5-Day Western Andes Birding Tour: Mindo, Zuroloma & Chocó Cloud Forest
Explore Ecuador’s Western Andes on a 5-day birding tour through Mindo, Zuroloma, and the Chocó cloud forest. Spot rare hummingbirds, tanagers, and iconic species with expert guides in a small-group experience.
📅 Departure: Daily
🕕 Pick-up Time: 6:00 a.m.
👥 Tour Style: Small-Group Birding Expedition
⏳ Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
🐦 Tour Type: Specialized Birdwatching & Nature Exploration
✅ What’s Included
🧑🏫 Expert professional birdwatching guide with deep knowledge of Western Andes species
🏡 Accommodation in comfortable double/twin standard rooms at strategic birding lodges
🍽️ Full board: meals, snacks, and early birding breakfasts
🚐 Private transportation throughout the expedition
🎟️ Entrance fees to all reserves and private birding sites
🥾 Rubber boots for optimal comfort in cloud forest conditions
🔭 Assistance with spotting scopes and bird identification
❌ What’s Not Included
🛡️ Travel insurance
💰 Tips and gratuities
🛏️ Single supplement (available upon request)
🧾 Personal expenses and extras not specified
🌿 ITINERARY
🐦 Day 1 – High Andes & Cloud Forest Transition
Start early from Quito and explore the high Andean slopes of Pichincha.
Search for rare hummingbirds, antpittas, and mountain tanagers in pristine habitats.
Afternoon descent into the cloud forest with stops at hummingbird feeders and scenic reserves.
🌙 Overnight in Mindo area.
🌿 Day 2 – Mashpi & Chocó Cloud Forest
Full day in one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
Spot over 100 species in a single day, including toucanets, tanagers, and possibly the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. Ideal for close photography and feeder action.
🐦 Day 3 – Lowland Chocó Forest (Silanche & Milpe)
Explore lower elevations with a totally different ecosystem.
Look for Chocó endemics, toucans, antbirds, and colorful tanagers.
Great opportunities for rare and hard-to-find species.
🌿 Day 4 – Specialty Birding Sites
Visit exclusive birding hotspots like 23 de Junio and San Tadeo.
High chances to encounter iconic species such as the Long-wattled Umbrellabird and Golden-headed Quetzal.
Focused birding in less-visited, high-quality habitats.
🐦 Day 5 – Mindo Cloud Forest & Return
Early morning birding in Mindo’s lush forest.
Final chance for hummingbirds, antthrushes, and unique cloud forest species.
Return to Quito after an unforgettable birding experience.
🔥 WHY THIS TOUR IS SPECIAL
✔ Covers multiple ecosystems in just 5 days
✔ Focus on rare, endemic & Chocó species
✔ Perfect for serious birdwatchers & photographers
✔ Expert-guided with strategic birding locations