Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
- Spanish
This tour is unique because it takes you through multiple altitudinal zones, allowing you to observe bird species from the high Andes to the tropical Chocó lowlands in a single experience. Our ecological trails provide a peaceful environment for close birdwatching and excellent photography. Expert birding guides and knowledgeable local partners accompany you throughout the journey, offering clear interpretation of each ecosystem and helping you spot key species along the way. We visit exclusive private reserves located in an important ecological corridor, known for exceptional biodiversity and reliable sightings.
A special highlight is meeting local families who manage conservation-focused projects. Your visit supports sustainable tourism and contributes directly to the protection of their forests and wildlife.
The combination of varied habitats, expert guidance, exclusive reserves, and meaningful community interaction makes this a truly exceptional birdwatching adventure in Ecuador.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We offer pick-up travellers from the Quito airport (No extra cost)
Itinerary
-
1Quito
We depart early from Quito and head west, climbing above 3,000 meters as we pass the impressive Ruco Pichincha volcano, whose ancient lahars shaped the region’s extraordinary biodiversity. This high-Andean landscape offers a unique chance to spot remarkable species, including the iconic Sword-billed Hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera), one of the stars of Ecuador’s sky-high ecosystems.
Admission ticket free -
2
Zuroloma Birding Reserve, nestled in the foothills of Pichincha Volcano near Quito, offers an exceptional birdwatching experience. This high Andean montane forest is home to over 170 bird species, including the elusive Chestnut-naped Antpitta, Rufous Antpitta, and the remarkable Buff-breasted Puffleg, an endangered and highly localized hummingbird threatened by the rapid loss of its native habitat. This reserve is one of the few places in Ecuador actively working to protect the species, offering it a crucial last opportunity to survive in the high Andes, the only place on Earth where it exists. The reserve features strategically placed hides and hummingbird feeders, providing close-up views for photography enthusiasts. For birdwatchers and nature lovers, Zuroloma offers a rare chance to witness Andean biodiversity while supporting conservation initiatives.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
3
Tandayapa Valley, located just an hour from Quito, Ecuador, is a premier destination for birdwatching enthusiasts and nature lovers. Nestled within the biodiverse cloud forests of the Chocó Andino region, the valley boasts over 600 bird species, including the vibrant Violet-tailed Sylph, Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, and the elusive Golden-headed Quetzal. The area has even set records for the highest number of hummingbird species observed in a year, with 42 species recorded at Tandayapa alone. Beyond birdwatching, visitors can explore well-maintained trails through pristine cloud forests, teeming with orchids, bromeliads, and diverse wildlife. The valley's serene environment offers opportunities to spot creatures like olinguitos and kinkajous near bird feeders . Some of the most outstanding species here include the Plate-billed Mountain Toucan, the Toucan Barbet, and a wonderful variety of hummingbirds that inhabit the temperate forests.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
4
Pacto: Ecuador’s Sugarcane Capital & a Hidden Paradise for Bird Lovers. Discover Pacto, a vibrant rural gem known as the Sugarcane Capital of Ecuador. Surrounded by lush cloud forests and fertile farmland, this charming town offers a perfect blend of authentic agriculture and exceptional birdwatching. Visitors can explore cacao and sugarcane fields, taste traditional products, and spot colorful species like toucans, tanagers, and hummingbirds along pristine forest trails. Pacto is the ideal escape for travelers seeking nature, culture, and true Ecuadorian hospitality—all in one unforgettable destination.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
5
Mashpi Amagusa is, without a doubt, one of the crown jewels of birding in Ecuador. Nestled deep in the Chocó Andino, this family-managed reserve offers an exceptional birdwatching experience where every moment feels like a gift from nature. The feeders alone are a spectacle—bursting with hummingbirds, tanagers, and forest jewels that come within meters of your lens. The reserve is famous for its rare and sought-after species, and it delivers: Glistening-green Tanager, Black-chinned Mountain Tanager, Black Solitaire, Rose-faced Parrot, Toucan Barbet, Moss-backed Tanager, and many more. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a photographer chasing lifers, this is the place where dreams come true. Trails and viewpoints are perfectly designed to maximize sightings, and the quiet, pristine forest offers a level of intimacy with wildlife that’s hard to find elsewhere. Mashpi Amagusa is not just a reserve—it’s a sanctuary for some of the most threatened and beautiful birds on Earth.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
6
Silanche Bird Sanctuary: Lowland Chocó Birdwatching Experience Discover one of Ecuador’s premier lowland birding destinations at Silanche Bird Sanctuary, located between 350–500 meters in the heart of the tropical Chocó rainforest. This protected reserve offers excellent access to one of the most biodiverse and threatened ecosystems in the world. Birdwatchers can enjoy close views of iconic species such as the Scarlet-browed Tanager, Purple-chested Hummingbird, White-necked Puffbird, Black-striped Woodcreeper, and an incredible variety of toucans, parrots, manakins, and tanagers. The canopy tower provides a unique vantage point to observe birds at treetop level, while the forest trails offer constant lowland bird activity. Perfect for bird enthusiasts and photographers, Silanche delivers an authentic tropical rainforest experience with outstanding opportunities to spot Chocó endemics and lowland specialties. A must-visit for anyone exploring Ecuador’s western biodiversity hotspots.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
7
Fruttitour Birdwatching Experience – Lowland Chocó Rainforest Discover excellent lowland birding at Fruttitour, located near Pedro Vicente Maldonado at an altitude of 350–450 meters. This private reserve sits within the humid tropical Chocó rainforest, one of the most biodiverse regions in Ecuador, and offers outstanding access to colorful and hard-to-find species. Birdwatchers can expect close views of highlights such as the Rufous Motmot, Chocó Toucan, Collared Aracari, Blue-necked Tanager, Golden-hooded Tanager, White-whiskered Puffbird, and a variety of hummingbirds and woodpeckers. Fruit feeders and forest edges attract constant bird activity, making it an ideal spot for photography and relaxed observation. With easy access, abundant species, and a vibrant lowland ecosystem, Fruttitour is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Ecuador’s western birding hotspots.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
8Quito
After an incredible day of birding—from leaving Quito across the high páramo, visiting the famous Mashpi Amagusa Reserve, and exploring Mindo, commonly known as the magical garden of the cloud forest, all the way through the lush Chocó tropics—it's time to return to Quito filled with excitement and unforgettable memories.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Quito city - Zuruloma Birding - Tandayapa region Temperate Forest
Mashpi Amagusa Reserve - Mindo Cloud Forest
Silanche Bird Sanctuary - Fruttitour in the Choco Tropics Reserve
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Popular Countries
Company
Get our app
