Reptiles & Amphibians of Ecuador

The Unseen World of the Reptiles & Amphibians of Ecuador

Destination

Reptiles & Amphibians of Ecuador

Price

Quote

Duration

16 Days

Difficulty

Medium

Group Size

8 Guest

Height

3.726 mdpl

Reptiles & Amphibians of Ecuador

Ecuador, with its three diverse ecosystems the Amazon rainforest, the coastal west, and the mountainous Andes which give the region mouth-watering levels of biodiversity across the taxa birds, mammals, plants and the tour’s targets; Ecuador’s reptiles & amphibians. Not only are there high levels of biodiversity throughout the region’s cloud and rainforests, but these habitats host some of the most superb and sought-after reptiles and amphibians on Earth.

An incredible 570 amphibian species are found in Ecuador’s habitats, almost half of which are endemic to the country. Treefrogs, Glassfrogs, Poison Arrow Frogs, Monkey Frogs and Mushroom-tongued Salamanders make up just a selection of the exciting families of amphibians we’ll have the opportunity to find as we explore the cloud and rainforests. Similarly impressive are the numbers of reptile species over 450 species, of which more than 160 are found only in Ecuador. Anoles, Tegus, Woodlizards, Boas, Vipers, Turtles and Crocodilians are among a huge range of reptiles we’ll be searching for during both diurnal and nocturnal excursions. Our after-dark walks will delight us with a rarely-seen and sensational performance of the Amazon’s amazing micro-ecosystems.

On this very special itinerary we’ll visit the Ecominga Reserve! For over more than a decade few tourism companies have been working to protect threatened cloud forest in the Ecuadorian Andes. Through the World Land Trust and their Ecuadorian partner Fundación EcoMinga, we support direct purchase of the forest as a nature reserve. We continue working to expand the reserve’s boundaries and, at the time of writing, the reserve stands at 1,629 acres in area. Here in the reserve, under the guidance of our herpetologist tour leader, one of our main targets here would be the endemism of frogs. A huge number of species are protected in the reserve and we’ll enjoy every minute of searching for wildlife here, some of the exciting highlights we shall hope to see are listed in the day summary below.

When you add to this exciting itinerary Ecuador’s welcoming people, the relatively short travelling distance and quality lodges, it’s easy to see why this is an unmissable opportunity for any passionate naturalist!

Highlights

Incredible reptiles including Pinocchio Lizard, Mata-mata Turtle, Eyelash Viper and Rainbow Boa.
Beautiful amphibians including Poison Arrow Frogs, Monkey Frogs and Glass Frogs.
Visit the Ecominga Reserve!
The best of cloud and rainforest herping.
Superb fauna-and-flora-rich habitats to explore diurnally and nocturnally.

Departs

February – June

Tour Grading & Focus

The focus of the tour will be finding and photographing Ecuador’s reptiles and amphibians while noting the birds, mammals and any special flora we encounter along the way. This tour is perfect for the keen naturalist who has an interest in reptiles and amphibians and has a desire to see some of the world’s most spectacular species whilst learning about their fascinating biology.

This is a traditional lodge-based wildlife tour. Whilst some of the lodges are appointed simply, each is comfortable and has in-suite facilities. A certain level of fitness is required for the tour, as the terrain may be a little rough or slippery in parts. Night searches are an important part of the tour, as many of our target species are nocturnal. The time spent up at Guango will be at over 2,800m in altitude. All walking with be naturally easy paced as we search thoroughly for the wonderful fauna and flora.

Weather, Clothing & Equipment

The climate in Ecuador varies enormously, depending on the region and the altitude. Quito is mild and temperate with chilly nights; like a spring day in England. The Amazon is hot and humid. There is a possibility of heavy rain at any time, but hopefully not to the extent that it will spoil your enjoyment. A strong waterproof torch is essential and amongst the options available a powerful head-torch will be most useful, which keeps your hands free for balancing.

Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVE TO QUITO

DAYS 2/4: MINDO

It is just a one hour and 40 minutes’ drive from Quito to our first lodge, in the heart of the Mindo cloudforest. Here the opportunities for a breathtaking array of species begins from a wonderful lodge with spectacular mountain views. In easy proximity to the lodge, we’ll have the opportunity to see two iconic and sought-after species with remarkable rostral appendages; the Pinocchio Lizard (Anolis proboscis) and the Pinocchio Rainfrog (Pristimantis appendiculatus). Locating shy and elusive snakes is always challenging, but with our expert herpetologist guide we have the best possible chance to find some stunning species; Eyelash Viper (Bothriechis schlegelii), Campbell´s Toad-headed Pitviper (Bothrocophias campbelli), Osborne's Lancehead (Bothrops osbornei) and Regal Coral Snake (Micrurus ancoralis) are just a selection of the diversity here in Mindo.

Anole lizards are one of Ecuador’s specialities and, along with the Pinocchio Lizard, there are some of Ecuadors’ most beautiful species here in Mindo and it’s where we’ll hope to find Fraser's Anole (Anolisfraseri), O'Shaughnessy's Anole (Anolis gemmosus), and Equatorial Anole (Anolis aequatorialis). Glass frogs will be high on the wishlist of many tour participants and again Mindo obliges with some exquisite species such as Nicaragua Giant Glass Frog (Espadarana prosoblepon), and the Red-spotted Glassfrog (Nymphargus grandisonae). Rainfrogs are particularly numerous in this region and along with Pinocchio Rainfrog, Blue-thighed Rainfrog (Pristimantis crucifer), Mindo Rainfrog (Pristimantis mindo), Ornate Rainfrog , and many more. Tadapi Treefrog (Hyloscirtus alytolylax), Executioner Treefrog (Dendropsophus carnifex) and the gorgeous Diablito ‘Little Devil’ Poison Arrow Frog (Oophaga sylvatica) are all possible during our time here.

Around the lodge we can find lizards such as Western Basilisk (Basiliscus galeritus) and we’ll make an excursion to find the striking Red-eyed Woodlizard (Enyalioides oshaughnessyi).

There will be opportunity during the day-times for a rest as we re-charge our body (and camera!) batteries for our searches along the trails at night in search of those nocturnal species listed above. For those with endless energy, Mindo is a magnificent place to birdwatch. Over 450 species of birds have been recorded within the valley and and just a few of the tantalising possibilities are Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager; Golden, Black-capped and Summer Tanager. Velvet-purple Coronet; Brown Inca; Violet-tailed Sylph and the spectacular Empress Brilliant. The endless list continues with Crimson-mantled and Powerful Woodpeckers, Strong-billed Woodcreeper, Toucan Barbet, Golden-headed Quetzal, Streaked Tuftedcheek, Red-billed Parrot, Scaly naped Amazon, Slate-throated Whitestart, Western Hemispingus, Beautiful Jay and many more, all of them are frequent visitors of feeders and hides around the lodge, so your chances to get great pictures are huge.

DAYS 5/6: THE ECOMINGA RESERVE!

After wonderfully exciting days in the cloud-forests of Mindo, we’ll make a two- and half-hour journey to Volcán Cotopaxi where we will stop to enjoy lunch and views of the second highest summit in Ecuador, at 5,897m. From here it will be just a two-hour drive to the town of Baños where we will be based in a comfortable tourist hotel for our excursions into the Ecominga Reserve.

The full range of reptiles and amphibians inside the Reserve is still being realised with ongoing surveys and analysis. Searches so far have been very fruitful and there is a rich herpetofauna-biodiversity. One recent discovery is the Naturetrek Leaf Frog (Noblella naturetrekii), described in 2019 and named after Naturetrek in recognition of our role in saving this species and its habitat. We’ll go on an exciting search for this lovely diurnal species during our time in Baños.

In the Reserve there are yet more newly-discovered species still to be named and amongst them is a new frog and a new lizard species. We hope to share news of these discoveries during the forthcoming months.

It is just a 15-minute walk to the reserve entrance from the nearest road. Once at the entrance there are more than 10km of trail to explore from here. We’ll take a packed lunch with us so that we can enjoy the whole day exploring and enjoying all the reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals and flora that the Naturetrek Reserve offers.

Of the known rich amphibian diversity inside the reserve, we’ll search for such lovely species as Cochran's Glassfrog (Nymphargus cochranae), Shreve's Sarayacu Treefrog (Dendropsophus sarayacuensis) and Espada's Rainfrog (Pristimantis galdi).

Other highlights in the reserve include Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Giant Antpitta, the endangered Black-and-chestnut Eagle and a beautiful, rare, tree named after Sir David Attenborough, Blakea attenboroughi.

After an exhilarting two days in Baños, we’ll get a good night’s sleep in our comfortable hotel before heading onwards tomorrow for our next destination — the gateway to the Amazon — Misahuallí.

DAYS 7/8: MISAHUALLI

DAYS 9/11: COCA

DAYS 12/14: NAPO

DAY 15: GUANGO

Today will mark the beginning of our journey home, as we take a 45-minute flight from Coca to Quito, but with a final destination lined up for us to explore before our onwards journeys.

After landing in Quito, we’ll make just the one-hour transfer across to Guango in the highlands of eastern Ecuador. Here we’ll target some very special amphibians indeed. Linda's Treefrog (Hyloscirtus lindae), the rare Papallacta Rainfrog (Pristimantis acerus), Riobamba Marsupial Frog (Gastrotheca riobambae) Papallacta Valley Rainfrog (Pristimantis gladiator) and Bruised Rainfrog (Pristimantis lividus).

Reptiles here include the dimuninitive but elegant Shieldhead Gecko (Gonatodes caudiscutatus), Mountain Pholiodobolus (Pholidobolus montium) and Günther's Whorltail Iguana (Stenocercus guentheri).

Guango is exceptional for birding too, particularly for hummingbirds! Tourmaline Sunangel, Chestnut Breasted and Buff-tailed Coronet, Collared Inca, White-bellied Woodstar, Long-tail Sylph, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Tryian Metaltail and Shining Sunbeam just part of the kaleidoscopic line-up.

In Guango we’ll be based at a comfortable lodge with wonderful vistas.

DAY 16: QUITO

Extending Your Holiday

There are a number of options available as an extension:

Visiting the Galápagos Islands
A stay at Mashpi Lodge
A herping extension to neighbouring Colombia
Cultural tours.

Should you wish to discuss these options the tour’s manager Xavier Munoz will be more than happy to help. Please [email protected] or whatsapp +593 959 089 426.

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MAXIMUM TIME IN NATURE

Our goal is to maximize the time spent in nature, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the environment and appreciate its beauty. This often means long days filled with exploration, adventure, and unique experiences that provide a deeper connection to the natural world. While it can be physically demanding at times, these extended days offer the opportunity to observe wildlife, discover hidden landscapes, and truly engage with the surroundings in a meaningful way.

ITINERARY ROUTE

Our itinerary is subject to change due to factors beyond our control, such as adverse weather, road conditions, safety concerns or other circumstances. While we aim to follow the planned route and excursions, adjustments may be necessary to ensure the best experience. The itinerary is prepared months in advance, but unforeseen circumstances may arise. In such cases, the tour leader will determine suitable alternatives. No refunds will be issued due to changes in the itinerary.

USE OF DRONES / UAVs ON TRIPS

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, are not suitable for use on NEBLINA FOREST’s trips due to logistical constraints and in many cases, local and national laws or regulations. When visiting National Parks, Wildlife Refuges, Biosphere Reserves, etc. we operate under environmental regulations that ban the use of recreational drones. Do not bring a drone on a trip without contacting us first.

DEPOSIT & PAYMENTS

Once you have booked any trip with NEBLINA FOREST Ltd., a 15% non-refundable deposit is needed for us to confirm any reservation. Full Payment is needed 60 days prior to the date our services are due to begin.

Please note that in some cases in order to visit special natural reserves and parks a higher pre-deposit per person might be required.

If a booking is requested less than 60 days prior to the departure date, full payment will be required upon confirmation.

PAYMENT METHODS

NEBLINA FOREST Ltd. accepts the following payment options:

Wire transfers

In US Dollars to: Bank: BRADESCO BAC Florida Bank

Address:

3011 Ponce de Leon Blvd. PH-1, Coral Gables, FL 33134

ABA: 067009044

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Passenger’s last name and NF tour number.
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All payments made by credit card are subject to service fees imposed by WeTravel and/or additional charges assessed by the card issuer according to its own policies and regulations. Neblina Forest has no control over, and assumes no responsibility for, such fees or charges.

These fees may apply to all credit card transactions, including deposits, final payments, special arrangements, and any other tour-related payments.

CANCELLING YOUR BOOKING

You may cancel your booking at any stage, provided you do so in writing.

• If cancellation is received between the date of booking until 61 days prior the date our services are due to begin, we will charge 15% as a cancellation fee. This deposit cannot be transferred to another booking.

• If cancellation is received between 60 and 0 days prior the date our services are due to begin, we will charge 100% as a cancellation fee.

All services will be subject to the policies and conditions established by each operator and/or supplier (airline, hotels, sightseeing locations or other).

Third Party Products (Galápagos, Amazon rainforest, etc.)

In this case, all services will be subject to the policies and conditions established by each operator.

PRICING

Pricing, itineraries and availability may change without notice. NEBLINA FOREST Ltd. reserves the right to charge you for any increase in trip costs. You agree that NEBLINA FOREST is not responsible for any errors or omissions in any quotes, advertisements, including on our website, or information from third parties.

PAYMENTS

Failure to make payments on time will automatically put your booking at risk of cancellation. Please contact us in advance of your payment due date if you will be unable to meet this obligation. You agree to hold NEBLINA FOREST Ltd. harmless for any booking cancellation for late payments or declination of a credit card.

REFUNDS

No refunds will be made if you leave a trip for any reason whatsoever. No refunds will be made either for any accommodations, transport, sightseeing locations, meals or services not utilized.

GENERAL CONDITIONS

TAXES, FEES, EXCHANGE RATES AND FUEL SUPPLEMENTS

Fees

• NEBLINA FOREST Ltd. reserves the right to pass on to its guests (including fully paid and deposited guests) any taxes and fees imposed by government or quasi-government agencies that relate specifically to a guest's itinerary. "Taxes and fees" include any and all fees, charges, surcharges, tolls and taxes imposed by governmental or quasi-governmental authorities including, but not limited to, customs fees, per person berth taxes or fees, embarkation and/or disembarkation fees at ports, airline transportation fees, dockage fees, and wharfage fees. This condition also applies if exchange rates and other local costs vary substantially after you receive your quote.

Prior to your departure, if we have to make such changes we will advise you as soon as is reasonably possible. We also reserve the right to change any of the services or other particulars contained in the confirmed itinerary at any time.

Fuel supplements or surcharges

• NEBLINA FOREST Ltd. reserves the right to charge a per person fuel supplement if the price of fuel increases any time prior to the travel date.

• NEBLINA FOREST Ltd. may collect any taxes, government fees/quasi government fees and fuel supplement (the "Surcharges") at the time of booking or prior to travelling, even if the trip fare has been paid in full. Surcharges will be invoiced accordingly.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

You assume sole responsibility to confirm all requirements for passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry and/ or travel requirements of all locations along your route and final destination. You release NEBLINA FOREST Ltd. from responsibility for any and all damages incurred as a result of your failure to comply with applicable requirements.

INSURANCE

To safeguard against losses due to illness, accident, or other unforeseen circumstances, we strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance, that covers trip cancellation/interruption, as soon as possible after making a deposit.

GENERAL ITINERARY OR TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

° Itinerary arrival and departure times are always subject to change without notice.

° Airfare NEBLINA FOREST Ltd. may book for you: Review your trip itinerary for flights NEBLINA FOREST Ltd. may book on your behalf. NEBLINA FOREST Ltd. acts simply as an intermediary between you and the airline, and airline tickets are highly restrictive, non-refundable, and non-transferable. Modification of names, dates, times, routings, or departure/ arrival airports is at the sole discretion of the airline and, if permitted, will likely be subject to a change fee, and you are responsible for any such fees. Credit will not be given for any unused airline ticket unless the airline’s terms and conditions allow it.

° Accommodations are defined as lodgings in living quarters afforded to travelers including, but not limited to, hotels, resorts, lodges, ship cabins, and campgrounds. If the accommodation sought are unavailable, NEBLINA FOREST Ltd. will do its best to reserve comparable accommodations. Note that the accommodation options described in our itineraries are for reference only and are subject to change based on availability. NEBLINA FOREST has no special knowledge regarding the suitability for disable persons of any portion of any trip. For information concerning the suitability for disable persons for any portion of our trips, contact NEBLINA FOREST Ltd.

° Due to the circumstances of operating inside National Parks and/or protected natural reserves, whose rules and regulations can be changed by the park or reserves

authorities and/or land owners, and due to any operational constraints, NEBLINA FOREST Ltd., reserves the right to cancel, alter, advance, postpone or substitute any scheduled itinerary, or substitute or cancel scheduled visiting sites, which, in its sole judgment and discretion, is justified for any reason, and to do so without liability for any loss whatsoever to guests as a result of said change(s).

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NEBLINA FOREST Ltd. and its agents act only as agents for passengers in all matters pertaining to transportation, accommodations or services not provided directly by NEBLINA FOREST Ltd., which are not subject to its control and therefore assume no liability. As agents, all tickets, exchange orders or vouchers issued by independent suppliers are subject to any and all terms and conditions under which such means of transportation, accommodations or other services are offered or provided. NEBLINA FOREST Ltd. and its agents will not be liable for injury, death, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of defect in any vehicle furnished by any such other party, firm or corporation or through the acts of default, whether negligent or willful, of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out or failing to carry out the arrangements previously agreed upon, nor for the negligent misconduct of any such other party, firm or corporation.

In the same way NEBLINA FOREST Ltd. is not responsible for the loss, theft, or robbery of luggage while it is in charge of the airline or hotel, as is outside the control, surveillance and direct supervision of the company. The passenger contract in use by the airlines concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the airline and the purchaser of these and/ or passengers.

NEBLINA FOREST Ltd. will not be held responsible and will assume no liability for injuries, losses or additional expenses due to delays or interruption of travel, changes in schedules, lost/ damage/ delayed luggage and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which neither we nor our suppliers could avoid, examples of which are acts of God, sickness, war or threat of war, riots, strikes, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial disputes, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, level of water in rivers, technical problems of any aircraft, vehicle, vessel or other means of conveyance, illness and/or death of a co-traveler including members of the trip group, or any cause or other similar events beyond the control of NEBLINA FOREST Ltd.. We suggest that you book an insurance policy with your Travel Agency.

Visiting remote destinations can be thrilling, but it is essential to understand and accept both medical and logistical risks. While minor health issues can often be managed during the journey, access to medical care may be delayed due to the remoteness of the locations. In the event of an emergency, immediate treatment or evacuation may not be possible. Therefore, anyone who require close medical supervision should not consider going on our trips.

NEBLINA FOREST reserves the right to withdraw or refuse service to a customer at its own discretion, prior to or during the trip, if in NEBLINA FOREST’s opinion that they could endanger the health, safety, and enjoyment of other on the trip. Under such circumstances, no refund will be given for any unused portion of the trip.

MODIFICATION OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The Terms and Conditions may be amended by NEBLINA FOREST Ltd. at any time without notice, so it is essential that you review these each time you book a trip with NEBLINA FOREST Ltd. in case they have changed. The Terms and Conditions you sign now are the Terms and Conditions that will apply to you and your trip regardless of amendments made after you’ve signed.

Reptiles & Amphibians of Ecuador

Reptiles & Amphibians of Ecuador

Duration

Difficulty

Group Size

Height

Reptiles & Amphibians of Ecuador

Itinerary

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