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Zuroloma Photo and Bird Watching Private Tour: Experience High Andean Montane Forest Ecosystem
5.0
10 Ratings
Quito
Immerse yourself in the unique high Andean montane forest ecosystem of Zuroloma on a private tour. Discover its biodiversity, climate, and topographic conditions while supporting local conservation efforts.
Immerse yourself in the unique high Andean montane forest ecosystem of Zuroloma on a private tour. Discover its biodiversity, climate, and topographic conditions while supporting local conservation efforts.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Quito - Begin your journey with a pick-up from your accommodation in Quito or the airport area at 6:00 am. Your private guide will provide a briefing on the exciting day ahead and answer any questions you may have before heading towards Zuroloma Reserve.
- Zuroloma Birding - A one-hour drive will take you to Zuroloma Reserve, situated northwest…
- Quito - Begin your journey with a pick-up from your accommodation in Quito or the airport area at 6:00 am. Your private guide will provide a briefing on the exciting day ahead and answer any questions you may have before heading towards Zuroloma Reserve.
-
Zuroloma Birding - A one-hour drive will take you to Zuroloma Reserve, situated northwest of Quito along the renowned Hummingbird Route. Discover the reserve and its surroundings, featuring breathtaking views of the lush Andean cloud forest and snow-capped volcanoes stretching into the distance. Be captivated by the vibrant hummingbirds that will surely capture your attention.
Delight in the opportunity to observe and photograph otherwise elusive species that are commonly seen in the reserve, such as the Chestnut-naped Antpitta, Rufous Antpitta, the remarkable Sword-billed Hummingbird, Sapphire-vented Puffleg, Blue-capped Tanager, and many more! Enjoy a delicious lunch at the reserve.
Support local development and conservation efforts with your visit by contributing to initiatives that combat agricultural conversion and other forms of habitat degradation.
- Quito - After lunch and a final look at the stunning cloud forest, you’ll begin your return journey to Quito. The tour concludes with a drop-off at your accommodation.
What's Included
- Entrance fees
- Lunch with soft drink
- Private transportation
- Certified, bilingual naturalist & birding guide
- All activities
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Entrance fees
- Lunch with soft drink
- Private transportation
- Certified, bilingual naturalist & birding guide
- All activities
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
What's Not Included
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Zurloma is situated amidst the elevations of a high Andean mountain forest, a unique ecosystem distinguished from others globally. With a knowledgeable guide at your side, you will delve into an exceptional environment characterized by its distinct biodiversity, climate, and topography, ensuring an unparalleled ecological adventure; it’s a perfect spot…
Zurloma is situated amidst the elevations of a high Andean mountain forest, a unique ecosystem distinguished from others globally. With a knowledgeable guide at your side, you will delve into an exceptional environment characterized by its distinct biodiversity, climate, and topography, ensuring an unparalleled ecological adventure; it’s a perfect spot for devotees of nature, avid bird watchers, and dedicated photographers!
Your patronage contributes to a sustainable alternative revenue for the residents who manage this conservation endeavor, an invaluable undertaking that combats the tendencies toward agricultural transformation and other forms of habitat deterioration.
- 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 required for billing purposes (local tax exemption)
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Let us know if you are prone to altitude sickness
Location
Quito
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(10 Ratings)
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Rachel_r
Jun 11, 2025
This was a wonderful... - This was a wonderful excursion. Zuro Loma Reserve was a fantastic place to view and photograph birds that I had never seen before, especially hummingbirds. The guide, Santiago, was extremely knowledgeable about both birds and photography, and helped me get some great pictures.
Review provided by Viator
Angelicas517
Dec 22, 2023
UNFORGETTABLE!!!! - An unforgettable experience, led by an extraordinary guide!, Santiago Salazar from @Neotropicalnaturebirding. I mega-recommend them!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mike_t
Aug 30, 2023
Santiago worked hard to... - Santiago worked hard to find us a number of good birds and to ensure we had a great experience in Zuroloma.
Review provided by Viator
Claudette_c
Apr 9, 2023
Knowledgeable Guide and lots of birds - Santiago was a wonderful guide who knows where all the birds are! He was very knowledgeable about the birds and his country! The meal he arranged at the reserve was delicious and Ecuadorian! I would highly recommend this tour to anyone!
Review provided by Viator
Nomad740297
Feb 5, 2023
An excellent day trip within easy reach of Quito - We chose the Zuroloma Reserve private day trip as it fit perfectly with our schedule and offered a relaxed itinerary focused on observing and photographing some of the local birds with the added benefit of introducing us to the lush forest above Quito. This turned out to be an excellent choice of locations, offering stunning views and abundant bird species - all of which were new to us. Neotropical Nature and Birding proved to be a great find. They responded promptly to our inquiries and provided thorough information. Our guide, Santiago Salazar, was extremely knowledgeable and very personable, making the day particularly enjoyable.
We were so pleased with our initial Neotropical tour that we scheduled a 2nd tour with them and explored the Antisana Ecological Reserve area, and upon our return to the states we immediately began researching an extended trip with Neotropical Nature and Birding. That’s about the highest endorsement I can offer for this operator.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
614catm
Feb 3, 2023
Birding with a View!!! - After driving for approx 1 hour outside of Quito along a fairly rugged, steep road, we arrived at this former farmstead. The views along the way and at the reserve were magnificent! Upon arrival, we walked down a short path to an observation area where we were able to watch and photograph a variety of birds including diverse hummingbird species, flower piercers,, Antpittas Andean guans, a scarlet-bellied mountain tanager etc. We were able to take our time and never felt rushed. It was awesome. After the birdwatching/ photography, we had lunch at a very quaint local restaurant that boasted a variety of local delights. Super yummy !!! Would highly recommend this experience, company and tour guide (Santiago)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sarahpriggen
May 30, 2022
Zuroloma. : Superb photography set up in a beautiful location - My trip to Zuroloma was organised at short notice after another tour company let me down. They actually did me a big favour as otherwise I would not have found Neotropical and my amazing guide, Santiago Salazar.
Zuroloma was set up very well with a sheltered viewing platform next to feeders attracting an amazing number and variety of species, mainly hummingbirds with a stunning backdrop . We spent much of the day at the feeders and then went for a short hike in the hills. Santiago's identification skills are excellent but he was also great company and good to chat to (and very patient with my Spanish which I wanted to try). I can't speak highly enough of this experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Csummers3
Apr 11, 2022
Holy Zuroloma! - Santiago took us to Zuroloma and knew every bird that flew in to feed. It was like travelling with an encyclopedia. He's very involved with nature and conservation and his love of nature. I highly recommend Santiago for any nature trip. Bring a tripod for photography. Zuroloma was amazing, all sorts of birds came in. He made an ebird list for us and we saw 28 different species at this one location! We were also served breakfast by the Zuroloma staff while observing hummingbirds. Amazing experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Spudwell
Jan 8, 2022
Zuroloma was excellent! - Excellent setup for photographers with some really great birds to photograph there. Really do a wonderful job, and one of top spots to visit on the Western slopes for birding. Easily one of my favorite locations from my trip to Ecuador.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Somnath
Jan 6, 2022
Zuroloma: Hummingbirds, antpittas, and much more - This was an awesome day. Overall, very productive for hummingbird photography and at least a couple of rare antpittas. My guide from Neotropical, Santiago, had an excellent relationship with the owner of Zuroloma which might have helped us doing some studio type photoshoots of the many hummingbird species that were present in a natural setting with flower and sugar doping, including the sword billed hummingbird. Afterward, the owner of the property took us to a place on his property in search of a purple backed thorn bill, an exceptionally beautiful hummingbird that does not visit feeders. We also saw some other birds there including brush finches and burrowing owls.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
