DAY 1

We will arrive at the beautiful San Isidro Cloud Forest Lodge mid-afternoon to get settled into our comfortable accommodations, surrounded by hummingbirds and other colorful birds. After a short rest, we will embark on a hike in the afternoon along San Isidro’s interpretive trail for a guided walk along a trail that will give us our first taste of the diverse cloud forests that surround us. Keep your eyes peeled, because visitors have been seeing Mountain Tapirs recently along this foray; it takes some luck and stealth, but this would be a grand find indeed. We will get back in time for some relaxation and to shower up before dinner.

At dinner we will be officially welcomed and have our first taste of Ecuador’s best-known hot toddy; a delicious drink – called “Guayusa” – made from water boiled with native Guayusa leaves, fruit juice, and a dash of cane alcohol, that is sure to help warm us up. After a magnificent dinner – San Isidro’s food is widely recognized for its originality and exquisite quality – a night hike awaits us, where we will be in search of owls, frogs, strange insects, nocturnal mammals or any other critter that might grace our presence. Night at San Isidro.

DAY 2

For those up for an earlier wake-up, birding around the lodge gardens is an option, where there is much activity. After an 8:00 buffet breakfast we can have a look at the Black Agoutis – native and large forest rodents – that come to feed on corn right around the cabins. Afterwards we will paddle through a beautiful cloud forest stream – enjoying its peacefulness and the sounds of the forest – that takes us to a forest trail that will lead us to a shallow, natural pool fed by a small waterfall where we will find pottery shards that have washed in – sometimes quite decorative – left behind from a group – the “Curisetas” (translated as the “Goldsmiths”) – that inhabited the region pre-colonially.

In the afternoon activities will be optional and can be programed with your guide, whether it be a relaxed dip in the heated pool with a lit fireplace, a visit to the medicinal/herb garden, cooking class with the staff, or a handicraft class. Night walk to look for frogs. Night at San Isidro.

DAY 3

For those up for an earlier wake-up, birding around the lodge gardens is an option where there is much activity. After an 8:00 buffet breakfast we can have a look at the Black Agoutis – native and large forest rodents – that come to feed on corn right around the cabins. Afterwards we will paddle through a beautiful forest stream that leads to a forest trail that will take us to a shallow, natural pool fed by a small waterfall where we will find pottery shards that have washed in – sometimes quite decorative – left behind from a group – the “Curisetas” (translated as the “Goldsmiths”) – that inhabited the region pre-colonially. For anybody wanting to stay back at the lodge, optional afternoon activities include the following: cooking class, handicraft class, bow-and- arrow, fishing, or a swim in the heated pool. Just let your guide know your preferences and have a great time! Afternoon departure.