Name: 5-Day Western Andes Birding Tour
Location: Mindo, Ecuador

Galapagos My World

Email address verified

7 reviews

Duration: 5 days

Group size: 2 - 25

5-Day Western Andes Birding Tour

Mindo, Ecuador

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Galapagos My World

Email address verified

7 reviews

Duration: 5 days

Group size: 2 - 25

In this birding tour you can find: Rich Biodiversity, Exceptional Birdwatching Opportunities, Close Encounters with Hummingbirds, Scenic Beauty and Tranquility, Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Tourism, Convenient Location, Professional Birdwatching Guides, Photography and Nature Exploration.

Natural reserves and places for visiting: Zuruloma Birding, Tandaya Valley, Allambi Reserve, Andean Cock of the Rock Lek, Amagusa Mashpi Reserve, Silanche and Milpe area, Mindo Cloud Forest, San Tadeo Birding and Mindo Hermite Trail.

Day 1
Day 1
Visiting Zuroloma is a fantastic way to experience the high Andes
Pick up from Quito at 5 am to head out northwest of Quito. Foothills of the Pichincha active volcano at 3,400m/11,154feet. Our exploration will begin at the top of the Andean choco reserve located above 3,000m/9,842 feet above sea level, in this ecosystem the species that can be found (depending on the time of year) are the following: Purple-backed Thornbill, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Golden-breasted and Sapphire-vented Pufflegs, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Undulated Antpitta, Ocellated Tapaculo, Barred Fruiteater, Black-chested Mountain-tanager, Golden-crowned and Grass-green Tanagers, and Blue-backed Conebill. Also, a chance of Imperial Snipe, and an outside chance of Black-breasted Puffleg (mostly May-Sep) and and Grey-browed (Stripe-headed) Brush-finch. Great opportunities to spot 3 antpita species. After this, we go to another reserve close to this area, this place will help us to have a break lunch and try to see some species of this height, since in the afternoon it is usually cloudy. In adittion, we can stop to visit the hummingbird sanctuary. overnight in Mindo area or similar.
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Day 2
Day 2
Early departure to Mashpi - Amagusa Reserve
Early departure to Mashpi - Amagusa reserve to see some species such as the Glistening-green Tanager, rose-cheecked parrot among others. Possible to see the Andean Cock of the Rock in Santa Elena. Possible birds that can be found in this sector: Green Thorntail, Purple-throated Woodstar, Velvet-purple Coronet, Violet-tailed Sylph, Empress Brilliant, Brown Inca, White-whiskered Hermit, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, Toucan Barbet, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Pacific (Buffy) Tuftedcheek, Rufous-rumped Antwren, Esmeraldas Antbird, Orange-breasted Fruiteater, Choco Warbler, Indigo Flowerpiercer, Black-chinned Mountain-tanager, Glistening-green, Lemon-rumped and Moss-backed Tanagers, and Golden-collared Honeycreeper (most of these birds can be seen at feeders).
By the Mashpi area, also possible to see: (Well over 100 species possible in a day) Rose-faced Parrot, Cloud Forest Pygmy-owl, Velvet-purple Coronet, Violet-tailed Sylph, Brown Inca, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, Empress Brilliant, Barred Puffbird, Orange-fronted, Red-headed and Toucan Barbets, Scarlet-backed Woodpecker (Mashpi Shungo), Pacific (Buffy) Tuftedcheek, Uniform Treehunter, Rufous-rumped Antwren, Esmeraldas Antbird, Narino Tapaculo, Orange-breasted Fruiteater, Club-winged (lek) and Golden-winged Manakins, Black Solitaire, Slaty-capped Shrike-vireo, Indigo Flowerpiercer, Black-chinned Mountain-tanager, Glistening-green, Grey-and-gold, Moss-backed, Ochre-breasted and Scarlet-browed Tanagers, and Yellow-collared Chlorophonia. Also, a chance of Rufous-crowned Gnat/Antpitta/soma (coming to chopped earthworms at Mashpi Shungo Chocolate Farm in late 2010s), Long-wattled Umbrellabird, Black-tipped Cotinga, Choco Vireo, Silver-throated Tanager and Yellow-green Bush-tanager.
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Day 3
Day 3
Visit Silanche and Milpe
Visit Silanche and Milpe areas where is possible to spot some birds of the lower forest. Berlepsch's Tinamou, as well as Pallid Dove, Blue-chested and Purple-chested Hummingbirds, Purple-crowned Fairy, Barred Puffbird, Orange-fronted and Red-headed Barbets, Choco Toucan, Cinnamon Woodpecker, Dot-winged and Moustached Antwrens, Stub-tailed Antbird, Brown-capped and Choco Tyrannulets, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Tawny-faced Gnatwren, Blue-whiskered, Grey-and-gold, Rufous-winged, Scarlet-browed and Tawny-crested Tanagers, and Scarlet-breasted, Scarlet-thighed and Yellow-tufted Dacnises. Also, a chance of Rufous-fronted Wood-quail and Lanceolated Monklet.
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Day 4
Day 4
Rare bird species on the route
23 de Junio in the morning and San Tadeo bird place in the afternoon. In this place, you can see countless species of the area. Species that can be found in this area: Long-wattled Umbrellabird - Cephalopterus penduliger, Ruddy Pigeon Columba subvinacea, Golden-headed Quetzal Pharomachrus auriceps, Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum nigiceps, Piratic Flycatcher Legatus leucophaius, Golden-faced Tyrannulet Zimmerius chrysops One-colored Becard
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Day 5
Day 5
Biriding in Mindo Cloud Forest
Early morning birwatching in the Mindo area (waterfall sanctuary) Green-fronted Lancebill, Violet-tailed Sylph, Velvet-purple Coronet, Rufous-breasted Antthrush, Slate-throated Gnatcatcher and Black-chinned Mountain-tanager. Also, a chance of Black-and-white Owl and Long-wattled Umbrellabird (mostly Aug-Dec). Finally, drop off in Quito.

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Day 1

Visiting Zuroloma is a fantastic way to experience the high Andes

Pick up from Quito at 5 am to head out northwest of Quito. Foothills of the Pichincha active volcano at 3,400m/11,154feet. Our exploration will begin at the top of the Andean choco reserve located above 3,000m/9,842 feet above sea level, in this ecosystem the species that can be found (depending on the time of year) are the following: Purple-backed Thornbill, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Golden-breasted and Sapphire-vented Pufflegs, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Undulated Antpitta, Ocellated Tapaculo, Barred Fruiteater, Black-chested Mountain-tanager, Golden-crowned and Grass-green Tanagers, and Blue-backed Conebill. Also, a chance of Imperial Snipe, and an outside chance of Black-breasted Puffleg (mostly May-Sep) and and Grey-browed (Stripe-headed) Brush-finch. Great opportunities to spot 3 antpita species. After this, we go to another reserve close to this area, this place will help us to have a break lunch and try to see some species of this height, since in the afternoon it is usually cloudy. In adittion, we can stop to visit the hummingbird sanctuary. overnight in Mindo area or similar.

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?

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

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.