2011 Ecuador Andes Birding Tour

TOUR OVERVIEW

Our 13-day birding tour of northern Ecuador covers both western and eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains. Many Ecuadorian birds are restricted to narrow altitudinal zones, some on both western and eastern slopes and others on only one slope or the other. By birding both slopes we'll see more species than is otherwise possible. Tour highlights include an Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek, several species of rare antpittas conditioned to come into the open for food, perhaps 60 species of hummingbirds, 60 species of tanagers, Choco endemics of the western Andes, a chance of seeing Andean Condor above Papallacta Pass, the mysterious "San Isidro" Owl that may be new to science, and many subtropical specialties at Wild Sumaco. We'll stay in first rate hotels and ecolodges while enjoying excellent meals throughout the tour.

The tour ends on a Friday so we're offering a one-day extension on Saturday to Antisana Reserve, best place in Ecuador to find Andean Condor (price $275 dbl occ). Antisana is also the best place to find the endangered Black-faced Ibis and Carunculated Caracara.

PHOTOS OF SOME POSSIBLE SPECIES ON TOUR

TOUR ITINERARY

DATE	ACTIVITY	MEALS	ACCOMMODATIONS
1-Sun 11/13	Arrive in Quito.	None	Hotel Sebastian
2-Mon 11/14	Transfer and bird Tandayapa Reserve.	BLD	Tandayapa Bird Lodge
3-Tue 11/15	Bird Tandayapa Reserve. Visit Oilbird site. Transfer to Septimo Paraiso.	BLD	Hosteria Septimo Paraiso
4-Wed 11/16	Bird Rio Silanche Sanctuary.	BLD	Hosteria Septimo Paraiso
5-Thu 11/17	Bird Milpe Sanctuary and Bellavista Reserve.	BLD	Bellavista Lodge
6-Fri 11/18	Bird Refugio Paz.	BLD	Hotel Sebastian
7-Sat 11/19	Bird Papallacta Pass and Guango Reserve.	BLD	Guango Lodge
8-Sun 11/20	Bird Guango Reserve. Transfer to Wild Sumaco.	BLD	Wild Sumaco Lodge
9-Mon 11/21	Bird Wild Sumaco Reserve.	BLD	Wild Sumaco Lodge
10-Tue 11/22	Bird Wild Sumaco Reserve and Loreto Road.	BLD	Cabanas San Isidro
11-Wed 11/23	Bird San Isidro Reserve.	BLD	Termes de Papallacta
12-Thu 11/24	Bird Papallacta Water Plant Road. Transfer to Quito.	BLD	Hotel Sebastian
13-Fri 11/25	International flights home or 1-day extension to Antisana Reserve (not included in tour price).	B	None

TOUR MAP

TOUR DESCRIPTION

DAY 1 - QUITO

International flights arrive by evening. Everyone meets at the Hotel Sebastian, reached by taxi from the airport. Those arriving a day early have free time to explore the city. Night in Quito.

DAY 2 - TANDAYAPA BIRD LODGE

Depart early for Tandayapa Bird Lodge in the Tandayapa Valley on the western slope of the Andes, arriving around lunch. En route bird the Old Nono-Mindo Road, concentrating on specialties of the higher elevation scrub not likely found in the valley below. Tandayapa Bird Lodge is perhaps the best place in the world to see hummingbirds, and we'll spend mid-day watching them come to feeders outside the dining area. Some 22 species have been recorded there and around 15 can be seen on a single visit. Remainder of afternoon birding a trail near the lodge. Night at Tandayapa Bird Lodge.   Show Possible Species

DAY 3 - TANDAYAPA & OILBIRD SITE

Morning bird trails on lodge property. The best trails are the Potoo Trail that circles the ravine below the lodge and the Antpitta Trail that goes up the ridgeline. A primary target bird is the Choco endemic Beautiful Jay, which is unlikely to be seen anywhere else. After early lunch, depart for a known Oilbird site, located about 45 minutes from Nanegalito on a side road off the main highway. In addition to looking for roosting Oilbirds, bird the road through forest en route. Mid-afternoon transfer to our lodge near Mindo, a short drive drive from Nanegalito downslope. Night at Septimo Paraiso.   Show Key Species

DAY 4 - RIO SILANCHE BIRD SANCTUARY & MIRADOR RIO BLANCO

Very early breakfast. Bird Mindo Junction near the lodge at dawn. Insects drawn to the streetlights bring in a nice collection of birds there. Then drive downslope to Rio Silanche Bird Sanctuary where specialty birds not present in the Mindo Valley can be found. All morning birding the fairly level, easy trails through the remnant forest protected by the reserve. Box lunch in the reserve. Mid-afternoon return to the lodge. View hummingbirds visiting feeders. Night at Septimo Paraiso.   Show Possible Species

DAY 5 - MILPE BIRD SANCTUARY & BELLAVISTA CLOUD FOREST

Morning birding in nearby Milpe Bird Sanctuary, a site somewhat higher in elevation than Rio Silanche. Trails along the forest edge and through the forest are easy walking. After lunch transfer to Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve, about an hour and a half drive from Los Bancos. Bellavista is located on a ridgeline between the Mindo and Tandayapa Valleys, and its higher elevation attracts several species absent from the valleys below. Afternoon view hummingbirds around the feeders and watch birds from the veranda overlooking the forest next to the restaurant. Night at Bellavista.   Show Possible Species

DAY 6 - REFUGIO PAZ

Very early morning visit to Refugio Paz to view Andean Cocks-of-the-Rock displaying on a lek in the understory. We must be there by first light so as not to disturb the birds. Then view several species of very rare antpittas its now famed owner, Angel Paz, has conditioned to come onto the trail for food. Then bird a trail through the forest, arriving at the top of the ridge for a mid-morning breakfast and hummingbird viewing. Return to Bellavista to relax. Mid-afternoon transfer to Quito, arriving before dark. Night at Hotel Sebastian in Quito.   Show Possible Species

DAY 7 - PAPALLACTA PASS

Depart for the eastern Andes, birding an altitudinal transect over Papallacta Pass. Stop in the Tumbaco Valley, a suburban area outside Quito, to look for Scrub Tanager. Continue up the pass, birding various sites along the main road and on side roads. At the crest of the pass drive up a gravel access road to the radio towers overlooking Quito. The adjoining Cayambe-Coca Reserve has been a good place to see Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe and a possible place to see Andean Condor, which sometimes soars over the valley. Arrive at Guango Lodge for late lunch. Afternoon view hummingbirds outside dining room. Night at Guango Lodge.   Show Possible Species

DAY 8 - GUANGO RESERVE & LORETO ROAD

Easy morning birding walk around the lodge grounds, which consist of gardens, forest edge, and a nearby whitewater river. Guango is at an elevation of 9000 ft and features high elevation specialties we won't see lower down. Plenty of birds will be there to keep us occupied. After a sumptuous lunch, depart for Wild Sumaco Lodge, arriving before dark. En route bird along the upper Loreto Road an altitudinal transect from temperate forest into subtropical forest. The transect will take all afternoon. Night at Wild Sumaco Lodge.   Show Possible Species

DAY 9 - WILD SUMACO RESERVE

All day birding private reserve around the lodge. The forested trails are the best place in Ecuador for several otherwise difficult birds to see. The habitat is subtropical and temperatures are generally quite warm by mid day. Hence, we'll bird trails early morning and late afternoon. During mid-day view hummingbirds at feeders and relax. Night at Wild Sumaco Lodge.   Show Possible Species

 

 

DAY 10 - WILD SUMACO RESERVE & SAN ISIDRO

Early morning birding around Wild Sumaco reserve. After breakfast depart for San Isidro, birding en route along Loreto Road. Arrive at San Isidro by lunch. Late afternoon view hummingbirds at feeders and bird near the lodge. In early evening take an optional excursion back upslope to a road cut where Lyre-tailed Nightjar often perch on the ledges. After dinner look for the mysterious "San Isidro" Owl, a bird intermediate in plumage between Black-and-white Owl and Black-banded Owl. No one quite knows what this owl is. It may be a separate species or sub-species new to science. The owl is usually present and easily seen around the lodge walkways. Night at Cabanas San Isidro.   Show Possible Species:

DAY 11 - SAN ISIDRO RESERVE

Our morning begins before first light, when we'll look for Rufous-bellied Nighthawks hawking insects around the parking lot lights. Next on the agenda are Chestnut-crowned and White-bellied Antpittas, which the local guides have conditioned to come into the open for food. Remainder of day bird along roads and trails through the lodge's large private forest reserve. At mid-day view hummingbirds around feeders. After lunch depart for Papallacta and the resort hotel there. En route bird the Bermejo River Road through a rural area with small farms and forest patches. This is an excellent place to look for guans, Powerful Woodpecker, and other temperate forest birds. Arrive before dark. Night at Termes de Papallacta.   Show Possible Species

DAY 12 - PAPALLACTA WATER PLANT ROAD & TRANSFER

A major reason to stay at Termes de Papallacta one night is it puts us within walking distance of the road into the Papallacta Water Plant. The road is closed to the public but we can gain access by making arrangements in advance. The water plant road passes through high elevation scrub habitat where it's possible to see a number of specialty birds. We'll spend the morning birding there before transferring back to Quito. En route back we'll look for any birds we may have missed earlier in Papallacta Pass. Night at Hotel Sebastian in Quito.   Show Possible Species

DAY 13 - END OF TOUR

Tour ends with breakfast at the hotel. International flights home unless taking 1-day extension to Antisana Reserve the following day (contact us for details).

ACCOMMODATIONS DURING TOUR

HOTEL SEBASTIAN

Hotel Sebastian is an elegant hotel located in the heart of New Town in Quito just 15 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes from Colonial Quito. It offers a warm and cozy atmosphere where guests can relax and enjoy their stay. The Bar Cafe offers informal dining while the Mistral Restaurant on the premises offers exquisite Ecuadorian and international cuisine. Rooms are nicely decorated, roomy, and full of light. They feature queen or twin beds, cable TV, and private bath with hot water showers.

TANDAYAPA BIRD LODGE

Tandayapa Bird Lodge claims to be the only hotel in the world designed by birders, owned by birders, and run by birders for birders. It was built in a pasture at the top of a steep driveway in the Tandayapa Valley. Plantings since the lodge was built in 1999 have converted much of the pasture back into forest. The lodge owns the best remnant tract of forest remaining in the Tandayapa Valley. It operates several hummingbird feeders around the veranda which attract 18-25 species of hummingbirds. It is probably the best place in the world to see hummingbirds, and for that reason it is visited by bird photo groups as well as birders. Trails above the lodge and around the ravine below the lodge offer spectacular birding. The lodge itself is quite comfortable and consists of a main dining area and 12 bedrooms with spacious balconies. A separate building below the main building has several additional rooms. All rooms feature hot water, electricity, and private bathroom. Most rooms have 2 double beds and a private balcony.

HOSTERIA SEPTIMO PARAISO

Hosteria Septimo Paraiso is conveniently located near the village of Mindo on the western slope of the Andes in Ecuador. The grounds include a private forested 340 hectare nature reserve that is available for exclusive use by its guests. The lodge is environmentally oriented and very comfortable, with paneled walls and polished wood floors. It offers a relaxing atmosphere and fine home-cooked meals in a dining area on the ground floor. Rooms are spacious and comfortable. They feature double or twin beds, views of the nearby forest and gardens, private bath, and hot water showers. Some rooms are in the main lodge while others are in private cabins located not far from the lodge via covered walkways.

 

BELLAVISTA CLOUD FOREST LODGE

Bellavista Cloud Forest is a private nature reserve and lodge located on a ridge between the Mindo and Tandayapa Valleys on the western slope of the Andes. The lodge is a 4-story geodesic dome that affords guests a view of the forest canopy from above as well as a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountain peaks. Meals are superb and feature vegetarian meals, chicken, and trout. Each double room in the dome features private baths and private balconies overlooking the forest. Additional rooms have been newly constructed along the entrance onto the property.

GUANGO LODGE

Guango Lodge is a relatively new lodge developed by the owners of Cabanas San Isidro. It is located near the town of Papallacta at an elevation of about 9000 ft. on the east slope of the Andes. The food is very good and unique. On cloudy (and rainy) days and at night, it can get cold, so it's a good idea to bring warm clothing and rain gear. Verandas offer very nice views. The dining room area features a sitting room with a fire place where visitors can sit and relax. Hummingbird feeders attract a wonderful variety of higher elevation species typical of the high Andes. Rooms are very charming and feature the original and typical arquitecture of the area. Walls are made out of stone while round roofs are made of wood. All rooms have 2 double beds and hot water showers.

WILD SUMACO

Wild Sumaco Lodge is a new lodge built by birders for birders. It is located in a subtropical area on the Sumaco Road, a side road off the lower Loreto Road not far south from the turnoff to Archidona. It has become well known among birders for some of the otherwise hard to see species that can be found on the property. The lodge features a guest area where visitors can relax at the end of the day and a dining room that serves good food, wine, beer, and mixed drinks. Rooms offer comfortable accommodations with two twin beds, private bath, and hotwater showers.

CABANAS SAN ISIDRO

 

HOTEL TERMES DE PAPALLACTA

Hotel Termes de Papallacta is a resort hotel located at the famed hotsprings outside the village of Papallacta. It is a popular weekend destination for Ecuadorians from Quito and is also conveniently located to birding locales on the upper eastern slope of the Andes. The hotel restaurant features excellent Ecuadorian and international cuisine. The 32 rooms are situated in 13 one- and two-story cabins around the hotsprings area. Each room is heated and features a fireplace, a nice amenity at 9000 ft in the Andes. Rooms have queen or twin beds, private bath, and hot-water showers.

TOUR LEADER

Laura L Fellows is co-founder of Exotic Birding LLC with Jim Wittenberger and conducts most of our tours as leader and tour coordinator. She has worked as a professional photographer since 1983. Laura's vision as a bird photographer is to portray birds and other animals as they live and behave in their natural environments. She published her vision of such "Environmental Portraits" in the December 2007 issue of Nature Photography magazine. Her photos have been used in biology textbooks and on professional websites. Before embarking on her current venture with Exotic Birding, Laura had 16 years professional experience as a commercial photographer and advertising studio manager for an internationally recognized studio in Atlanta. In that capacity she organized, coordinated and executed major photography assignments for numerous national advertising campaigns on location in the Caribbean, South America, Europe, and many states in the US. She founded and directed a photography workshop program in the Tuscany region of Italy, where she lived for 3 years. Through her efforts the workshop attracted many internationally renowned photographers as guest instructors. She speaks fluent Italian and is now gaining familiarity with Spanish. She has lectured as an invited speaker in the art department at the University of Georgia and many photo clubs, has exhibited her photographs in galleries, and has curated 5 photography exhibitions in the USA and Italy. Laura has enjoyed a life-long love and fascination for birds and nature. Some of her many photographs can be seen throughout our website.

BIRDING GUIDE

Charlie Vogt is an American-born expert on the birds of Ecuador who has been living in Ecuador for a number of years. He has participated in several expeditions to Peru and Boliva and knows the birds of those countries as well. Charlie is a major contributor of bird song recordings for Xenocantu.org, a bird song database. He has conducted bird surveys and prepared bird lists for many foundations and lodges in Ecuador and Bolivia. He conducted one of the first ornithological expeditions to Gran Sumaco, a new UNESCO biosphere reserve. He worked for 8 years in Harvard's Museum of Comparative Zoology and has a comprehensive knowledge of tropical botany and entomology. He has worked many years in environmental consulting and recently served as Academic Director for the Ecology program at the School for International Training in Ecuador. He has led numerous birding tour groups in Ecuador as a free-lance birding guide. His easy-going style and sense of humor make every tour a pleasurable as well as bird-rich experience.