GralaAn Ochre-breasted Antpitta, a tiny bird with a mottled white and brown breast, dark brown back and wings, a large beak for its size, and a very round dark black eye that perches on a mossy branch in the dark forest

Half-Day Birdwatching

US$60 per person

With more than 1,680 different species of birds, Ecuador is one of the most popular destinations in the world for birdwatchers. In the Refugio Paz de las Aves reserve there are more than 200 species. Our record for birdwatching in a single day is 155 different species!

About Our Half-Day Tour:

*The tour operates from 6am to 11am. You may share this tour with other people. Our guide will do his best to make sure each of you gets ample opportunity to view all of the birds.

*If you wish to come from Mindo, you must hire a taxi to drop you off and pick you up from the reserve. We can provide private transportation for this tour to pick you up from and drop you off in Mindo for $60.

Why do I need transportation at Refugio Paz?

The tour takes place over 5 km route. We use our vehicle to take guests to several stops to observe different species of birds. This free transportation within the reserve is provided only to birdwatching guests reserving through our website. If you reserve with an agency, they are responsible for all of your transportation needs.

Half day itinerary:

  • 5h50am: You should arrive in plenty of time to start the activities; we recommend allowing for 5-10 minutes beforehand. Our guide will be waiting for you to gather the whole group and start birding.
  • 06h00am: The group will to walk to the Cock-of-the-Rock blind where we will observe the courtship rituals of this spectacular bird!
  • 08h00am: When the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock courtship ends, we go on to observe Antpittas. These are some of the most difficult to observe birds in the world. In our reserve, it is possible to observe 5 different species, among them two species in danger of extinction.
  • 10h00am: Breakfast is served. Since this is a late breakfast, we recommend bringing something to snack on earlier in the morning.
  • 11h30am: Check out
Can I stay and watch more birds on my own?
Our reserve has limited trails for the conservation of the Antpittas. However you are invited to stay and observe birds that come to our wide variety of feeders with no time limit.

Amy Miles
Amy Miles
Words cannot adequately describe how beautiful this place is.
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This place is absolutely wonderful. We spent an incredible morning seeing all kinds of bird species, including a lyre-tailed nightjar, giant antpitta and golden-headed quetzal. The family that runs the refuge has a deep love for birds, and it shows. It is a truly special experience.

If you wish to observe and photograph more birds...

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