Zuroloma 2-Day Birding: Tandayapa Valley & Mashpi Amagusa
Zuroloma invites you to explore Tandayapa Valley, the “Garden of Birds,” one of Ecuador’s premier destinations for birdwatching and wildlife photography. Located on the foothills of the Western Andes, this legendary cloud forest is home to an extraordinary diversity of bird species. The Mashpi Amagusa Reserve, part of the Andean Chocó biodiversity hotspot, is a true mega-diverse ecosystem. Recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA), it is considered one of the best birdwatching hotspots on Earth, offering exceptional opportunities for birding tours, nature photography, and conservation-focused travel.
📍 Tour Overview
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Departure: Daily
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Pick-up Time: 4:00 a.m. (to be reconfirmed)
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Tour Style: Small-group experience
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Duration: 2 day / 1 night
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Focus: Birdwatching & Cloud Forest Nature
✔ What’s Included
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Professional birding guide (English-speaking)
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Private transportation throughout the tour
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Entrance fees to all mentioned reserves
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Snacks during field activities
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1 night accommodation (tourist-class lodge)
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Breakfast
✖ Not Included
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Lunches and dinners
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Tips and personal expenses
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Optional activities not related to birdwatching
🐦 Birding Briefing | Altitudinal Experience
DAY 1 – High Andes to Montane Forest
3,200 m a.s.l. | High-Andean & Montane Forest
You will be picked up early from your hotel in Quito and travel toward Zuruloma Reserve, located on the western foothills of the Andes. This area offers excellent opportunities to observe the transition from high-Andean ecosystems to montane forest.
Zuruloma is considered a gateway to the Andean Chocó Biosphere Reserve, making it an outstanding location for birdwatching, wildlife observation, and nature photography, especially in the early morning hours.
1,800 m a.s.l. | Temperate Forest Zone
As we descend, we enter a temperate forest rich in epiphytes and mixed-species flocks. This elevation is ideal for observing and photographing high-altitude specialties, including the Plate-billed Mountain Toucan, along with many Andean endemics.
DAY 2 – Andean Chocó Cloud Forest
1,100 m a.s.l. | Cloud Forest – Mashpi Amagusa Reserve
The second day focuses on the cloud forest of Mashpi Amagusa Reserve, one of the most biodiverse areas of the Andean Chocó. This is an excellent location to photograph regional endemics and species restricted to this biodiversity hotspot.
We will visit a moth light trap, increasing our chances of observing elusive species and potential “lifers,” such as the Black Solitaire.
1,600 m a.s.l. | Andean Foothills
We end the tour at a carefully selected site to observe the iconic Andean Cock-of-the-Rock at its lek. This location offers exceptional photographic opportunities and provides a memorable highlight to conclude the experience—truly the perfect final touch to the journey.