Galapagos Amazon Andes Coast

Birdwatching Trips
Ecuador’s Highlands
Choco-andes:
Western & Eastern slopes
Duration: 11 Days/ 10 Nights
Approximate number of species seen during the trip:
250 to 300.
Program Overview
Educational Features
• Lecture in Quito for an Introduction to the Birds of
Ecuador given by recognized members of the
Ecuadorian Association of Ornithology.
• Site Lecture at Mindo Cloud Forest foundation:
Bird’s conservation efforts by local NGO’s.
• Visit to a local young birdwatchers club.
• Visit a Biological Station to learn about the
current research projects related to birds,
butterflies and amphibians.
Altitude Range
Northeastern Andean slopes starting at
2890m/9480ft (Quito) going all the way down to
350m/1150ft (Silanche). Andean Valley and Northwestern
slopes starting at 3900m/ 12800ft (La Mica Lagoon) going
all the way down to 2200m/7217ft (Cosanga).
Travelled area (Habitats)
• Temperate Forest, Polylepis Forest, Elfin Forest,
• Upper, Middle and Lower Montane Forest.
• Chocó lowland Rain Forest.
• Foothill Forest.
• Andean Montane Scrub and Grassland Páramo.
Check the full Itinerary in our website:
www.latinrootstravel.com
Ecuador’s Choco lowlands has the greatest concentration
of restricted-range endemic species in the world;
supporting 30 of these species. The Mindo Valley is one
of the best known birding sites in Ecuador with a range
of habitats that holds more than 300 species. The drive to
the high elevation Páramo also provides the opportunity
to bird some high elevation scrub habitat with good
chances to admire the impressive Andean Condor. At the
Eastern Slopes most of the birding takes place along public
roads. The surrounding forest from Guango has over 130
recorded species while at San Isidro and surroundings the
bird list surpasses 320 species. Ecuador has recorded more
than 1,640 species of birds (a world record per square
meter) becoming the fourth country in the world with the
highest diversity of birds.
Trail Conditions
Easy to Moderate / One trail Moderate to
Difficult.
Seasonality
The program operates all year round. During
the rainy season (Jan to May) some places
can be restricted due to accessibility; however
this can be replaced with visits to other reserves
in the area.
Operational details
• Program starts and ends in Quito.
• Program operates with minimum 2 participants and
maximum 10.
The program includes
Private transportation, expert birder local guide,
accommodation (double share) & meals according to
itinerary detail (menu meals), visit and entrance fee to
mentioned places.
The program does not include
International airfare, personal expenses, insurance, tips
and gratuitites.
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