Tour Details
Depart from Quito past the valleys of Cumbaya and Tumbaco towards the Papallacta Pass at 13,448 feet (4,100 meters), the highest accessible point in Ecuador. It connects Quito with the eastern flanks of the Andes, which face the upper Amazon basin. Road birding along the way and at the Papallacta Pass. Snack en route. Arrival to Guango Lodge for lunch.
Guango Lodge is located at an elevation of 2,700 meters) on Ecuador's eastern Andes’ slopes, 11 kms from the main Inter Oceanic Highway, on a humid temperate forest, characterized by stunted trees with thick canopy. Afternoon, birding around Guango Lodge. Birds seen regularly include Andean Guan, Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Turquoise Jay, Scarlet-bellied, Lacrimose, Buff-breasted and Hooded Mountain-Tanagers, Gray-hooded Bush-Tanager, Black-headed, Black-capped and Black-eared Hemispingus and Slaty Brush-Finch. It’s hummingbird feeders attract a wide array of hummers. Dinner and overnight at Guango Lodge.
On day two, after early breakfast, observation of hummingbirds (Mountain Velvetbreast, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Tourmaline Sunangel, Golden-breasted and Glowing Pufflegs, Mountain Avocetbill, and White-bellied and Gorgeted Woodstars among many others); then birding in the lower Papallacta area and a light snack before returning to Quito.
Included
- One night accommodations
- Snack
- All meals
- Round trip land transportation and guide
Travel Facts
Dress in layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, and coat. This tour includes walking at altitudes of 2,700 meters (8858 feet). (Sun protection (SPF 40). Hat or cap. Good walking shoes and extra pairs of socks. Rain occurs throughout the year, although the climate is driest from May to September.
Temperature: Day 15° to 28° C / 59° to 82° F.
Night, average 10° to 15° C / 50° to 59° F
What to bring & wear
Your tour itinerary will have specific suggestions about what to bring. In general, bring the things you will need and leave unnecessary items at home. Casual attire is appropriate at all times on our birding tours. Wearing bright or light-colored clothing in the field is strongly discouraged. Waterproof or rubber boots that reach at least halfway to the knee are useful on many of our tours (check specific itineraries). All of our leaders carry a scope0. Bringing one of your own is optional. A water bottle, insect repellent, a hat, alarm clock, and snacks may also be useful.
Clothing
Dress is casual or informal throughout the tour. Lightweight field clothing is the norm for most areas visited, with a sweater or jacket for extra warmth. We suggest dark field pants and shirts for forest birding, and lightweight long-sleeved shirts that dry quickly (long sleeves are not essential, but offer additional protection from sun and biting insects). Please wear darker colors, not whites, and avoid startling patterns that frighten the birds. Also important are a hat and sunscreen for sun protection and a rain jacket, poncho, or umbrella. Good footwear is essential, and for this we strongly suggest sturdy mud boots or waterproof hiking boots. In any case, your footgear for the field should at the very least be rated “water-resistant,” as this is a damp climate. Even the dew on the roadside grass will get your feet wet!. At higher elevations the temperatures can be as low as the low 40s on occasion, and you should be prepared to layer for warmth with a warm, long-sleeved shirt, plus a warm jacket or sweater. You can shed layers as the day warms up (or add them as it cools down). Consider bringing gloves and a warm hat if you know that you chill easily. There is a strong likelihood that we will be out in at least some mist or light rain on the east-slope, so a waterproof jacket is needed.
Suggested reading material
- Ridgely, Robert S., and Paul Greenfield. The Birds of Ecuador, Vol. II: Field Guide. Cornell University Press, 2001.
- Hilty, Steven. Birds of Tropical America: a watcher’s introduction to behavior, breeding and diversity. University of Texas Press. 2005.
- 2004. Pearson, D. L. and L. Beletsky. Ecuador and its Galapagos: The Travellers' Wildlife Guide, 2nd edition. Interlink Press, Northampton, MA., 498 pp.
Birdwatching on the slopes of the Andean Ranges
Discover Ecuador’s amazing and unrivaled avifauna at our premier birding sites.
Discover Ecuador’s amazing and unrivaled avifauna at our premier birding sites. About the size of the United Kingdom or the State of Colorado in the U.S., Ecuador houses some 1600 species of birds --over half of the species in all of South America; Ecuador is home to the greatest bird diversity, like no other destination in the world.
Ecuador’s fascinating geography and unique landscapes, with easy and comfortable access to all areas, allows for bird watching in the montane and cloud forests surrounding the volcanoes in the high Andes, home to many endemic and stunning birds.
Exploring the Eastern or Western slopes of the Andes you will find different habitats and the greatest biodiversity known in our planet, guided by the most professional, highly experienced bird watching experts.
Departures are flexible, with carefully designed programs and excursions to provide maximum birding and nature experiences. Choose full day, one, two or more night excursions.
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