Mashpi Amagusa Tour – Bird Ecuador’s West Slope

Embark on an exciting day of birdwatching as you journey through the Andean cloud forests of Ecuador. The day begins early with a visit to Zuro Loma Reserve, located at 3,114 meters on the slopes of the majestic Pichincha Volcano. The landscape will take your breath away as you spot birds like the Sword-billed Hummingbird and the rare Chestnut-naped Antpitta. This reserve is part of the Chocó Andino Biosphere, an ecological sanctuary teeming with life and biodiversity. Take advantage of excellent photography opportunities to capture these species in their natural habitat.

We continue along the historic Nono-Tandayapa road, with a stop at Flor de Arrayán Reserve. There, you’ll enjoy lunch surrounded by nature, while hummingbirds like the Velvet-purple Coronet and the White-bellied Woodstar visit the feeders, offering unique birdwatching moments. Afterwards, we follow the Paseo del Quinde Ecoroute to the Tandayapa Valley, where the cloud forest envelops us in its magic.

Located at 1,953 meters in the heart of the Tandayapa Valley, Guaycapi Lodge is a perfect retreat for bird and nature lovers. This lodge offers a unique experience with strategically placed feeders that attract an incredible variety of species.

In the morning, we’ll head to the Guaycapi light trap, a prime spot for observing species such as the Plate-billed Mountain Toucan, Violet-tailed Sylph, and the majestic Golden-headed Quetzal. It’s an excellent opportunity to capture stunning photographs of these magnificent birds.

After enjoying breakfast, we’ll further explore the feeders and the surrounding areas of the lodge, home to an impressive diversity of birds that will surprise you at every turn.

In the afternoon, we’ll continue our journey, always on the lookout for birds that may appear along the way. Our next stop will be at Finca La Victoriana in Santa Elena, an excellent spot to observe and photograph the spectacular Andean Cock-of-the-rock in its natural habitat.

Today we dedicate the entire day to Mashpi Amagusa, a fascinating destination for birdwatching and photography enthusiasts. Located on the northwestern slopes, Mashpi Amagusa is home to 24 Chocó endemic species, within a uniquely biodiverse ecosystem. This natural refuge stretches across a moss-draped humid forest where up to 283 bird species can be observed, making it a must-visit location for bird lovers.

You’ll be welcomed by Sergio and Doris, along with their three children, who work together in the conservation of this reserve. They’ll greet you warmly and help set up natural perches so you can capture spectacular images of the local birds. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the hummingbird garden, a space where you can observe these small, vibrant creatures up close as they feed and interact.

As night falls, we invite you to take a short walk in the dusk to observe the various frog species that inhabit the area, rounding out a day full of surprises and unforgettable moments in nature.

We’ll head out early to begin our day in Guayabillas. The name comes from “guayaba,” a tropical fruit common in the region, and “billas,” referring to a place or area. In this natural setting along the road, we’ll have the opportunity to observe species such as the Flame-faced Tanager and the Scarlet-browed Tanager.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to the Sachaguatusa Reserve, an inspiring initiative created by Willi and Claudia, two passionate conservationists dedicated to protecting the flora and fauna of the Chocó Andino. With a deep commitment to nature, they have developed sustainable alternatives to generate income through birdwatching tourism.

We’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at the reserve and, while taking in the surroundings, wait for the chance to spot and photograph incredible species such as the Emerald Tanager, the majestic Chocó Toucan, and the vibrant Orange-fronted Barbet.

We’ll start the day early, departing from Mashpi Amagusa toward one of the most iconic destinations along the Northwest Route: Paz de las Aves, located at approximately 1,600 meters in the heart of the Chocó Andino. This refuge has become a must-visit for birdwatching enthusiasts and biodiversity conservation advocates. At Paz de las Aves, brothers Ángel and Rodrigo Paz, former local farmers, have transformed their lives by dedicating themselves to conservation and nature tourism. They are pioneers in the technique of hand-feeding several elusive bird species, which has led to remarkable success in observing rare and local species.

With 458 bird species recorded, Paz de las Aves has earned a prominent place on eBird as one of the top birdwatching hotspots in the Neotropics, making it a key reference for local conservation. Here, visitors can observe unique Chocó species in their natural habitat, creating a one-of-a-kind experience for nature and bird photography enthusiasts.

In the afternoon, we’ll continue our journey with a visit to the Punto Ornitológico de Mindo, a world-renowned destination and one of the best places for birdwatching in Ecuador. This site is famous for its biodiversity, offering a rich birding experience in the heart of the tropical Andes.

To end the day, we’ll enjoy a fascinating chocolate tour, where you’ll learn all about the process of making Ecuadorian chocolate. From harvesting the cacao to transforming it into high-quality chocolate bars, this activity reveals the secrets behind one of the country’s most cherished products, renowned worldwide for its unique flavor.

We’ll begin the morning at Sachatamia Lodge, a natural retreat near Mindo dedicated to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity on the western slopes of the Andes. This sanctuary stands out for its mission to reforest degraded areas with native species, promoting the recovery of key ecosystems. Sachatamia is home to over 220 certified bird species, including an impressive 35 species of hummingbirds, making it a prime destination for birdwatching enthusiasts.

One of the most fascinating highlights of this reserve is the Umbrellabird lek—a unique site where you can witness the spectacular courtship displays of this remarkable species in its natural habitat. The rich variety of birds that inhabit this sanctuary offers visitors the chance to capture truly unique images in a pristine, vibrant environment.

After lunch, we’ll head to Milpe, a private reserve located in the foothills of the Andes. This destination offers a completely different birding experience thanks to its unique microclimate, which makes it home to exceptional species. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to observe birds such as the Club-winged Manakin, the Golden-winged Manakin, and a wide variety of hummingbirds, including the Green-crowned Brilliant and the Green Thorntail. It’s also common to see the majestic Swallow-tailed Kite soaring through the open skies.

To conclude our adventure, we’ll head to Silanche, one of the last remaining tropical forest remnants in the lowlands of the Ecuadorian Chocó. Located between 300 and 350 meters above sea level, this sanctuary is ideal for birdwatching—especially from its observation tower, where you can spot mixed flocks filled with Chocó endemic species.

This unique ecosystem, among the most threatened in the country, is home to rare and fascinating species such as the Scarlet-browed Dacnis and the Scarlet-breasted Dacnis, making it an unmissable destination for birders. Through this experience, you’ll immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of one of Ecuador’s most important ecosystems.

Finally, we’ll end our day at Frutti Tour, an ecological project launched in 2022 through the efforts of Marcelo and his daughter. This site is perfect for continuing birdwatching while enjoying a pristine natural setting, establishing itself as an essential destination for birding enthusiasts.