Today we drive a few hours from Quito to the renowned Refugio Paz de las Aves. Here, an immersive cloud forest experience awaits, with easy walks along well-marked trails guided by your private guide. Keep an eye out for iconic birds such as antpittas and toucanets, and learn about the refuge’s conservation efforts while soaking in the sights and sounds of the forest. After lunch, we continue for about an hour to our comfortable lodge, where we’ll settle in, enjoy dinner, and take a night walk for a chance to encounter nocturnal wildlife.
Accommodations: Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today features an excursion to observe the Andean cock-of-the-rock, one of the most iconic birds of the Andes. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk along the trails near our lodge, immersing yourself in the rich biodiversity of the cloud forest.
Accommodations: Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, we visit the Pahuma Orchid Reserve for a short walk to admire waterfalls and stunning orchid displays. Next, we explore Mindo’s interactive butterfly garden, observing the four stages of a butterfly’s life and having the chance to feed one or more of the 25 possible species in a vibrant setting. We then visit a local chocolate factory to see the chocolate-making process and sample fine Ecuadorian cocoa. After lunch, we head to Alambi Reserve to watch hummingbirds before returning to our lodge for the evening.
Accommodations: Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

This morning we drive northwest to the Mitad del Mundo area at the equatorial line. Here, we walk along the rim of the extinct Pululahua volcanic crater and visit the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo complex, including the Ethnographic Museum and the Intiñan Museum. After lunch, we continue to Papallacta for the evening.
Accommodations: Termas de Papallacta
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

We depart early from Papallacta to the Antisana Reserve, where we can observe Andean condors. These enormous birds, the largest flying birds on the planet, soar through the sky in a truly unforgettable display. We’ll also make a short stop at Los Farallones del Isco, a rock wall where condors are often seen. We return to our hotel by evening.
Accommodations: Termas de Papallacta
Meals: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, and Dinner

This morning, we drive to the small Andean town of Cosanga about an hour and a half away from our hotel. Nestled among cloud forests and mountains, Cosanga offers excellent birding opportunities, with hummingbirds, toucans, and tanagers charismatic residents. You’ll also have the chance to experience local Andean rural life and cuisine. Mid-afternoon return to Papallacta with time to relax and pack before our Farewell Dinner at the hotel. We'll return to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in time for our overnight flights home.
Accommodations: Termas de Papallacta - Your room will be available until we transfer to the airport after dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Most flights back to the US depart very early, e.g. just after midnight the morning of October 24. If you would like to extend your stay in Ecuador, we can assist with those arrangements.