| Questions and Answers |
| Why choose PLUMA VERDE TOURS over other tour companies? |
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PLUMA VERDE TOURS is small and Ecuador-owned/operated. This gives you lower costs than foreign-owned companies. Our leaders are professional ornithologists and natural history experts and not just occasional visitors; we live here and are involved in conservation & environmental education. As natural historians, we offer much more than bird identification and a bird list at the end of the day. |
| How many participants does a PLUMA VERDE tour require? |
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This sets us apart from most companies. There is no minimum and encourage small groups to contact us. We are not a big business with high overhead costs so our main goal is seeing a lot of birds and having a good time in the tropical forest, not worrying about why so-and-so up front saw 20 more birds than the poor guy at the end of a long line of frustrated observers. To keep our costs low, we normally have a minimum of 4 participants, but for an additional cost (please inquire) we are happy to organize trips for 1-3 participants. |
| Is Ecuador safe? |
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Absolutely. Coupled with its extraordinary diversity and the Galapagos Islands, it is another reason Ecuador has become a premium tourist destination over the last 2 decades. |
| What should I bring? |
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Packing for travel is always personal, but in general, bring things you need and leave unnecessary items at home. Casual attire is encouraged at all times. We recommend an umbrella (superior to a rain jacket or poncho in a warm, humid climate), a hat or cap to protect you from intense equatorial sunlight, and clothes for warm weather in the lowlands (T-shirts and a few light, long-sleeved shirts) and cold weather for the higher altitudes (wind-breaker and fleece). For the field, we discourage the use of bright or light-colored clothing. Bring a pair of sturdy walking boots rather than rubber boots since most lodges have them to lend to their clients when needed. Sunscreen will protect your skin from harsh sun. Insect repellent is a good idea—no so much for mosquitoes but for chiggers. A small day-pack, a water bottle, and an alarm clock are key. Everyone must bring their own binoculars. PLUMAVERDE tour leaders will bring a scope, so bringing your own is optional. |
| When and where to avoid the crowd |
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Northern, Southern, and Coastal Ecuador are distinctive in terms of planning travel. Northern Ecuador is the most heavily-visited region: it has the quickest access to the most variety of habitats, including superior access to the Amazon. At some of the most popular lodges it can get crowded with big groups during the ´high season´. The high season in Ecuador is when most North Americans and Europeans take their vacations (June-August and November-January). Book well in advance or ask about alternative lodging. In-country travel time is increased for Southern and Coastal Ecuador trips. You can expect from 5 to 10 more total hours in driving time for a 10-day tour. The longer road trips are great for birds, however, and these locations are not crowded at any time of the year. Southern/Coastal Ecuador is ideal for getting off the beaten track. |
| When is the best time of the year to visit Ecuador? Does the best time differ from one part of the country to another? For instance, is the North different from the South? |
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Ecuador is on the equator so temperatures remain relatively constant throughout the year. Birds and wildlife are superb throughout the year. |
| Are your walks strenuous? |
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Most of our tours focus on a combination of short, trouble-free walks within forest reserves, plus comfortable lodging with excellent food. We always see rare, difficult-to-see, and endemic birds (e.g., antpittas, antbirds, Cock-of-the-Rock), and we do not forego the easy prizes, like hummingbird feeders and mixed species flocks containing a myriad of tanagers. These tours involve very little in-country travel time. Occasionally we offer high-energy, target birding tours. On these tours we ultimately see all the birds on the easier tours, plus special efforts are made to see ‘Everything!’, which means walking more and more use of playback. |
| Does PLUMA VERDE TOURS arrange trips to the Galapagos Islands? |
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Yes, PLUMA VERDE TOURS arranges tours to the Galapagos Islands. |
| Is Ecuador a comfortable place to visit? |
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All of our tours have destinations with good food and lodging. You might be surprised at how pleasant the Amazon Basin is, especially once you are under some shade. The weather in the Andes is usually cool and enjoyable. |
| I am interested in birds as well as other aspects of nature. Do any of your tours look at mammals, flowers, butterflies, or frogs, for example? |
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We always take time to see more than birds; it is essential to enjoying any part of nature. Rudy has worked as a naturalist for several years in South America and enjoys botany (and everything else) a great deal—please enquire about a customized natural history tour! If you are specifically looking for mammals, we recommend the Amazon Basin. |
| Which trips do you offer for visiting the Amazon rainforest? |
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We visit Napo Wildlife Center in Ecuador and Tambopata Research Center in Peru for the most pristine, unforgettable ‘jungle’ experiences. Both of these vast wilderness areas are accessible to a limited number of visitors each year and are highly recommended. Other lodges in the Amazon are available if you wish. |
| Refund and Cancellation Policy |
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The deposit for all multiple-day tours is $300 per person. Full payment is due 60 prior to departure. Refunds are made according to the following: If cancellation is made 60 days or more before departure date, the deposit less $50 per person is refunded. If cancellation is made fewer than 60 days before departure date, no refund is available. |
| What health precautions should I take? |
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Please consult your doctor or the Center for Disease Control (http://www.cdc.gov/travel/) travel.state.gov/travel/warnings_consular/html) |
| What is included in the PLUMA VERDE TOUR price? |
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Our price includes all meals, accommodations in double occupancy (single room requests are 10-15% more than normal costs), transportation, plus guide service of the tour leader. See each itinerary for more details. Prices do not include International air fares, alcoholic beverages, snacks, laundry service, telephone calls, personal items, airport taxes, passport and vaccination fees, nor excess baggage charges. |
| Is tipping included in the tour price? |
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Tipping to restaurants, porters, drivers, and local guides is included in the PLUMA VERDE TOURS price. However, if you feel you have received exceptional service and would like to leave something extra, it is quite acceptable. Tips are not expected and are completely optional. |
| Click on any of the following travel links. They have useful information about Ecuador and Peru. |
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Britain’s Travel Advice (www.fco.gov.uk)
Canada’s Travel Information & Advisory Reports (voyage.gc.ca)
U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information http://travel.state.gov/travel/warnings_consular/html
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