Papallacta Pass & Guango Reserve: Full-Day Birdwatching Tour from Quito
Papallacta Pass in Ecuador is a premier birdwatching spot the eastern Andes, featuring diverse habitats like high-altitude páramo and Andean cloud forests. It offers access to Cayambe-Coca National Park and Antisana Ecological Reserve, supporting a wide variety of high-And bird species. Notable species include the Rufous-belliednipe and Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan. This destination is essential for birders and nature seeking rare species and stunning landscapes.
📊 Birding Highlights
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Up to 80 bird species in a single day
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Multiple ecosystems covered efficiently
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Ideal for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature travelers
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Easy access from Quito
Tour Details – Papallacta Pass Birdwatching Day Tour
Daily departures
Starting & Ending Point in Quito
Pick-up Time: 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Small-Group experience
What’s Included
✔️ Birding Guide (English-speaking)
✔️ Private transportation from and to Quito
✔️ Entrance fees to the reserves
✔️ Snacks during the tour
Not Included
✖ Travel insurance
✖ Meals (lunch not included)
✖ Tips and personal expenses
✖ Optional activities (e.g. hot springs)
Top Birdwatching Spots - Papallacta Pass on Eastern Andes
Papallacta Pass (4,000 msl), high Paramo:
Main species: Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, Bar-winged Cinclodes, Stout-billed Cinclodes, Many-striped Canastero, Variable Hawk, Tawny Antpitta, Andean Teal and Andean Gull near the lakes
Papallacta Antennas:
Main Species: Andean Teal, Blue-mantled Thornbill, Carunculated Caracara, Paramo Tapaculo, Andean Tit-Spinetail, White-chinned Thistletail, Grass Wren (Paramo).
Cayambe-Coca National Park - Eastern entrance:
Main Species: Masked Mountain-Tanager, Glowing Puffleg, Blue-backed Conebill, Gray-browed Brushfinch, Tawny-breasted Antpitta, Black-backed Bush Tanager.
Guango Reserve (2,500 msl)
Tourmaline Sunangel, Collared Inca, Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Streaked Tuftedcheek, Pearled Treerunner, Azara's Spinetail, Mountain Cacique, Red-hooded Tanager, Blue-backed Conebill, Gray-hooded Bush Tanager