The Tandayapa Valley is at an elevation of 6000-6900 ft on the west slope of the Andes northwest of Quito. The valley is one of the most accessible and widely popular birding destinations in South America. Two major lodges accommodate birders, the Tandayapa Bird Lodge and the Bellavista Lodge, the latter at a higher elevation in Tandayapa Pass than the former. Birding around Bellavista is described on a separate webpage on this site.
The best birding in the lower elevations of the valley are at Tandayapa Bird Lodge. The hummingbird feeders can attract over 20 species, some every day and others less frequently. Trails through the private cloud forest reserve offer access to forest species. These trails are probably the most reliable place on earth to see White-faced Nunbird, but even so the bird is rare and often not seen. A hide near the lodge offers easy early morning viewing. Birding is even great from the balcony of the lodge. Additional birding opportunities abound along the Nono-Mindo Road itself as one travels through the valley.
