It’s no coincidence that Charles Darwin, Alexander Humboldt & Alfred Russel Wallace first began to understand evolution while exploring the rich tangle of life found in the tropics.

Explore the rainforest with an intimate and small group of like minded nature and science enthusiasts who just want to learn about Ecuador's ecosystems and peoples. 

We'll get in the thick of it; surrounded by incredible wildlife, expansive ecosystems, and enthusiastic locals.

You will meet hundreds of species including birds, mammals, insects and fish. You will witness as they play out their lives the spectacular drama that Darwin called "The Struggle for Existence."

Each year the EvoTour has a different theme with different subject matter. Jon covers evolutionary theory and Nancy covers how that theory can be seen within insects and generalized rainforest ecology. 

This year's EvoTour theme is the struggle for existence. 

From camouflage to parasites; from hunting strategies to interspecies cooperation ... anything that gives an organism a slight edge is game for our exploration both on and off the trails as we dive into this evolutionary theory. 

"There is grandeur in this view of life, with its several powers, having been originally breathed into a few forms or into one; and that, whilst this planet has gone cycling on according to the fixed law of gravity, from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being, evolved." ~Charles Darwin

 We’ll start with a couple days in Ecuador’s capital city Quito riding gondolas up the neighboring mountains, getting a sneak peek of our destinations at the botanical gardens, and meeting some of the amphibians that call Ecuador home. 

Then we’re off to the Amazon! As we cruise up the Aguarico river and into the Cuyabeno River we’ll be greeted by pink river dolphins, toucans, monkeys, and shimmering butterflies. After our time acquainting ourselves with the winding forest trails, medicinal plants, and evolutionary theory, it’s back up to the hills for our final day in the cloud forest where tourmaline hummingbirds and opalescent weevils are waiting to greet you. 

Earlybird Registration Opens June 2025

Regular Registration Opens July 2025

Registration closes Aug 1. 

First come first serve! 

Those on our waitlist / mailing list will have access to early bird pricing! 

Spots are limited to 10 participants! 

Trip Dates:

December 27, 2025 - Jan 3, 2026

2,850 USD per person All-inclusive tour package!

(Payment plan available)

Upgrades to single accommodations are available 

AMAZON RAINFOREST: Waita Lodge / Cuyabeno Reserve

The Cuyabeno reserve, the part of the Amazon Rainforest located near the Colombian border, is home to playful dolphins, chattering macaws, pocket sized monkeys and floating forests! It’s the second largest reserve of the national parks in Ecuador, protecting ~6,000 kilometers of pristine Amazon tributaries. 

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We'll be visiting Waita Lodge and it is truly in the heart of the Amazon. Located three hours upriver by boat, you’ll be greeted by dolphins, toucans, turtles, and dragonflies as you make your way up the narrowing Amazon rivers. The tranquil lodge has a balanced mix of water activities including paddle boating and canoe rides, and land based activities. Learn about medicinal plants, follow leaf cutter ant trails, and learn about the people and cultures that live in one of the most beautiful places on earth. 

CLOUD FOREST: Guango Lodge 

The Cloud forest sits between 4,000 & 8,000ft above sea level and is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world! Hummingbirds that can only be found here flit through the trees and glittering insects wander around the elephant-sized leaves. Oh - and don't forget to look for the orchids. The cloud forest is protected thanks to a patchwork of community efforts. 

VOLCANIC PARAMO: Quito

Quito, Ecuador's capital, is surrounded by nature and shrouded in history. The high altitude Paramo ecosystem is where you land when first arriving in Ecuador. Several towering volcanos rise from the outskirts of the city, deserts cover the expansive wastes of the north, while cobblestone roads and golden churches litter the central streets. Above the city skyline is the volcano Pichincha - a beautiful natural refuge housing dozens of unique plant and bird species. And that's just in Quito! Ecuador is covered in volcanoes which you'll see almost at every vantage point we'll be visiting in Ecuador.  

 We will be a small group of travelers. The group will be capped at 12 people to ensure an intimate experience with the instructors, local guides, and nature. Learning will happen on and off the trails, both formally and informally from your instructors, guides, and most likely each other! 

Think of this trip like summer camp but with way better food! The cabins are simple but comfortable and the hot water for the shower is solar heated.

You'll probably get wet! It is the *RAIN*forest after all. You can decide your preferred method of staying dry ... or accepting your fate. By that token, it can also be sunny and hot, so make sure to bring a lot of water and comfortable clothes. 

Trail conditions can be muddy and slippery depending on the amount of rain we get during our stay. We'll also be in the hills and at altitude. We recommend you being physically fit enough to do short walks over difficult terrain and up to 2 mile (3 km) walks on flat terrain.

We will have two long travel days. The first will be entering the Amazon where we'll leave Quito in the early morning and fly to Coca. We'll then have a 2 hour bus ride to to the pickup point and then a 3 hour canoe ride to the lodge. We'll leave Quito around 7:30am and get to the lodge around 5pm. When we leave the lodge, we'll overnight in Coca. After lunch we'll have our 3hr canoe ride to the pickup point and the 2 hour bus ride to Coca. If you get carsick please anticipate these long bus rides and take the necessary precautions to ensure you have a pleasant voyage. I know it's a trek - but if you want to see amazing animals, you have to go to where they live!  

For more information about the trip, download our brochure! 

Most of all - you can expect we'll have fun!!!