Full-Day Private Birding Tour in La Paz Refuge & Alambi Hummingbird Sanctuary

Nestled in the heart of Ecuador’s cloud forest, the Full-Day Private Birding Tour in La Paz Refuge and Alambi Hummingbird Sanctuary promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. Kickstarting at the crack of dawn, this personalized excursion takes guests on a journey to discover the country’s avian wonders, led by an expert guide. From encounters with endemic species to captivating hummingbird displays, the tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into the region’s remarkable biodiversity. With delectable meals provided, the day promises to be a feast for the senses – one that may leave you wondering what other avian adventures await in this enchanting corner of the world.

Key Points

• A full-day private birding tour in the Paz de las Aves and Mindo cloud forest, offering personalized experiences with endemic species like antpitta, toucan barbet, and hummingbirds.
• Opportunities to observe and interact with trained endemic birds, such as the Giant Antpitta, Mustached Antpitta, and Yellow-breasted Antpitta, guided by experts.
• Includes transportation, breakfast, and lunch, with a visit to the Alambi Hummingbird Sanctuary in the afternoon for close observation of diverse hummingbird species.
• Tour rated 5.0 based on positive reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable guide and the unique interaction with trained endemic birds.
• Priced at $185.00 and operated by Latin Adventures Cía Ltda, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

Overview of the Tour

This full-day private birding tour takes travelers to the Paz de las Aves bird refuge in the Mindo cloud forest, located just outside Quito, Ecuador.

Guests will be accompanied by a private guide from Quito who specializes in Ecuadorian birdlife. The tour provides a personalized experience, with flexibility for private parties.

Highlights include observing endemic bird species like the antpitta, toucan barbet, and various hummingbirds.

Travelers will also have the opportunity to interact with trained birds such as the Giant Antpitta, Mustached Antpitta, and Yellow-breasted Antpitta.

The tour includes transportation, breakfast, and lunch, but tips and personal expenses aren’t covered.

Detailed Tour Itinerary

The tour begins with an early morning pickup from Quito hotels at 4:30 am. Travelers will then head to the Paz de las Aves bird refuge in the Mindo cloud forest. The guide, an expert in Ecuadorian birdlife, will lead the group through the reserve, focusing on spotting endemic species such as the antpitta, toucan barbet, blue-winged tanager, and various hummingbirds. A highlight of the tour is the opportunity to interact with trained birds like the Giant Antpitta, Mustached Antpitta, and Yellow-breasted Antpitta. During the day, a breakfast and lunch are provided to keep the group energized for the full-day experience.

Time	Activity
4:30 am	Pickup from Quito hotels
Morning	Birdwatching at Paz de las Aves
Mid-day	Breakfast and lunch
Afternoon	Visit Alambi Hummingbird Sanctuary
Evening	Return to Quito

Birding Highlights

While the La Paz Refuge and Alambi Hummingbird Sanctuary offer a diverse array of bird species, the tour particularly focuses on endemic and captivating birds found in the Ecuadorian cloud forest.

Key highlights include the elusive Antpitta, the vibrant toucan barbet, the striking blue-winged tanager, and the iconic cock-of-the-rock.

Visitors have the rare opportunity to interact with trained birds such as the Giant Antpitta, Mustached Antpitta, and Yellow-breasted Antpitta, providing a unique and memorable experience.

Plus, the sanctuary boasts a wide variety of hummingbirds, allowing birdwatchers to observe these tiny, iridescent creatures up close.

Interaction With Endemic Birds

One of the highlights of this birding tour is the opportunity to interact with trained endemic birds found in the cloud forest.

Visitors can get up-close encounters with species like the Giant Antpitta, Mustached Antpitta, and Yellow-breasted Antpitta. These charismatic birds have been carefully habituated, allowing for unique photo and observational opportunities.

The tour’s expert guide will provide insights into the birds’ behavior and ecology, making the experience both educational and thrilling.

Birders can expect to:

• Observe the birds’ natural feeding and movement patterns
• Witness the guide’s interaction and communication with the birds
• Learn about the conservation efforts behind these programs
• Capture stunning photographs of the birds in their natural habitat
• Appreciate the biodiversity and specialties of the Ecuadorian cloud forest firsthand.

Reviews and Testimonials

Travelers’ glowing reviews of the Birding Tour in La Paz Refuge & Alambi Hummingbird Sanctuary underscore its exceptional quality. With a perfect 5.0 rating based on 4 total reviews, the tour has captivated visitors with its beautiful cloud forest experience and knowledgeable, friendly guide.

Rating	Number of Reviews
5 stars	3
4 stars	1
3 stars	0

Some highlights from the reviews include the tour’s punctuality, the opportunity to interact with trained endemic birds, and the early completion time noted by certain travelers as a minor downside. The tour receives high praise for its personalized service and emphasis on observing Ecuador’s diverse avian species.

Pricing and Availability

The Birding Tour in La Paz Refuge & Alambi Hummingbird Sanctuary starts at $185.00, with the price varying depending on the group size.

The tour is operated by Latin Adventures Cía Ltda and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Confirmation is received at booking, but the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Most travelers can participate in this experience.

Some key details about the pricing and availability include:

• Price starts at $185.00
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience
• Operated by Latin Adventures Cía Ltda
• Confirmation received at booking
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Infants must sit on laps
• Most travelers can participate

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes entrance admission to the La Paz Bird Refuge, private transportation, breakfast, and lunch.

However, tips and personal expenses aren’t included.

Pickup and drop-off service is provided at all Quito hotels, but an extra charge applies for locations outside the city.

The tour starts at 4:30 am and lasts the entire day, offering a comprehensive birding experience in the Mindo cloud forest.

Travelers can expect to see a variety of endemic bird species, including the Antpitta, toucan barbet, blue-winged tanager, and an array of hummingbirds.

The tour also provides opportunities to interact with trained birds like the Giant Antpitta, Mustached Antpitta, and Yellow-breasted Antpitta.

Practical Information

To get to the Paz de las Aves bird refuge and Alambi Hummingbird Sanctuary, participants can arrange for pickup and drop-off service at their Quito hotels. An additional charge may apply for locations outside the city.

The tour runs for a full day, with an early 4:30 am start to maximize birdwatching opportunities. While the tour includes breakfast and lunch, tips and personal expenses aren’t covered.

It’s worth noting that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Most travelers, however, can participate in this immersive birding experience.

• Pickup and drop-off at Quito hotels
• Extra charge for locations outside the city
• Early 4:30 am start time
• Breakfast and lunch included
• Not wheelchair accessible; infants must sit on laps

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Birdwatchers of All Skill Levels?

This tour caters to birdwatchers of all skill levels. Beginners can enjoy close-up views of endemic species, while experienced birders will appreciate the expertise of the private guide and the diverse array of bird species in the cloud forest habitat.

Can I Request a Specific Bird Species to See During the Tour?

While the tour doesn’t guarantee specific sightings, the expert guide can accommodate requests to focus on certain bird species, providing the best opportunities to observe endemic and unique birds in the cloud forest habitat.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children and Young Adults?

The tour is suitable for children and young adults, though the early start time of 4:30 am may be challenging for some younger participants. With a private guide, the experience can be tailored to accommodate different age groups and interests.

Are There Any Additional Costs for Transportation Outside Quito?

Yes, there’s an extra charge for pickup and drop-off locations outside Quito. The tour includes transportation from all Quito hotels, but additional fees apply for pickup and drop-off at destinations beyond the city.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Accommodate Special Dietary Needs?

The tour can accommodate special dietary needs. The provider is willing to work with travelers to ensure their dietary requirements are met for the included meals, such as breakfast and lunch.

Recap

The Full-Day Private Birding Tour in La Paz Refuge & Alambi Hummingbird Sanctuary offers an exceptional opportunity to take in Ecuador’s cloud forest and witness its incredible avian diversity. Led by expert guides, the tour provides personalized birdwatching experiences, delectable meals, and stunning photography moments, making it a comprehensive and unforgettable day of exploration for nature enthusiasts.