Discover the wonders of the cloud forest at night with a walk around the reserve surrounding Casa Divina Eco Lodge, in the company of a specialized guide!
It’s an opportunity to connect with the atmosphere around you, hear the sounds and observe species such as frogs, insects and spiders.
Será una experiencia emocionante, segura y también relajante para poder sumergirte y conocer de cerca este maravilloso bosque nublado del Chocó Andino declarado como Reserva de Biósfera por la (UNESCO)..
Nocturnal species play an important role in the balance of the cloud forest and learning about them helps us understand the importance of conserving these ecosystems. On an excursion we can learn, for example, that insects such as moths pollinate plants and flowers and ensure their reproduction and are also food for other species. Amphibians also control insect pests, which contributes to maintaining the balance of the cloud forest.
What is the difference between a night walk and a day tour?
En una caminata durante el día se pueden observar más aves y tal vez mamíferos. El clima puede ser más caluroso, aunque también con lluvia. Pueden durar más tiempo, dependiendo del lugar que se recorra, por ejemplo: nuestro tour desde Casa Divina al Santuario de Cascadas puede durar entre tres a seis horas.
On a night walk you can observe other species that are more active such as insects and amphibians. As it is done around the Casa Divina reserve, it can be shorter, between one and two hours. The weather is cooler at night and can often rain.
Generally, the excursion takes place after dinner on a flexible schedule. Most of our passengers have dinner at 7pm and leave for their tour at 8pm until 9 or 9:30pm.
Is it dangerous to do a night walk in the cloud forest?
No. The hikes we offer are always accompanied by a guide specialized in the fauna and flora of the area and take place within the private reserve of Casa Divina. The guide can identify any species that may be harmful and alert the group. In general, the hikes follow previously established trails in the surroundings of the cloud forest which have some lighting as well.
Who leads the night walk? What kind of experience do they have?
En Casa Divina y SabinaTour we offer tours with bilingual (Spanish and English) naturalist guides. One of our night walk guides is Eric Osterman. He’s originally from Canada and has lived in Ecuador for many years. He is the local reptile expert as well as our tiene una propiedades un amante de la naturaleza, y un apasionado conocedor de la fauna de la región, en especial de los reptiles. Otro de los guías es Efrain Toapanta, cofundador de nuestras dos empresas y jefe de guías de SabinaTour Operadora. Efrain es un apasionado por el turismo sostenible, por la educación ambiental y un experto en observación de aves.
Can children go? Seniors?
Night walks are open to all members of the family. Children enjoy these excursions as real adventures. What could be more fun than walking through the cloud forest with flashlights and discovering and learning about new species? For adults? Of course! Adults enjoy them as much as children! Older folks can also enjoy a walk at their own pace because we adapt to their needs. It is generally a short distance that is covered on the night hike.
How physically demanding is the walk?
We walk along simple and easy trails. The idea is to take the time to observe and get to know the nocturnal species, observe and enjoy them.
What species are observed during the night walk? Are any of them poisonous?
With the help of the guide you will see a variety of nocturnal creatures. Wait to spot some spiders, such as the wandering spider, y también diversidad de anfibios como la rana palmera, cane toad or the rana payaso verdugo. You will also see spectacular insects such as the escorpión látigo sin cola that you can hold without any problem in your hands!
The guide will recognize when a species is poisonous and will alert the group about the importance of not touching it and the precautionary measures to take. It is very unlikely that a venomous snake will appear in the area.
Where does the night walk take place?
We hike the trails in the cloud forest surrounding Casa Divina’s cabins with few slopes and declines. We can also hike the two self-guided trails that are a little more physically demanding. Throughout the Casa Divina Reserve — that is where the night walk takes place.
What equipment do we need for the hike?
Casa Divina provides rubber boots and flashlights. We recommend bringing a camera or cell phone with flash to take pictures of insects and amphibians. We also suggest wearing comfortable clothes and, if possible, do not use repellent so as not to scare away the insects that can be observed or even touched without any danger. Clothing that covers you as light pants and a long shirt are the best protection against mosquitoes.
What do people have to say about the night walk?
You can read the reviews made by our visitors on the Tripadvisor page. We share some of them with you:
"Hay senderos alrededor de la propiedad que te permiten ver más de cerca la flora, los pájaros y otras criaturas. Todo el personal fue muy amable y acogedor. Después de seis días maravillosos, nos sentimos como en familia. Nos encantó todo lo que el albergue está haciendo para ser ecológicamente sostenible”
“No podía imaginar un lugar mejor. Nuestra familia de 4 (2 adolescentes) nos alojamos aquí en julio de 2021 y fue casi perfecto. Privado, tranquilo, con comida increíble y anfitriones extremadamente amables y bien informados. Nos ayudaron a encontrar actividades estupendas tanto en el alojamiento como en los alrededores. Recomiendo encarecidamente la caminata nocturna”.
Put on your boots, turn on your flashlight and let us guide you to a different world! Contact us for more information and to clear up any doubts you may have.
Fotos y texto escrito por: Lucila Donoso
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