Small-Group Western Andes Birding Tour
A small-group 12-day loop through northern Ecuador's western Andes, Chocó lowlands and cloud forest, with an estimated 300-325 species.
About this tour
This small-group 12-day circuit explores the western slope of northern Ecuador from high Andean forest to the Chocó lowlands. It begins at Yanacocha and Bellavista, then follows the Tandayapa and Mindo region through Refugio Paz, an Oilbird roost and the reserves around Mashpi. These sites bring hummingbird, antpitta and Cock-of-the-Rock viewing into the first half of the route.
A boat transfer reaches Playa de Oro Lodge for two complete days in lowland forest. The return loop passes through Yalare, the Chical Road and Chota Valley before a final afternoon and evening near Pululahua. The program is designed around western-slope species and Chocó endemics that differ from the bird community east of the Andes. The official estimate is 300-325 species.
The itinerary is rated easy to moderate. Most fieldwork uses roadsides, tracks or manageable trails, although the approach at Refugio Paz can be steep, muddy and walked in darkness to reach the lek at first light. A few sites rise to about 3,500 meters. The tour can operate through most of the year, but March and April are excluded because of heavier rain. Send an inquiry through BirdWatch to confirm dates, availability and final pricing.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Ecuador.
Organizer
Itinerary ▼
Land in Quito and prepare for the birdwatching route to follow. Tonight's stay is at a hotel near the airport.
Use an early start to visit Yanacocha Reserve. The second half of the day is used to visit Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve. The day finishes with accommodation at Bellavista Lodge.
Open the day with time to visit Bellavista Cloud Forest. The second half of the day is used to visit Mindo area. Overnight at Septimo Paraiso Lodge.
Set the day in motion before dawn and visit Refugio Paz throughout the morning. Use the post-lunch period to explore an Oilbird cave. Accommodation for the night is at Septimo Paraiso Lodge.
Set out early for Mashpi. In the morning, make a field stop at Masphi Chocolate Factory. Spend the rest of the day in Amagusa Reserve. The itinerary uses Septimo Paraiso Lodge for the overnight.
Begin the field day with time to explore Suamox Reserve. Continue overland to Selva Alegre. Reach Playa de Oro Lodge by boat. The overnight base is Playa de Oro Lodge.
Devote a complete field day to birdwatching around Playa de Oro Lodge. Stay overnight at Playa de Oro Lodge.
Spend the full day birdwatching around Playa de Oro Lodge. Overnight at Playa de Oro Lodge.
The first part of the day is used to take a boat trip to Selva Alegre. Then make the drive to Yalare for birdwatching there. The day finishes with accommodation at a hotel in San Lorenzo.
Devote the full day to birdwatching at the Chical Road. The overnight base is a hotel in Ambuqui.
Dedicate the morning to spend the session at Chota Valley. Continue the route to Pululahua. Reserve the afternoon to spend the afternoon and evening birdwatching there. Stay overnight at a hotel in Pululahua.
Set the route in motion early and continue birdwatching. After breakfast, travel to the Quito Airport. The tour concludes there.
Locations & map
- Quito - Ecuador
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: All but Mar-Apr