a unique nature reserve to Watch Andean Bears In the wild
Pay it forward or donate to help us pay our park rangers and to enable us to stay open for your next visit
maquipucuna
(mă-kē-pū-kū-nă)
The Maquipucuna Reserve is a unique destination that harbors cloud forests and rainforests less than 2 hrs from Quito. It's a place of beautiful forests and pristine rivers where one can find 4% of the planet's bird species. If you are visiting Ecuador, the Galapagos or Quito, you can't miss Maquipucuna, which is the only forest where you can watch endangered Andean Spectacled Bears.
As a guest, you can explore and learn about the rain forests and cloud forests, join the conservation efforts of our NGO, visit nearby community projects, or just sit back and relax, knowing that your visit is truly helping the conservation of the rainforest. Escape, relax, unwind and experience a whole new world in the fascinating biodiversity paradise of Maquipucuna.
Headlines
South America - the most species-rich continent on earth. From the volcanoes of the Andes to the world's largest rainforest, animals here must specialize to carve out a niche. The Maquipucuna's Reserve Andean Bear congregation is featured in this phenomenal documentary. Check the web special video prepared by BBC below or read about who inspired the stories of Paddington the bear here https://www.bbcearth.com/blog/?article=the-real-life-paddington-bear
UNESCO recognized the Chocó Andino de Pichincha as a Biosphere Reserve within the framework of the 30th session of the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Program (MAB) held on Wednesday, July 25 in the city of Palembang, Indonesia. Thirty years ago, our founders visited UNESCO's MAB office in Washington DC and asked about what it would take for Maquipucuna and its surroundings to become a biosphere reserve. On our 30th anniversary, this designation couldn't bring more joy and pride. After decades of hard work and the initiation of the Chocó Andean Corridor this conservation initiative is sustainable because it has grown beyond Maquipucuna tp a Commonwealth and an Andean Bear corridor with thousands of committed people. David Ontaneda represented Maquipucuna in this exciting moment.
Upcoming events
Bear Season 2020
It's still early in the year to predict 2020's bear season. But we have found the first flowering wild avocado trees of the year. We estimate bear season happens about 8 months after flowering starts.
maquipucuna
(mă-kē-pū-kū-nă)
The Maquipucuna Reserve is a unique destination that harbors cloud forests and rainforests less than 2 hrs from Quito. It's a place of beautiful forests and pristine rivers where one can find 4% of the planet's bird species. If you are visiting Ecuador, the Galapagos or Quito, you can't miss Maquipucuna, which is the only forest where you can watch endangered Andean Spectacled Bears.
As a guest, you can explore and learn about the rain forests and cloud forests, join the conservation efforts of our NGO, visit nearby community projects, or just sit back and relax, knowing that your visit is truly helping the conservation of the rainforest. Escape, relax, unwind and experience a whole new world in the fascinating biodiversity paradise of Maquipucuna.
Maquipucuna, the "botanical crown jewel of the Andes" and Important Bird Area (IBA), is the most accessible Cloud Forest to Quito. Three decades of conservation efforts carried out by our NGO have transformed the region into a haven for endangered Andean Spectacled bears.
Birding, orchid and butterfly gardens, waterfalls, 32 km of trails, night hikes and watching Andean Spectacled bears at a walking distance from the lodge. Or visit nearby community conservation projects, explore Mindo, Ziplines, or delve into pre-Inca culture at Tulipe
The conservation of this natural paradise is our passion, and can be yours as well. Whether it be through visiting as a tourist, doing scientific research, or by making financial or time contributions, you too can make a difference.
Relax in the warm breeze and be swept away by exuberant scenery. Located by a rushing clear crystal river and nestled in the forest at 1300 meters (4265 feet) enjoy warm weather year round. Check our lodging options.
PROGRAMS & ITINERARIES
From 2 Days / 1 Night
Customize and book online now the best all-inclusive tours to Maquipucuna, chocolate massages, Mindo, Ziplines and Tulipe. Bear watching is included in all tours during feeding season.
The perfect match! Maquipucuna's 4% of the planet's birds and our professional local bilingual guides who are natives with a keen eye to spot even the hardest to see wildlife. Visit our Cock-of-the-rock lek.
From 2 Days / 1 Night
From 4 Days / 3 Nights
Feeling adventurous? Follow the path of our pre-Inca ancestors - the Yumbo trail. Home stay with the Yunguilla community, trek to the clouds and overnight at Santa Lucía eco-lodge - two great community conservation projects started by Fundación Maquipucuna - and hike down and relax in the Maquipucuna eco-lodge.
EDUCATION & RESEARCH PROGRAMS
Scientific Research Programs
Study Abroad Programs
30 years of experience organizing travel logistics and academic support for successful, fun life-changing, field-study and service learning programs in Maquipucuna, Chocó Andean and Amazon regions and the Galapagos.
We invite researchers to use Maquipucuna as their study site and to build upon the vast amount of scientific knowledge created at Maquipucuna by scientists from around the world. For your comfort, we have remodeled our scientific station.
Environmental Education Programs
We have inspired thousands of children to become better stewards of the earth through our fun-filled, scientific and educational program. Let us work with your school.
MEET YOUR HOSTS
Dr. Grady L. Webster
Tucker Herbarium, University of California, Davis
Maquipucuna is the crown jewel of the Andes
Dr. Peter H. Raven
President, Missouri Botanical Garden
The accomplishments of the Fundación Maquipucuna have been remarkable on a world scale
TESTIMONIALS
“Like stepping into a page from National Geographic magazine!”
Bill Woolley
Leading the way of what ecotourism in its purest sense is meant to be
~ Christian Science Monitor
