Ecuador is famous for its dazzling birdlife, and this private tour is designed to showcase two of its most iconic families – hummingbirds and toucans.

Over the course of the day, you’ll visit reserves at three elevations—1,100 m, 1,800 m, and 2,500 m—each with its own unique hummingbird community. With luck, you could photograph 30+ different hummingbird species in a single day, from tiny gems like the Green Thorntail and White-booted Racket-tail to the extravagant Violet-tailed Sylph and Velvet-purple Coronet.

Toucans add even more excitement. Depending on the season, you may encounter up to four species: Collared Aracari, Chocó Toucan, Yellow-throated Toucan, and Crimson-rumped Toucanet. While toucan activity varies by time of year, hummingbird diversity remains excellent year-round.

Led by Hans, a professional wildlife photographer and naturalist, this tour combines expert guiding with private transportation, scenic locations, and personalized support for both birders and photographers.

If toucans are your main target, departures are recommended at 4:30 AM from Quito or 5:45 AM from Mindo to maximize sightings.

💰 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: 4:30 AM (recommended for toucan season)

• Mindo pick-up: 5:45 AM

• Comfortable 5-passenger Chevrolet pick-up truck

🌟 Highlights

• Photograph 30+ hummingbird species in a single day

• Visit three elevations for maximum diversity

• Search for four toucan species depending on the season

• Private guiding with expert photographer-naturalist

• Seamless transport from Mindo or Quito