2-Day Zuroloma + Tandaya Valley + Mashpi Amagusa Reserves

Pacto, Ecuador

GM
Galapagos My World
  • Email address verified
7 reviews
Duration: 2 days
Group size: 2 - 12
2-Day Zuroloma + Tandaya Valley + Mashpi Amagusa Reserves
Pacto, Ecuador

Galapagos My World
  • Email address verified
7 reviews

Duration: 2 days
Group size: 2 - 12

About this trip

Explore Zuruloma o Yanacocha reserves above 3,000 msl.  Then, Tandayapa valley the Garden of hummingbirds that is a premiere place for birdwatching. The region is located on the foothills of the Western Andes in Ecuador. Spend a spectacular day at Mashpi Amagusa Reserve a place with a lot of birds, most of them endemics to the Choco Biosphere Reserve. Also we can stop in Alambi reserve a nice place to observe more hummingbirds and the Golden-headed Quetzal. This place is located at the entrance of Bellavista Cloud Forest.  

Highlights in the tour

 

  • Exceptional Birdwatching – It's one of the best places to see high-altitude Andean birds, including the famous Sword-billed Hummingbird, Crested Quetzal, and the rare Ocellated Tapaculo.
     
  • Unique Hummingbird Feeder Stations – The reserve has well-placed feeders that attract a variety of stunning hummingbirds, offering close-up views and photography opportunities.
     
  • Beautiful Cloud Forest Habitat – Lush vegetation, moss-covered trees, and misty landscapes create a magical environment perfect for exploring and wildlife spotting.
     
  • Great for Photography – The combination of diverse bird species and scenic forest backdrops makes it a dream destination for photographers.
     
  • Easy Accessibility – Unlike some remote birding spots, Zuroloma is relatively close to Quito, making it convenient for a day trip or a short visit.

What’s included

  • Certified Guide/Driver
    English-speaking
  • Pick-up from Quito
    Pick-up and drop -off from the hotel
  • Transportation
    Comfortable cars for long trips
  • Meal
    Snacks

What’s not included

  • Travel Insurance
    Mandatory
  • Meals
    Lunch, Vegetarian and vegan options are available
  • Personal expences
    Additional expenses that arise during the trip
  • Optional activities
    Not mentioned in the program
  • Tips & Bank fees
    International bank or credit card fees
  • Single suplement $150 pp
    Extra cost per person

Available Packages

Shared Tour (Price per person)
$298

Itinerary

Day 1
From the high Andes to the temperate forest (3,200 msl / 10,498 feet).

Exploring the highest part of the Andes. The entrance of the Andean Choco Bio-Region (3,200 msl / 10,498 feet).


Departure time: 

We depart from the city of Quito at 5:30 a.m. 


Visit a hummingbird station: 

Our first part of the journey will be in a feeding station. The sword-billed hummingbird is instantly recognizable because it has the longest bill in relation to its body size. The curved bill of the Mountain Velvetbreast made it unmistakable. The Buff-winged Starfronlet is very abundant and splendid even in flight their light wing patches made them easy to recognize, since this buff coloration doesn’t occur in any other species within this area. The white tail and breast patch identify another as the Collored Inca. Sapphire-vented Puffleg one of the best in this area. The tiny Tyrian Metaltail is also abundant when light covers its body, which is where its name originated. Your guide will recognize these species instantly. One that no one would mistake for anything else is the magnificent Blak-tailed Trainbearer visits the station several times. Antpittas attract a lot of attention from birdwatchers. They are heard several times while exploring. They tend to stay on the ground hidden in the heavy undergrowth. Here you can find The Equatorial and Chesnut-naped Antpittas that usually hang around on the ground looking for fresh worms. 

Walk on different trails within the reserve. In a cold and cloudy weather with drizzle. The elusive Black-breasted Puffleg (Eriocnemis nigrivestis) can be spotted (Occasionally in November). Maybe you'll catch them with your camera; Purple-backed Thornbill, Golden-breasted, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Ocellated Tapaculo, Barred Fruiteater, Black-chested Mountain-tanager, Golden-crowned and Grass-green Tanagers, and Blue-backed Conebill. Also, a chance of Imperial Snipe. Yellow-Breasted and Gray-browed (Stripe-headed) Brush-finches. Andean Guan, Masked, Glossy, White-Sided Flowerpiercer, Blue-capped Tanager, Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager, Red-crested Cotinga. 


Overnight at Alambi Reserve 

Includes: Dinner 



Your Organizer


GM
Galapagos My World
7 reviews
We are trip organizers, who have traveled on all the roads, villages, lagoons, volcanoes, rivers, reserves and National Parks of Ecuador Mainland and Galapagos Islands to be able to advise with our first-hand experiences to many travelers who visit the wonderful Ecuador. Our experiential knowledge will be at your disposal to help you to create an experience for you, that will optimize your time and budget. If you dare to visit Ecuador, we are ready!!! are you ready?

Reviews

I booked this tour for my parents (early 70s) because it looked like a relaxing tour that had a good mix of culture and nature. They had the best time with Eduardo. Communications pre-trip were good, booking was easy, and Eduardo was super responsive to my questions. He was easily able to accommodate dietary restrictions (my mom is a pescatarian). Eduardo was waiting for my parents with a printed sign at arrivals. It was booked as a group tour, but my parents were the only ones signed up for that week, so they basically got a private tour. Eduardo spoke English and was super knowledgeable. The tour started with a tour of the historic parts of Quito and the Middle of the World. Then, they drove to the Amazon, where my parents stayed in a beautiful Ecolodge that was only accessible by boat. The lodge (Liana Lodge) was the perfect blend of being in rainforest and getting to enjoy nature but without sacrificing comfort. The rooms were individual private wooden cabanas, each with its own large balcony with a hammock. Despite heavy rain at night, there were absolutely no leaks. It was also fully encased with mosquito nets. It also had its own full bathroom and shower that had hot water. The cabana didn’t have electricity (the lodge uses candles, a fire pit, and my parents packed headlamps), but you could safely charge your phone and other devices at the lodge’s reception area (which also had WiFi). Meals were in their communal open dining area where they could see monkeys and other wildlife. My parents raved about the food there. They had 3 course meals, prepared by a professional chef (all meals at the lodge included in the tour price; other days in Quito and Banos included breakfasts). There were lots of activities included at the lodge stay, and my parents stayed busy on side tours such as boat rides, hikes (the lodge provides rain boots), wildlife sanctuary visits, and a chocolate making demonstration and tasting. The lodge provides designated indigenous guides for each guest, so it was nice to have a familiar face for all the tours from the lodge (Eduardo also accompanied them for all activities). Then, Eduardo drove them to Banos. My parents enjoyed the nearby hot springs the first evening and visiting a coffee producer. The next day, Eduardo took them to the main points of interest (Devil’s Caldron waterfall, Bride’s Veil waterfall, and the treehouse at the end of the world). Even though it was not included as part of the tour package, Eduardo drove them back to the Quito airport at the end of the tour. Eduardo went out of his way to make sure they were comfortable and looked after at all times. I’m glad my parents were in such good hands. Eduardo even thoughtfully got me a souvenir (much appreciated)! Thank you, Eduardo for giving them such an enjoyable experience!
By Mimi Y for 7-Day Amazon and Highland Experience on May 04, 2025
Honestly not sure what to expect from Mindo as we only planned to stay a couple days. What can I say? Truly a beautiful and fantastic place to visit. Safe and authentically Ecuadorian. And our visit was made even more special by our guide Eduardo. Not only does he know of all the places to visit but he is a naturalist with so much knowledge of the history, land and wildlife of the area. Eduardo caught on early to our love of birds and made sure we saw as many as he could get an eye on. Our kids loved the places he suggested we visit making this trip exciting for us all. He also paid tribute to the indigenous people of the land. I only wish we had more time to explore this incredible part of Ecuador. Thank you Eduardo! This is a trip we will not soon forget.
By Jamie N for Mindo Cloud Forest Full Day on Mar 29, 2025
Excellent trip. Eduardo customized the trip to what we were looking for. It included feeding the hummingbirds, the cable car ride and waterfall hike, and the Chocolate factory tour. Each place was ready and expecting us. He also suggested a great place for lunch. He is very knowledgeable and passionate about his country and nature. A photographer, he also took pictures and sent them to us! A perfect day!
By Nora F for Mindo Cloud Forest Full Day on Feb 15, 2025
BH
Galapagos My World provided the experience of a lifetime. Eduardo our guide, for both the Mindo Cloud day trip and Antisana Condor Sanctuary, met and exceed my expectations. In coordination with the ranger from the Sanctuary we arrived before dawn and were able to see condors in their nests and patiently waited for them to fly off for the morning. We also saw the Ecuardian Hillstar humming bird, the Andes Ibis, Andes Ducks, Llamas and deers. My photos of these birds are beyond words and I'm thrilled to recommend Galapagos My World tour operatos to all adventure seeking folks, birders, photographers.....for a lifetime experience. Kudos to Eduardo and Galapagos My world.
By Brian H for Antisana Condor Sanctuary, birding and photography on Jan 29, 2025
We had a great time. Eduardo showed us some impressive sights and informed us of what to expect and the activities to participate in.
By Prue D for Middle of the World Half-Day Tour on Jul 11, 2024
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References

Eduardo was full of amazing information! We loved the bizcocha demonstration and it was so yummy! We were sad that we were not told our start time would be an hour later, but todos bien!
By Janci B on 05 Jul, 2024