Birding Tour
Embark on a specially curated 3-day, 2-night journey tailored for passionate birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts eager to discover one of Ecuador’s most dynamic cloud forest environments. Nestled just a short drive from Quito, the Maquipucuna Reserve is a lesser-known treasure where the Andes transition into the Amazon basin, forming a rich ecological bridge bursting with birdlife.
This immersive birding tour gives you the chance to encounter some of the region’s most iconic species—from vibrant toucans and dazzling tanagers to glittering hummingbirds. Keep your eyes peeled for rare sightings such as the striking plate-billed mountain-toucan and the brilliantly colored scarlet-bellied mountain-tanager . With experienced local guides, early morning walks, and well-placed viewing spots—including a canopy tower and hummingbird feeding stations—you’ll enjoy excellent opportunities to observe and capture images of birds in their natural surroundings.
More than just a lodge, Maquipucuna is committed to conservation. While offering cozy lodging and hearty meals, it actively supports vital initiatives aimed at safeguarding this delicate ecosystem. Each visit plays a role in protecting the extraordinary biodiversity that defines this special place.
Whether you’re an experienced birder or just beginning your birdwatching journey, this adventure promises rewarding encounters, peaceful forest settings, and a meaningful connection with nature.
It’s time to take flight—your Andean birding expedition starts now.
Itinerary
Day 1:
Enjoy the changing scenery from dry landscapes to the stunning and lush virgin cloud forests of Maquipucuna. Along the way, the first pristine forests you will encounter are the protected highlands of the Maquipucuna Reserve.
You will witness a classic example of a “rain shadow” effect created by theAndes on the moist air masses coming from the Pacific: desert on the eastern slope of the mountains and lush wet forests on the Pacific slopes.
The journey takes about 2 hours from Quito.
Check-in at Maquipucuna Lodge, receive a welcome briefing, equip yourself with rubber boots, and prepare for an introductory hike on one of our several trails.
If you arrive early! Before lunch, we will take a short guided walk to learn about some of Maquipucuna’s medicinal and useful plants. Do you have a cut on your finger? There’s a natural plant similar to Neosporin for that. Interested in a natural insect repellent? Or preventing baldness? It’s all here. Also, discover where novel plant names, such as mother-in-law’s tongue, come from. The medicinal properties of Maquipucuna’s plants are endlessly fascinating. You will run out of time before you run out of plants, and those are just some of the ones we already know about.
1:00 PM: Lunch with delicious local, organic, and fresh products.
2:30 PM: We will start with a short 1 hour and 30-minute hike, where we will showcase part of the cloud forest. We will observe birds such as the Striped Manakin, Choco Toucan, Emerald Antbird, Guayaquil Woodpecker, several species of raptors, mammals, and especially explain the vegetation and medicinal plants we find within the forest. This trail can be considered a journey through the progression of forest regeneration, from secondary to primary forest.
6:30 PM: Dinner.
8:30 PM: Optionally, a guided night walk after dinner where we will encounter the fantastic world of nocturnal life, observing insects, amphibians, and if we are lucky, reptiles and even nocturnal birds.
Day 2:
The second day can start either with an early rise to watch the Cock-of-the-rock lek or alternatively birding from 6:30 am at the Reserve. The Cock-of-the-rock tour* starts at 4:45 am, when coffee and a cake will be served.
Alternatively, you may want to start birding at 6:30 am.
Before lunch: You may want to rest or take on more birding after breakfast.
After lunch: Your guide will be available until 6 pm, and how much birding you do will only depend on you.
Day 3:
Birding between 6:30 and 8:30 before breakfast or sleeping in.
Before lunch: you may chose to explore additional more demanding trails, an expedition to the Cloud forest with a packed lunch, a break by the waterfall for a refreshing dip and check out before taking lunch at the Lodge, or alternatively you can book to partake in activities outside Maquipucuna such as zipline, Tulipe, Mindo, Middle of the World.
Leave for Quito after lunch.
- Entrance fee to the protected reserve
- Lodging
- All meals (starting with lunch on arrival day and ending with lunch on departure day)
- Guided hikes and walks with local naturalist guides (up to 3 activities per day).
- During bear season, the package includes a bear watching excursion every day.
- Transportation
- Travel insurance
- Taxes
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips
- Add-on tours
- Private guides
- Chocolate massages.
Prices are Per Person – 2026
Tours
Included
- Entrance fee to the protected reserve
- Lodging
- All meals (starting with lunch on arrival day and ending with lunch on departure day)
- Guided hikes and walks with local naturalist guides (up to 3 activities per day).
- During bear season, the package includes a bear watching excursion every day.
- Cachillacta Suites: 2 suites, each with a king bed and one twin bed, accommodating up to 4 guests. Each suite has a private balcony with views of the Umachaca River.
- Ayllu Family Cabin: 1 cabin with 2 bedrooms (1 queen bed and 2 twin beds or bunk beds), accommodating up to 6 guests. It features a balcony with hammocks and a kitchenette.
- Tulipe Rooms: 4 rooms with private bathrooms, suitable for 2-3 adults or 1-2 children, with queen and twin beds.
- Umachaca Rooms: 4 rooms with twin beds or bunk beds, accommodating 2-4 adults, with en-suite bathrooms.
Maquipucuna Lodge - Cloudforest Tours
Birding Tour
3 Days – 2 Nights
3 Days – 2 Nights
This immersive birding tour gives you the chance to encounter some of the region’s most iconic species—from vibrant toucans and dazzling tanagers to glittering hummingbirds. Keep your eyes peeled for rare sightings such as the striking plate-billed mountain-toucan and the brilliantly colored scarlet-bellied mountain-tanager . With experienced local guides, early
Cloud Forest Tour
4 Days – 3 Nights
4 Days – 3 Nights
This itinerary is designed to offer a balanced blend of exploration, education, and relaxation. Whether you’re marveling at rare orchids, listening to the calls of howler monkeys, or simply breathing in the fresh mountain air, your time in the cloud forest will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper
