We depart Quito at 6:00 a.m., crossing the northern side of the city. Our journey leads us to visit the most premier places for birding and photo.

Alambi Reserve is an excellent destination for birdwatching, situated at an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters (4,920 feet). Its pleasant subtropical climate attracts a remarkable diversity of bird species that gather here daily, making it one of the most rewarding birding locations in the region. This unique combination of habitats creates ideal conditions for wildlife, offering visitors outstanding opportunities to observe hummingbirds, tanagers, toucans, and many other species in their natural environment. Iconic species in Alambi Reserve: - Black-capped Tanager - Torrent Tyrannulet - Buff-tailed Coronet - Purple-throated Woodstar - Violet-tailed Sylph - Crested Quetzal - White-capped Dipper - Russet-backed Oropendola, - White-throated Daggerbill - Spotted Barbtail, among others.

Nestled at more than 1,800 meters (5,900 ft) above sea level in Ecuador's breathtaking cloud forest, this premier birdwatching reserve is renowned for its incredible diversity of toucans, quetzals, trogons, and other spectacular bird species. Designed with wildlife photographers in mind, the reserve offers a professional photography hide where birds visit naturally every 5 to 10 minutes, creating outstanding opportunities to capture unforgettable images of Ecuador's remarkable avian wildlife. Icon Species in las Cotingas Bird Reserve: - Golden-headed Quetzal - Strong-billed Woodcreeper - Streak-capped Treehunter - Empress Brilliant - Beryl-spangled Tanager - Crested Guan - Tawny-bellied Hermit - Roadside Hawk - Pale-mandibled Aracari - Guayaquil Woodpecker - Toucan Barbet - Glistening-green Tanager - Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan - Roadside Hawk, among others

Recharge with a delicious local lunch in the picturesque town of Mindo before continuing your birdwatching adventure. Take time to explore its charming streets, browse local artisan shops, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this renowned cloud forest destination. It's the perfect opportunity to experience the hospitality, culture, and natural beauty that make Mindo one of Ecuador's most beloved ecotourism destinations.

La Victoriana Reserve is a private birdwatching reserve located near Nanegalito, in Ecuador's world-famous Andean Chocó Cloud Forest. Internationally recognized for its spectacular Andean Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus) lek, this reserve offers one of the best opportunities in Ecuador to observe and photograph this iconic species in its natural habitat. Imagine listening to the song of the Andean Cock-of-the-rock at dawn as the mist slowly lifts through the forest. Every tour is unique and offers the chance for an unforgettable encounter with bird species that many birdwatchers only dream of seeing.

After an unforgettable journey through Ecuador's Western Andes and the breathtaking Mindo Cloud Forest, it's time to relax on the scenic drive back. As your birdwatching adventure comes to an end, we'll comfortably return you to your hotel in Quito or provide a convenient drop-off at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), ensuring a smooth and hassle-free conclusion to your experience. Take home unforgettable memories, spectacular photographs, and an incredible bird list from one of the world's most biodiverse birdwatching destinations.