Day 1:
It’s time to leave Quito behind and embark on an exciting adventure! We’ll start early to make the most of our day, as we plan to explore a variety of unique habitats. Our journey to Guango Lodge will begin by passing through the drier central valley, where we’ll encounter a mix of agricultural landscapes and native chaparral forests. As we ascend sharply into the high-altitude paramo—a region often swept by winds—we’ll keep an eye out for several bird species. Among the highlights we’ll hope to spot are the elusive Andean Condor, Carunculated Caracara, Andean Gull, Black-tailed Trainbearer, Scrub and Blue-and-yellow Tanagers, and Southern Yellow-Grosbeak.

This is a day to have your camera ready, as the scenery is truly spectacular on clear days. The snow-capped Volcán Antisana dominates the horizon, set against vast high Andean landscapes that create a stunning backdrop for birding. Known to birders as Papallacta Pass, this area is teeming with paramo birdlife. With good weather, we may encounter species like Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, Ecuadorian Hillstar, Tawny Antpitta, Many-striped Canastero, White-chinned Thistletail, Red-rumped Bush-Tyrant, Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant, Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant, various seedeaters, and—if we’re lucky—Giant Conebill, which can sometimes be found in the Polylepis woodlands.

Papallacta Pass sits right on the continental divide, and after our paramo exploration, we’ll descend toward Guango Lodge along the eastern slope, now within the Amazon drainage. Along the way, we’ll pass through beautiful high-elevation temperate forests, where we’ll stop to enjoy the bird activity. Possible sightings here include Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Viridian Metaltail, Red-crested Cotinga, and Black-backed Bush-Tanager, among others. We’ll arrive at Guango Lodge in the late afternoon or early evening, just in time to enjoy the hummingbird feeders, bustling with species like Tourmaline Sunangel, Sword-billed Hummingbird, and White-bellied Woodstar. A boxed lunch in the field will allow us to stay flexible with our birding plans throughout the day.

At dinner, we’ll gather by the cozy, crackling fireplace and savor our first taste of Ecuador’s famous hot toddy, “Canelazo,” made with cinnamon, fruit juice, and a touch of cane alcohol—a perfect way to warm up after a day in the cool highlands. If the weather cooperates, we’ll venture out for some night birding, hoping to spot owls or other nocturnal species. Overnight at Guango Lodge.