Your Travel Experience with Argentinien Pro
Day 1
Arrival in Mindo
Refugio Paz de Las Aves is a family reserve founded in 2005 by Angel Paz and Rodrigo Paz for bird watching and forest conservation. The original habitat of the cloud forest in the northwest of Pichincha in Mindo is home to more than 200 bird species. The Refugio Paz de las Aves is located only 80 km from Quito, in the northwest of Pichincha province. The journey by bus or car from Quito takes about 2 hours.
Andean rock cock and exotic birds
Check-in takes place from 14:00. After you have dropped off your luggage and settled into your cabin, you can join a forest walk to observe the Andean cock and other birds such as tanager, quetzal and quail. A home-cooked dinner will be served at 18:30.
Day 2
Birdwatching
A morning migration starts at 05:50 for a second observation of the Andean Rockcock. The birds are more active in the morning, with mating often lasting until around 7am. One of the most difficult birds in the world to observe, the antpitta, can be seen in this reserve. Two of the five species of antpittas found here are endangered. After observing the antpittas, go to the lodge for a traditional Ecuadorian breakfast. After breakfast, you can observe tanagers, toucans, 14 species of hummingbirds and other birds that visit the lodge's feeding stations. After lunch you will have some free time to relax. Afterwards, the guide will be at your disposal for more bird watching. After dinner, Angel Paz will take you on a night walk to observe owls, frogs and the Colombian screech owl.
Day 3
Ocellated Tapaculo Observation and Return to Quito
Early in the morning, your naturalist guide will take you to the lodge's night lights, where 10-20 different bird species lurk for insects and moths. After a home-cooked breakfast, you set off in search of one of the most beautiful and rare bird species to watch: the Ocellated Tapaculo. The hike takes 35-40 minutes into the cloud forest where the Ocellated Tapaculo lives. It is definitely worth the effort. After lunch, you can start your departure towards Quito,
Return by rental car, public bus or private transfer.