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The Magic Birding Circuit of Ecuador
NEW 8 room expansion at San Jorge De Tandayapa Eco-Lodge ~ Photo slide show click here
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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 Circuit, offering an unparalleled opportunity to combine nature, culture and birding at its best.
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#1 of 91 hotels in Quito – San Jorge Eco-Lodge/Quito
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Blue-winged Tanager Tandayapa Cloud Forest Birding |
The Magic Birding and Hiking Circuit is the first of its kind in Latin America. As pioneers to a new development, San Jorge Eco-Lodges & Botanical Reserves owns 4 private birding and Botanical Reserves, 3 Ecuador birding lodges and natural sanctuaries, spanning six different eco-systems throughout Ecuador. Kept in their rich, natural state, all of the exclusive reserves offer the chance to fully immerse your self in all that is Ecuador. A diverse array of flora, fauna, climate regions and hundreds of beautiful bird species await you. Stroll through our gardens and watch hummingbirds gather at the feeders. The Magic Birding and Hiking Circuit tours offer the perfect chance to combine nature, culture and birding at its best. San Jorge is the ideal retreat for some of the best birdwatching in the world.
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 in 2009.
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.
ECUADOR AN ECOLOGICAL MIRACLE ~ THE MAGIC BIRDING CIRCUIT IN ECUADOR
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Birdwatching Ecuador |
San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve located in the High Barren Plains/Highland Rainforest. Beautiful Andes hacienda rooms with private baths & hot showers, comfortable & decorated in typical décor, heated with fireplaces, central heat/electric heat. Accommodations include a double or triple room, with private bath and hot shower. (Optional: Rooms with view or balcony & queen bed). Enjoy peace & tranquility at our mountain lodge in the Pichincha Foothills, just 17 miles from Quito airport. Upper level rooms are located on terraced hillside. Lower level rooms are located closer to restaurant for less walking (on request). Enjoy our outdoor tempered 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 110 possible species and 13 varieties of Hummingbirds at their feeders 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.
BRAND NEW!! San Jorge de Tandayapa Eco-Lodge is located in the Cloud Forest at San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary. Accommodations include well appointed rooms with private bath/hot shower. Tandayapa Valley is part of the Choco Bird Area of N.W. Ecuador where as many as 500 species and 24 varieties of Hummingbirds live; lovely trails, observation deck, pamarama views, open aire Hummingbird Restaurant with hummingbird & tanager feeders; superb birding and photo options, and a total peaceful and tranquil setting inside the Cloud Forest. This lodge is located 50 minutes from San Jorge/Quito. San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary is for active birders who can walk steeper terrain; a 20 minute walk to reach the lodge, birding along the way.
San Jorge de Milpe Eco-Lodge (newly constructed in 2007) is located in the Topical Rainforest at San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve (1 hour from San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary and 2 hours from San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve/Quito). This reserve is a beautiful birding paradise with over 450 bird species, numerous wildlife, over 300 varieties of 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 new 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. We have recently completed a new “deluxe addition” offering optional extra spacious rooms with 3 sided window views! You can even spot birds from your room!
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's three birding lodge locations are central to the six climate steps of Ecuador; offering day trips to each of our private birding reserves, and other birding hotspots along the way.
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 and tax. Extra features while at San Jorge’s Reserves include delicious Ecuadorian and International cuisine and porter service for your baggage into each lodge.
Our Ecuador Birdwatching Tours
14 Nights/15 Days
Pre-scheduled tour dates for 2012
April 15 – 29; May 14-28; June 13 – 27; July 16-30;
August 13 – 27;
September 15 – 29; November 13 – 27
Pre-scheduled tour dates for 2013
January 14 – 28; February 13 – 27; March 16 – 30;
April 15 – 29; May 16 – 30; June 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), stop at Middle of the World Equator Monument along the way, 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 2012 – 11 nights/12 days
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
Pre-scheduled tour dates for 2013
January 14 – 25; February 13 – 24; March 16 – 27;
April 15 – 26; May 16 – 27; June 15 - 26
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), stop at Middle of the World Equator Monument along the way, 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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9 Nights/10 Days
Pre-scheduled tour dates for 2012 - 9 nights/10 days
March 21 – 30; April 1 – 10; May 1 – 10; June 1 – 10; July 1 – 10; August 1 – 10;
September 1 – 10; October 1 – 10; November 1 – 10; December 1 – 10
Pre-scheduled tour dates for 2013
January 14 – 23; February 13 – 22; March 16 – 25;April 15 – 24; May 16 – 25; June 15 - 24
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), stop at Middle of the World Equator Monument along the way, 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 Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Ten – 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.
7 Nights/8 Days
Prescheduled tour dates for 2012 – 7 nights/8 days
February 13-20; March 21 – 28; 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
Pre-scheduled tour dates for 2013
January 14 – 21; February 13 – 20; March 16 – 23;
April 15 – 22; May 16 – 23; June 15 - 22
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), stop at Middle of the World Equator Monument along the way, 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
3 Nights/4 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, 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 – Day of leisure – birding on own at San Jorge/Tandayapa, late afternoon transfer to downtown Quito, includes 2 meals
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.
1 Day
#1 - Day Tour – 5:00 am pick up at your hotel in downtown Quito. Morning birding at San Jorge Botanical Reserve, afternoon birding at Yanacocha Reserve (HIGH BARREN PLAINS/HIGHLAND RAINFOREST), return transfer to downtown Quito end of afternoon. Includes bilingual birding guide, transportation, reserve entrance fees, lunch, tax, round trip transfers from downtown Quito.
#2 - Day Tour – 5:00 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 (HIGHLAND RAINFOREST/CLOUD FOREST), return transfer to downtown Quito end of afternoon. Includes bilingual birding guide, transportation, reserve entrance fee, lunch at San Jorge’s open aired Hummingbird Restaurant with feeders, tax, round trip transfers from downtown Quito.
TOUR DESCRIPTIONS
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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 citizen, travelers with disabilities, or those who do not prefer to involve long or strenuous walks. You may choose your own travel dates for this tour.
The Magic Birding Circuit Tours are all-inclusive, including airport transfers, lodging (rooms with easy accessibility), meals, ½ day birding tours on flatter terrains, optional night walks, specialized bilingual birding guides, private transportation, reserve entrance fees, and tax. Itinerary includes morning tours with free time to relax at our private birding reserves, enjoy the amenities or bird on own. Full day birding tours or additional days may be added on upon request.
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 guides, private transportation, and reserve entrance fees. Added features while at San Jorge’s Reserves include delicious Ecuadorian and International cuisine; and porter service for baggage to each lodge.
Itinerary #1 – Birding Tour – 4N/5D
Day One - Airport transfer from 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/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 - AM transfer to Quito Airport, includes breakfast
Itinerary #2 – Birding Tour – 7N/8D
Day One - Airport transfer from 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/Milpe, includes 3 meals
Day Four – Morning birding San Jorge de Milpe Eco-Lodge & feeders (TROPICAL RAINFOREST), overnight San Jorge/Milpe, includes 3 meals
Day Five – Free day at San Jorge de Milpe Eco-Lodge Orchid & Bird Reserve on own (TROPICAL RAINFOREST), overnight San Jorge/Milpe, includes 3 meals
Day Six – Morning birding Pedro Vicente Maldonado Road (LOWLAND 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 Tour, or Otavalo Indian Market & Surrounding Village Tour. (Choose one) Overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Eight - AM transfer to Quito Airport, includes breakfast
Itinerary #3 – Birding Tour – 11N/12D
Day One – Airport transfer from 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 – Yanacocha Reserve; overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Four – Morning birding world famous Nono-Mindo Road & feeders (HIGHLAND RAINFOREST/CLOUD FOREST), overnight San Jorge/Milpe, includes 3 meals
Day Five – Morning birding San Jorge de Milpe Eco-Lodge & 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), overnight San Jorge/Milpe, includes 3 meals
Day Seven – Morning birding Pedro Vicente Maldonado Road (LOWLAND TROPICAL RAINFOREST), afternoon transfer to San Jorge/Quito, overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Eight – Day of leisure at San Jorge/Quito; or Old Colonial Quito City Tour, or Otavalo Indian Market & Surrounding Village Tour (Choose one) Overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Nine – Birding Antisana National Park to observe possible Condor, Black-faced Ibis and other Highland birds, overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Ten – Birding Jerusalmen Dry Forest Reserve to observe the Vermillion Flycatcher, Giant Hummingbird and other species, overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Eleven – Birding from the car at Papallacta Pass, overnight Baeza, includes 3 meals
Day Twelve – AM transfer to Quito Airport, includes breakfast
Itinerary #4 - Naturalist Tour with Birding – 5N/6D
Day One – Airport transfer from Quito Airport to San Jorge Eco-Lodge; overnight San Jorge/Quito
Day Two – Morning Naturalist Tour, observing feeders & medicinal plants surrounding San Jorge Eco-Lodge, (HIGH BARREN PLAINS); overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Three – Morning Birding Tour at world famous Nono-Mindo Road (HIGHLAND RAINFOREST/CLOUD FOREST), overnight San Jorge/Milpe, includes 3 meals
Day Four – Morning Naturalist Tour and swimming at the waterfalls at San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve (TROPICAL RAINFOREST). Visit a wild virgin cloud forest around Pichincha Mountain and trek on great jungle trails inside a natural paradise, observing a variety of birds along the way, along with orchid observation, hummingbirds at their feeders, and bird observation on our pre-inca hillside. This is considered a bird watching paradise, of over 450 species; majestic waterfalls, wild surroundings, tropical plants/flowers/300 varieties of orchids; great photo options. Overnight San Jorge/Milpe, includes 3 meals
Day Five – Free day at San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve on own; afternoon transfer to San Jorge/Quito, overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals
Day Six – AM transfer to Quito Airport, includes Breakfast
HUMMINGBIRD TOUR
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
| 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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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