Cayambe-Coca National Park – High Andes Birdwatching

Explore the spectacular Cayambe-Coca National Park, one of Ecuador's premier High Andes birdwatching destinations. Surrounded by pristine Andean páramo, glacial lagoons, and breathtaking mountain landscapes, this unique ecosystem offers exceptional opportunities to observe and photograph some of Ecuador's most sought-after high-altitude bird species.

Keep your camera ready for specialties such as the Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, Black-backed Bush Tanager, Tyrian Metaltail, Blue-and-Black Tanager, Blue-mantled Thornbill, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, and Glossy Flowerpiercer, along with many other remarkable Andean birds. This is an unforgettable experience for birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and nature enthusiasts seeking the incredible biodiversity of Ecuador's eastern Andes.

Papallacta Pass is home to a diverse range of bird species adapted to the high-altitude paramo ecosystem. You'll find species that thrive in both the wet Andean highlands and nearby cloud forests.

Unique Bird Species: 

The area is known for sightings of rare and endemic species such as the  Shining Sunbeam,  Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, and Rainbow-bearded Thornbill. The combination of paramo and cloud forest habitats makes it an ideal spot for spotting a wide variety of birds.

High in the páramo grasslands of the Ecuadorian Andes, one of the most mysterious birds reveals itself at dusk and dawn—the Imperial Snipe (Gallinago imperialis). Known for its secretive habits and powerful display flights, this rare and range-restricted species can be found in only a handful of locations worldwide, and Papallacta Pass is among the best places to witness it.

Join our guided birding tour and experience the thrill of seeing the Imperial Snipe as it rises dramatically into the misty skies of the high Andes. Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to spot other high-elevation specialties, enjoy breathtaking mountain landscapes, and immerse yourself in the unique páramo ecosystem.

Whether you’re chasing lifers or simply want to enjoy one of Ecuador’s most magical birding experiences, Papallacta Pass offers an unforgettable adventure. Don’t miss the opportunity to add the Imperial Snipe to your list!

Top Birdwatching Spots in Papallacta Pass

Pick up from Quito city at 7 am. 

Papallacta Pass (La Virgen) (4,000 msl / 13,123 feet)

First stop to observe the best species of the high Andean mountains. Frequent birds found are the Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, the Bar-winged Cinclodes, the Stout-billed Cinclodes, the Many-striped Canastero, the Variable Hawk, and the Tawny Antpitta. Go down to the lakes, it is accessible to spot the Yellow-billed Pintail, the Andean Teal, and the Andean Gull.

Papallacta Antennas

Andean Teal, Blue-mantled Thornbill, Carunculated Caracara, Paramo Tapaculo, Andean Tit-Spinetail, White-chinned Thistletail, Grass Wren (Paramo). 

Cayambe-Coca National Park

Masked Mountain-Tanager, Glowing Puffleg, Blue-backed Conebill, Gray-browed Brushfinch, Tawny-breasted Antpitta, Black-backed Bush Tanager.

Guango Reserve

Tourmaline Sunangel, Collared Inca, Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Streaked Tuftedcheek, Pearled Treerunner, Azara's Spinetail, Mountain Cacique, Red-hooded Tanager, Blue-backed Conebill, Gray-hooded Bush Tanager

What to bring?

Comfortable color dark clothing, hiking shoes, light rain poncho, rain/wind jacket, a cap, sun protector, sun glasses, binoculars, photography equipment.