Sample packages

February 8, 2010, 10:56 pm

Maquipucuna Reserve

Maquipucuna "The Crown Jewel of the Andes".

Documento sin t<div class="clr"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div>  </h3> <a href="#" title="open image" class="open"></a> <img src="/templates/ict_linata/images/header2.jpg" class="full" /> </div> <div class="imageElement"> <h3>  <div id="at-user25"> <div class="moduletable"> <div class="bannergroup"> <div class="banneritem"><!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <head> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /> <title>Documento sin t<div class="clr"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div>  </h3> <a href="#" title="open image" class="open"></a> <img src="/templates/ict_linata/images/header3.jpg" class="full" /> </div> <div class="imageElement"> <h3>  <div id="at-user26"> <div class="moduletable"> <div class="bannergroup"> <div class="banneritem"><!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <head> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /> <title>Documento sin t<div class="clr"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div>  </h3> <a href="#" title="open image" class="open"></a> <img src="/templates/ict_linata/images/header4.jpg" class="full" /> </div> <div class="imageElement"> <h3>  <div id="at-user27"> <div class="moduletable"> <div class="bannergroup"> <div class="banneritem"><!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <head> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /> <title>Documento sin t<div class="clr"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div>  </h3> <a href="#" title="open image" class="open"></a> <img src="/templates/ict_linata/images/header5.jpg" class="full" /> </div> </div> </div> </div>   <div id="at-wrapsearch"> <div id="at-search"> <div class="moduletable"> <div id="jflanguageselection"><div class="rawimages"><span id="active_language"><a href="http://www.maqui.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=89&Itemid=90&lang=es"><img src="/components/com_joomfish/images/flags/es.gif" alt="Español(Spanish Formal International)" title="Español(Spanish Formal International)" /></a></span><span><a href="http://www.maqui.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=89&Itemid=90&lang=en"><img src="/components/com_joomfish/images/flags/en.gif" alt="English (United Kingdom)" title="English (United Kingdom)" /></a></span></div></div>   </div> </div> </div>   <div id="at-pathway"> <span class="breadcrumbs pathway"> <a href="http://www.maqui.org/" class="pathway">Home</a> <img src="/templates/ict_linata/images/arrow.png" alt="" /> <a href="/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=86&Itemid=88&lang=es" class="pathway">Press Office</a> <img src="/templates/ict_linata/images/arrow.png" alt="" /> Press coverage</span> </div>  </div> </div>  <div id="at-containerwrap-fr"> <div id="at-container" class="clearfix"> <div id="at-mainbody-fr">  <div id="at-contentwrap"> <div id="at-content">   <table class="contentpaneopen"> <tr> <td class="contentheading" width="100%"> Sample packages </td> </tr> </table> <table class="contentpaneopen"> <tr> <td valign="top"> <p><strong>12 days / 11 nights<br /><br />Day 1<br /></strong>Our guide will pick you up from your hotel in Quito and will drive you to the northwest side of the city.<br />Cloud forests, correctly termed pre-montane/subtropical rain forests, cloak the steep slopes of the Andes from elevations between about 900 meters and 2700 meters. Due to their temperate climate and abundant rainfall these are forests of high biodiversity, with a profusion of unique wildlife and plants.<br /><br />The first stop will be the Orchid garden at Utopia (southern guard post of the Maquipucuna Reserve located at 1600 meters). Set high in the warm mist of the clouds and surrounded by some of the most spectacular and biologically diverse forest in the world, is the Maquipucuna Cloud Forest Reserve. Maquipucuna protecting over 6,000 hectares of this unique habitat, surrounded by 14,000 hectares of “protected forest.” Eighty percent of Maquipucuna consists of steeply-sloped, undisturbed cloud forest. The different ecological zones at the Maquipucuna Reserve range from 900 to 2785 meters. Its remarkable biodiversity includes nearly 2000 plant species of which 20% are orchids and bromeliads, over 370 species of birds and over 45 species of mammals such as dears, mountain lions, kinkajous, otters, agoutis and the endangered spectacled bear.<br /><br />Before, leaving for the Maquipucuna Lodge, we will stop for visit to the Pahuma Reserve orchid garden. Pahuma has an extension of 650 hectares located between 1960 meters and 2900 meters. Its orchid garden has more than 270 species of orchids, many of which are endemic. <br /><br />The Maquipucuna Ecolodge, part of the Maquipucuna Reserve is located two hours away from Quito on the western flank of the Andes Cordillera.<br /><br />Located within the Choco-Andean Corridor, one of the planet's top five "biodiversity hotspots" the plant diversity at Maquipucuna rivals that of lowland tropical forests and is a result of the humid conditions due to nearly constant mists at high altitudes. At the Maquipucuna Reserve, ORCHIDACEAE is by far the largest plant family, with at least 320 orchid species in 81 genera, representing ~8.5% of Ecuador’s orchid flora. Of these an estimated 48 species are considered endemic, with 22 classified as ‘vulnerable to extinction.’<br /><br />The aim of Fundacion Maquipucuna is to help protect the habitat through low impact tourism and community based development along the Choco Andean Corridor. A conscious decision was made to keep things on a small scale, by maintaining a ratio between guests received and the amount of land under management. From the lodge clients may enjoy hiking in the lush cloud forests replete with orchids and bromeliads, as well as the primary forest reserve.<br /><br />At the lodge awaits you a welcome cocktail and short hike of one of Maquipucuna’s trails. Dinner will be followed by a briefing on the next day’s activities<br /><br />Maquipucuna’s transportation, accommodation, english speaking naturalist guide and local orchid guide. B, L, D<br /><br /><strong>Day 2</strong><br />Early bird watching before breakfast. There are at least 20 species that even the most amateur bird watcher can observe at Maquipucuna including Crimson rumped toucanet, Golden headed quetzal, Swallow Tanager, Lemon rumped tanager, Golden crowned flycatcher, Rufous motmot, Bayheaded tanager among others. Exploring Orchids at the Humedal trail. Humedal Trail is a 2 1/2 hour easy to moderate hike (circuit). During the rainy season it requires rubber boots. The humedal train passes by a swamp and is in the process of being interpreted to identify terrestrial orchids in their natural state. At the orchid garden, there will be a briefing about research at Maquipucuna about deceit pollination in the endemic orchid, Chondroscaphe embreei with the opportunity to photograph if weather permits Euglossine bees in their pheromone traps. This orchid garden at Maquipucuna harbors over 130 species, many of which flower all year-long. Lunch at Maquipucuna. Visit Choco Andes Orchid in-vitro cultivation Lab in Sta. Marianita “Community Based Development” related to orchids. The Choco Andes lab was created to serve two objectives. To generate employment related to a sustainable biodiversity activity and to generate the know-how of how for potential conservation strategies for endemic species, including micropropagation, reintroduction, and environmental education.<br /><br />Maquipucuna transportation, accommodation, english speaking naturalist guide and Orchid local guide. B, L, D<br /><br /><strong>Day 3 </strong><br />Today there is an early visit (leave at 4:00 am from Maquipucuna) to “Refugio Paz de las Aves” which is a famous Antpitta reserve near Mindo. Here, a local farmer has started hand-feeding Giant, Ochre-Breasted, Moustached, and Yellow-Breasted Antpittas with amazing success. We also have a good chance to see other Chocó specialties like Velvet-purple Coronet, Empress Brilliant, and perhaps even Orange-breasted Fruiteater or Uniform Treehunter.<br /><br />Arrival to Maquipucuna. Dinner will be followed by a briefing on the next day’s activities.</p> <p>Maquipucuna’s transportation, accommodation, english speaking naturalist guide and local orchid guide. B, L, D<br /><br /><strong>Day 4</strong><br />Bird watching before breakfast optional and then exploring orchids at the Palmitos trail. This morning will aim to Palmitos trail is 4 hours hike, where you could see the difference between the secondary forest and primary forest and learn about some local medicinal plants and enjoy beautiful panoramic views -Difficulty: moderate to hard. The morning hike could be opted out for an easy morning. Lunch at Maquipucuna. The afternoon a visit and hands on experience of one of Maquipucuna’s sustainable development initiatives, shade grown mountain organic coffee cultivated as forest surrogates to restore connectivity in the mid-elevations of the Choco Andean Corridor. The Choco Andes coffee tour includes visiting the coffee fields, learning about producing the best coffee and picking and processing coffee during the harvesting season. Then during the visit to the roastery, you will be able to roast your own bag of coffee and to sip freshly brewed coffee.<br /><br />Dinner will be followed by a briefing on the next day’s activities.<br /><br />Accommodation, english speaking naturalist guide and local Orchid guide. B, L, D.<br /><br /><strong>Day 5</strong><br />After breakfast, drive to the Yunguilla community and visit to their own orchid project as well as learn the about their community conservation activities, including their ecolodge, fruit nurseries, cheese and jam cottage industries. This is a remarkable community, which initiated their transformation with the help of Fundacion Maquipucuna 15 years ago. In 15 years, the people of Yunguilla has turned their main economic activity, charcoal making destroying primary forest, into a suit of sustainable small businesses ventures. Then a stop will be made at the monument that marks the path of the equator at latitude 0 0`00``. This path is the result of an expedition sent by the French Académie Royale des Sciences in the beginning of the XVIII century, where La Condamine and other two scientists measured the degree of the equator. Archaeological evidence indicates pre-Inca and Inca civilization recognized and worshipped the path of the equator as the marker of the equinox. The equinox occurs when the sun is directly over the equator. In the complex “Ciudad Mitad del Mundo” find the ethnographic museum and a variety of handicraft of our indigenous communities.<br /><br />Lunch at restaurant El Crater at the rim of the Pululahua volcanic crater, also a geo-botanical reserve. As well as the south-eastern most part of the Choco Andean Corridor. Later, back to Quito and visit the Quito Botanical garden where there are a good collection of orchids.<br /><br />Hotel in Quito, transportation, accommodation, english speaking naturalist guide and local orchid guide (only for Yungilla community) <br />B, L<br /><br /><strong>Day 6: </strong><br /><strong>QUITO CITY TOUR </strong><br />Set off with your private guide for a drive around one of the most charming cities in all of Latin America. Enjoy the colonial center of Quito, depicting scenes from Ecuadorian history. The tour ends with a trip to the Panecillo Hill or Loma, which commands a striking view of Quito, the surrounding valley and the snow-capped mountains beyond. (B) <br /><strong><br />Day 7: </strong><br /><strong>QUITO – GALAPAGOS – BALTRA, BARTOLOME </strong><br />Please note: Galapagos itinerary is subject to change due to National Park restrictions. This morning, fly to Galapagos and board your ship, the M/Y Coral I/II. Accommodations in a Moon Suite Cabin. Shortly afterward, set sail. As you cruise through the waters of the Galapagos, look from the deck for dolphins, whales and perhaps a hammerhead shark. The boat is also likely to be accompanied also by tiny Audubon's shearwaters and playful sea lions. After a wet landing, passengers walk to a hypersalinic lagoon behind the beach. Observers report a high number of Pink Flamingos. The trail then leads up to Dragon Hill, which offers a beautiful view of the bay. This area is a nesting site for a big number of reintroduced Land Iguanas, again thanks to the Charles Darwin Research Station. There is also a bizarre Scalesia tree forest. (B, L, D) <br /><br /><strong>Day 8: </strong><br />RABIDA (A.K.A. JERVIS) – SANTIAGO <br />You will arrive at Rabida (Jervis). This small island has plenty of things to see: pink flamingos, large-billed flycatchers, Galapagos doves and pelicans, boobies and Darwin finches. There is sparse vegetation here except for prickly pear cactus trees. On the northern coast, you may swim with the sea lions on a magnificent red sand beach, which offers an opportunity to observe their behavior. Dominant males mark out territories along the shore and patrol them noisily, defending against other males who might want to invade the "harem." In the afternoon, you'll land at Puerto Egas of James Bay on the west side of the island of Santiago. Here, there is a long flat black lava shoreline, where eroded shapes form lava pools, caves and inlets which house a great variety of wildlife. This is a great place to see colonies of marine iguanas basking in the sun. These fascinating reptiles dive for extended periods feeding on seaweed and are the only lizard known to eat algae. The tide pools contain hundreds of brilliantly colored red sally-light foot crabs, which attract hunting herons of all the commonly found species. These inlets are also the favorite haunts of the Galapagos fur seal and you can snorkel with them along with the many species of tropical fish. (B, L, D) <br /><br /><strong>Day 9: </strong><br />FERNANDINA (A.K.A. NARBOROUGH) – ISABELA (A.K.A ALBEMARLE) <br />After a dry landing at Espinosa Point, passengers will see the largest colony of Marine Iguanas mingling with Sally-light Foot Crabs. They also will enjoy the Flightless Cormorants nesting sites, the Galapagos Penguins, Galapagos Hawks, and Sea lions. Among the flora and volcanic formations observers will note Brachycereus Cactus, “pa-hoe-hoe” lava, and other unusual lava formations. Travelers will see recent lava flows from a safe distance. Also numerous mangrove beds extend into the sea, depicting a healthy and thriving eco-system. Another possible excursion is at Point Vicente Roca, on Isabela Island . There are no landings for this excursion. Only open for dinghy sightseeing, snorkeling, and scuba. Travelers will enjoy high cliffs with tuff stone, ash, and other lava formations. Caves and plenty of nesting sites for Brown Noddies and Blue Footed Boobies. Up close encounters with the occasional Dolphin. (B, L, D) <br /><br /><strong>Day 10: </strong><br />BARTOLOME – SANTA CRUZ <br />Dry landing on Bartolome. Arriving on this island, passengers will see volcanic formations including lava bombs, spatter, and cinder cones. After a hike to the summit visitors will have an impressive view of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock. During the ascent travelers will often see a large colony of Marine Iguanas and Lava Lizards. Red Mangroves, Tiquilla, and various cacti all add to the experience. Visitors also enjoy a chance to cool off while snorkeling. Here travelers often see the Galapagos Penguin, Sea Turtles, and White Tipped Sharks from a safe distance. Arrive in the afternoon at Black Turtle Cove located near Las Bachas beach in the north of Santa Cruz Island. This excursion provides passengers with a "panga" ride though the mangrove, during which the outboard motor of the small boat is turned off. This allows the close observation of Sea Turtles, White Tipped Reef Sharks, Spotted Eagle Rays, and Yellow Rays. (B, L, D) <br /><br /><strong>Day 11: </strong><br />SANTA CRUZ, GALAPAGOS – QUITO <br />This morning, enjoy a visit to the Island of Santa Cruz. This 968 square km. island is the second largest and the most populated of the Archipelago. Puerto Ayora is the main town along the south coast and it is just a 20-minute walk by road northeast to the Charles Darwin Research Station, one of your visit sites. The Station is a center for research and conservation of the Galapagos species, especially the 11 surviving species of tortoise. Admire the impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds. Fly back to Quito. Overnight accommodations at Patio Andaluz or JW Marriott, breakfast included. (B) <br /><br /><strong>Day 12: </strong><br />INT’L DEPARTURE<br />Hotel pickup and transfer to the airport (B)<br /><strong><br />OR BUILD YOUR ITINERARY CHOSING FROM</strong></p> <table style="width: 712px; border-collapse: collapse; height: 1073px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="712"> <colgroup span="1"><col style="width: 110pt;" span="1" width="146"></col><col style="width: 64pt;" span="1" width="85"></col><col style="width: 60pt;" span="1" width="80"></col><col style="width: 56pt;" span="1" width="75"></col><col style="width: 62pt;" span="1" width="82"></col><col style="width: 55pt;" span="1" width="73"></col><col style="width: 56pt;" span="1" width="75"></col><col style="width: 17pt;" span="1" width="23"></col><col style="width: 53pt;" span="1" width="71"></col><col style="width: 32pt;" span="1" width="42"></col><col style="width: 41pt;" span="1" width="55"></col><col style="width: 47pt;" span="1" width="62"></col><col style="width: 89pt;" span="1" width="118"></col></colgroup> <tbody> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td style="width: 110pt; height: 15pt;" width="146" height="20"> </td> <td class="xl66" style="width: 64pt;" width="85">time needed</td> <td class="xl71" style="width: 289pt;" colspan="5" width="385">description</td> <td style="width: 17pt;" width="23"> </td> <td style="width: 53pt;" width="71"> </td> <td style="width: 32pt;" width="42"> </td> <td style="width: 41pt;" width="55"> </td> <td style="width: 47pt;" width="62"> </td> <td style="width: 89pt;" width="118"> </td> </tr> <tr style="height: 65.25pt;" height="87"> <td class="xl66" style="height: 65.25pt;" height="87">Inti Ñan</td> <td class="xl65">1 hr to 3hrs</td> <td class="xl73" style="width: 568pt;" colspan="11" width="756">After we pick you up<span> </span>from your hotel in Quito, we will take you to our first stop in the way to Maquipucuna.<span> </span>At a distance of approximately 11miles (18 km) north of Quito is the “Middle of the World City”<span> </span>You can visit the monument of the equatorial line or parallel 0, latitude 0º0’0”.<span> </span>If you would like to explore further the rol of the sun and experience an entertaining learning experiece about the cosmovision of indigenous cultures, we offer a visit to “Inti Ñan” or “Pathway of the Sun."</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 57.75pt;" height="77"> <td class="xl67" style="height: 57.75pt;" height="77">Yumbo Ñan</td> <td class="xl68" style="width: 64pt;" width="85">5hrs (1D/1N) - 2D/1N</td> <td class="xl72" style="width: 568pt;" colspan="11" width="756">Archeological adventure recreating the treckings of our Yumbo fathers. Northwest Ecuador was largely covered by the Yumbo nation. Yumbo people were known farmers of of cotton, peppers and traders of salt. Yumbo Ñan, means the trails of the Yumbos in Kichwa. The trekking starts at the Yunguilla community, end the first day at the Maquipucuna lodge. Then in a combination of hiking nad mountain biking, adventures reach the ceremonial Yumbi site of Tulipe. Return to sleep at the Maquipucuna Lodge.<br /></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 57pt;" height="76"> <td class="xl69" style="width: 110pt; height: 57pt;" width="146" height="76">Life in a crater<span> <br /></span></td> <td class="xl68" style="width: 64pt;" width="85">Half hour stop</td> <td class="xl72" style="width: 568pt;" colspan="11" width="756">The Pululahua<span class="font5"><span> </span>is located off the main highway connecting Quito and Maquipucuna.<span> </span>There, the 4000-year-old but now-dormant volcano of Pululahua awaits. Its geographical position, mild climate, and stunning countryside make this one of Mother Nature's great playgrounds. Especially appealing for adventurers who wish to do their trekking on horseback. (optional extention trip) is one of the largest (mouth) in the world and one of two where people live and farm.</span></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 77.25pt;" height="103"> <td class="xl67" style="height: 77.25pt;" height="103">Yunguilla<span> </span></td> <td class="xl70" style="width: 64pt;" width="85">from 3 hrs to various days</td> <td class="xl72" style="width: 568pt;" colspan="11" width="756">Yunguilla Community: <span class="font5">provides you an excellent example of the value created by microenterprises, particularly in a developing economy.<span> </span>The various microenterprises, ranging from an ecotourism community-run lodge, orchid propagation, jam production to cheese, provide an example of how Yunguilla represents an alternative to deforestation-revenue creation opportunity, through product sales to ecotourists. In addition to the community lodge, various families offer homestay possibilities in rooms with private bathrooms, built with the tourist in mind.<span> </span>Today, thanks to the vision and the support of Maquipucuna, and the trust and great leadership and social fabric of the community, Yunguilla has raised to become a regional Andean model!<span> </span></span></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 48pt;" height="64"> <td class="xl67" style="height: 48pt;" height="64">Orchids at pahuma<span> </span></td> <td class="xl70" style="width: 64pt;" width="85">1 to 2 hrs</td> <td class="xl72" style="width: 568pt;" colspan="11" width="756">Orchid Reserve El Pahuma:<span class="font5"> In our way to the Maquipucuna EcoLodge, along the southern border of the Maquipucuna reserve, we can stop<span> </span>at one of the best community orchid gardens to see a display of orchids-in-bloom and a rushing waterfall.</span></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 69.75pt;" height="93"> <td class="xl67" style="height: 69.75pt;" height="93">Birding at Sta Lucia<span> </span></td> <td class="xl70" style="width: 64pt;" width="85">all day to 2 days</td> <td class="xl72" style="width: 568pt;" colspan="11" width="756">Santa Lucia Lodge:<span class="font5"> Way up in the clouds sits the Santa Lucia lodge, owned by a community cooperative, whose members, with Maquipucuna's sponsorship, turned their unsustainable timber exploitation into the most beautiful community run ecotourism operation. The lodge accommodates up to 20 guests with double or family rooms, with shared bathrooms and hot showers. As well as 5 separate cabins. Three delicious meals are served a day. Experienced and friendly naturalist and birding guides will make your stay into an unforgettable experience, with spectacular views of the Maquipucuna Reserve.<span> </span></span></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 79.5pt;" height="106"> <td class="xl63" style="height: 79.5pt;" height="106">Coffee roastery<span> </span></td> <td class="xl70" style="width: 64pt;" width="85">from 1.5 hrs to all day</td> <td class="xl74" style="width: 568pt;" colspan="11" width="756">Choco Andes Coffee Roastery: <span class="font5">Four different eco-friendly coffee tours have been designed, all of them end up with a visit to the Choco Andes coffee roastery; learning about the milling process and coffee tasting and end the tour at the gift shop/ecolodge. It allows visitors to wander and ask further questions: • Maqui-The lover, designed for coffee enthusiasts to discover and taste the rich and luxurious Choco-Andean coffee; • The Choco Andes is designed for coffee experts who thirst for knowledge about coffee production, processing before discovering its flavors and aromas; The Iconoclast is designed for tourists to pick and chose from different activities offered; and the Orongo Coffe tour.</span></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 46.5pt;" height="62"> <td class="xl63" style="height: 46.5pt;" height="62">Coffee orongo<span> </span></td> <td class="xl68" style="width: 64pt;" width="85">all day</td> <td class="xl72" style="width: 568pt;" colspan="11" width="756">The Orongo Coffee Tour<span class="font5"> was created with FM’s usual tourists (educators, scientists, and researchers) in mind. This tour aims to provide visitors with detailed information on sustainable coffee growing, processing, and the biodiversity that exist at MR & corridor. For those with a deep interests in science.</span></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 42pt;" height="56"> <td class="xl64" style="width: 110pt; height: 42pt;" width="146" height="56">Coffee communities<span> </span>(seasonal)<span> </span></td> <td class="xl68" style="width: 64pt;" width="85">all day</td> <td class="xl75" style="width: 568pt;" colspan="11" width="756">Many Coffee Communities<span class="font5"> along the Choco Andean Corridor now are motivated to grow and sell quality shade-grown coffee and cacao for chocolate.<span> </span>Before Maquipucuna intervened, the quality was low and sales were down – both have been successfully turned around.<span> </span></span></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 59.25pt;" height="79"> <td class="xl63" style="height: 59.25pt;" height="79">Orchid lab<span> </span></td> <td class="xl68" style="width: 64pt;" width="85">1 to 2 hrs<span> </span></td> <td class="xl72" style="width: 568pt;" colspan="11" width="756">Choco Andes Orchid Lab: <span class="font5">This tour will demonstrate you the purpose of this project that has initiated a new micro-business, which will generate revenue for rural communities in Ecuador through sustainable use of local natural resources. • This pilot project which has established facilities and method for tissue culture propagation for unique endemic plants, such as orchids and bromeliads that are ready for sales channels for local and international distribution.</span></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 45pt;" height="60"> <td class="xl67" style="height: 45pt;" height="60">Spectacled Bear<span> (seasonal) </span><span><br /></span></td> <td class="xl68" style="width: 64pt;" width="85">2 hrs</td> <td class="xl72" style="width: 568pt;" colspan="11" width="756">The Spectable Bear<span class="font5"> is the only endemic specie to South America. Nature lovers will have the unique opportunity to observe and photograph one or several individuals in their natural habitat. Best spoting times are early in the morning of mid afternoon. Your guide will provide you with interesting facts about this delicate and threatened and endangered specie.</span></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 75.75pt;" height="101"> <td class="xl67" style="height: 75.75pt;" height="101">Tulipe<span> </span></td> <td class="xl68" style="width: 64pt;" width="85">Half day</td> <td class="xl72" style="width: 568pt;" colspan="11" width="756">Tulipe: Pre-Inca Sun Ceremonial Archaeological Center<span class="font5"><br />Within the Choco Andean corridor, very close to Maquipucuna, a few kilometers to the west, lays Tulipe, the ceremonial pools of the pre-Inca Yumbo culture. Bordering the Tulipe river, this is an unique energetic site where ceremonial practices of this pre-Hispanic ethnic territory took place to honor the sun, their highest deity. The visit to our ancestors sacred place, has a spiritual, mystical encounter with nature, for a better understanding of the importance of the sun for the ancient civilizations of the Center of the World-marking Latitude 0°.</span></td> </tr> <tr style="height: 46.5pt;" height="62"> <td class="xl67" style="height: 46.5pt;" height="62">AfroEcuadorian culture, birding and Bird-friendly Cacao at Playa de Oro<span> </span></td> <td class="xl68" style="width: 64pt;" width="85">Four days</td> <td class="xl72" style="width: 568pt;" colspan="11" width="756">Playa de Oro: <span class="font5">In the lowlands of the Corridor the Afro Ecuadoran Comuna Rio Santiago Cayapas, in Esmeraldas after centuries of struggle, now own their 44,000 ha of ancestral territories. Discover the picturesque landscapes and rich cultural traditions, up stream of the Santiago river... as you travel this unique tropical lowland forests.</span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </table> <span class="article_separator"> </span> </div> </div>  </div>  <div id="at-col1"> <div class="at-innerpad"> <div class="moduletable_menu"> <h3>Corredor Chocó Andes</h3> <ul class="menu"><li class="item62"><a href="/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=58&Itemid=62&lang=es"><span>Ecología & conservación</span></a></li><li class="item63"><a href="/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=59&Itemid=63&lang=es"><span>Comunidades en acción</span></a></li><li class="item64"><a href="/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=60&Itemid=64&lang=es"><span>Organizations in action</span></a></li><li class="item65"><a href="/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=61&Itemid=65&lang=es"><span>Café Chocó Andes</span></a></li></ul> </div> <div class="moduletable_menu"> <h3>Slow Down Climate Change</h3> <ul class="menu"><li class="item67"><a href="/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=63&Itemid=67&lang=es"><span>ChoCO2</span></a></li><li class="item68"><a href="/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=64&Itemid=68&lang=es"><span>Community Carbon Banking</span></a></li></ul> </div> <div class="moduletable-blank"> <h3>SLOW</h3> <div class="default"> <div id="drop-down-1" class="drop-down"> <dl> <dt id="dropdown_item" class="toggler item1 first"> Slow </dt> <dd class="content item1 first"> <div class="article"> <p>The Slow Production method is built on these values: Transparency, Simplicity, Consciousness</p> <p>“work smarter, not faster or harder,<br /> and become more aware of the<br />process than the product”<br />Geir Berthelsen, The New York Times.</p> <p> </p> </div> </dd> <dt id="dropdown_item" class="toggler item2"> Slow coffee </dt> <dd class="content item2"> <div class="article"> <p>SlowCoffee® The Tasteful and Transparent <a href="http://www.1000facescoffee.com/" target="_blank">Choco Andes® coffee</a> – will be featured as the first of the Slow-Brands that will be launched to the USA market in 2009, as one which complies with all the slow-production criteria.</p> </div> </dd> <dt id="dropdown_item" class="toggler item3"> Slow chocolate </dt> <dd class="content item3"> <div class="article"> <p>Choco Andes Chocolate is not only another product brand. When the chocolate bars are produced, they will be an outcome of the production of the best quality cacao on the planet. It goes under the same terms as the other slow products, and our café choco andes already featured as the first of its kind in slow production.</p> </div> </dd> <dt id="dropdown_item" class="toggler item4 last"> Slow travel </dt> <dd class="content item4 last"> <div class="article"> <p>Slow travel is the concept of slowing down, stopping, and enjoying life with a wider perspective. Slow travel is a state of mind. In this we stress the act of slowing down, not nessesarily physically, but mentally being able to take in, and genuinely feel the intoxicating beauty of the World, of Ecuador, of Maquipucuna.</p> </div> </dd> </dl> </div> </div><script type="text/javascript"> //  </script> </div> </div> </div><br />  </div> </div>    <div id="at-wrapfooter" class="clearfix"> <div id="at-footer"> <small>copyright © 2010 Maquipucuna CloudForest Reserve & EcoLodge. </small> <div id= "goup-image"> <a href="#up" title="Go up" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="/templates/ict_linata/images/go-up.gif" title="Go up" alt="Go up" /></a> </div> </div> </div>     </div> </body> </html>