An unforgettable vacation that really does benefit
the environment and the local community!

 Discover Santa Lucía Cloudforest Reserve

 3 days/ 2 nights

Price: 250 USD per person

DAY 1 (Monday):

Pick up from Quito at 8am, arriving at the trailhead at 10.30am. Two hour guided hike through the forest to the lodge. You will climb 500 metres in altitude over 2 kilometres and be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views.
After lunch, a circular hike taking in the orchid garden and giant tree swing with an explanation of Santa Lucia’s conservation and sustainability projects.
After dinner, the option of a night walk to see and hear the sounds of nocturnal animals and birds of prey.

DAY 2 (Tuesday):

• (Opcional) Early morning hike to the Andean Cock of The Rock lek (mating ritual)
• Hike through primary forest to Santa Lucia’s waterfalls with the opportunity to swim in a mountain pool.
• Relaxing in the hammocks and enjoying the spectacular panoramic views.

DAY 3 (Wednesday):

After breakfast hike down through the forest passing through the banana plantation with shade grown coffee trees, to the Umachaca River where you can walk upstream to a waterfall which cascades into a beautiful pool (seasonal option depending on the flow of the river.) A good spot for your box lunch. Then take the pre-Inca trail, used by the Yumbo people as a trade route, through an area of pristine primary forest, passing by two more waterfalls and an area of gorgeous tree ferns (helechos gigantes ). Much of the trail is in the form of a deep trench called a “culunco,’’ made by the Yumbo people – look out for tracks of wild pigs and the elusive Puma. The trail opens out into lush meadow with fantastic views of the river below. A car will be waiting for you at 2pm to take you back to Quito.

What to bring to Santa Lucia Eco Lodge

Clothing – The weather at Santa Lucia is variable. It can be hot and sunny, it can be very wet, and it can sometimes also be a little chilly at night. Ask for further details about the climate in the month that you are visiting. For birding, clothes should be muted/dark colours (not red or white.) Lightweight clothes (not jeans) are best for easy drying. Clothing should include:

• Fleece or pullover for the evenings
• Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
• Sandals or thick socks for wearing inside the lodge
• Long sleeved shirt/ T-shirt and long trousers for protection from the sun/mosquitoes
• Sun hat (summer)

Boots – it can be muddy at Santa Lucia, so rubber boots are recommended. We have a limited supply for borrowing (largest size is 44 European / 10 US men’s.)

Other

• Torch or head-lamp and spare batteries
• Small backpack (with waterproof cover)
• Hiking stick (optional)
• Water bottle – with water for the hike up to the lodge
• Insect repellent (DEET isn’t necessary)
• Sun screen in the summer months
• Sufficient supplies of any medicines that you regularly need to take
• We ask that if possible you bring personal toiletries that are biodegradable to ensure minimal contamination of the forest.
• Binoculars (optional) – magnification is not very important, but binoculars that work well in low light and that focus well to less than ten feet are key. Basic 7 x 35s are fine

For the sake of the mules which will be carrying your belongings we ask that, if possible, you bring only what you need for your stay. It is easier for mules to carry backpacks or similar rather than suitcases.

Information that we require from you at least one week before you arrive:

• Complete name from all participants 
• Date of birth
• Any special dietary requirements or health needs
• Shoe size if borrowing rubber boots
• Whether or not you speak any Spanish
• How you plan to get here – by bus or would you like us to arrange private transport?
• Contact details so that we can contact you a few days before your arrival date (eg traveling email address or hostal/hotel telephone number.)

Request your Cloudforest Santa Lucía visit now: