EXAMPLE ITINERARY
Get involved and track these wild animals in their natural habitat with an expert Investigator Biologist.
TRACKING THE ANDEAN BEAR & THE ANDEAN TAPIR 2 DAYS
Day 1 The Spectacled bear (Tremarctos Ornatus), the only Bear species of South America is endangered, primarily due to habitat destruction and fragmentation, but also hunting. Spectacled bears migrate altitudinally during the year in search for food; they can move large distances and live few months feeding on “paramo” vegetation (highlands) to the subtropical areas. There are only a few thousand individuals in the wild and in Ecuador for sure scientists still do not know many individuals are left. In fact scientists that study the bear, can spend years without seen bears; and only tracking bears from their traces left behind.
Full day hiking: Pickup at 8:30 am at the hotel for a ride into the Cayambe National Park. At a good location in the paramo we start walking to look for bears. This is the ideal option for fit people who enjoy hiking.
Day 2 The Andean tapir is among the world’s most endangered large mammals and has a key role in sustaining plant diversity. Hunting, habitat destruction and cattle pose the greatest threats. It is perceived as dangerous and hunted, and it is believed to have aphrodisiac properties. In reality, it is a shy, gentle herbivore. The tapir has received little attention from governments in Ecuador and insufficient conservation actions.
Start this hike between 3 pm, This time schedule creates good opportunities to spot a tapir, since they are more active during this time of day. We will drive to a good location, where a short or medium walk is required to try and spot a tapir.
