HUMMINGBIRD EXPEDITION - Searching for the cloud forest jewels.
Wake up with some of the most fabulous views, as the sun rises over the western Andean slopes. Your specialized guide will share their vast knowledge in natural history, birdwatching, culture and photography to make the most of your experience today!
Once you arrive in the unique tropical Andean ecosystem, hummingbirds will take your full attention. You'll visit 3 reserves located at different altitudes. Bird feeders will bring otherwise elusive species to very close distances, allowing you to photograph them and enjoy their unmatched beauty.
You'll be able to watch up to 15 different species of hummingbirds, many of them endemic to this Bio-region, such as the stunning Velvet-purple Cornet, Purple- bibbed Whitetip, Brown Inca, Empress Brillant and Gorgeted Sunangel.
The cloud forest offers an amazing mixed setting from waterfalls and hikes through lush green forests that will allow you to have a day of deep connection with nature.
Description
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Alambi Reserve, 28J9+6G8, Quito, Ecuador
After an early pick up we head towars the cloud forest: start your day with some of the most fabulous views over the western Andean slopes.
Our first stop is Alambi reserve, a hummingbird paradise located only 1h15m from Quito. Here feeders and garden flowers attract several hummingbird species, allowing visitors to sometimes see over 10 species in a day at surprisingle short distance!! The conditions here provide great opportunities for bird photography, to get a first taste of the wonderful diversity that the clud forest hosts, and to relax and take in the unmatched beauty of these winged jewels.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: San Tadeo Birding, vía Calacalí-La Independencia Km77 15 minutos antes de la Y de Mindo-Ecuador, E28, Mindo 171202, Ecuador
Our next stop is San Tadeo Reserve.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Mindo, Mindo, Pichincha Province
Next, we move on to Mindo, for a delicious lunch in a local restaurant.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve, Mindo Ecuador
Exploring the area around Mindo we can find several reserves that offer chances to encounter new bird species. The subtropical rain forest is home to an outstanding number of orchids, birds, mammals, insects and reptiles. In addition, waterfalls and rivers invite you to test theis pristine refreshing waters. Talk to your guide about your interests (hiking, birdwatching, photography, general nature) and they will take you to the best destination to make the most out of your day!
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Paz de las Aves Bird Refuge, Between Nanegalito and Mindo at Km. 66, Mindo Ecuador
If you chose to take the tour extension, our last stop will be at the Andean Cock of the Rock lek. This colorful, iconic species exhibits marked sexual dimorphism, the male has a large disk-like crest and a very unique vivid scarlet plumage. Gatherings of males compete for breeding females with each male displaying its colorful plumage, bobbing and hopping, and making strident calls.
If you chose this extension, you can expect to be back at your hotel in Quito late in the afternoon.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Pass By: Quito, Quito, Pichincha Province
This tour ends with a a scenic drive back and drop off in your hotel in Quito or the airport area.
Inclusions
- All activities
- Lunch with soft drink
- Coffee and tea at Alambi and Santadeo
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Private transportation
- Certified Naturalist & Birding guide
- Entry/Admission - San Tadeo Birding
- Entry/Admission - Alambi Reserve
- Entry/Admission - Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve
- Entry/Admission - Paz de las Aves Bird Refuge
Exclusions
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Personal expenses
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- A small amount of walking is involved along trails with irregular terrain although if participants require longer hiking trails are available.
- Copy of passport of one of the group members is require for billing purposes (local tax exemption)
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Face masks required for travelers in public areas
- Face masks required for guides in public areas
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Regular temperature checks for staff
- Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
- Ecuador received the WTTC Safe Travels Stamp from the World Travel & Tourism Council. Private tours guarantee that you will share your time and space with your group only, making your experience safe while enyoing the unmatched biodiversity of our forests.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Operates
See Availability
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
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