This private tour immerses you in the rich birdlife of Ecuador’s cloud forest, a hotspot of biodiversity perched between 1,800–2,200 meters (5,900–7,200 ft). Here, you’ll have the chance to photograph brilliant hummingbirds, colorful tanagers, and striking toucans that make this ecosystem so extraordinary.

At these elevations, expect to encounter spectacular species such as Velvet-purple Coronet, Violet-tailed Sylph, White-booted Racket-tail, and many more. Among the dazzling tanagers, highlights may include Black-chinned Mountain Tanager, Blue-capped, Black-capped, and Blue-winged Mountain Tanager. Toucans like the Plate-billed Mountain Toucan and Crimson-rumped Toucanet, along with charismatic species such as the Toucan Barbet and the elusive Yellow-breasted Antpitta, add to the excitement.

For guests traveling from Quito, the return journey includes an additional stop at around 2,600 meters (8,500 ft) in the Andes Mountains, where high-elevation hummingbirds such as White-bellied Woodstar, Brown Inca, Collared Inca, and Sparkling Violetear may be seen and photographed.

Guided by a professional wildlife photographer and naturalist, this tour is perfect for birders and photographers alike, offering private transport, expert spotting, and personalized support throughout the day.

💰 COST (Private Tour) From Mindo:

• 1 – 2 passengers: $290 USD

• 3 – 4 passengers: $330 USD

• • Save 20% when departing from Chocó Toucan Reserve & Bird Lodge – to be applied by guide at time of tour.

Optional – Transportation From Quito (Pick-up & Drop-off): $160 USD

✅ Included

• Private guiding by a professional wildlife photographer and naturalist

• Personalized photography support from an expert wildlife photographer to help you capture your best shots

• Private transportation (Chevrolet 5-passenger pick-up)

• Pick-up and drop-off in Mindo or Quito

• Fresh local fruit snacks

• Breakfast box

❌ Not Included

• Entrance fees to 2–3 private reserves ($10–20 USD per person, per reserve)

• Meals (optional add-ons available)

🍽️ Add-ons

• Lunch: $15 USD per person

• Dinner at Chocó Toucan Reserve (includes opportunity to photograph owls and nocturnal mammals): $20 USD per person

🚐 Transportation Details

• Quito pick-up: 5:00 AM

• Mindo pick-up: 6:00 AM

• Comfortable 5-passenger Chevrolet pick-up truck

🌟 Highlights

• Explore Ecuador’s cloud forest at 1,800–2,200 m (5,900–7,200 ft)

• Photograph tanagers, toucans, hummingbirds, and barbets

• Spot specialties like Toucan Barbet and Yellow-breasted Antpitta

• Optional Andes stop (2,600 m / 8,500 ft) for high-elevation hummingbirds

• Private guiding with expert wildlife photographer-naturalist