8-Day High Andes and Chocó Birding Journey
Follow an eight-day birding circuit from Quito through high-Andean forest, Chocó cloud forest and lowland reserves, ending among Antisana’s páramo birds.
About this tour
This eight-day Ecuador birding journey links the capital with a broad elevation range on both sides of Pichincha. It begins near Quito, rises into high-Andean and elfin forest at Zuro Loma and Yanacocha, then follows the Paseo del Quinde into the cloud forests of Bellavista, Tandayapa and Mindo.
The middle of the route explores several complementary Chocó sites. Refugio Paz de las Aves is known for antpittas and the dawn display of Andean Cock-of-the-rock, while Alambi adds river habitat and hummingbird feeders. The following days move through the 23 de Junio reserve, Milpe Bird Sanctuary, Río Silanche, Rancho Suamox and Mashpi Amagusa, combining forest trails, roadside birding, feeders and a canopy tower.
The itinerary is designed around early activity, with most field days beginning between 5:00 and 6:00 in the morning. Possible highlights span major habitat zones and include Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Toucan Barbet, Long-wattled Umbrellabird, Club-winged Manakin, Violet-tailed Sylph, Chocó Toucan and many regional hummingbirds and tanagers. An evening detour toward El Chontal adds a chance to observe Oilbirds at their roost, subject to timing and current conditions.
The final day crosses to Antisana’s open páramo and highland lakes. Birding is mainly from the vehicle with a weather-dependent walk near La Mica, followed by time at Tambo Condor. Andean Condor, Ecuadorian Hillstar, Andean Ibis and other high-elevation species are possible before the return toward Quito or the airport. All wildlife observations depend on weather, access and the behavior of wild birds.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Ecuador.
Birds you can spot
Rupicola peruvianus
target
Vultur gryphus
target
Eriocnemis nigrivestis
target
Ramphastos brevis
target
Machaeropterus deliciosus
target
Oreotrochilus chimborazo
target
Cephalopterus penduliger
target
Steatornis caripensis
target
Andigena laminirostris
target
Ensifera ensifera
target
Semnornis ramphastinus
target
Aglaiocercus coelestis
target
Itinerary ▼
Meet in Quito and transfer to Casa del Viajero in Pifo, approximately fifteen minutes from the airport. Dinner and overnight prepare the group for an early highland departure.
Depart around 5:00 for Zuro Loma, where high-Andean and elfin forest birding includes antpittas, hummingbirds and mixed flocks. Continue to Yanacocha for an easy trail and feeder session, then follow the Paseo del Quinde toward Bellavista with roadside stops as conditions allow.
Begin on Bellavista’s easier trails before breakfast, then combine cloud-forest walks with short vehicle transfers to viewpoints. Following lunch, choose between Tandayapa Valley and upper San Luis for additional searches before moving to Sachatamia Lodge.
Leave around 5:30 for the antpitta sanctuary and the Andean Cock-of-the-rock display, followed by short forest walks and breakfast near the feeders. Spend the later morning searching the trails again, then continue to Alambi for hummingbirds and river birds before returning to Sachatamia.
An early drive reaches the 23 de Junio reserve for the dawn display of Long-wattled Umbrellabirds and other foothill species. Continue to Milpe for feeder watching and short forest trails, with optional roadside birding and an owl search near dusk when conditions permit.
Depart at 5:00 for the Chocó lowlands and bird from Río Silanche’s canopy tower for forest and canopy specialties. After a packed lunch, continue to Rancho Suamox for feeders and a search for Brown Wood-Rail before returning to Sachatamia.
Start near Amagusa with a moth trap, roadside birding and the reserve’s feeding stations, which are especially productive for tanagers and hummingbirds. After lunch, make the long drive to El Chontal for Oilbirds at their roost, then continue to Pifo for dinner and overnight.
Travel at about 5:30 into Antisana’s páramo, checking condor cliffs and open highland habitat mainly from the vehicle. Weather permitting, take a short walk near La Mica Lake, then stop at Tambo Condor for lunch and feeder watching before returning toward Quito or the airport.
Locations & map
- Quito and Pifo - Pichincha Ecuador (Urban arrival point and highland gateway.)
- Zuro Loma and Yanacocha - Pichincha Ecuador (High-Andean and elfin forest.)
- Bellavista and Tandayapa - Pichincha Ecuador (Temperate cloud forest on the northwestern slope.)
- Refugio Paz de las Aves and Alambi - Pichincha Ecuador (Cloud forest, feeding stations and river habitat.)
- 23 de Junio and Milpe - Pichincha Ecuador (Foothill and lower cloud forest.)
- Río Silanche and Rancho Suamox - Pichincha Ecuador (Lowland Chocó rainforest and canopy habitat.)
- Mashpi Amagusa and El Chontal - Pichincha Ecuador (Chocó forest and Oilbird roost area.)
- Antisana and Tambo Condor - Pichincha Ecuador (High-elevation páramo, cliffs and lake habitat.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Year-round by request; April can be especially wet, while September can be particularly sunny and dry.
Price: Price on request
Transport & stays
- Private road transport Road transfers connect Quito/Pifo with the reserves, lodges and birding sites named in the itinerary. | Meet: Quito airport or a confirmed Quito-area meeting point | Pickup: The final pickup and return arrangement is confirmed after inquiry.
Accommodations
- Casa del Viajero (day 1)
- Bellavista Lodge (day 2)
- Sachatamia Lodge (days 3-6)
- Casa del Viajero (day 7)
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Can the route be customized?
Yes. Luis arranges birding journeys of different lengths across Ecuador. The final route, pickup and lodging plan are confirmed after inquiry.
Are bird sightings guaranteed?
No. The route visits suitable habitats and established birding sites, but sightings depend on weather, access and the behavior of wild birds.
How demanding are the field days?
Walking is generally easy to moderate, but the itinerary includes very early starts and several long road transfers.
What should guests bring?
Luis recommends comfortable walking shoes, rain and sun protection, mosquito repellent and a camera or binoculars suited to the participant’s interests.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.