A friend and I are off to Ecuador for our first taste of South America in February next year. This is an independent self drive trip, flying into Quito, and doing a small bit of the east slope first and finishing off with 6/7 nights in the Mindo area.
Much of it is arranged now but struggling to find information on some things and was hoping someone could help!
Several sites/reserves seem to require prior notification to visiting, how much(if any) notification is required for these sights? For example, at least several weeks in advance or can be arranged the day before.
Mashpi Amagusa
Mashpi chocolate farm
Chontal Oilbird cave
23 de Junio
Rio silanche
Narupa (prior arrangement or can be arranged at the time at comedor susanita?)
I have read conflicting things on access to Antisana/laguna de mica. Is it free entry, no prior arrangements needed just sign on arrival? Or more complicated than that?
Yanacocha reserve, have seen stated opening times 7am - 3pm, can the trails be accessed outside of these hours? Hoping to do at least 1 dusk or dawn visit here around our night in nono.
Do long-wattled umbrellabirds and club-winged manakin display only early in the morning or at other times of the day?
Any recommended apps for calls? Would rather avoid downloading all possible calls off xeno-canto! I see there is a sunbird all birds ecuador field guide app, has anyone used this?
Cheers,
John
Much of it is arranged now but struggling to find information on some things and was hoping someone could help!
Several sites/reserves seem to require prior notification to visiting, how much(if any) notification is required for these sights? For example, at least several weeks in advance or can be arranged the day before.
Mashpi Amagusa
Mashpi chocolate farm
Chontal Oilbird cave
23 de Junio
Rio silanche
Narupa (prior arrangement or can be arranged at the time at comedor susanita?)
I have read conflicting things on access to Antisana/laguna de mica. Is it free entry, no prior arrangements needed just sign on arrival? Or more complicated than that?
Yanacocha reserve, have seen stated opening times 7am - 3pm, can the trails be accessed outside of these hours? Hoping to do at least 1 dusk or dawn visit here around our night in nono.
Do long-wattled umbrellabirds and club-winged manakin display only early in the morning or at other times of the day?
Any recommended apps for calls? Would rather avoid downloading all possible calls off xeno-canto! I see there is a sunbird all birds ecuador field guide app, has anyone used this?
Cheers,
John