Birdwatching in the Highlands, Cloud Forest and Rainforest

Ecuador is a nature lover´s paradise. The wide variety of habitats from tropical rainforests, to cloud forests, to high paramo, to mangrove swamps, to the dry Pacific coast- make it home to the highest diversity of birds in the world and to one of the greatest number of species of flora and fauna. The following 8-day sample itinerary gives a glimpse of the different regions that can be visited. Tours can be designed to include all or some of the areas described. Please contact us for further information.

The tour starts in Quito to the famous, bird-rich Nono-Mindo Road. Passing the crest of the western Andes and down into the subtropical forest to about 1500 m, we can observe species such as the sickle-winged guan, prince hawk, red-billed parrot, red-backed hawk, golden-headed quetzal, black-billed peppershrike, booted rackettail, cock of the rock and a great number of hummingbirds, just to mention a few of the long list of birds found here. Overnight at a lodge in the Tandayapa/Mindo area for the next two nights. This area also has a great variety of orchids.

The journey continues along the Nanegalito – Puerto Maldonado – Santo Domingo Road, bird watching along the way. Here we experience the transition between cloud forest and subtropical rainforest, with its great variety of bird species of the area. At the private reserve of Tinalandia we spot species like the masked trogon, rufous-breasted antthrush, mountain tanagers, black- chinned mountain tanager, plush-capped finch and rufous-naped brush-finch, to name just a few.

Return to the highlands, driving from Santo Domingo on this spectacular route where we can experience dramatic changes from subtropical forest, cloud forest to interandean highlands. Our destination is La Cienega, a colonial hacienda which is now a beautiful hotel. The historical importance of this hacienda, it´s beautiful gardens and easy bird watching make this a delightful stop. PM bird watching in the grounds. Next stop on this tour is the Cotopaxi National Park, the base of the highest active volcano in the world. At higher altitudes (3600-4400 m) we may view the puna hawk, bar-winged cinclodes, Andean teal and brown-backed chat tyrant.

This will also be our best opportunity to see the rare Andean condor. PM drive to Papallacta. We climb up the Eastern Cordillera to reach the pass, at an altitude of 4100 m. About three km below the pass, there is an extensive Polylepis woodland, and the pass itself is a good example of Paramo ecosystem. This area is wonderful for observing sword billed hummingbirds, mountain avocetbill, blue mantled thornbill, Andean tit spinetail, among many other species. We continue the journey to the Guango/Baeza area where we will spend the next two days before returning to Quito.

We visit the Guango Trail to observe the incredible variety of birds there. Then we continue our drive Eastward down the Eastern Andean cordillera to Cosanga. The Baeza – Cosanga area, which lies at approx. 2000 meters of altitude, and includes the Guacamayos Ridge, is very rich in bird species. We might observe, among others, solitary eagles, black and chestnut eagles, orange breasted falcons, rufous breasted woodquails, military macaws, band bellied owls, white capped parrots, vermiculated screech owls, Andean potoos, black mandibled toucans and emerald toucanets.

• Location: Nature and Wildlife Tours
• Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
• Start / End: Quito / Quito
• Activities: Bird watching, hiking / walking
• Highlights: Tandayapa Valley, Mindo cloud forest, Santo Domingo sub-tropical forest, La Cienega Hacienda, Cotopaxi National Park, Papallacta paramo ecosystem, Polylepis woodland, Guango/Baeza
• Season: All year
• Included: All activities and visits mentioned in itinerary, transportation, accommodation, bilingual guide
• Not Included: Tips, meals not mentioned in itinerary, domestic and international flights
• Prices: Priced on request