Walking between Andean Bears
The role of the Andean or Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus) in its ecosystem is very important, since they help to disperse seeds over a large area and by knocking down bushes and branches in search of food, they help revitalize the life of the Andean cloud forests. Being born tree climbers and building their bed with the branches, they allow light to reach the soil and seed germination occurs. They are the greatest allies that the Andean and Amazonian forests have.
Andean Bear is endemic to the Andes mountain range (which goes from Venezuela to the south of Bolivia passing through Peru, Ecuador and Colombia) in South America. The interesting thing about this bear is that it is the only bear in South America, which is why it is known as “The Kings of the Tropical Andes”, “The Guardian of the Paramos”, “The Gardener of the Forest” or “The Architect of the forests”. You can find them both in the trees and on the ground looking for food and shelter. They rest in caves, on the ground or in trees. Spectacled bears inhabit Andean and sub-Andean cloud forests, paramo areas, jungles, and intervened forests.
The Andean bear is considered an animal in danger of extinction due to the fragmentation of its natural habitat from agriculture and livestock, indiscriminate hunting and human intervention in its habitat through the implementation of productive activities and the felling of forests.
Because the sensibility of the mammal, this 3 days/2nights tour is created for a maximum of TWO participants.
ITINERARY
Day 1.-
At 8 am, we started our tour from your -previosly reserved - hotel in Quito, driving to the north of Ecuador. It will be one of our most diverse excursions! Because from the warm temperatures at Pimampiro in the Valle de Chota at only 1.300 meters the tour led us into the mountains of the Andes to observe the Andean Bears and the next day at almost 3.000 meters altitude at the Mirador. We have organized two stops today; the first one, will be at the Quitsato Sundial, the most accurately-positioned tourist destination in Ecuador, located precisely at Latitude 0°00'0.00".
This Middle of the World is only 46 km north of Quito, just outside the town of Cayambe, and the 2300 m² (24,756 ft²) site was constructed in 2006 by a non-profit group before being inaugurated in 2007. Its main purpose is to promote astronomical knowledge uncovered by the region’s pre-colonial civilizations who had long ascertained the equator’s location and astronomical significance hundreds of years before the first European explorers arrived.
After our second stop, this time for having lunch on route; we will arrive at the Mirador; about 4pm, we will have our first attempt to spot the bear on its habitat. Dinner and accommodation, will be truly basic tonight.
Day 2.-
Breakfast will be served at 6 am; then we will walk by a strenuous trail , in order to find the bear; this is when – most of the times – we have been success in our search. If we find the bear or bears at this time, we will leave the place. In case we do not find the bears in the morning, we will have lunch here and we will have a second attempt in the afternoon.
During lunch, we will check the records of the cameras that were installed in the forest: In addition to Andean Bears, this forest is also home to tapirs, pumas, ocelots, foxes and squirrels, in close proximity to the fields and pastures of Pimampiro’s farmers. The first Andean Bear in the area, was spotted, in 2011. Following our philosophy, we do support conservation projects.
After this adventure, we will have dinner and spent the night in our favourite hosteria Pantavi, surrounded of a picturesque garden. It gets its special charm not only from the colourful, lush variety of plants, but also from the omnipresent art. It gives the place its uniqueness. All the art has been specially designed and handmade for the Hosteria by the owner. So new details will surprise you in each of the picturesque courtyards, in each individually designed room as well as in every single corner of its garden!.
Day 3.- After a 8 am breakfast, we will drive to Quito, arriving about 4 pm.
At this point, Alejandro can drive you to a hotel in Quito that you have already reserved or he can drop your party at the Quito International Airport for your evening flight. Please make these arrangements prior to booking your trip.
CONSIDERATIONS
Physical Difficulty: Difficult, an extenuate and challenging walking will be required for reaching the bears. Second day will be spent at high altitude above 11,000 ft. (3000 m).
Climate: Usually very pleasant (mostly 55°-75°F, 13°-24°C), but cold at the Mirador; it will be warm at the Chota valley. Some rain can be expected, especially in the afternoons and evenings, good rain protection for yourself and your gear is essential. We recommend packing layers that are versatile for multiple climates.
Accommodations: First night will be truly basic; however, we will have private bathroom. hot water and electricity; we need to mention, that dinner also, will be basic and prepared with local products. In contrast, second night accommodation, will be very comfortable: private, en-suite bathrooms and full-time hot water, internet access and electricity, at 24 hours per day.
When to Go: Our tours run year-round. While the climate has been unpredictable in recent years, the driest months on average are June-August, the wettest months are March-April, and the other months are intermediate.
Conservation: We will visit and support this authentic conservation project. We do so not only to help preserve the bear and their the remaining neotropical forest, but to improve the lives of the people who have chosen to protect the fantastic mammal. All of our partners choose sustainable practices for their business model and offer fair wages to their employees. Your purchase of this trip will support their efforts to protect endangered lands by providing an income for local residents.
Pack List:
Photography Gear: A good 300mm lens (or high end zoom that covers 300mm) and a full-frame camera are ideal. However, a 300mm with 1.4x or 2x teleconverters usually does a great job. A shorter lens can be nice for scenery shots in the high Andes. Tripods are difficult to carry, because the difficult geography of the place. Flash is non permitted at all, since light can be quite low early in the morning and inside forest.
To use electrical gadgets you may need a travel adapter plug, and also a step up voltage converter if your devices are not designed for the local voltage (120V).Also, please do not forget to pack a raincoat as well as: hiking boots, a refillable bottle of water, hat, umbrella, flashlight, etc.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport is required; the passport must be valid for at least six months past your intended stay. Tourist visas are currently not required for citizens of the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and all European countries. Visas are currently only required of a few nationalities, mostly in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Travel requirements are subject to change; if you are unsure, please check with the nearest Ecuadorian embassy or consulate.
RATE
USD $995 per person; based on double room occupancy.
Single Room Suplement: USD $175
Group size.- maximum: TWO participants.
Solo photographer Rate: USD $ 1775
Deposit: USD $600, per participant; this payment will be made Via XOOM and balance will be paid in Cash, at your arrival.
These rates include: Private ground transportation from the first to the last day; accommodations from day 1 until the night of day 2; entrance fees to Quitsato and to the ecological preserve; meals - from lunch of day 1 to breakfast of day 3 - described on the itinerary; and an English-speaking, specialized, licensed guide.
Not included: Optional tips to your licensed guide and/or driver ; tips for staff at hotels & lodges; snacks; additional drinks apart from those included with the meals; alcoholic beverages; extras in hotels such as laundry service, minibar, room service, telephone calls, and personal items; excursions not included in the tour itinerary. Also, flights are not included in this price and you are responsible for booking your international travel.
Furthermore, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes medical coverage.
For further information, please do not hesitate in contact us.
Saludos from the Middle of the World, Alejandro
Saludos from the Middle of the World, Alejandro