Ecuador - Cock-of-the-rock

Tour Code: ECU05

A 9-day birdwatching tour visiting the forests and valleys of the Andes, including a visit to a Cock-of-the-rock lek and the Angel Paz antpitta reserve.

9 days from
£3,595 (Inc flights)

Land only price from
£2,595

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Highlights

Summary

One of our most popular 'Bargain Birdwatching' tours over recent years, this finely tuned birding holiday offers outstanding value for money and encapsulates the best of northern Ecuador in a week of exciting, varied birdwatching at Mindo, San Miguel de los Bancos and Maquipucuna on the western Andean slope, and the Papallacta/San Isidro transect on the eastern Cordillera. Colourful tanagers and hummingbirds abound among a good selection of range-restricted endemics, stunning Andean scenery and warm Ecuadorian hospitality. It will be hard to leave!

Experience an active Cock-of-the-rock lek
Visit Angel Paz's famous Antpitta reserve at Mindo
Superlative Neotropical birding. Tanagers & hummingbirds galore!
Wonderful cloudforest & mountain scenery
High altitude birds at Papallacta include Seedsnipe & Andean Condor
Expertly guided by one of our outstanding Ecuadorian ornithologists
Extend your holiday with a visit to the Galapagos Islands

Grading

A traditional birdwatching tour with plenty of time on foot, often on steep, muddy trails.

Everything about the Andes is spectacular! From the Caribbean coasts of Venezuela and Colombia to South America’s southernmost tip in Patagonia, the longest and geologically youngest mountain chain on earth is a domineering physical presence. Crowned by a string of majestic snow-clad peaks along much of the range, this is one of the most seismically active places on the planet. In between the world’s highest active volcanoes, a myriad of distinct micro-climates and ecosystems characterize the peaks and ridges, valleys and wet-forested slopes. The Andes is a place of extremes with climatic, altitudinal and geographical extremes as wide as any. Within these stunning landscapes a mouth-watering bonanza of birding opportunities are on offer to suit all tastes and constitutions. Whilst being surrounded by a large mixed-species feeding flock is arguably the adrenaline-fuelled highlight of birding in the Andes, attractive side-shows are almost too numerous to mention. Many of the privately-owned lodges on the Andean slopes of Ecuador provide spectacular hummingbird viewing, with birds attracted by numerous sugar-water dispensing hummingbird feeders. Strictly an American family, ranging from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, these captivating, iridescent, glittering creatures reach their greatest diversity in the cloud forests of the Andes. Locations abound where it is possible to see over 20 species of ?hummers? without switching hammocks! The names are evocative; Booted Racket-tail, Gorgeted Sunangel, Shining Sunbeam; the plumages stunning, and the photographic opportunities endless. If the hummingbirds are the living jewels in the cloud forest drizzle, even they are surely eclipsed by the remarkable Cock of the Rock. A bright red, Jackdaw-sized bird, males romp strenuously and noisily on steep forested hillsides at displaying areas known as leks. Any cloud forest birding lodge worth its salt will be within striking distance of an active lek, for this is a spectacle not to be missed. Each bird competes to be the loudest and brightest performer to impress the females, which in comparison are rather drab.

DETAILED INFORMATION

Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1

Fly Quito

Day 2/4

MIndo

Day 5

Mindo to Quito

Day 6/7

Guango - eastern Andean slope

Day 8

Guango to Quito; depart

Day 9

Arrive UK

Download Full Itinerary

What's Included

What's Included?

Flights
Accommodation: A mixture of characterful birding lodges and small hotels.
Food:
All meals are included, except for evening meals in Quito (£30 should be more than enough for these).

Reviews

Brilliant opportunity to sample a variety of wildlife, scenery and culture in Ecuador. Outstanding wildlife viewing with enthusiastic local guide and driver, who looked after us very well. Interesting and varied accommodation and local food were also features. Ran this holiday at normal group price for two of us - presumably to keep faith with clients and local tour operators. Two more joined in the week before departure and all arrangements went smoothly. Generally good communications and accurate descriptions of what to expect. Naturetrek have proved reliable over many years: this is my twelfth holiday with them.
G.G. Shropshire, Feb 22
All the hotels were good/very good, and we were fed well. We must make special mention of the warm welcome at the Charles Darwin - nothing seemed too much trouble. We were given breakfast upon our late arrival, plied with tea when we returned wet through from our walk about Quito. The trip leader and local agents sorted everything when we arrived later than expected in Quito and again when we were delayed at Kapawi. The guide was excellent! Thanks to Andy for arranging our stay at Kapawi - it was brilliant!
R. & R.L. Norfolk
I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. The leaders were both excellent, they spoke English fluently, both were good company and made us feel that they enjoyed our company too, and willingly told us about Ecuador life in general. The drivers did their job well and all went out of their way to make the holiday a success. The food was much better than I expected and the staff friendly and helpful.
J.P. Buckinghamshire

Willy Perez is an excellent choice as trip leader – he has a great love of his country and its welfare and his knowledge of its birds, their calls and behaviour is second to none.
D.B. Essex

Overall this was an excellent trip, with a first class guide, very good itinerary and generally good to very good accommodation.
I.S. Kent

Both trips were first class, with the guides excellent. Their knowledge of the birds and their calls was brilliant and their general wildlife and cultural expertise was very good. They also tried hard to get everyone to see it’s majority of species. An altogether memorable experience.
G.R. Aberdeenshire

Good birds, good guides, good food and some very good accommodation. Napo Lodge is particularly well organised and reaches high standards.
P.S. West Yorkshire

Sandra was very good, an excellent knowledge of the birds and sounds plus a very god sense of humour. Our driver Eduardo was very good, especially considering some of the roads. Overall a very enjoyable trip.
W.J. Cleveland

Great! It was a birdwatching holiday, so we were going to see birds and we did see birds! Lots of them in spite of several days of rain. Well what do you expect when you are in a rainforest? It was well laid out so we could visit various places where special birds were. It would have been difficult to find them on your own or to cover all the areas we did. It was hard work, up at or before dawn and back after dark. But that is the time when birds are up and about. We were informed that we had to be reasonably fit as it was a lot of walking and often on uneven ground. It was all that but the guides made sure we all coped and some of us took it a bit slower than others. The good thing with birdwatching is that you have to stop a lot to watch the birds and that was enough to give us time to catch up. We stayed in very nice lodges, clean and safe, and we had lots of lovely, local homecooked food.
B. & I.D. Hampshire

Birding was excellent, Lodges were very comfortable and food excellent.
J.H. Bristol

Tour leader was excellent, changed itinerary to suite weather conditions to maximise chances of seeing different species. Accommodation and food excellent. Overall a fantastic experience.
R.C. West Midlands

Our guide Sandra was extremely knowledgeable about the birds and their calls, which is amazing as there are so many different kinds. She is also very personable and had a good sense of humour and looked after us very well. If I ever go to Ecuador again I would certainly want her as my guide. Her English is excellent. Our driver Edwin was also excellent. He knew the areas we visited very well which was helpful. He likes to drive but also has an interest in the birds which was good. They both helped us with our luggage and did what they could for us to make our holiday so successful.
G.M. Hertfordshire

Altogether an excellent trip. I have nothing but praise for our birding guide, Xavier Munoz, and our driver. We made use of every minute of daylight, plus some birding in the dark in pursuit of nightjars and Potoo (successfully, I may add). The amount of birds seen exceeded my expectations.
P.G. Cambridgeshire

Xavier was a superb guide. Full of interesting facts about Ecuador and excellent at finding and identifying all the target bird species. He made the holiday the success it was.
K.A. London

Jorges Luna was superb. His bird finding ability and knowledge could not have been bettered. Also had an excellent rapport with all the group and with Carlos, the driver too, which made it such an enjoyable trip.
J.L. Dorset

Even though this was an exciting tour in prospect, the reality was even better. The tour greatly exceeded our expectations and although Ecuador might seem a long way to go for a weeks break - it was well worth it. Alejandro is a top leader and he was responsible for us seeing a large list of birds. He is a brilliant bird guide and nature enthusiast.
A.B. Suffolk

Guide was excellent - very knowledgeable and a great manner with the group.
N.D. Glasgow

Alejandro Solano - The best guide/leader I have travelled with. Really superb. I would certainly book a holiday just because he is the guide.
P.H. Mid Glamorgan

Our guide, Alejandro Solano, was absolutely first rate, both for his knowledge of birds and for his character as someone able to handle a group of people effectively and with a gentle humour. Accommodation was very good with food ranging from good to excellent. All the hosts were friendly and welcoming.
P.B. Kent

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Dates & Prices

2024

Departures Availability Cost

Sat 30th Nov – Sun 8th Dec ENQUIRE £3,595

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£2,595

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£295

Tour Leader:

Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary

Andrea Molina

Tour Leader: Andrea Molina

Andrea is a 36 year old birding guide from Quito, Ecuador, with a degree in Touristic Administration and Management of Natural Areas. Andrea has a wealth of experience working as a birding and natural history tour guide around her homeland, including stints at the well-known Napo Wildlife Center and Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge. Andrea is a knowledgeable and very popular guide and is a regular on Naturetrek tours around Ecuador. She also leads bird tours in Colombia, Peru and Brazil.

2025

Departures Availability Cost

Thu 13th Mar – Fri 21st Mar SPACES £3,695

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£2,695

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£325

Sun 16th Nov – Mon 24th Nov SPACES £3,695

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£2,695

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£325

2026

Departures Availability Cost

Thu 12th Mar – Fri 20th Mar SPACES £3,695

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£2,695

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£325

Tue 10th Nov – Wed 18th Nov SPACES £3,695

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£2,695

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£325

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Our bargain birdwatching tours suit keen birders who want an active, fast-paced birding holiday with a dedicated focus on searching for birds rather than on looking at the area’s other wildlife or cultural highlights.
We offer a wide selection of long-haul holidays to many destinations in South America, Africa, Asia, Australia and elsewhere.
What can I expect?

An expert English-speaking local ornithologist leader
Outstanding value for money
Dawn-to-dusk birding with limited time for rest, relaxation and outside interests
Enviable bird lists
Focused searches for endemics and regional specialities

Who are these tours best suited to?

Keen & active birders – whether expert or making their first visit to a country or continent
People looking for an action-packed bird-focused tour

Where can I go?
Naturetrek's selection of birdwatching holidays includes many South and Central American countries including Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela and Panama.
In Africa our selection includes Malawi, Ethiopia and South Africa, while in India and Nepal we offer a choice of 17 bargain birdwatching tours! Here are a few more choices:

Endemics of Western Australia
Argentina's Mar Chiquita
Birds of Brazils Atlantic rainforest
Colombia – home to the world’s richest avifauna
Sri Lanka’s endemic birds

 
 

 
Our specialist recommends...




"I’d recommend our ‘Nepal’ holiday visiting Chitwan National Park and Koshi Tappu Reserve, and ‘India – Bharatpur & Chambal’ within Asia. Try ‘Ecuador – Cock-of-the-rock’ for a superb introduction to Andean birding, while, if you want a bit of luxury, the accommodation we use on our ‘Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park’ tour is top class.” 

Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager

 
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The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.
Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours
We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.
The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.

Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:

Southern Morocco – an exploration of the birdlife in Morocco’s southern deserts, oases and mountains
The Camargue in Spring – a short break to enjoy the spring birds of the Rhône Delta and Camargue wetland
Wallcreepers & Cranes in Northern Spain – a 2-centre holiday focusing on Lammergeier, Wallcreepers, raptors, Cranes, bustards, sandgrouse and more!
Madeira & Desertas Islands – A Seabird Extravaganza! – a short break focusing on special breeding seabirds, including a night on the remote Destertas Islands
Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu – searches for boobies, macaws and Inca Terns
Spain & Morocco: Birding on Two Continents! – watch the spectacular spring bird migration from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar

Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection
Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.
 

Our specialist recommends...


"Try Coto Doñana & Extremadura for an excellent introduction to Europe's wetland and steppe birds. I would recommend our bargain holiday, 'Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour' for those interested in Siberian rarities and Ibisbill, while Costa Rica offers a chance to search for arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal."

Byron Palacios - Tour Leader

  
 
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Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

Enquire

Tour Reports

Tour report - November 2013

Tour report - August 2013

Tour report - February 2012

Tour report - November 2009

Tour report - August 2009

Tour report - November 2007

Tour report - March 2007

Tour report - January 2007

Tour report - September 2005

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Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!

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