Description

​

A discussion of the history, customs, and traditions of the upper Amazon that will lay a foundation for understanding the region in its current state.

​

​

​

Half days will be on-site and will include discussion, a short hike, fruit picking, and more. Full days will be on and off site, where we will visit other farms.

​

​

We will travel to the nearby town of Madre Tierra to learn about customs involving art, view local art, and meet artists.

​

​

The town of Misahualli has much to offer, from wildlife viewing and canoeing to visiting an indigenous community and swimming below waterfalls.

​

​

​

In the town of Baños you’ll have the opportunity to hike to scenic overlooks, rent mountain bikes, bathe in hot springs, visit food and artisan markets, buy locally made crafts, and more!

​

Mera is the closest town to SKIS, and is worth spending a day in. We’ll visit a butterfly exhibit, a mini-museum of preserved snakes, a towering tree house, and a pool in a river. You can even go sport fishing if you’d like!

​

Spend time in the SKIS garden and green house, learning about sustainable agriculture practices, regional crops, and planting. Furthermore, you’ll have the opportunity to get your hands dirty and help out!

​

Through this open discussion you’ll learn all about the region’s unique geology, which will prepare you to get out and experience it fully!

​

​

​

This half day course will provide you with a framework to more fully understand and appreciate the natural environment around SKIS. We recommend you sign up for this free course before setting out on any adventures!

​

​

The eco hike will lead you through forests, over streams, and pastures, learning all along the way about the natural interactions taking place around us. You’ll get to view incredible wildlife, try edible plants, and swim in beautiful mountain rivers.

​

On this hike we’ll focus on the reptilian and amphibian fauna of the upper Amazon. You’ll learn how to catch lizards and find frogs, and if you’re lucky you’ll even get to touch venomous snakes!

​

​

This outing focuses on nocturnal wildlife, of which there is an incredible abundance in this region. Ocelots, colorful frogs, out of this world insects, and arboreal snakes are just a few of the critters you may see.

​

​

Ecuador hosts over 1600 species of birds, so if you’re into Ornithology this is the place for you! Whether you want to just spend a morning with the binoculars looking out across the pastures and forests surrounding SKIS, or travel to various microhabitats in the region seeking out specific species, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy here.  

At SKIS we monitor a number of mammal, bird, and reptile species using camera traps. You’ll get the opportunity to learn how to operate these devices and set them up, hopefully capturing something special before the end of your trip.

​

For this activity we’ll set up light traps to attract insects, mostly moths. You’ll learn about native insects, their ecology and biology, and how to identify moths, butterflies, and other insect orders.

​

​

Merazonia (www.merazonia.org) is a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center near Mera. We’ll visit Merazonia and learn about native wildlife, conservation concerns, how the center rehabs injured animals, and more.

​

​

To the north and west of SKIS are vast expanses of old growth forests. We’ll venture out into these remote areas of the upper Anzu and Llangenates to explore, observe, and collect botanical and herpetofaunal samples.

​

​

Explore the top of the forest canopy 100 feet above the ground where new and cryptic species live. With views of the Amazon basin and towering Andian mountains, not to mention the incredible flora and fauna, this activity is well worth your time.

​

Opportunities to capture that perfect shot abound at SKIS. Venture out on your own to shoot, or spend a morning with one of our guides to discover some of SKIS best kept secret photo spots.

​

​

Feeling the need for a little solitude in nature? You’re always welcome to explore on your own!

​

​

​

​

Down the mountain from SKIS the Río Anzu drops into a breathtaking limestone gorge, lined by plant covered cliffs, hidden caves, and boulders covered in marine fossils.

​

​

​

The Ecominga Foundation, a nonprofit based out of Baños, has a number of reserves near SKIS. We frequently visit the nearby Río Anzu reserve (~3km from SKIS), however it’s worth your time to take a day in one or more of the 3 higher elevation reserves up the Pastaza valley from us.

​

With over 35 known caves within walking distance of SKIS, there are extensive spelunking opportunities for everyone from novices to experts.

​

​

​

​

On our adventure hikes you might feel like an explorer discovering untouched lands. With machetes in hand we’ll venture out into remote areas and through rough terrain in search of waterfalls, new caves, ancient trees, and more!

​

​

On expedition we’ll venture out on multi-day trips to the remote slopes of Llanganates National Park. You’ll learn wilderness navigation and survival skills, field study techniques, and camping hacks- just to name a few.

​

​

​

Buckle up and swing out over landslides and cliffs with stunning views of the sprawling Amazon basin.

​

​

​

​

The steep ridges and canyon topography surrounding SKIS give rise to numerous cliffs and landslides. Or would you prefer to rappel into a cave? We'll rap anything you're up for! 

​

​

​

If you have experience extreme kayaking we can lead you to some of the most thrilling whitewater in the world, from leisurely class three to class V+ first descents (a solid combat roll is required for this activity).

​

​

​

The area around SKIS has more whitewater rafting to offer than almost anywhere else in Ecuador! With everything between class I and class V, we’ve got you covered!

​

​

​

Canyoning is a thrilling activity in which you rappel down waterfalls into otherwise inaccessible canyons. If you’re up for a real adventure, book this activity!

​

​

For the thrill of a lifetime come zip line hundreds of feet above the raging Pastaza river!