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BIRDING IN THE CLOUDS: PAZ DE LAS AVES ANTPITTAS –MINDO TOUCANS & TANAGERS

Andean Cock-of-the-rock © Juan Carlos Crespo

Giant Antpitta © Juan Carlos Crespo

Explore the biodiverse Chocó Biosphere Reserve, home to over 400 bird species. This trip combines biodiversity, sustainability, and breathtaking scenery in one of Ecuador’s top ecotourism spots.

Location & Overview:

  • Highlights: Paz de las Aves Refuge, famous for wild Antpittas feeding (rare and elusive birds) and great place to watch Andean Cock-of-the-rock Lek, where males display their vibrant red plumage in a competitive courtship ritual. Mindo Cloud Forest, renowned as the ‘World Birding Capital’ for its exceptional bird diversity (over 400 species). Combines breathtaking landscapes with wildlife conservation, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
  • Habitats: High and low cloud forest foothills.
  • Location: Northwest Andes (~1.5 hours from Quito). Elevation ranges from 3900 to 7300 feet above sea level.
  • Biodiversity: ~ 400 species

KEY BIRDING SPOTS:

1. Paz de las Aves Refuge

  • Target birds: Andean Cock of the Rock, Giant Antpitta, Yellow-breasted Antpitta, Ochre breasted Antpitta, Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, Golden-headed Quetzal,  Toucan Barbet, Lyre-tailed Nightjar, Cloud-forest Pygmy Owl, Velvet-purple Coronet, Brown Inca, Violet-tailed Sylph, Empress Brilliant, tanagers like Blue-winged Mountain Tanager, Flame-faced, Black-capped Tanager, and many others.

2. Mindo Town and its Surroundings

  • Target birds: Sunbittern, Chocó Toucan, Yellow-throated Toucan, Crested Guan, Coopman’s Elaenia, Yellow-tailed Oriole, Olivaceous Piculet, Scarlet-rumped Cacique, Guayaquil Woodpecker, Plain-brown Woodcreeper, Buff-fronted Foliage-Gleaner, Pacific Hornero, Scrub Blackbird, Masked Water-Tyrant, and many others.

Sunbittern © Juan Carlo Crespo

Chocó Toucan © Juan Carlos Crespo

By late afternoon, you’ll be transported back to your hotel or the airport in Quito, concluding your birding expedition.

Tour Logistics:

  • 5:00 AM pick-up from Quito hotel/airport
  • Late afternoon drop-off in Quito.

Recommended Gear

  • Warm layers (mornings are cold at mountain forest).
  • Binoculars & camera (antpittas and tanagers are a highlight!).
  • Waterproof gear (cloud forest weather can change quickly).
  • Sunscreen and hat.

Inclusions

  • Private transport.
  • Private birding guide.
  • Entrance fees.
  • Drinking water.
  • Meals (box breakfast and lunch).

Exclusions

  • Tips for guides, drivers, etc. are not included

If you have any questions or need further assistance about this tour, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Thank you very much for choosing Macaw Birding, and we look forward to providing you with exceptional experience!!!!!.

Contact

Juan Carlos Crespo

Mobile: (+ 593) 985800580
Email: juancarloscrespo@macawbirding.com

Quito, Ecuador

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