over a decade.

Originally a fishing boat, built in 1988 in Vancouver, Canada, this large and spacious motor vessel was converted into a passenger vessel in the early 2000s. She has eight cabins each with private facilities. The boat is air-conditioned throughout and boasts a large salon/dining area with ample deck areas for relaxing and scanning for wildlife. This charming and comfortable first-class vessel was built for the rough waters of the Canadian west coast, so it will provide a stable, smooth and relaxing ride while on your Galápagos cruise.

For those looking for a stable, spacious vessel, the Archipel catamarans are a great choice. Their double-hulled design means that these two sister yachts sail smoothly through the Pacific, offering a comfortable journey for their 16 passengers and nine crew. With a cosy lounge, sun deck and solarium, there is also plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the spectacular Galápagos scenery.

The Solaris is another of our favourite first-class motor yachts and is particularly recommended for solo travellers as no single-room supplements are charged. Each of the 11 en suite air-conditioned cabins offer panoramic views across the ocean and the sundeck boasts a substantial shaded area to while away the days scanning for the prolific wildlife that lines the island shores.

San Isidro Lodge is only a 2-hour drive from Quito’s international airport making it a great place to end a birding holiday in Ecuador. There are 13 independent bright and airy chalet style rooms, all with en suite facilities and hot running water. It’s a lovely setting and one can walk directly out of the rooms and into the bird-rich forests. The lodge has its own organic garden and has developed a reputation for producing outstanding food for its guests.

Sachatamia is a 15-minute drive from Mindo town and is one of the best lodges for birdwatching in the area. The comfortable wood-finished rooms are cosy and welcoming and there’s an indoor swimming pool as well as a pool room with views over the surrounding forest. The overall feel of Sachatamia is one of a luxury cottage retreat where there happens to be world-class birding. Indeed some of the most sought-after species may be found in the forested grounds of the lodge itself! Hummingbirds are invariably out in force and there are knowledgeable and friendly guides to introduce you to the surrounding cloudforests.

This is a delightful mountain lodge with comfortable individual wooden cabins that surround carefully sculpted pools containing the mineral-rich hot water that wells up from beneath the Andes. There are lovely views from the grounds and the rooms are extremely cosy and comfortable with private bathroom facilities.