Mindo Cloud Forest Birdwatching I Private Day Tour

We depart from Quito at 4:00 a.m., crossing the northern side of the city. Our journey leads us to visit the most premier places for birding and photo.

All the activities carried out in the Cloud Forest or Andean Chocó that covers an area equivalent to approximately 4,000 soccer fields, protecting a remarkable variety of ecosystems, including lush forests, rivers, streams, natural springs, and beautiful waterfalls.

A Paradise for Wildlife Lovers; Mindo are is protecting around 270 mammal, 210 reptile, and 130 amphibian species, along with an extraordinary diversity of insects. From spectacled bears and colorful frogs to butterflies and countless birds, every visit offers a new encounter with nature.

A Birdwatcher’s Paradise; With around 640 bird species, the Andean Chocó is a dream destination for birdwatchers and nature photographers. Search for iconic species such as the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Plate-billed Mountain Toucan, Toucan Barbet, Choco Toucan, Long-wattled Umbrellabird, and dazzling hummingbirds and tanagers. Bring your binoculars and camera — the Chocó always has a surprise waiting in the forest!

La Victoriana Reserve is a private birdwatching reserve located near Nanegalito, in Ecuador's world-famous Andean Chocó Cloud Forest. Internationally recognized for its spectacular Andean Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus) lek, this reserve offers one of the best opportunities in Ecuador to observe and photograph this iconic species in its natural habitat.

The activity will take place at the lek, which has been specially designed and built to minimize noise and avoid disturbing the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. It features a birdwatching hide, where the birds often come as close as 3 to 5 meters, giving us an excellent position to observe them and capture great photos and videos.

Alambi Reserve is an excellent destination for birdwatching, situated at an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters (4,920 feet). Its pleasant subtropical climate attracts a remarkable diversity of bird species that gather here daily, making it one of the most rewarding birding locations in the region. This unique combination of habitats creates ideal conditions for wildlife, offering visitors outstanding opportunities to observe hummingbirds, tanagers, toucans, and many other species in their natural environment.

Iconic species in Alambi Reserve:

• Black-capped Tanager
• Torrent Tyrannulet
• Buff-tailed Coronet
• Purple-throated Woodstar
• Violet-tailed Sylph
• Crested Quetzal
• White-capped Dipper
• Russet-backed Oropendola,
• White-throated Daggerbill
• Spotted Barbtail, among others.

Recharge with a delicious local lunch in the picturesque town of Mindo before continuing your birdwatching adventure. Take time to explore its charming streets, browse local artisan shops, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this renowned cloud forest destination. It's the perfect opportunity to experience the hospitality, culture, and natural beauty that make Mindo one of Ecuador's most beloved ecotourism destinations.

Nestled at more than 1,800 meters (5,900 ft) above sea level in Ecuador's breathtaking cloud forest, this premier birdwatching reserve is renowned for its incredible diversity of toucans, quetzals, trogons, and other spectacular bird species. Designed with wildlife photographers in mind, the reserve offers a professional photography hide where birds visit naturally every 5 to 10 minutes, creating outstanding opportunities to capture unforgettable images of Ecuador's remarkable avian wildlife.

Icon Species in las Cotingas Bird Reserve:

• Golden-headed Quetzal
• Strong-billed Woodcreeper
• Streak-capped Treehunter
• Empress Brilliant
• Beryl-spangled Tanager
• Crested Guan
• Tawny-bellied Hermit
• Roadside Hawk
• Pale-mandibled Aracari
• Guayaquil Woodpecker
• Toucan Barbet
• Glistening-green Tanager
• Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan
• Roadside Hawk, among others

After an unforgettable journey through Ecuador's Western Andes and the breathtaking Mindo Cloud Forest, it's time to relax on the scenic drive back. As your birdwatching adventure comes to an end, we'll comfortably return you to your hotel in Quito or provide a convenient drop-off at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), ensuring a smooth and hassle-free conclusion to your experience.

Take home unforgettable memories, spectacular photographs, and an incredible bird list from one of the world's most biodiverse birdwatching destinations.