Hummingbird Expedition and Andean Cock-of-the-Rock Day Tour
Travel west from Quito for a private full day among Choco cloud-forest hummingbirds, with an optional late-afternoon cock-of-the-rock lek visit.
About this tour
Leave Quito for the humid cloud forest on the western side of the Andes, where feeders, forest edges and nearby trails create varied opportunities to watch and photograph Choco-region birds. Empress Brilliant and Brown Inca are among the possible hummingbirds, together with Purple-bibbed Whitetip, Velvet-purple Coronet and Violet-tailed Sylph.
The standard private outing lasts about nine to ten hours and normally starts around 06:00. Guests who want a longer field day can request an earlier departure and an optional late-afternoon visit to an Andean Cock-of-the-rock lek. That extension depends on current access and is priced separately, with its availability and cost confirmed in the final proposal.
Private transport from the agreed Quito or airport pickup point, specialist guiding, reserve and activity fees, lunch and a soft drink are included in the published format. The listed starting price of USD 135 per person applies to a group of seven or eight, with higher per-person tiers for smaller groups. Exact timing, access and price are reconfirmed before booking, and all sightings remain dependent on wild bird activity and field conditions.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Ecuador.
Guides
Itinerary ▼
Depart the agreed Quito or airport pickup point, normally around 06:00, and travel west into Choco cloud forest. Spend the day birding feeders, forest edges and nearby trails for hummingbirds and other regional species, with lunch included. The standard outing returns after roughly nine to ten hours; an earlier start and late cock-of-the-rock lek visit can be added only by prior arrangement.
Locations & map
- Mindo cloud forest - Pichincha Ecuador (Humid Andean cloud forest; rain and mist are possible year-round.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Year-round by request; current access and weather are confirmed for the selected date
Included
- Quito or airport-area pickup and drop-off - Confirmed in the published tour details.
- Private transport - Confirmed in the published tour details.
- Naturalist, birding or photography guide - Confirmed in the published tour details.
- Lunch and soft drink - Confirmed in the published tour details.
- Reserve excursions and entry fees - Confirmed in the published tour details.
Not included
- Optional Andean Cock-of-the-rock lek supplement - Confirmed in the published tour details.
- Optional early pickup supplement - Confirmed in the published tour details.
- Tips, personal expenses and insurance - Confirmed in the published tour details.
Transport & stays
- Private vehicle Round-trip Quito or airport-area transport is included; exact pickup is confirmed after inquiry. | Meet: Quito or airport-area pickup | Pickup: Standard pickup around 6:00 AM; earlier pickup may be arranged.
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Are the prices final?
The displayed 2026 rates are the currently published group rates. Confirm availability, group size and the final proposal through BirdWatch before payment.
Are bird sightings guaranteed?
No. Birds are wild and sightings depend on weather, season, access and daily conditions.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.