1. Colibri Trail
The Colibri Trail is named
after the many species of hummingbirds found here, including
Goulds Jewelfront and Fiery Topaz. The trail begins in a
loop behind the Lodge and proceeds through a type of forest
known as old vārzea. It crosses two small streams, a clear
water and a white water. Along this trail you will find
Straight-Billed Hermit and White-crowned Manakin leks, with
males gathering for competitive mating) along this trail.
The rare Wing-banded Antbird is also sometimes seen. In
addition, there is an excellent chance of seeing large
mammals. (3 hours of hiking)
2. Misterioso Trail
To reach the Misterioso
Trail, we will take either a motorized or a dugout paddle
canoe downstream to a one-way path through riparian, old
vārzea, and terra firma forest areas. According to the local
people, this trail would lead to a hidden clay lickit took
several expeditions before we could find it! Here you can
see the Ochre-striped Antpitta, Yellow-bellied Spider
Monkey, and one of the largest known leks, the Golden-headed
Manakin. Wonderful mixed flocks provide exciting
entertainment for birdwatchers. (3-4 hours of hiking)
3. Moretal Trail
Crossing the Shiripuno
River just in front of the Lodge, this one-way trail takes
us inside the Moriche Palm Swamp. This is one of the best
places to get a close look at the Blue-and-Yellow Macaw,
especially in the late afternoon and when the palms are
fruitful. Fresh tracks of the Brazilian Tapir and Collared
Peccary are also easily seen. Make sure to bring a
flashlight. (2 hours of hiking)
4. Mirador Trail
With a 15-minute ride in a
motorized canoe upstream from the Lodge, we reach habitats
that include old vārzea forest and terra firma forest.
Parkia, Ficus and Ceiba trees are common. The overlook 310
meters above sea level is a perfect vantage point for
looking down over the multicolored forest canopy.
Common-woolly Monkey, White-lipped Peccary and jaguar tracks
are also easy to find. (4-5 hours of hiking)
5. Saladero Trail
The one-way Saladero Trail
is 30 minutes downstream from the Lodge by motorized canoe.
It proceeds through various habitats such as riparian
forest, moriche palm swamp, old vārzea forest, and terra
firma forest. The Musician Wren, Striped Manakin,
Yellow-Bellied Spider Monkey, and the Vanilla orchid are
found here. A clay lick, where different species of large
mammals as well as the Cobalt-winged Parakeet and Scarlet
Macaw gather to get their minerals, provides one of the main
highlights of this trail. Here, as on most trails, we
practice silence in order not to frighten or disturb the
wildlife. (4-5 hours of hiking)
6. Laguna Nutria
Just 10 minutes in a
motorized canoe brings us to a meandering oxbow lake,
distinctive from those found on larger waterways such as the
Napo River. The bizarre looking Hoatzin lives there, as well
as the Neotropical river otter. (1 hour)
7. Carue Trail
The Carue Trail forks from
the Colibri Trail. A Golden-headed Manakin lek marks the
beginning of this mixed-terrain trail, consisting of flat
and high terra firma forest. The trail is named after Carue,
one of our star Huaorani guides. (3-4 hours of hiking)
8. E.O. Wilson Trail
This trail was named in
honor of the revered biologist and environmentalist. It
starts from the right side of the Lodge and continues over
two small forest swamps, then connects to the Carue trail in
the hill. Monk Saki Monkey is often found here. (4 hours)
9. Wallace Trail
Named after a great English
naturalist of the 1800s, Alfred R. Wallace, this short forst
path connects the Colibri and E.O. Wilson trails. The Rufous-tailed
Flatbill is regularly seen. (1 hour)
10. Ahuancamo Trail
This trail is on the other
side of the river, and traverses through typical Shiripuno
riparian forest terrain. It is home to the Chestnut-headed
Crake, Blackish Antbird, Chestnut-capped Puffbird and others
This short trail connects with the Moretal Trail. (45
minutes)
11. Bates Trail
Bates Trail begins from the
left side of the Lodge, passes by a massive Leafcutter Ants
colony,and follows the river downstream to connect with
Colibri Trail. It is named after Henry W. Bates, a great
English naturalist of the 1800s. (1 hour)