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The Magic Birding Circuit of Ecuador
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San Jorge owns four private birding reserves throughout Ecuador known as The Magic Birding Circuit. Our Ecuador Birdwatching tours range from the High Barren Plains to the Tropical Rain Forest, making for an exceptionally well-rounded excursion. Kept in the rich, natural state, all of our exclusive reserves offer the chance to fully immerse yourself in all that is Ecuador- the diverse array of flora, fauna, climate regions and hundreds of beautiful bird species await you. Our tours will take you through San Jorge Botanical Reserve (High Barren Plains and Highland Rain Forest in the Quito Foothills), San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary (Tandayapa Valley Cloud Forest) San Jorge de Cosanga-Yanayacu Wildlife & Bird Reserve (Andes Cloud Forest) adjoining Antizana National Park, and San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve, (Upper lowlands Tropical Rainforest), located next to Mindo, known for its majestic waterfalls. Over 1,000 species and 60 varieties of hummingbirds have been identified throughout. The Magic Birding and Hiking Circuit tours offer the perfect chance to combine nature, culture and birding at its best, conducting bird conservation and ornithological research. San Jorge is the ideal retreat for some of the best birdwatching in the world.
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San Jorge Eco-Lodges & Botanical Reserves
The Magic Birding & Hiking Circuit
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Blue-winged Tanager Tandayapa Cloud Forest Birding |
Begin your birding adventure as soon as you arrive in Ecuador with lots of birding opportunities on San Jorge's prime trails. San Jorge Botanical Reserve provides the perfect opportunity to combine nature, culture and birding at its best. The Magic Birding Circuit tours are based from our three birding lodges in Quito, Tandayapa and Milpe offering birding tours to our 4 private reserves, all within a two hour radius of Quito San Jorge’s NEW Ecuador birding lodge at San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary has recently opened. ~ Photo slide show click here
Bird diversity varies according to latitude and tropical regions such as the one Ecuador is located in contain the greatest number of birds. Due to its several distinct climates, Ecuador has an amazing variety of bird-life. With over 1600 species of birds and more than 20% the world’s population, Ecuador offers more bird diversity in less space than any other country in the world.
~ JUNE, 2013 GRAND OPENING !!
~ Deluxe & Spacious Rustic Suites with Balcony & Views – See birds from your room!
Beautiful pristine birding trails – 11 waterfalls – over 450 species
At San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve in the Tropical Rainforest – West Andes Slope
~ Spectacular birding & hiking at the most beautiful lodge of the surroundings ~
~ Coming later in 2014 ~
NEW DELUXE LODGE at San Jorge de Cosanga-Yanayacu Bird & Wildlife Reserve – East Andes Slope
~ ECUADOR AN ECOLOGICAL MIRACLE ~
THE MAGIC BIRDING CIRCUIT IN ECUADOR
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Birdwatching Ecuador |
San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve/Quito located in the High Barren Plains/Highland Rainforest. Beautiful Andes hacienda rooms with private baths & hot showers, comfortable & decorated in typical décor. Accommodations include rooms with private bath and hot shower. (Optional Rooms with Balcony & View with queen bed). Enjoy peace & tranquility at our mountain lodge in the Pichincha Foothills. Upper level rooms are located on terraced hillside. Lower level rooms are located closer to restaurant for less walking (on request). Enjoy our outdoor swimming pool, sauna, Turkish Bath, and Jacuzzi; game room, lounge, and museum. Explore our beautiful gardens and exotic birds, within a comfortable Eco-Resort environment. Start birding on our prime trails as soon as you arrive, with our specialized birding guides and over 90 possible species at San Jorge Botanical Reserve. Relax at our festive El Cucayco Restaurant, serving delicious Ecuadorian and international cuisine, grown from our organic gardens, and overlooks the valley of Quito. San Jorge/Quito birds: Plain-breasted hawk, Black-chested Buzzard Eagle , Black-tailed Trainbearer, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Curve-billed Tinamou, Undulated Antpitta, Ecuadorian Hillstar and others
NEW!! San Jorge de Tandayapa Eco-Lodge is located in the Cloud Forest at San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary, has recently built a new and gorgeous mountain top hotel in Tandayapa Valley! Accommodations include spacious well-appointed rooms with private bath/hot shower (Optional: Rooms with Panorama Views). San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary is part of the Choco Bird Area of N.W. Ecuador where as many as 500 species live; lovely trails, observation deck, spectacular views, open air Hummingbird Restaurant with hummingbird and tanager feeders, superb photography tour options with a totally peaceful and tranquil setting in the Cloud Forest. A few of San Jorge/Milpe birds: Long-wattled Umbrella bird (we have a nest); Indigo-crowned Quail Dove, Rufous-fronted Wood Quail, Scale-crested Pigmy Tyrant, Crimson-bellied Woodcreeper, Choco Toucan, Golden-winged Manakin, Club-winged Manakin, Choco Poorwill, Choco Screech Owl and many others.
ANNOUNCEMENT! San Jorge has recently purchased a new parcel of land in the Tandayapa Valley Cloud Forest! The new property adjoins our existing property at San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary, and now increases the sanctuary size to 150 acres. We have since built a new road direct into San Jorge de Tandayapa Lodge, which eliminates walking into the lodge! Also, we have expanded our birding trails further throughout Tandayapa Valley to offer additional day of birding enjoyment!
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Banded Ground Cuckoo (Neomorphus radiolosus) "One of the 50 rarest birds of the world" |
San Jorge de Milpe Eco-Lodge is located in the Rainforest at San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve (1 hour from San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary and 1:50 from San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve/Quito). This reserve is a beautiful birding paradise with over 450 bird species, numerous wildlife, orchids, butterflies, tropical flora and fauna, 11 waterfalls, an observatory deck, panorama views; and feeders. San Jorge’s Observatory Hill is unique with four species of parrots including the Rose Faced Parrot, four species of Toucans, a huge amount of Tanagers and many more! This eco-lodge has the comfort and rustic elegance of a rainforest lodge, with spectacular scenery, making it the ideal retreat for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. You can even spot birds from your room! Long-wattled Umbrella bird. There is a nest in San Jorge. In feeders we have the Indigo-crowned Quail Dove, Rufous-fronted Wood Quail, Scale-crested Pigmy Tyrant, Crimson-bellied Woodcreeper, Choco Toucan, Golden-winged Manakin, Club-winged Manakin, Choco Poorwill, Choco Screech Owl. and numerous others. . We have even spotted several times the Banded-ground Cuckoo several times! San Jorge’s NEW DELUXE BIRDING LODGE at San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve – Tropical Rainforest Milpe – West Andes Slope is presently under construction and will open 2013!
Birds and Mammals – Special Encounters at San Jorge Eco-Lodges
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Rose Faced Parrot. Birding San Jorge de Milpe |
San Jorge de Cosanga-Yanayacu Wildlife & Bird Reserve is located in the Highland Cloud Forest, adjoining Antisana National Park (Las Caucheras Road near Cosanga Village). This reserve is yet another birdwatchers paradise within the Subtropical Eastern Slopes of the Andes. Surrounded by forest-covered mountain ridges, Cosanga-Yanayuca adjoins the beautiful and immense 120,000 hectare Antizana National Park Reserve. San Jorge de Yanayacu offers 60 acres of wild, virgin forest which give a home to many exotics such as ocelets, panthers, night monkeys, porcupines, armadillos, and spectacle bears. Among these animals you will find hundreds of bird species fortunate enough to be protected on these grounds, safe from deforestation and harm. San Jorge/Cosanga birds: Black and Chesnut Eagle, Chesnut-breasted Clorophonia, Long-tailed Antbird, Black-billed Mountain Toucan , Green and black Fruiteater, Streaked tuftedcheek, Lacrimose Mountain Tanager, Bluish Flowerpiercer. . San Jorge’s NEW BIRDING LODGE at San Jorge de Cosanga-Yanayacu Bird & Wildlife Reserve – East Andes Slope – is presently under construction and will open 2013!
The Magic Birding Circuit Tours are all-inclusive, including airport transfers, comfortable lodging accommodations, meals & daily snack, daily birding tours, specialized birding guides, private transportation, reserve entrance fees. Extra features while at San Jorge’s Reserves include delicious Ecuadorian and International cuisine and porter service for your baggage into each lodge.
Please view our pre-scheduled tour itineraries below, ranging from 7 nights to 14 nights, and visiting your choice of visiting our birding reserves on the East/West Andes Slope of Ecuador..
Wingspan Australian Birding Magazine Article Sep 2012
NEW SAFARI OPEN TOPPED BIRDING VAN AT THE MAGIC BIRDING CIRCUIT
http://www.eco-lodgesanjorge.com/Magic_Birding_Circuit_Safari_Van.html
Our Ecuador Birdwatching Tours
14 Nights/15 Days
Pre-scheduled tour dates for 2013
June 15 - 29;
August 16 – 30;
September 14 – 28;
October 13 – 27;
November 15 – 29; December 15 – 29
Pre-scheduled tour dates for 2014
March 15 – 29; April 15 – 29; May 15 – 29; June 15 – 29;
July 15 – 29; August 15 – 29; September 15 – 29; October 15 – 29; November 15 – 29
Day One– Airport transfer from Quito Airport to San Jorge Eco-Lodge; overnight San Jorge/Quito
Day Two – Morning birding at San Jorge Botanical Reserve, afternoon birding at Yanacocha Reserve (HIGH BARREN PLAINS/HIGHLAND RAINFOREST); overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Three – Birding world famous Nono-Mindo Road (HIGHLAND RAINFOREST/CLOUD FOREST), overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa, includes 3 meals
Day Four – Free day for birding on own at San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary, Lower Tandayapa Valley (CLOUD FOREST), overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa, includes 3 meals
Day Five - Birding San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary (CLOUD FOREST), includes night walk, overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa, includes 3 meals
Day Six – Birding Milpe Road (TROPICAL RAINFOREST), overnight San Jorge/Milpe, includes 3 meals
Day Seven - Birding San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve (TROPICAL RAINFOREST), includes night walk, overnight San Jorge/Milpe, includes 3 meals
Day Eight – Free day for birding on own at San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve (TROPICAL RAINFOREST), overnight San Jorge/Milpe, includes 3 meals
Day Nine – Birding Rio Silanche (LOWLAND TROPICAL RAINFOREST), overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Ten – Free day for birding on own at San Jorge Botanical Reserve/Quito OR Old Colonial Quito City Tour OR Otavalo Indian Market & Surrounding Village Tour, overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Eleven - Birding Antizana National Park (HIGH BARREN PLAINS), overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Twelve - Birding Papallacta Pass & Cujuja (HIGH BARREN PLAINS & HIGH AMAZON RAINFOREST), overnight Borja, includes 3 meals
Day Thirteen – Birding El Ollin (MIDDLE AMAZON RAINFOREST), overnight Borja, includes 3 meals
Day Fourteen –- Birding San Jorge de Cosanga-Yanayuca Bird & Wildlife Reserve, road to Las Caucheras & Guacamayos trails (ANDEAN CLOUD FOREST/HIGHLAND AMAZON TROPICAL FOREST), overnight Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Fifteen – Breakfast & AM transfer to downtown Quito or Airport
All inclusive tour including lodging, meals as shown, round trip airport transfers, specialized English speaking birding guide, birding tours, private transportation, entrance fees to private reserves.
11 Nights/12 Days
Pre-scheduled tour dates for 2013
June 1 – 12;
July 1 – 12; August 1 – 12; September 1 – 12; October 1 – 12; November 1 – 12; December 1 – 12
Pre-scheduled tour dates for 2014
January 15 – 26; February 1-12; March 1 - 12; April 1 - 12; May 1 - 12; June 1 - 12;
July 1 – 12; August 1 – 12; September 1 – 12; October 1 – 12; November 1 – 12; December 1 – 12
Day One– Airport transfer from Quito Airport to San Jorge Eco-Lodge; overnight San Jorge/Quito
Day Two – Morning birding at San Jorge Botanical Reserve, afternoon birding at Yanacocha Reserve (HIGH BARREN PLAINS/HIGHLAND RAINFOREST); overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Three – Birding world famous Nono-Mindo Road (HIGHLAND RAINFOREST/CLOUD FOREST), overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa, includes 3 meals
Day Four- Birding San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary, Lower Tandayapa Valley (CLOUD FOREST), includes night walk, overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa, includes 3 meals
Day Five – Birding Milpe Road (TROPICAL RAINFOREST), overnight San Jorge/Milpe, includes 3 meals
Day Six - Birding San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve (TROPICAL RAINFOREST), includes night walk, overnight San Jorge/Milpe, includes 3 meals
Day Seven – Birding Rio Silanche (LOWLAND TROPICAL RAINFOREST), overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Eight - Birding Papallacta Pass & Cujuja (HIGH BARREN PLAINS & HIGH AMAZON RAINFOREST), overnight Borja, includes 3 meals
Day Nine – Birding El Ollin (MIDDLE AMAZON RAINFOREST), overnight Borja, includes 3 meals
Day Ten –- Birding San Jorge de Cosanga-Yanayuca Bird & Wildlife Reserve, road to Las Caucheras & Guacamayos trails (ANDEAN CLOUD FOREST/HIGHLAND AMAZON TROPICAL FOREST), overnight Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Eleven – Birding Antizana National Park (HIGH BARREN PLAINS), overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Twelve – Breakfast & AM transfer to downtown Quito or Airport
All inclusive tour including lodging, meals as shown, round trip airport transfers, specialized English speaking birding guide, birding tours, private transportation, entrance fees to private reserves.
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7 Nights/8 Days
Pre-scheduled tour dates for 2013
June 1 – 8;
July 1 – 8; August 1 – 8; September 1 – 8; October 1 – 8; November 1 – 8; December 1 –8
Pre-scheduled tour dates for 2014
January 15 – 22; February 1-8; February 21 – 28; March 1 - 8; April 1 - 8; May 1 - 8; June 1 – 8;
July 1 – 8; August 1 – 8; September 1 – 8; October 1 – 8; November 1 – 8; December 1 - 8
Day One– Airport transfer from Quito Airport to San Jorge Eco-Lodge; overnight San Jorge/Quito
Day Two – Morning birding at San Jorge Botanical Reserve, afternoon birding at Yanacocha Reserve (HIGH BARREN PLAINS/HIGHLAND RAINFOREST); overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Three – Birding world famous Nono-Mindo Road (HIGHLAND RAINFOREST/CLOUD FOREST), overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa, includes 3 meals
Day Four - Birding San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary, Lower Tandayapa Valley (CLOUD FOREST), includes night walk, overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa, includes 3 meals
Day Five – Birding Milpe Road (TROPICAL RAINFOREST), overnight San Jorge/Milpe, includes 3 meals
Day Six – Birding San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve (TROPICAL RAINFOREST), includes night walk, overnight San Jorge/Milpe, includes 3 meals
Day Seven – Birding Rio Silanche (LOWLAND TROPICAL RAINFOREST), overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Eight – Breakfast & AM transfer to downtown Quito or Airport
All inclusive tour including lodging, meals as shown, round trip airport transfers, specialized English speaking birding guide, birding tours, night walks, Middle of the World Equator, private transportation, entrance fees to private reserves.
4 Nights/5 Days
Day One - Airport transfer from Quito Airport to San Jorge Eco-Lodge; overnight San Jorge/Quito
Day Two – Morning birding at San Jorge Botanical Reserve & Yanacocha Reserve (HIGH BARREN PLAINS/HIGHLAND RAINFOREST); afternoon birding world-famous Nono-Mindo Road, overnight San Jorge/Quito/Tanadayapa, includes 3 meals
Day Three - Birding San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Reserve, Lower Tanadayapa Valley, (CLOUD FOREST), includes night walk, overnight San Jorge/Milpe, includes 3 meals
Day Four – Birding San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve (SUBTROPICAL RAINFOREST), overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Five – Breakfast & AM transfer to downtown Quito or Airport
1 Night/2 Days
#1 option
Day One - 5:30 am pick up at your hotel in downtown Quito. Morning birding at San Jorge Botanical Reserve/Quito, lunch at San Jorge Eco-Lodge/Quito, afternoon birding at Yanacocha Reserve (HIGH BARREN PLAINS/HIGHLAND RAINFOREST), overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes lunch & dinner
Day Two – Birding Nono Mindo Road, continue on to San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary, lunch at our open air Hummingbird Restaurant with feeders, late afternoon transfer to downtown Quito hotel, includes breakfast & lunch
#2 option
Day One – 5:30 am pick up at your hotel in downtown Quito. Birding Nono-Mindo Road and continue on to San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary, overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa, includes lunch & dinner
Day Two – Birding San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary; late afternoon transfer to downtown Quito hotel, includes breakfast & lunch
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1 Day
#1 option - Day Tour – 5:30 am pick up at your hotel in downtown Quito. Morning birding at San Jorge Botanical Reserve/Quito, lunch at San Jorge Eco-Lodge/Quito, afternoon birding at Yanacocha Reserve (HIGH BARREN PLAINS/HIGHLAND RAINFOREST), return transfer to downtown Quito end of afternoon. Includes birding guide, transportation, reserve entrance fees, lunch, round trip transfers from downtown Quito.
#2 option - Day Tour – 5:30 am pick up at your hotel in downtown Quito. Birding world famous Nono-Mindo Road, continue on to San Jorge de Tandapapa Hummingbird Sanctuary birding (CLOUD FOREST), return transfer to downtown Quito end of afternoon. Includes birding guide, transportation, reserve entrance fee, lunch at San Jorge’s open air Hummingbird Restaurant with feeders, round trip transfers from downtown Quito.
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7N/8D PRE-SCHEDULED BIRDING PHOTO TOURs
2013:
August 13 - 20; September 13 - 20; October 13 - 20; November 13 - 20; December 13 - 20;
Day One– Airport transfer from Quito Airport to San Jorge Eco-Lodge; overnight San Jorge/Quito Day Two – AM transfer to San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary (CLOUD FOREST), free day on own for birding photography at feeders/trails; overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa, includes 3 meals
Day Three - Birding photo tour San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary, (CLOUD FOREST), overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa, includes 3 meals
Day Four – Free day on own at San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary, overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa, includes 3 meals
Day Five – AM transfer to San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve (TROPICAL RAINFOREST), free day on own for birding photography at feeders/trails (orchids, 11 waterfalls), overnight San Jorge/Milpe, includes 3 meals
Day Six –Birding photo tour at San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve, overnight San Jorge/Milpe, includes 3 meals
Day Seven – Free day on own at San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve; afternoon transfer to San Jorge/Quito, overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Eight – Breakfast & AM transfer to Quito Airport
The Magic Birding Circuit Photo Tours are all-inclusive, including airport transfers, comfortable lodging accommodations, meals, birding photo tours as shown with specialized birding guides, private transportation, reserve and park entrance fees. Added features while at San Jorge’s Reserves, include delicious Ecuadorian and International cuisine; porter service for baggage into each lodge.
Optional: Assistant to carry photo equipment while on tour
Notes:
Best months for Hummingbirds at feeders: Mid-August thru April
Best months for birds – all months
Best month for Orchids – November
Rainy season: October thru April
Dry season: May - September
Photo tours do not exceed 4 photographers if joined with other photographers at our reserves
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11N/12D PRE-SCHEDULED BIRDING PHOTO TOURs
2013:
August 12 - 23; September 12 - 23; October 12 - 23; November 12 - 23; December 12 - 23;
Day One– Airport transfer from Quito Airport to San Jorge Eco-Lodge; overnight San Jorge/Quito
Day Two – AM Birding photo tour San Jorge Botanical Reserve; afternoon on own (HIGH BARREN PLAINS/HIGHLAND RAINFOREST); overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals Day Three – AM transfer to San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary (CLOUD FOREST), free day on own for birding photography at feeders/trails; overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa, includes 3 meals
Day Four - Birding photo tour San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary, (CLOUD FOREST), overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa, includes 3 meals
Day Five – Free day on own at San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary, overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa, includes 3 meals
Day Six – AM transfer to San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve (TROPICAL RAINFOREST), free day on own for birding photography at feeders/trails (orchids, 11 waterfalls), overnight San Jorge/Milpe, includes 3 meals
Day Seven –Birding photo tour at San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve, overnight San Jorge/Milpe, includes 3 meals Days Eight/Nine – Free days on own at San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve; overnight San Jorge/Milpe, includes 3 meals per day Day Ten - Refugio Paz de las Aves - Early AM departure from San Jorge/Milpe; includes transportation & Paz Reserve entrance fee by San Jorge. Guided Tour provided by Angel Paz. Note: some trails are moderate to difficult. Return transfer to San Jorge/Quito, afternoon on own, overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Eleven – Birding photo tour Antisana National Park, overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Twelve - Breakfast & AM transfer to Quito Airport
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Optional photo tours for Day Two (based from San Jorge/Quito lodge) includes transportation and birding guide
1. Jerusalem Dry Reserve
2. Antizana National Park
3. Yanacocha Reserve
Optional: Assistant to carry your photo equipment while on tour. Specify how many days you would like this service.
Notes:
Best months for Hummingbirds at feeders: Mid-August thru April
Best months for birds – all months
Best month for Orchids – November
Rainy season: October thru April
Dry season: May - September
WESTERN ANDES SLOPE
HARD CORE BIRDING TOUR
Pre-scheduled Tours 2013:
June 10 – 15; August 10 – 15; October 10 – 15; December 10 – 15
Pre-scheduled Tours 2014:
January 10 – 15; March 10 – 15; April 10 – 15; May 10 – 15; June 10 – 15
#1 Itinerary: 5 Nights/6 Days
Day One – Evening Airport transfer from Quito Airport to San Jorge Eco-Lodge/Quito, overnight San Jorge/Quito
Day Two - Birding Western Andes Slope: San Jorge Botanical Reserve/Quito, Yanacocha Reserve & world famous Nono Mindo Road (HIGH BARREN PLAINS/HIGHLAND RAINFOREST/CLOUD FOREST), overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa, includes 3 meals (boxed lunch)
Day Three - Birding San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary & Milpe Road (CLOUD FOREST), overnight San Jorge/Milpe, includes 3 meals
Day Four - Birding San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve & Rio Silanche (TROPICAL RAINFOREST/LOWLAND TROPICAL RAINFOREST), overnight San Jorge/Milpe, includes 3 meals
Day Five -Early Birding at Milpe, Breakfast, Birding at San Tadeo Area, Birding at Equator line desert area, overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals (boxed lunch)
Day Six - AM Transfer to Airport or downtown Quito
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EASTERN ANDES SLOPE
HARD CORE BIRDING TOUR
Pre-scheduled Tours 2013:
June 14 - 19; August 14 - 19; October 14 - 19; December 14 - 19
Pre-scheduled Tours 2014:
January 14 - 19; March 14 - 19; April 14 - 19; May 14 - 19; June 14 - 19
#2 Itinerary: 5 Nights/6 Days
Day One – Evening Airport transfer from Quito Airport to San Jorge Eco-Lodge/Quito, overnight San Jorge/Quito
Day Two - Birding Eastern Andes Slope: Antisana National Park, Papallacta Pass & Cuyuja (HIGH BARREN PLAINS/UPPER AMAZON BASIN), overnight Borja, includes 3 meals
Day Three - Birding El Hollin, Sumaco (ANDEAN CLOUD FOREST/HIGHLAND AMAZON TROPICAL FOREST), overnight Archidona, includes 3 meals (boxed lunch)
Day Four - Birding Sacha Huagra (Archidona area), overnight Borja, includes 3 meals (boxed lunch)
Day Five - Birding Alto Sumaco at Borja area –or- Logma Playa & San Jorge de Cosanga-Yanayuca Bird & Wildlife Reserve and/or Antisana River – weather pending (ANDEAN CLOUD FOREST) overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Six – AM Transfer to Airport or downtown Quito
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San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve (High Barren Plains/Highland Rainforest/Paramo) in the Pichincha Foothills of Quito (17 minutes from Quito Airport). Start birding as soon as you arrive to Quito. We will have the opportunity to see Band-tailed Nightjar, Band-tailed Pigeon, Band-winged Nightjar, Barred Parakeet, Black Flowerpiercer, Black-crested Warbler, Black-tailed Trainbearer, Blue-and-yellow Tanager, Brown-bellied Swallow, , Cinereous Conebill, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker (endangered), Eared Dove, Golden-breasted Puffleg, Great Sapphirewing, Great Thrush, Green-tailed Trainbearer, Hooded Siskin, Masked Flowerpiercer, Montane Woodcreeper, Mountain Velvetbreast, Paramo Seedeater, Pearled Treerunner, Plain-colored Seedeater, Purple-backed Thornbill, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Red-crested Cotinga, Rock Pigeon, Rufous Antpitta, Rufous-collared Sparrow, Rufous-winged Tyrannulet, Sapphire-vented Puffleg, Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager, Shining Sunbeam, Slate-throated Whitestart, Smoky Bush-Tyrant, Southern Yellow Grosbeak, Sparkeling Violetear, Spectacled Whitestart, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Tawny Antpitta, Tufted Tit-Tyrant, Tyrian Metaltail, Variable Hawk, Western Emerald, White-bellied Woodstar, White-collared Swift, White-crested Elaenia, White-throated Tyrannulet, These are just a few of over 130 bird species found in this paradise and while walking through the gardens of San Jorge you will also find a wide variety of hummingbirds at their feeders. All, at an altitude of 3150 mts.! At the same time you will have the opportunity to take in the fabulous panoramic views of Quito, along with views of the volcano peaks of Cayambe, Antizana, Pasochoa, Pululahua, Pichincha and Illalso. We can observe 11 mountains from various points of San Jorge Botanical Reserve. We’ve recently spotted the very rare Curve-billed Tinamou, Red-crested Cotinga, Andean Condor and the endemic and endangered Black-breasted Puffleg.
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Turquoise Quezel |
San Jorge de Tandayapa Eco-Lodge & Hummingbird Sanctuary (Cloud Forest) in the lower valley (part of the Choco Endemic Bird Area of Northwest Ecuador). Take in panoramic views, wild surroundings, tropical plants/flowers (40 species of orchids) and numerous wildlife while visiting Tandayapa Valley. Our bungalow observation deck with hammocks is set up for relaxing at lunchtime (pictured at left). You may spot up to 15 varieties of Hummingbirds, Tanager flocks including the Grass-green Tanager and Blue-winged Mountain-tanager, Toucan Barbet, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, as well as the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock.
Cloud Forest Birdwatching: Andean Emerald, Azara's Spinetail, Bar-bellied Woodpecker, Barn Swallow, Barred Becard, Beautiful Jay, Beryl-spangled Tanager, Black Phoebe, Blackburnian Warbler, Black-capped Tanager, Black-winged Saltator, Blue-black Grassquit, Blue-capped Tanager, Blue-gray Tanager, Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, Booted Racket-tail, Bran-colored Flycatcher, Brown Violetear, Brown-capped Vireo, Buff-tailed Coronet, Cerulean Warbler, Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, Choco Warbler, Cinnamon Flycatcher, Collared Inca, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Curve-billed Tinamou, Dull-colored Grassquit, Ecuadorian Thrush, Empress Brilliant, Flavescent Flycatcher, Glossy-black Thrush, Golden Tanager, Golden-headed Quetzal, Golden-naped Tanager, Golden-rumped Euphonia, Gorgeted Sunangel, Grass-green Tanager, Green Violetear, Green-crowned Brilliant, Green-crowned Woodnymph, Hook-billed Kite, Lemon-rumped Tanager, Masked Trogon, Metallic-green Tanager, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Plumbeous Pigeon, Powerful Woodpecker, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, Purple-throated Woodstar, Red-billed Parrot, Red-eyed Vireo, Red-headed Barbet, Ringed Kingfisher, Roadside Hawk, Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant, Rufous-chested Tanager, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Russet-crowned Warbler, Scrub Blackbird, Sierran Elaenia, Slaty Finch, Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant, Smoke-colored Pewee, Snowy-throated Kingbird, Souther Rough-winged Swallow, Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Sparkling Violetear, Speckled Hummingbird, Squirrel Cuckoo, Streak-necked Flycatcher, Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant, Swallow-tailed Kite, Tawny-bellied Hermit, Tennessee Warbler, Thick-billed Euphonia, Three-striped Warbler, Tropical Kingbird, Turkey Vulture, Turquoise Jay, Variable Seedeater, Violet-tailed Sylph, Western Emerald, White-capped Dipper, White-necked Jacobin, White-sided Flowerpiercer, White-tailed Tyrannulet, White-tipped Dove, Yellow-bellied Seedeater.
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Bronze-winged Parrot
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San Jorge de Milpe Eco-Lodge - Orchid & Bird Reserve (Subtropical Rainforest) next to Mindo. Enjoy the pristine beauty at our newly built birding lodge at San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve with panoramic views, gorgeous scenery, see birds from your room, beautiful birding trails, cascading waterfalls, swimming, running rivers, observatory sites and observation deck, more than 450 bird species, 300 varieties of orchids; hammocks for relaxing.
Milpe, Ecuador birds: Bananaquit Bat Falcon, Bay-headed Tanager, Bicolored Antbird, Black Vulture, Black-capped Tanager, Black-crowned Tityra, Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher, Blue-and-white Swallow, Blue-necked Tanager, Boat-billed Flycatcher, Bronze-winged Parrot, Brown Inca, Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner, Buff-rumped Warbler, Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner, Cattle Egret, Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch, Chestnut-mandibled Toucan, Choco Toucan, Choco Trogon, Cinnamon Becard, Collared Trogon, Common Potoo, Dark-backed Wood-Quail, Dusky Bush-Tanager, Emerald Tanager, Esmeraldas Antbird, Fasciated Tiger-Heron, Flame-faced Tanager, Glistening-green Tanager, Golden Tanager, Golden-crowned Flycatcher, Golden-winged Manakin, Gray Elaenia, Gray-and-gold Tanager, Gray-breasted Wood-Wren, Gray-rumped Swift, Green Honeycreeper, Green Thorntail, Greenish Elaenia, Guayaquil Woodpecker, Guira Tanager, House Wren, Immaculate Antbird, Lanceolated Monklet, Lesser Elaenia, Lineated Woodpecker, Long-tailed Antbird, Maroon-tailed Parakeet, Masked Tityra, Masked Water-Tyrant, Ochre-breasted Tanager, Orange-billed Sparrow, Ornate Flycatcher, Pacific Hornero, Pale-mandibled Aracari, Palm Tanager, Plain-brown Woodcreeper, Red-billed Parrot, Red-headed Barbet, Red-masked Parakeet, Ruddy Pigeon, Rufous-naped Brush-Finch, Rufous-throated Tanager, Russet Antshrike, Rusty-margined Flycatcher, Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant, Scaled Fruiteater, Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner, Sepia-brown Wren, Shiny Cowbird, Silver-throated Tanager, Sirystes, Slaty-capped Flycatcher, Smooth-billed Ani, Social Flycatcher, Streak-capped Treehunter, Strong-billed Woodcreeper, Summer Tanager, Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher, Swainson's Thrush, Swallow-tailed Kite, Swallow-Tanager, Tawny-faced Gnatwren, Toucan Barbet, Tricolored Brush-Finch, Tropical Parula, Velvet-purple Coronet, Wedge-billed Woodcreeper, White-bearded Manakin, White-lined Tanager, White-ringed Flycatcher, White-thighed Swallow, White-throated Spadebill, White-winged Tanager, Yellow Tyrannulet, Yellow-collared Chlorophonia, Yellow-throated Bush-Tanager. Hummingbird species include the White-whiskered Hermit, Stripe-throated Hermit, Tooth-bellied Hummingbird, White-necked Jacobin, Green Thorntail, Violet-bellied Hummingbird, Purple-chested Hummingbird, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, Empress Brilliant, Velvet-purple Coronet, Purple-crowned Fairy, and Purple-throated Woodstar.
 Black and Chestnut Eagle San Jorge Cosanga Reserve Birdwatching Ecuador |
San Jorge de Cosanga-Yanayuca Bird & Wildlife Reserve (Andes Cloud Forest), adjoining Antizana National Park, (Las Caucheras Road near Cosanga Village), is a birdwatchers paradise within the Subtropical Eastern Slopes of the Andes. Surrounded by forest-covered mountain ridges, Cosanga-Yanayuca adjoins the beautiful and immense 120,000 hectare Antizana National Park Reserve. Ecuador birding: Andean Potoo, Black-eared Hemispingus, Bluish Flowerpiercer, Canada Warbler, Common Bush-Tanager, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Flame-faced Tanager, Flammulated Treehunter, Foothill Screech-Owl, Lyre-tailed Nightjar, Masked Crimson Tanager, Ocellated Woodcreeper, Olivaceous Siskin, Olive Finch, Olive-backed Woodcreeper, Orange-eared Tanager, Piratic Flycatcher, Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail, Russet-backed Oropendola, Saffron-crowned Tanager, Sickle-winged Guan, Streaked Tuftedcheek, Summer Tanager, Tyrannine Woodcreeper, Yellow-whiskered Bush-Tanager
Hummingbird species include the Tawny-bellied Hermit, Green-fronted Lancebill, Lazuline Sabrewing, Brown Violetear, Wire-crested Thorntail, Violet-fronted Brilliant, White-tailed Hillstar, Mountain Velvetbreast, Bronzy Inca, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Tourmaline Sunangel, Emerald-bellied Puffleg, Long-tailed Sylph and Wedge-billed Hummingbird.
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Birdwatching Ecuador |
Nono-Mindo Road (Highland Rainforest/Cloud Forest) Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Azara’s Spinetails, Bananaquit, Black-Breasted Puffleg, Black Capped Tanager, Black-winged Saltator, Blue-grey Tanager, Crimson-Mantled Woodpecker, Crimson-Rumped Toucanet, Dark-backed wood-quail,Flame faced tanager, Golden tanager, Golden-Headed Quetzal, Golden-Olive Woodpecker, Hooded mountain tanager, Metallic-Green tanager, Olive Finch, Red-Eyed Vireo, Red-Headed Barbet, Russet-Backed Oropendola, Scarlet-bellied mountain tanager, Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant,Smoky-Brown Woodpecker, Southern Yellow–Grosbeak, Streak-Necked Flycatcher,Striped Warbler,Torrent Duck,Toucan Barbets, Turquoise Jays, Uniform Antshrike, Wattled Guan, White-capped Dipper,White–sided Flowerpiercers, White-throated Quail-dove, White-tipped Swift, White-Winged Tanager. Hummingbirds: Andean Emerald, Brown Inca, Collared Inca, Great saphirewing, Plumbeous Pigeon,Wedge-billed Hummingbird, Western emerald, White-bellied Woodstar, White-Tailed Hillstar.
 Sword-billed Hummingbird Birdwatching Yanacocha Reserve |
Yanacocha Reserve (Cloud Forest) Located on the backside of the Pichincha Mountains, Yanacocha is home to a number of interesting high-elevation species. Mountain Tanagers are abundant at this elevation and we'll hope to find the Scarlet-bellied and Buff-breasted varieties as well as the Bar-bellied Woodpecker and Barred Fruiteater. Between April and June, the Black-breasted Puffleg has been sighted, one of the most rare hummingbirds in the world! Several other hummingbird species are also common in the area. Cloud Forest Ecuador Birdwatching: Andean Guan, Barred Fruiteater, Black-chested Mountain-Tanager, Blue-and-black Tanager, Blue-backed Conebill, Broad-winged Hawk, Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant, Buckley's Forest-Falcon, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, Crowned Chat-Tyrant, Glossy Flowerpiercer, Golden-breasted Puffleg, Hooded Mountain-Tanager, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Superciliaried Hemispingus, Sword-billed Hummingbird
 Pale-mandible Aracari Birdwatching Tours Ecuador |
Pedro Vicente Maldonado(Subtropical Rainforest) The climate is warm and humid with spectacular foliage. Great opportunities can be found here to spot Band-rumped Swift, Black-cheeked Woodpecker, Blue-chested Hummingbird, Buff-throated Saltator, Cinnamon Woodpecker, Common Tody-Flycatcher, Double-banded Graytail, Dusky Pigeon, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Dusky-faced Tanager, Golden-faced Tyrannulet, Golden-hooded Tanager, House Sparrow, Lesser Seed-Finch, Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift, Little Cuckoo, Ochre-bellied Flycatcher, Olivaceous Piculet, Olive-striped Flycatcher, Pale-mandible Aracari, Pacific Parrotlet, Pale-vented Thrush, Plain Xenops, Plumbeous Kite, Purple Honeycreeper, Purple-chested Hummingbird, Red-rumped Cacique, Red-rumped Woodpecker, Slaty Becard, Sooty-crowned Flycatcher, Streaked Xenops, Striped Cuckoo, Tawny-breasted Flycatcher, Tawny-crowned Pygmy-Tyrant, Tropical Gnatcatcher, Tufted Flycatcher, Violet-bellied Hummingbird, Western Wood-Pewee, White-throated Crake, Yellow-bellied Siskin, Yellow-tufted Dacnis
El Hollin (Amazon Rainforest
foothills):
Ash-browed Spinetail, Bare-necked Fruitcrow,
Black-and-white Seedeater, Black-billed Thrush, Black-faced Dacnis,
Blackpoll Warbler, Blue Dacnis, Bronzy Inca, Crimson-crested
Woodpecker, Crowned Slaty Flycatcher, Equatorial Graytail,
Fiery-throated Fruiteater, Glittering-throated Emerald, Grayish
Saltator, Great-tailed Grackle, Lafresnaye's Piculet, Lettered
Aracari, Long-tailed Tyrant, Magpie Tanager, Many-banded Aracari,
Mealy Amazon, Paradise Tanager, Rufescent Tiger-Heron,
Rufous-breasted Flycatcher, Scarlet Tanager, Short-tailed Swift,
Silver-beaked Tanager, Spotted Tanager, Streaked Saltator,
Thrush-like Wren, Turquoise Tanager, White-banded Swallow,
White-bellied Dacnis, White-throated Kingbird, White-winged Swallow,
Willow Flycatcher, Yellow-bellied Tanager
BIRDWATCHING TOURS WITH EASY WALKING
Would you like to see the special birds of Ecuador, but without too much exertion? This relaxed birding package is specially designed for the senior traveler, or those who do not prefer to involve long or strenuous walks. You may choose your own travel dates.
The Magic Birding Circuit Tours are all-inclusive, including airport transfers, lodging (rooms with easy accessibility), meals, ½ day birding tours on flatter terrains, specialized birding guides, private transportation and reserve entrance fees. Itinerary includes morning bird walks with free time in afternoon to relax or bird on own while at our private birding reserves.
Itinerary #1 – Birding Tour – 4N/5D
Pre-scheduled tour dates for 2013
June 6 – 10; July 6 – 10; August 6 – 10; September 6 – 10;
October 6 - 10; November 6 – 10; December 6 - 10
Day One – Airport transfer from Mariscal Sucre Quito Airport to San Jorge Eco-Lodge; overnight San Jorge/Quito
Day Two – Morning birding world famous Nono-Mindo Road & feeders (HIGHLAND RAINFOREST/CLOUD FOREST), overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa, includes 3 meals
Day Three – Morning birding San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary (CLOUD FOREST), afternoon transfer to San Jorge de Milpe, overnight San Jorge/Milpe, includes 3 meals
Day Four – Morning birding San Jorge de Milpe Eco-Lodge & feeders (TROPICAL RAINFOREST), afternoon transfer to San Jorge/Quito, overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Five – Breakfast & AM transfer to Mariscal Sucre Quito Airport
Itinerary #2 – Birding Tour – 7N/8D
Pre-scheduled tour dates for 2013
June 5 – 12; July 5 – 12; August 5 – 12; September 5 – 12;
October 5 - 12; November 5 – 12; December 5 - 12
Day One - Airport transfer from Mariscal Sucre Quito Airport to San Jorge Eco-Lodge; overnight San Jorge/Quito
Day Two – Morning birding at San Jorge Eco-Lodge & surroundings; feeders along the way (HIGH BARREN PLAINS/HIGHLAND RAINFORST); overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Three – Morning birding world famous Nono-Mindo Road & feeders (HIGHLAND RAINFOREST/CLOUD FOREST), overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa, includes 3 meals
Day Four – Morning birding San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary (CLOUD FOREST), overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa, includes 3 meals
Day Five – Morning birding San Jorge de Milpe Eco-Lodge surroundings & feeders (TROPICAL RAINFOREST), overnight San Jorge/Milpe, includes 3 meals
Day Six – Day of leisure at San Jorge de Milpe Eco-Lodge Orchid & Bird Reserve (TROPICAL RAINFOREST), afternoon transfer to San Jorge/Quito, overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Seven – Day of leisure at San Jorge/Quito; or Old Colonial Quito City ½ Day Tour, or Otavalo Indian Market & Surrounding Village Tour. (Choose one) Overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Eight – Breakfast & AM transfer to Mariscal Sucre Quito Airport
Itinerary #3 – Birding Tour – 11N/12D
Prescheduled tour dates for 2013
June 5 – 16; July 5 – 16; August 5 – 16; September 5 – 16;
October 5 - 16; November 5 – 16; December 5 - 16
Day One – Airport transfer from Mariscal Sucre Quito Airport to San Jorge Eco-Lodge; overnight San Jorge/Quito
Day Two – Morning birding at San Jorge Eco-Lodge & surroundings; feeders along the way (HIGH BARREN PLAINS/HIGHLAND RAINFORST); overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Three – Morning birding world famous Nono-Mindo Road & feeders (HIGHLAND RAINFOREST/CLOUD FOREST), continue on to San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary (CLOUD FOREST), overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa, includes 3 meals
Day Four – Morning birding San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary (CLOUD FOREST), overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa, includes 3 meals
Day Five – Day of leisure at San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary for birding on own; overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa
Day Six – Morning birding San Jorge de Milpe Eco-Lodge & feeders (TROPICAL RAINFOREST), overnight San Jorge/Milpe, includes 3 meals
Day Seven – Day of leisure at San Jorge de Milpe Eco-Lodge Orchid & Bird Reserve for birding on own (TROPICAL RAINFOREST), afternoon transfer to San Jorge/Quito, overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Eight – Morning birding Pedro Vicente Maldonado Road (LOWLAND TROPICAL RAINFOREST), afternoon transfer to San Jorge/Quito, overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Nine – Day of leisure at San Jorge/Quito; or Old Colonial Quito City ½ Day Tour, or Otavalo Indian Market & Surrounding Village Tour (Choose one), Overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Ten – Birding Antisana National Park, overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Eleven – Birding Jerusalem Dry Forest Reserve, overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Twelve – Breakfast & AM transfer to Mariscal Sucre Quito Airport
THE MAGIC CIRCUIT HUMMINGBIRD TOUR
Pre-scheduled tour dates for 2013
September 20 – 27; October 20 – 27; November 20 – 27; December 8 - 15
Day One – Transfer from Quito Airport to San Jorge Eco-Lodge; Overnight lodging San Jorge/Quito
Day Two – Hummingbird tour at San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve (High Barren Plains/Highland Rainforest). Birding for Hummingbirds at Yanacocha Reserve (HIGHLAND RAINFOREST). Overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Three – Hummingbird Tour at San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary (CLOUD FOREST). Overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa, includes 3 meals
Day Four – Free day at San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary for birding on own. Overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa, includes 3 meals
Day Five – Hummingbird tour at San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve, (TROPICAL RAINFOREST). Afternoon visit to Mindo hummingbird feeders at La Posada Cascada or Hummingbird Restaurant. Overnight San Jorge/Milpe, includes 3 meals
Day Six – Free day at San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve for birding on own, overnight San Jorge/Milpe, includes 3 meals
Day Seven – After breakfast, we will drive back towards Quito, stopping at Mindo Loma (CLOUD FOREST) to see more hummers along the way. Afternoon at leisure at San Jorge Eco-Lodge/Quito. Overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Eight – Breakfast & AM transfer to downtown Quito or Airport
| Band-tailed Barbthroat (Threnetes ruckeri) M | White-whiskered Hermit Phaethornis yaruqui) T M |
| Stripe-throated Hermit (Ehaethornis striigularis) M | Tooth-bellied Hummingbird (Androdon aequatorialis M |
| White-tipped Sicklebill (Eutoxeres aquila) M | Green-fronted Lancebill (Doryfera ludoviciae) M |
| White-necked -Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora) T | Brown Violetear (Colibri delphinae) T |
| Green Violetear (Colibri thalassinus) T | Sparkling Violetear (Colibri coruscans) Q T |
| Green Thorntail (Popelairia conversii) M | Western Emerald (Chlorostibon melanorynchus) T |
| Green-crowned Woodnvmph (Thaltirania fannyi) T M | Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (Amazilia tzacatl) T M |
| Andean Emerald (Amazilia franciae) T M | Speckled Hummingbird (Adelomyia melanogenys) T |
| Purple-Bibbed Whitetip (Urosticte benjamini) T M | Empress Brilliant (Heliodoxa imperatrix) T M |
| Green-crowned Brilliant (Heliodoxa jacula) T M | Fawn-breasted Brilliant (Heliodoxa rubinoides) T M |
| White-tailed Hillstar (Urochroa bougueri) T | Giant Hummingbird (Patagona gigas) Q |
| Shining Sunbeam (Aglaeactis cupripennis) Q Y | Mountain Velvetbreast (Lafresnaya larresnayi) Q Y |
| Great Sapphirewing (Pterophanes cyanopterus) Q Y | Brown Inca (Coeligena wilsoni) T M |
| Collared Inca (Coeligena torquata) T | Ecuadorian Hillstar ( Oreotrochilus chimborazo) Q |
| Buff-winged Starfrontlet (Coeligena lutetiae) Y | Sword-billed Hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera) Q T |
| Buff-tailed Coronet (Boissonneaua flavescens) T C | Velvet-purple Coronet (Boissonneauajardini) T M |
| Gorgeted Sunangel (Heliangelus strophianus) T | Black-breasted Puffleg (Eriocnemis nigrivestis) Q Y |
| Sapphire-vented Puffleg (Eriocnemis luciani) Q Y | Golden-breasted Puffleg (Eriocnemis mosquera) Y |
| Blue Mantled Thornbill(Chalcostigma stanleyi) P | Hoary Puffleg (Haplophaedia lugens) T |
| Booted Racket-tail (Ocreatus underwoodii) T M C | Black-tailed Trainbearer (Lesbia vicforiae) Q |
| Green-tailed Trainbearer (Lesbia nuna) Q | Purple-backed Thornbill (Ramphomicron microrhynchum) Q |
| Tyrian Metaltail (Metallura tyriathina) Q Y | Rainbow-bearded Thornbill (Chalcostigma herrani) Y P |
| Violet-tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus coelestis) T | Wedge-billed Hummingbird (Schistes geoffroyi) T M |
| Purple-crowned Fairy (Heliothryx barroti) M | Blue Tailed Emerald ( Chlorostilbon mellisugus) O |
and Botanical Reserves
Contact us
Quito, Ecuador
(877) 565-2596
Toll Free USA & Canada
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| Rufous- napped brush Finch |
San Jorge is also a tour operator who provides 25 optional
eco-tours for cultural and nature lovers as well as for
spouses or companions who wish to enjoy other types activities;
including Galapagos Islands Cruises and Peru archaeological tours as
extensions.
Ecuador is famously rich in bird life with more than 1,600 species of birds, and 20% of the world's total, 3000 species of orchids, thousands of species of butterflies and moths and a huge amount of native plants. Visitors who want to take full advantage of Ecuador need to gain access to a variety of remote regions, many of them only available through the The Magic Birding and Hiking Circuit.
CONTACT US FOR PRICING
Choose a pre-scheduled tour date & itinerary, or specify your own travel dates to us. Please tell us how many people will be traveling with you.
Magic Birding & Hiking Circuit Ecuador
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Click for Distances |
Commentaries
"I enjoyed the birdwatching tours with you. San Jorge de Quito Lodge is historical and lovely. San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary, good location and should be excellent once the lodge is finish. San Jorge de Milpe, good habitat, great birding, beautiful lodge. Baeza, near San Jorge de Cosanga, very comfortable, quiet and good access to habitat . Of course I loved the guides!! Especially Jorge, the owner, he was excellent everywhere!!! Norberto Jumbo was excellent on Nono Road ! Areas were very good choices, requiring very early arrivals for the best birding . Understandable. Hotel services, maintenance, transportation, food, lodging, hiking trails in reserves, all very well kept. I will come back!!"
Olga Clarke
Los Angeles Audubon Society Director
Los Angeles, CA USA
"The most fantastic birding tour in South America we have ever experienced! We enjoyed a wonderful, comfortable room with a panoramic view of the valley and Quito. The meals were tastefully prepared from local cuisine and creatively presented in a mouth-watering display that tasted as good as it looked. Up early in the mornings with our bird guide George Cruz, we encountered a plethora of species new to us each day. Our trip ranged from 13,000 feet in stages going down the western slope of the Andes while spending nights at Tandayapa and Milpe Eco-lodges and traveling from high semi-arid mountains through the highland rain forest, cloud forest, sub-tropical and tropical forests while descending to around 1,500 feet. The vegetation transitions were stunning but the birds were unbelieveable. George was relentless as he worked tirelessly to locate as many birds as possible during our drives along the winding back roads in the van, hiking the trails near the lodges or walking along a high mountain road. The same adventure awaited us on the eastern slopes of the Andes as we descended from the high Andean pass down to the upper reaches of the Napo River drainage (a main tributary of the Amazon River) in sub-tropical Amazonian rain forest. We spent two nights in Baeza and drove down the river to the private Cosanga-Yanayuca Bird Preserve. The bird diversity is overwhelming and we were ecstatic to add over 300 new species to our life lists! If birding is your interest, you will certainly be rewarded. The bright vibrant colors and diversity are truly mind-boggling. We had a blast! This truly is the Magic Birding Circuit Tour."
Dick & Karen Unrue
Seattle, Washington USA
“We enjoyed the Magic Birding Circuit. San Jorge/Quito is lovely. San Jorge Tandayapa is beautiful, uphill and marvelous views. San Jorge de Milpe is lovely, super view.
We liked the bird guides Jorge, Xavier and Danny. All excellent but different except for their eyes! All have the eyes of an eagle and could spot birds so easily, even while driving.
Hotel services and maintenance are all excellent, especially the meals, wonderful to taste typical Ecuadorian food. Airport pick ups much appreciated. All of the staff was very friendly, hard working and eager to please.”
Anne Hughes
St Johns, NL Canada
"We went Birdwatching at all 3 lodges. Tandayapa was worth the climb when we saw so many hummingbirds, parrots flying by.
Milpe was beautiful. Jorge took us to places he thought we would see animals. It was such a gift. The guides were all skilled and knowledgeable .Every lodge we visited was comfortable. All of our needs were met, staff was helpful and patient. The food was excellent. I thought besides being delicious it was so nutritious. I love dining under the pavilion at Milpe.
This was an outstanding win life changing experience. I had lots of fun, saw so much and learned a great deal. Thank you!!!"
Rev Joan Phelps
Niantic, CT USA
Connecticut Audubon Society.
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