The itineraries we offer are flexible and can be adapted to suit, both the time available to you and your preferences for the type of bird you would like to see.
WESTERN SLOPE OF ECUADOR – BIRDING TOUR
DAY 1: Yanacocha Reserve - Zuroloma – Reserve - Bellavista Lodge:
Early in the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel in Quito and drive to Zuroloma, located in the highlands on the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano at an elevation of 3,200 meters. Our main targets in this area include the Ocellated Tapaculo, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Ecuadorian Antpitta, Chestnut-naped Antpitta, Sapphire-vented Puffleg, Masked Flowerpiercer, Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant, and Tyrian Metaltail.
After an exciting morning of birding, we will continue on to Yanacocha, where we will search for species such as the Scarlet-bellied, Hooded, and Black-chested Mountain-Tanagers, Spectacled Redstart, Gray-browed Brush-Finch, and Great Sapphirewing. Overnight at Bellavista Lodge.
DAY 2: Bellavista Lodge- Birdwatchinghouse:
Today, we will spend the morning birding at Bellavista, focusing on finding a diverse range of cloud forest species. Target birds include the Tanager Finch, Turquoise Jay, Strong-billed Woodcreeper, White-faced Nunbird, Cinnamon Flycatcher, Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Plushcap, Beautiful Jay, Ocellated Tapaculo, White -throated Quail-Dove, Russet-crowned Warbler, Rufous-headed Pygmy-Tyrant, Buff-tailed Coronet, Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant, and many others.
Overnight at Bellavista Lodge.
DAY 3: Belavista Lodge-Refugio Paz de Las Aves and Valle del Tandayapa Valley:
This morning, we will visit Refugio Paz de las Aves, a birding hotspot famous for its display of the Andean Cock-of-theRock. Here, we also have excellent chances to observe several species of Antpittas, including the Giant, Moustached, Yellow-breasted, Ochre-breasted, and Chestnut-crowned Antpittas. Other notable species in this area include the Cloudforest Pygmy-Owl, Golden-headed Quetzal, Powerful Woodpecker, Dark-backed Wood-Quail, and Rufous-breasted Antthrush.
After lunch, we will drive toward Tandayapa, making several birding stops along the way. Targets include the Beautiful Jay, Black Phoebe, Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant, Russet-crowned Warbler, Zeledon's Antbird, and Streak-capped Treehunter, with luck, the elusive Scaled Antpitta. We also hope to spot White-winged and Tricolored Brush-finches, Masked Trogon, Gray-breasted Wood-Wren, Slate-throated White-start, Toucan Barbet and Golden-naped Tanager, Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, Red-headed Barbet, and Crimson-rumped Toucanet, among other specialties of this beautiful valley. Overnight at Septimo Paraiso Lodge.
TOUR INCLUDES:
- All ground transportation and a professional driver from the first to the last day of the tour.
- Accommodation in carefully selected lodges and hotels.
- Three meals per day throughout the tour (starting with lunch on the first day and ending with lunch on the final day).
- A private, bilingual birding guide for the duration of the tour.
- Optional domestic flight from Coca to Quito.
- VAT (Value Added Tax).
TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff.
- Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, phone calls).
- Laundry services.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Dinner on the final day.
Species you could observe
- Strong-billed Woodcreeper
- White-faced Nunbird
- FlycatcherPlate-billed Mountain-Toucan
- Yellow-breasted, Ochre-breastedand Chestnut-crowned Antpittas.
- Little Cuckoos
- Plumbeous Hawk
Comfortable and Safe Accommodation
Bilingual Bird Guide
Food (3 Daily Meals)
Transfer to the Different Destinations
Transfer from Airport to Hotel & back
