About the Tour
Photographing the bizarre Andean cock-of-the-rock and unicque Choco endemic bird species.
We leave from Quito at 5:00 AM to Mashpi Amagusa Reserve and La Victoriana. We will drive to the western slope of the Andes, one of the best places to see more than a dozen of Choco-endemic birds. Colorful tanagers, stunning hummingbirds, parrots and fruiteaters await us.
We will start checking a moth-trap feeder near Amagusa entrance, focusing on spotting Black Solitaires, Broad-billed Motmots, Bronze-olive Pygmy-Tyrants, and hopefully the Rufous-brown Solitaire.
Breakfast will be in Amgusa, followed by a short walk along a secondary road looking for Buffy Tuftedcheeks, Orange-breasted Fruiteaters, White-throated Daggerbills, Rufous-rumped Antwren, Indigo Flowerpiercer, and Uniform Treehunter, We then move to the feeding stations in Amagusa, an incredible area for photography.
Many varied tanagers can be seen, among them being Glistening-green, Moss-backed, Rufous-throated, and Black-chinned Mountain-Tanagers. There are also great opportunities to photograph the Violet-tailed Sylph, the Empress Brilliant and Velvet-purple coronet jewels of the Chocó bioregion.
We remain at Amagusa for lunch; while we enjoy our meal, hopefully the gorgeous Rose-faced Parrot will
show up by the banana trees nearby.
Later on we will drive back to the town of Santa Elena where we will visit a new reserve, La Victoriana, where you will have the chance to see the amazing displays of the bizarre Andean Cock-of-the rock. Often more than a dozen males gather together at this courtship lek to show off for females. After having an amazing time watching the display, we will return to Quito.
Elevation: 1,700m / 5,575 ft
More Information
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What does the trip include?
• Private transportation throughout the tour.
• English-speaking birdwatching and photography guide.
• Entrance fees to all reserves and photography hides.
• Two meals, breakfast and lunch.
• Coffee and tea. -
What is not included?
• Travel insurance.
• Tips to driver and local guide.
• Alcoholic drinks, laundry services.
• Extra services and trips not specified in the posted itinerary. -
Relevant Information
• Climate is highly variable in Ecuador, with temperatures varying from 20°C/70°F.
• Sudden rainstorms interspersed with bright sun are not uncommon.
• The official currency in Ecuador is the US Dollar.
• National language is Spanish.
• Internet is available at some lodges, but not guaranteed.
• Nature Quest can arrange for the purchase of local SIM cards with advance notice in order to provide data based internet service. -
Sugested Packing List
• Clothing, quick dry material; no cotton.
• Long sleeve shirts.
• Long convertible pants.
• Waterproof hiking boots or trail runners.
• Sandals or water shoes.
• Quick dry / merino wool socks.
• Sun hat or baseball cap.
• Lightweight rain jacket.
• Soft shell jacket or fleece.
• Binoculars.Others: Camera, refillable water bottle | Eco friendly sunblock | Eco friendly mosquito repellent (we suggest sawyer brand picaradin) | Personal Medications | Hiking Poles if needed.
