Nature and Birding Experience in Yanachocha Reserve
Yanacocha Reserve is a high-altitude cloud forest located 10,500 ft a.s.l. that 964 hectares of lush evergreen forest; home to many avian specialties but is noted primarily for its hummingbirds.
Among these, is the highly endangered Black-breasted Puffleg, which was nearly driven to extinction due to habitat loss. The reserve was established in the early 1990s by the Jocotoco Foundation, one of Ecuador’s most recognized conservation organizations: an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and photographers!
The breathtaking views, the tranquil environment, and the outstanding biodiversity make it hard to believe you are only 1 hour away from the city! A delicious lunch will be served at the reserve's restaurant.
Support conservation by visiting this reserve that fights to resist the the pressure for agricultural conversion and other ways of habitat degradation.
Options
Early pickup 5:30am
Early start w/ breakfast: Arrive to the Reserve at sunrise to make the most of the early bird activity. Pick up at 5:30 am includes box breakfast.
Pickup included
What's included in Nature and Birding Experience in Yanachocha Reserve
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Quito
Pick up from your accommodation at 5:30 am. Your private guide will give you a briefing of the wonderful day you have ahead and answer any questions you have before you start your way towards Yanacocha.
Yanacocha ReservePass-by Only
Yanacocha Reserve is located on the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano about 1 hour northwest of Quito. After arriving at the reserve you’ll hike on the main trail that extends for more than 2 km through the stunning lush montane humid forest, with flocks of birds being regularly encountered, with species like Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager, Black-chested Mountain-Tanager, Blue-backed Conebill, Golden-crowned Tanager, Superciliared Hemispingus and more. Several stations with multiple hummingbird feeders are situated at various spots, and visitors can obtain point-blank views of the many species that regularly arrive to feed here and in the surrounding flora, including Great Sapphirewing, Sapphire-vented, and Golden-breasted Pufflegs, Tyrian Metaltail, Buff-winged Starfrontlet and the outstanding Sword-billed hummingbird! Enjoy lunch at the reserve. After lunch and a last glance at the wonderful cloud forest, you'll start your way back to Quito.
Inclusions
- Entrance fees
- Lunch with soft drink
- Private transportation
- Certified, bilingual naturalist & birding guide
- All activities
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A small amount of walking is involved along trails with irregular terrain although if participants require longer hiking trails are available.
- Copy of passport of one of the group members is required for billing purposes (local tax exemption)
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Let us know if you are prone to altitude sickness
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Additional Information
Pick up and drop off at your accommodation in Quito and airport area. Please provide your accommodation address in case it is not listed in the hotels above.
