ECUADOR
February 7 to 21, 2009
 

GENERAL INFORMATION
Ecuador packs a tremendous diversity of habitat into a relatively small country. The nation straddles the equator in western South America and reaches from the Pacific Ocean to the Amazon rainforest. It’s a land of contrasts, from snow-capped volcanic peaks to lowlands that are part of the great Amazon basin, the world’s most extensive rainforest. Ecuador also is home to an extraordinary variety of birds and other wildlife, with over 1600 species of birds recorded from the country. We have planned a journey that samples several of the most bird-rich parts of Ecuador at a pace that will allow time to enjoy and appreciate the wonders we will witness. Destinations include parks and natural areas along the crests of the Andes, partway down both the eastern and western slopes, and three nights at the Napo Wildlife Center in the Amazon basin. Our goal is to see a great variety of birds and other wildlife while learning about tropical biology, ecology, and conservation. Our bird list will number in the hundreds, with dozens of hummingbirds and tanagers, and we will make a special effort to see some of Ecuador’s more spectacular species, from Andean Condor and Carunculated Caracara high in the mountains to Hoatzin and Zigzag Heron in the Amazon lowlands. We’re sure to see a great variety of mammals, insects, reptiles, and other wildlife, too. We also include opportunities to sample Ecuador’s rich cultural history.

Photo courtesy Mark S Garland

We plan an active trip, with many hours spent in the field, but activities will not be especially rigorous. Some days we may begin at dawn and continue activities into the evening, but many excursions will be optional.  You may choose to skip one or several of the excursions to relax at one of our comfortable lodges, or to spend quiet time observing the natural world, reflecting on the journey, or simply resting and relaxing.

Note that in the Andes portion of the trip, and in Quito, there will be time spent at high elevation, with several nights at 9,000 feet (Quito), and several day trips heading well above 10,000 feet. We will not undertake any vigorous activities at this altitude. Nonetheless, those whose health might be compromised by such high altitude should discuss their suitability for such a trip with their personal physician.

This trip is limited to 14 persons

DATES: Saturday, February 7 through Saturday, February 21, 2009


APPROXIMATE PRICE:
$3,840.00 per person, double occupancy; single supplement (payable if you request single occupancy or if we cannot find you a suitable roommate) is not yet determined. A deposit of $500.00 will hold your place until November 7, 2008, when full payment becomes due. Registration must take place before November 7, 2008.

PRICE INCLUDES:
Lodging for 14 nights, meals from breakfast February 8 through breakfast February 21 (except one dinner in Quito), transportation around Ecuador in a private mini-bus with professional driver, round trip flight from Quito to Coca, group activities and admissions, expert leadership, and resource materials.

Not included in the cost: round-trip transportation from your home to meeting point in Quito, Ecuador, bar beverages, telephone calls, laundry service, airport departure taxes, gratuities for guide, driver, & lodge staffs, or other items of a personal nature. Tips for the guide and driver are customary in Ecuador; most travelers choose to offer generous tips.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: A valid US Passport is required for this tour. Your passport expiration date should be at least six (6) months beyond your tour travel dates.

SEND DEPOSITS AND OTHER PAYMENTS TO:
NJAS Eco-Travel
9 Hardscrabble Rd.
Bernardsville, NJ 07924
(908) 204-8998
Make checks payable to the New Jersey Audubon Society

TOUR LEADERS:

Dale Rosselet has been with New Jersey Audubon Society (NJAS) since 1983.  She has worked in the education department as teacher naturalist, director of education and currently is New Jersey Audubon Society’s Vice-president for Education.  Dale is a New Jersey native, having grown up near the Great Swamp in northern New Jersey and now resides in Cape May County.  She has been leading domestic and foreign tours for New Jersey Audubon Society for the last 12 years.  Domestic tours led include South Florida and the Dry Tortugas, Texas (Rio Grande Valley and Big Bend area), Washington State, and Montana.  She has also led tours to Churchill & Manitoba, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Panama, Peru, and Mexico. 

In addition to the above, Dale is co-author of the NJAS’ teacher education curriculum guides; Bridges to the Natural World, New Jersey WATERS:  Watershed Approach to Teaching the Ecology of Regional Systems, and the Society’s newest book, Wild Journeys:  Migration in New Jersey.  She has written for New Jersey Audubon as well as co-authored articles with her husband, Kevin Karlson, for Wild Bird magazine.

Dale will be working with talented and experienced Ecuadorean birding guides throughout the trip.

For tour itineraries, to register, or for more information contact:

NJAS Eco-Travel at: (908)-204-8998
9 Hardscrabble Road
Bernardsville, NJ 07924
or email travel@njaudubon.org

If you are not a member and would like to become one, consider Joining New Jersey Audubon Society.