General Interest Tour
Nestled in the heart of Ecuador’s breathtaking Andes, Guango Lodge offers an unparalleled escape into a world of natural beauty, biodiversity, and avian wonders. 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.
Our adventure begins in Quito, where we’ll set off on a scenic route through dramatic landscapes, stopping at fascinating sites like rose plantations and high-altitude paramos. Along the way, you’ll experience the unique blend of culture, history, and nature that defines Ecuador. At Guango Lodge, surrounded by lush temperate forests and fed by crystal-clear rivers, you’ll find yourself in a birder’s paradise. The lodge’s feeders attract an array of vibrant species, including the remarkable Sword-billed Hummingbird, while trails lead to hidden orchids, towering trees, and serene vistas.
This tour also takes you to Cayambe-Coca National Park, one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, where you’ll have the chance to spot rare mammals like the Spectacled Bear and Mountain Tapir. Relaxation comes in the form of natural hot springs, while evenings are warmed by traditional Ecuadorian meals and the cozy charm of the lodge.
Whether you’re an avid birder, a lover of nature, or simply looking to reconnect with the tranquility of the outdoors, this 3-day escape to Guango Lodge is a celebration of Ecuador’s extraordinary landscapes and wildlife. Join us for an adventure that combines comfort, exploration, and the magic of discovery in one of the planet’s most remarkable regions.
Itinerary
Day 1: We’ll depart from Quito at 8:00 A.M., heading toward the Amazon watershed, where lush, biodiverse cloud forests await. Our first stop will be at a rose plantation, where you’ll have the chance to admire some of Ecuador’s most stunning and sought-after rose varieties. From there, we’ll ascend to the windswept paramos of Papallacta—a habitat reminiscent of the tundra. On clear days, the panoramic views of surrounding volcanoes are nothing short of breathtaking. One of the highlights will be stopping at the continental divide, which offers an ideal vantage point for photographing the towering, snow-capped Antisana Volcano.
After what might be a chilly morning, we’ll arrive at Guango Lodge in time for a warm, traditional Ecuadorian lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll explore trails that meander through the lodge’s surroundings, offering a glimpse into the enchanting Andean temperate forests and their vibrant avian inhabitants—look out for colorful mountain toucans and tanagers! 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—a perfect way to warm up. Overnight stay at Guango.
Day 2:
Ecuador boasts an impressive network of national parks, with several new additions in recent years. Among them is Cayambe-Coca, nestled in the mountains near Guango. This park spans diverse ecosystems, from high paramos to tropical forests, making it one of the most biologically rich areas on the planet. It’s one of the best places in Ecuador to spot elusive wildlife like the Culpeo Fox, Spectacled Bear, and Mountain Tapir—though patience and luck are key, as these creatures are shy. After a hearty breakfast, we’ll explore the park’s high grasslands and elfin woodlands, where we’ll have our best chance to see the majestic Andean Condor soaring overhead.
After a packed lunch amidst the scenic landscapes, we’ll unwind with a soothing soak in the natural hot springs of Papallacta—a perfect remedy for a potentially cold and windy day. We’ll return to Guango Lodge for dinner and spend our second night there.
Day 3:
After a buffet-style breakfast featuring exotic fruits, we’ll head to a nearby river to try our hand at trout fishing—who’s up for fresh trout for lunch? Depending on our success and patience, we’ll also leave time to marvel at the dazzling hummingbirds at the lodge’s feeders—an unforgettable sight for photographers and nature lovers alike. Keep an eye out for the remarkable Sword-billed Hummingbird! For those who prefer hiking, there’s a chance to explore a different trail near the lodge or visit the orchid garden right outside the lodge, where vibrant, showy orchids bloom.
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 aim to return to your hotels in Quito by late afternoon.
- 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
