• Parque Nacional Cayambe-Coca - Departing early from Quito at 7:30 am from the hotel, the journey covers approximately 65 km (41 miles) east of Quito. The road leads to the high-altitude paramo at the Papallacta pass, resembling a tundra-like environment. On clear days, the views of the surrounding landscapes and various volcanoes are stunning; a stop at the pass offers one of the best opportunities to photograph the snow-capped Antisana Volcano towering over the mountains below.

If the weather is favorable, it’s advisable to scan the sky for the Andean Condor, Variable Hawk, Carunculated Caracara, and Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, which may soar above. At the highest elevations, the elusive and cryptic Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe and other unique wildlife of this region can be found. Andean Bears inhabit this paramo, with special natural feeding sites where their presence is frequent throughout the year, sometimes close enough for excellent views and photographs.

• Guango Lodge - Later, the journey continues to Guango Reserve, where a hike along the trails around the lodge offers a glimpse of the beautiful Andean temperate forests, with hummingbirds capturing full attention. The cloud forest hosts the highest diversity of these winged jewels in the Americas. Colorful mixed flocks, including Lacrimose and Hooded Mountain Tanagers, Blue-backed Conebill, and Black-capped Hemispingus, can be observed around the lodge. There are opportunities to see very local birds like the stunning Gray Breasted Mountain-Toucan, Andean Guan, and Northern Mountain Cacique. Along the Papallacta River, the search is on for a unique resident of fast-flowing mountain rivers, a powerful swimmer, and diver: the Torrent Duck. This could certainly be one of the day’s highlights!

• Certified bilingual naturalist, birding, photography guide
• Coffee and tea at Guango
• Private transportation
• All activities
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off

• Gratuities
• Local Taxes (Only for Ecuadorians)
• Personal expenses
• Lunch

Discover an extraordinary array of Andean environments in just one day, ranging from the high-altitude páramo to the verdant cloud forest on the eastern slopes. At Papallacta Pass, take in sweeping vistas and excellent opportunities for landscape photography, along with the chance to spot high-altitude species in open areas. As you descend into Guango Cloud Forest Reserve, the emphasis shifts to close-up observation and photography, with feeders that frequently attract a variety of hummingbirds and other forest species.

This route provides a fruitful mix of habitats, lighting conditions, and bird activity, making it particularly rewarding for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers seeking both diversity and quality sightings.

Optional add-on: Conclude the day by unwinding in the thermal waters of Papallacta Hot Springs.

• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
• A small amount of walking is involved along trails with irregular terrain although if participants require longer hiking trails are available.
• Copy of passport of one of the group members is require for billing purposes (local tax exemption)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.