HUMMINGBIRD EXPEDITION - Searching for the cloud forest jewels.
+15 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 8–10 hours
- Price from
- $220 / person
- Location
- Quito, Ecuador
- Rating
- 4.9 / 5 · 37 reviews
- Languages
- EN, ES
- Group
- Private
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Hotel pickup
- Available
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Neotropical Nature and Birding Trips
Description
Wake up with some of the most fabulous views, as the sun rises over the western Andean slopes. Your specialized guide will share their vast knowledge in natural history, birdwatching, culture and photography to make the most of your experience today! Once you arrive in the unique tropical Andean ecosystem, hummingbirds will take your full attention. You'll visit 3 reserves located at different altitudes. Bird feeders will bring otherwise elusive species to very close distances, allowing you to photograph them and enjoy their unmatched beauty. You'll be able to watch up to 15 different species of hummingbirds, many of them endemic to this Bio-region, such as the stunning Velvet-purple Cornet, Purple- bibbed Whitetip, Brown Inca, Empress Brillant and Gorgeted Sunangel. The cloud forest offers an amazing mixed setting from waterfalls and hikes through lush green forests that will allow you to have a day of deep connection with nature.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Start times
- 5:30 AM, 6:30 AM, 7:00 AM, and 7:30 AM
- Next available
- Sat, Oct 24
- Adult (ages 6+)
- $220
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $385.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 23.
Tour Options
Itinerary
After an early pick up we head towars the cloud forest: start your day with some of the most fabulous views over the western Andean slopes. Our first stop is Alambi reserve, a hummingbird paradise located only 1h15m from Quito. Here feeders and garden flowers attract several hummingbird species, allowing visitors to sometimes see over 10 species in a day at surprisingle short distance!! The conditions here provide great opportunities for bird photography, to get a first taste of the wonderful diversity that the clud forest hosts, and to relax and take in the unmatched beauty of these winged jewels.
Our next stop is San Tadeo Reserve.
Mindo
Next, we move on to Mindo, for a delicious lunch in a local restaurant.
Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve
Exploring the area around Mindo we can find several reserves that offer chances to encounter new bird species. The subtropical rain forest is home to an outstanding number of orchids, birds, mammals, insects and reptiles. In addition, waterfalls and rivers invite you to test theis pristine refreshing waters. Talk to your guide about your interests (hiking, birdwatching, photography, general nature) and they will take you to the best destination to make the most out of your day!
If you chose to take the tour extension, our last stop will be at the Andean Cock of the Rock lek. This colorful, iconic species exhibits marked sexual dimorphism, the male has a large disk-like crest and a very unique vivid scarlet plumage. Gatherings of males compete for breeding females with each male displaying its colorful plumage, bobbing and hopping, and making strident calls. If you chose this extension, you can expect to be back at your hotel in Quito late in the afternoon.
Quito
This tour ends with a a scenic drive back and drop off in your hotel in Quito or the airport area.
What's included
Included
Coffee and tea at Alambi and Santadeo
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Lunch with soft drink
Private transportation
Certified Naturalist & Birding guide
All activities
Not included
Gratuities
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Personal expenses
Pickup Locations & Times
Pick up from Quito and airport area is included. Please provide hotel name, or exact address if you are not staying in a hotel.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.9
37 reviews
How it compares in Quito
- Starting price $220 is 57% above the typical $140 for tours of similar length in Quito
- Price unchanged over the last 21 days
Excurgo comparison of 1,005 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- A small amount of walking is involved along trails with irregular terrain although if participants require longer hiking trails are available.
- Copy of passport of one of the group members is require for billing purposes (local tax exemption)
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
HUMMINGBIRD EXPEDITION - Searching for the cloud forest jewels. lasts about 8–10 hours. The itinerary has 6 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $220 per person for this Quito experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $385. There are 3 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does this tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 5:30 AM, 6:30 AM, 7:00 AM, and 7:30 AM.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Pick up from Quito and airport area is included. Please provide hotel name, or exact address if you are not staying in a hotel. Pickup points include Olympus Plaza, Hotel Principe Marcell.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 8 travellers can book together.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is this tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 37 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Neotropical Nature and Birding Trips.
Reviews(37)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
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from$220
4.9(37) Free cancellation