Day 1

Begin Your Journey from Quito

Set off early in the morning from Quito for an exciting adventure. After a scenic two-hour drive through the Andes, you’ll experience a dramatic landscape transformation as you descend from 2,800 to just 1,000 meters above sea level. Upon arrival at Kapari Natural Lodge, you’ll be greeted with a refreshing local drink, setting the tone for a day of discovery in the biodiverse Chocó forest.

Morning Nature Walk to the Blanco River

We’ll begin with a moderate 2-hour hike through the lush Andean-Chocó forest to reach the beautiful Blanco River. Along the way, keep your eyes open for vibrant wildlife, including sightings of tanagers, hummingbirds, toucans, and other bird species, as well as unique plant life that calls this region home.

Gourmet Lunch at the Lodge

After your walk, return to the lodge for a well-deserved gourmet lunch served in our restaurant, offering a delicious mix of local and international flavors.

Choose Your Adventure or Relaxation

In the afternoon, you have two great options:

Explore the Latitude 0 Trail: Take a scenic walk where you can stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres in one day. This trail leads you through endemic cloud forest vegetation to a stunning waterfall, offering breathtaking views of the Blanco River along the way.

Relax & Unwind: Alternatively, enjoy our lodge’s modern amenities—swim in the heated pool, relax in the panoramic jacuzzi, play games in the recreation room, try your hand at soccer, unwind in the peaceful bird garden, or indulge in a rejuvenating massage at our spa cabins.

Evening Gourmet Dining

As evening falls, savor a special fusion dinner blending international cuisine with local Ecuadorian specialties, thoughtfully prepared by our chef for your enjoyment.

Optional Night Walk

If you’re up for more exploration, join us on a guided night walk along one of our trails. Experience the magic of nocturnal wildlife, with opportunities to spot amphibians, reptiles, insects, and some of the night-active mammals and birds that inhabit the reserve.

Early Morning Birdwatching Experience

Begin your day with an early morning hike to observe the vibrant and colorful bird species of the Chocó region. For ease of viewing, we’ve selected strategic observation points where guests can spot more than 40 bird species—and possibly some mammals—without walking more than 200 meters from their rooms. Designed especially for photographers and bird lovers, we offer a quiet hideout where you can quietly observe around 35 bird species in approximately one hour. You may see hummingbirds, toucans, tanagers, seedeaters, woodcreepers, flycatchers, motmots, and even mammals such as the Andean spectacled bear, agouti, squirrels, and at night, the Guanta—a key rodent species within the reserve.

Breakfast & The Owl Trail

After this exciting wildlife encounter, enjoy a traditional Kapari breakfast to energize for the next adventure. Then, embark on the Owl Trail, a scenic path that winds along a cliffside offering stunning panoramic views of the valley and the Blanco River. This trail provides a unique perspective of the Chocó Andino Biological Corridor, almost like being on the balcony of a living botanical garden. During the walk, you may spot impressive birds such as the Crested Owl and four different species of toucans.

Upon returning to the lodge, savor a delicious lunch at our restaurant.

Afternoon Options: Relaxation or Adventure

In the afternoon, choose how you’d like to spend your time:

• Relaxation: Recharge with a visit to our spa and enjoy one of our specially designed wellness treatments. Unwind in the heated pool or panoramic jacuzzi, play games in the recreation room, take part in a friendly soccer match, or relax in the peaceful bird garden.

• Adventure: Explore further along the Roadrunner Trail, a 2-kilometer flat path through the heart of the Andean forest. This trail is ideal for appreciating the region’s rich biodiversity and offers a chance to spot one of Kapari’s most emblematic birds—the rare Banded Ground-Cuckoo, one of the most elusive species in Ecuador and the Neotropics. The trail follows the banks of the Blanco River and lasts about 2.5 hours, with several stops for observing wildlife including toucans, trogons, woodcreepers, and ant colonies. It is also accessible at night for herpetology enthusiasts due to its high diversity of amphibians and reptiles.

Evening & Night Walk

As night falls, enjoy a gourmet dinner prepared by our chef. Later, if you wish, join a guided night walk on another of Kapari Lodge’s trails. Discover the fascinating nocturnal life of the cloud forest—amphibians, insects, owls, and active mammals await under the stars.

Day 3

Morning Birdwatching at Kapari Nature Reserve

From the very early hours of the morning, the Kapari Nature Reserve comes alive with an incredible variety of bird species. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or simply appreciate nature’s beauty, you’ll be captivated by the dazzling array of shapes, colors, sizes, flight patterns, and songs these birds have to offer. Our expert guides will help you spot and learn about these fascinating creatures from carefully chosen observation points, allowing for quiet moments of appreciation and discovery.

Butterfly Garden Experience

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, continue your journey into the natural wonders of Kapari with a visit to our Butterfly Garden. Nestled in the heart of the forest, this sanctuary offers the perfect environment for butterflies to thrive through all stages of their life cycle. The garden is designed to provide food, shelter, and rest areas for these delicate creatures, making it an ideal spot to observe and learn about the many butterfly species that call Kapari home.

Exploring the Landscape

From the lodge, you can explore the hidden treasures of the mountains, valleys, and the pristine Blanco River. Kapari offers a network of ecological trails suitable for both day and night excursions—perfect for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and butterfly enthusiasts. Along the way, you’ll encounter exotic flowers, gentle streams, and natural springs surrounded by lush vegetation.

For ease of exploration, our trail system spans various elevations, offering diverse perspectives of the reserve. Additionally, guests with mobility challenges can enjoy the scenic route by vehicle, stopping at key viewpoints to take in the breathtaking landscapes.

Departure to Quito

This unforgettable experience at Kapari concludes after a rewarding expedition through the cloud forest. You’ll then begin your return journey back to Quito, taking with you lasting memories of nature’s wonders.