MASHPI-AMAGUSA NATURE AND BIRDING FULL DAY ws

NN
57 reviews
Duration: 1 day
Group size: 1 - 999
MASHPI-AMAGUSA NATURE AND BIRDING FULL DAY ws
ECUADOR

57 reviews

Duration: 1 day
Group size: 1 - 999

About this trip

Start your day with some of the most fabulous views over the western Andean slopes. We'll head out to an area which is known among birders as the “Mashpi road”, the birding area includes a small side road that forks off and heads a few km to the Mashpi Amagusa Reserve.

Mashpi is a recently popularized site in the northwestern foothills that has gained notoriety for its impressive collection of Chocó endemic bird species. The wet mossy forest along the roads in the area boasts Moss-Backed Tanager, Pacific Tuftedcheek, Orange-Breasted Fruiteater, Black Solitaire, Glistening-Green Tanager, Indigo Flowerpiercer, and the very rare Choco Vireo.

Time and space will take on a different meaning as you become immersed in the deep green forest, exploring pristine landscapes.

After a delicious lunch, you'll start your way back to Quito but there is another amazing place to visit: Alambi Cloud Forest Reserve. This is one of the best places in Ecuador to watch hummingbirds at close range. Up to 14 species have been recorded in less than 30 minutes in this reserve. You'll be amazed by the beauty of these winged jewels.

Add-on option: Cock of the Rock LEK

In the afternoon you can add a visit to a  LEK of one of the most iconic  bird species in the cloud forest; The  Andean Cock of the Rock. This  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 take this trip extension you'll be dropped off  in your hotel around 6:30 pm. 

What’s included

  • Pick up/ drop off
    Pick up and drop off at your hotel in Quito
  • Private transportation
  • Private guide
    Certified, bilingual, naturalist/ birding guide
  • Lunch w/soft drinks
  • Entrance fees
    Entrance fees to the Reserves
  • All activities

What’s not included

  • Tips
  • Personal expenses
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Lek visit
    The visit to the Andean Cock of the Rock lek in the afternoon is available as an add-on option

Available Packages

Single traveler
Deposit:$96

Private tour, 1 passenger.

$320
Deposit:$96
GROUP OF 2
Deposit:$57

Private tour, group of 2 passengers. Make sure to enter the right number of participants when booking this option.   

$190
Deposit:$57
GROUP OF 3 to 4
Deposit:$44

Private tour, group of 3 passengers. Make sure to enter the right number of participants when booking this option.   

$145
Deposit:$44
Group of 5 to 7
Deposit:$33

Private tour, group of 4 to 6 passengers. Make sure to enter the right number of participants when booking this option.  

$110
Deposit:$33
Group of 8-10
Deposit:$29

Private tour, group of 7 to 10 passengers. Make sure to enter the right number of participants when booking this option.  

$95
Deposit:$29

Available options

Cock of the Rock LEK
$35
Early pick up
$30


Your Organizer


NN
Neotropical Nature and Birding Trips
57 reviews
We provide unique experiences in some of the most exciting and biodiverse destinations in South America. Our aim is to create unforgettable life changing experiences with deep connection with nature, exploring unique habitats and creating unmatched wildlife and photography opportunities. With a firm conviction that responsible tourism is a powerful tool to promote environmental awareness and conservation, we share our passion for nature and contribute to local initiatives of conservation and long-term sustainable development.

Reviews

Our family's birding adventure at Zuroloma Reserve with Neotropical Tours was nothing short of extraordinary. It wasn't just a trip, it was an immersion into an avian paradise that left us speechless. Our guide, Dario Hipo, was a true expert, leading us to hidden gems where we witnessed the legendary Sword-billed Hummingbird, our most sought-after species, in all its glory. His passion for photography was evident as he patiently taught me how to capture 13 magnificent hummingbird species in flight, a skill I had long aspired to master but had never attempted before. But the highlight of our trip was undoubtedly the antpittas. These secretive birds are notoriously difficult to spot, but thanks to Dario's expertise, we had perfect looks at three species: Chestnut-naped, Equatorial, and Tawny. It was a birder's dream come true! Dario's cousins added another layer of expertise to the experience. Their keen eyes and understanding of bird behavior helped us capture frame-worthy shots, ensuring perfect lighting, backgrounds, and perches. And then there was the thrill of hand-feeding hummingbirds! An experience that connected us to these tiny wonders in a way we'll never forget. We visited Zuroloma specifically to see the birds that frequent feeders, but Dario also took us to more remote forest highlands where we encountered even more elusive species. The sheer diversity of birds we encountered was mind-blowing: Sparkling Violetear, Lesser Violetear, Green-tailed Trainbearer, Tyrian Metaltail, Sapphire-vented Puffleg, Shining Sunbeam, Collared Inca, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, Mountain Velvetbreast, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Buff-tailed Coronet, White-bellied Woodstar, Speckled Hummingbird, Chestnut-naped Antpitta, Equatorial Antpitta, Tawny Antpitta, Band-tailed Pigeon, Turquoise Jay, White-tailed Tyrannulet, White-crested Elaenia, Black-crested Warbler, Variable Hawk, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, American Kestrel, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Azara's Spinetail, Plain-tailed Wren, Blackish Tapaculo, Tufted Tit-Tyrant, Crowned Chat-Tyrant, Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant, Brown-bellied Swallow, Great Thrush, Rufous-collared Sparrow, Yellow-breasted Brushfinch, Spectacled Redstart, Cinereous Conebill, Glossy Flowerpiercer, Black Flowerpiercer, White-sided Flowerpiercer, Masked Flowerpiercer, Plushcap, Blue-capped Tanager, Hooded Mountain Tanager, Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager, Rufous-chested Tanager, and Red-crested Cotinga. To top it all off, lunch at Villa Doris in Nono was a delicious treat. Neotropical Tours didn't just meet our expectations, they blew them away. This trip was an unforgettable adventure into the heart of nature's wonders, and we can't recommend Dario and Neotropical enough!
By Vinay K for ZUROLOMA RESERVE PHOTO & BIRDING TOUR ws on Aug 25, 2024
I had a great experience on the 2024 Brazil Atlantic Forest tour with Neotropical Nature and Birding Trips. We were able to see a wide array of birds, including many endemics, and other life, with great scenery and the ability to sample local foods and deserts. Local specialist guides were also used to maximize our experience. The guides were also particularly attentive to helping me optimize photography experiences. I highly recommend the tour.
By David C for 2024 BRAZIL’S ATLANTIC FOREST TOUR on Aug 19, 2024
My husband and I went on the full day Mindo tour with afternoon lek option and had a wonderful guide named Gabriel. Would highly recommend! They were so knowledgeable about all the birds and loved sharing their passion with us. The ride was comfortable and they were very accommodating to what we wanted to see. Thank you!
By Laura H for MINDO FULL DAY TOUR ws on Aug 17, 2024
Our tour to the Antisasa with Santiago was the highlight of our time in Ecuador!
By Lora D for ANTISANA CONDOR FULL DAY TOUR ws on Jul 11, 2024
My guide was great, super knowledgeable, informative, personable, and a great driver. We saw condors and many other birds in a spectacularly beautiful area of Ecuador. And lunch was fantastic.
By Laurie D for ANTISANA CONDOR FULL DAY TOUR ws on Jul 04, 2024
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