General Interest Tour
Nestled in the heart of Ecuador’s Andean highlands, Guango Lodge offers a serene retreat surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and unparalleled biodiversity. This 2-day, 1-night tour is perfect for travelers seeking a short yet immersive escape into the cloud forests and paramos that make Ecuador a haven for nature enthusiasts. From vibrant hummingbirds to towering volcanoes, this journey is designed to connect you with the natural beauty and rich ecosystems of the Andes.
Our adventure begins in Quito, where we’ll set off on a scenic route through dramatic mountain landscapes, stopping along the way to explore fascinating highlights like rose plantations and windswept paramos. At Guango Lodge, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush temperate forests teeming with life. The lodge’s feeders attract an array of colorful birds, including the iconic Sword-billed Hummingbird, while trails lead to hidden orchids, tranquil rivers, and stunning vistas.
This tour also includes time to relax and recharge, whether it’s soaking in natural hot springs, savoring traditional Ecuadorian meals by a cozy fireplace, or simply taking in the peaceful ambiance of the lodge. Whether you’re a birder, a photographer, or simply someone looking to reconnect with nature, this 2-day escape to Guango Lodge promises a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and discovery. Join us for an unforgettable experience in one of Ecuador’s most enchanting destinations.
Itinerary
Day 1:
We’ll depart from Quito at 8:00 A.M., heading toward the Amazon watershed, with stunning paramos and biodiverse cloud forests as our destination. Our first stop along the way will be at a rose plantation, where you’ll have the chance to admire some of Ecuador’s most popular and spectacular rose varieties. From there, we’ll ascend to the majestic, windswept paramos of Papallacta—a habitat reminiscent of the tundra. On clear days, the views of the surrounding landscapes and volcanoes are breathtaking. One highlight will be stopping at the continental divide, which offers one of the best vantage points for photographing the towering, snow-capped Antisana Volcano as it dominates the horizon.
After what may have been a chilly morning, we’ll warm up with a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs of Papallacta—a perfect way to unwind after a cold and windy day. And the best part? All of this before lunch!
We’ll arrive at Guango Lodge in time to enjoy a delicious, traditional Ecuadorian lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll set out on a hike along the lodge’s trails, exploring the beautiful Andean temperate forests and their vibrant birdlife. Keep an eye out for colorful mountain toucans and tanagers—they’re sure to impress! Before dinner, we’ll gather by the cozy fireplace for a warm welcome and sip on Ecuador’s famous hot toddy, the “Canelazo.” Made with cinnamon-infused water, fruit juice, and a splash of cane alcohol, it’s the perfect drink to warm you up. Overnight stay at Guango Lodge.
Day 2:
After a hearty breakfast featuring exotic fruits, we’ll head to a nearby river to try our hand at trout fishing—who’s ready for fresh trout for lunch? Depending on our luck and patience, we’ll still have time to marvel at the dazzling hummingbirds at the lodge’s feeders—an unforgettable experience for photographers and nature lovers alike. The Sword-billed Hummingbird is always a favorite! For those who prefer hiking, there’s the option to explore a different trail near the lodge or visit the orchid garden just outside, where vibrant, showy orchids await.
After lunch and packing up, we’ll begin our journey back west, crossing the high pass. Weather permitting, we’ll make a couple of stops along the way—perhaps to hike through an ancient Polylepis forest (home to the world’s highest-altitude trees) or explore a high-elevation lake. We plan to return to your hotels in Quito by late afternoon.
Before heading back to Quito—or continuing onward into the Amazon lowlands—we’ll enjoy one final delectable lunch to wrap up our adventure.
- Lodging
- Meals (from lunch on the first day, to lunch on last day)
- Entrance fees for one visit to the rose plantation
- Papallacta hot springs and Cayambe-Coca National Park
- Bilingual naturalist guide (or Spanish-speaking, local birding guide) for three days limited to eight participants,
- Group transportation Quito-Guango-Quito
- Free fresh coffee, hot chocolate and variety of teas, including the famous “coca tea”
- Extra drinks (sodas, beers, wines, etc.)
- Private guide or transportation services
- Other personal expenses (telephone calls, laundry, etc.).
Prices are Per Person – 2026
Tours
Included in all rates
- Lodging
- Meals (from lunch on the first day, to lunch on last day)
- Entrance fees for one visit to the rose plantation
- Papallacta hot springs and Cayambe-Coca National Park
- Bilingual naturalist guide (or Spanish-speaking, local birding guide) for three days limited to eight participants,
- Group transportation Quito-Guango-Quito
- Free fresh coffee, hot chocolate and variety of teas, including the famous “coca tea”
Accommodation
Guango Lodge has 7 comfortable double rooms and 1 single room, all with private bathrooms, hot water and electricity. Our rooms are small but comfort has not been sacrificed. We have two social areas with coffee makers, tea and water all day long.
Guango Lodge strives to provide the best ecuadorian home-style food it can with special personalized attendance to each and every guest. Please be sure to advise Guango Lodge as to any specific dietary restrictions you may have (vegetarian, allergy, etc.) so that we can serve you the food you enjoy the most.
Guango Lodge & Reserve - Birding Tours
Full Birding Tour
2 Days – 1 Night
2 Days – 1 Night
Guango Lodge, a true gem nestled in the lush Andean cloud forests of Ecuador, offers an unparalleled experience for birding enthusiasts. This specially crafted 2-day, 1-night birding tour is designed to immerse you in one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, where vibrant avian life and breathtaking landscapes
General Interest Tour
2 Days – 1 Night
2 Days – 1 Night
This tour also includes time to relax and recharge, whether it’s soaking in natural hot springs, savoring traditional Ecuadorian meals by a cozy fireplace, or simply taking in the peaceful ambiance of the lodge. Whether you’re a birder, a photographer, or simply someone looking to reconnect with nature, this 2-day
General Interest Tour
3 Days – 2 Nights
3 Days – 2 Nights
This 3-day, 2-night tour is designed for nature enthusiasts, birders, and travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the rich ecosystems of Ecuador’s cloud forests and paramos. From soaring Andean Condors to dazzling hummingbirds, this journey promises unforgettable encounters with some of the country’s most iconic wildlife.
Full Birding Tour
3 Days – 2 Nights
3 Days – 2 Nights
Nestled in the heart of Ecuador’s breathtaking Andean highlands, Guango Lodge offers an unparalleled experience for birders and nature enthusiasts alike. This 3-day/2-night itinerary is thoughtfully designed to immerse you in the rich biodiversity of Ecuador’s temperate cloud forests, windswept paramos, and lush river valleys. From the vibrant hummingbirds that
