Discover the Cloud Forest!
ANDEAN SPECTACLED BEARS
Minutes away from the lodge, yearly during bear season, which lasts between 4 and 10 weeks, watching elusive endangered Andean bears is a unique experience.
Bears find a way to know when the massive fruiting of the Pacche trees (genus Nectandra) occur at Maquipucuna. The elusive endangered Andean bears are seen only minutes away from the lodge. In the past bear seasons have occurred between July and February.
Bear feasting on a small avocado fruit (genus Nectandra), which is abundant only in the Maquipucuna Reserve
They use their huge claws to quickly climb up to 30 meters to find the berries they feed on.
Bears find a way to know when the massive fruiting of the Pacche trees (genus Nectandra) occur at Maquipucuna. The elusive endangered Andean bears are seen only minutes away from the lodge. In the past bear seasons have occurred between July and February.
Maquipucuna's local bilingual bird and naturalist guides have an intimate knowledge of the forest and will help you find these amazing jewels. Their stories are inspiring, their enthusiasm contagious, their knowledge amazing.
Right by the entrance bridge to the lodge, Torrent Ducks (Merganetta armata) display for months every year.
For serious birders, Maquipucuna is bird haven. More than 150 bird species have been spotted in one day!
Maquipucuna's local bilingual bird and naturalist guides have an intimate knowledge of the forest and will help you find these amazing jewels. Their stories are inspiring, their enthusiasm contagious, their knowledge amazing.
About 400 species of butterflies are expected to exist at Maquipucuna. The whole of the USA has 750 species of butterflies. Species like the Glasswinged butterflies are indicators of healthy forests
The Maquipucuna lodge is surrounded by a butterfly garden. This is the Pansy Daggerwing (Marpesia marcella). Those purple splotches are created from structural color so when you look at it from a different angle the purple disappears and it just looks brown.
Take a stroll to the garden and enjoy many of the flowering orchids right by the lodge.
About 400 species of butterflies are expected to exist at Maquipucuna. The whole of the USA has 750 species of butterflies. Species like the Glasswinged butterflies are indicators of healthy forests
NIGHT HIKES
Come face to face with insects, frogs, bats and other creatures of the night!
At night too, you will encounter some of the most colorful inhabitants of the forest. Maquipucuna also has high frog diversity. This Crystal frog is Espadarana prosoblepon. It's active at night on vegetation or rocky surfaces 0-20 m from the water.
Maquipucuna comes to life at night. Our resident entomologist will be happy to answer all your questions.
Nightjars, owls, fire flies, moths, bats, frogs, armadillos, kinkajous, agouties could all join your night walks at Maquipucuna
At night too, you will encounter some of the most colorful inhabitants of the forest. Maquipucuna also has high frog diversity. This Crystal frog is Espadarana prosoblepon. It's active at night on vegetation or rocky surfaces 0-20 m from the water.
WATERFALLS, SWIMMINGHOLES
& 32 KM OF TRAILS
Bathe in refreshing waterfalls, relax in hidden swimming pools, and come face to face with Maquipucuna's wildlife.
There are many waterfalls at Maquipucuna. Some are located just 10 minutes from the lodge, some hours away. But they all have crystal clear pure water.
32km of trails waiting for you to discover their treasures. From easy to very difficult, they offer unparalleled opportunities to explore Maquipucuna.
Bathe in refreshing waterfalls, relax in hidden swimming pools, and come face to face with Maquipucuna's wildlife.
THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO EXPERIENCE AT MAQUIPUCUNA
From harvesting and processing your coffee, to learning our cooking secrets, to roasting and prepping your own cocoa for sumptuous chocolate massage... Or if you just need a day off, relax with one of our chocolate massages.
Shade grown coffee that is good for you and biodiversity
Wake up every morning with a cup of our freshly made coffee! Then learn about the process right here on the Maquipucuna grounds!
Bring a tent and get an even closer experience with nature. Latrines, sink, camp showers, and fire place are available for campers.
Shade grown coffee that is good for you and biodiversity
DID YOU FIND YOURSELF WITH A DAY OFF?
Visit Mindo, a bustling town revolved around conservation where you can learn about butterflies.
Discover the ruins of the Yumbo, pre Inca people, in Tulipe, or
for an exciting adventure, fly though the skies on Tucanopy's ziplines!
Walk 40m above the ground in the canopy of the trees in the Intillacta reserve! If you're quiet you might even be able to see the Howler monkeys!
Fly through the Intillacta reserve on their 1.5 hour zip lining circuit! Learn about conservation efforts as you soar above the reserve!
Visit the ancient Yumbo ritual pools and learn about this fascinating culture that was here before the Incas!
Walk 40m above the ground in the canopy of the trees in the Intillacta reserve! If you're quiet you might even be able to see the Howler monkeys!
VISIT COMMUNITY
PROJECTS
You can chose to combine Yunguilla-Maquipucuna, Yunguilla-Sta Lucía-Maquipucuna or Maquipucuna-Sta Lucía. You must plan to spend at least one night at each of the the locations if you add on any of these community oriented tours.
Homestay in the Yunguilla community and take a guided 8 hr hike to Maquipucuna through the Pre-Inca Yumbo trail. It is strenuous hike downhill from 3000 meters to 1300 meters.
Perched in the clouds, 2 hrs on foot up the hill from the Maquipucuna eco lodge, is the Santa Lucia eco lodge. This is one of the community projects initiated by Fundacion Maquipucuna to promote forest conservation.
You will have your own bedroom and private bathroom with hot showers. You will cook and share meals with your host family.
Homestay in the Yunguilla community and take a guided 8 hr hike to Maquipucuna through the Pre-Inca Yumbo trail. It is strenuous hike downhill from 3000 meters to 1300 meters.