Private Tour
HUMMINGBIRD EXPEDITION - Searching for the cloud forest jewels.
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Wake up with some of the most fabulous views, as the sun rises over the western Andean slopes. Your specialized guide will share their vast knowledge in natural history, birdwatching, culture and photography to make the most of your experience today!
Once you arrive in the unique tropical Andean ecosystem, hummingbirds will take your full attention. You'll visit 3 reserves located at different altitudes. Bird feeders will bring otherwise elusive species to very close distances, allowing you to photograph them and enjoy their unmatched beauty.
You'll be able to watch up to 15 different species of hummingbirds, many of them endemic to this Bio-region, such as the stunning Velvet-purple Cornet, Purple- bibbed Whitetip, Brown Inca, Empress Brillant and Gorgeted Sunangel.
The cloud forest offers an amazing mixed setting from waterfalls and hikes through lush green forests that will allow you to have a day of deep connection with nature.
Additional Info
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
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 require for billing purposes (local tax exemption)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
After an early pick up we head towars the cloud forest: start your day with some of the most fabulous views over the western Andean slopes. Our first stop is Alambi reserve, a hummingbird paradise located only 1h15m from Quito. Here feeders and garden flowers attract several hummingbird species, allowing visitors to sometimes see over 10 species in a day at surprisingle short distance!! The conditions here provide great opportunities for bird photography, to get a first taste of the wonderful diversity that the clud forest hosts, and to relax and take in the unmatched beauty of these winged jewels.
Our next stop is San Tadeo Reserve.
What‘s Included
Coffee and tea at Alambi and Santadeo
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Lunch with soft drink
Private transportation
Certified Naturalist & Birding guide
All activities
Gratuities
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Personal expenses
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Hummingbird expedition private
Hummingbird expedition: Enjoy the hummingbird expedition as described in the main itinerary, finishing with the visit to Mindo.
Pickup included
Early Pick up + Lek visit
Cock of the Rock Lek: Adds a visit to the Andean Cock of the Rock lek in the afternoon
Duration: 2 hours: Early pick up at 5:30 am addst about 2 hours to regular tour duration. Ideal for Birdwatchers
Pickup included
Cock of the Rock Lek extension
Andean Cock of the Rock Lek: Add a visit to the Andean Cock of the Rock Lek to admire their courtship ritual in the afternoon!
Pickup included
Reviews
33 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very nice day trip from Quito to Mindo
JEAN G,,Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A lot of humming birds on two locations. Batteries too and observation of thé cocktail of thé rock. Gabriel thé guide very efficient and has a very good knowledge of nature
We spent our tour up close to wildlife without disrupting their behaviour and led by a very enthusiastic Santiago
R6389TNkeving,,Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My daughter and myself both felt that the tour surpassed our expectations of what we could expect. It was a first class experience of seeing wild birds up close and having the pleasure of Santiago to answer all our questions and much more. The tour was customised to our interests and planned in advance with Santiago. This led an earlier start to see birds just after dawn. Santiago had so much experience, knowledge and skills and was flexible and able to adapt to a changing situation so we could see and hear a wide range of birds, over 60 different species in the day. We got to visit a number of reserves and the tour was not rushed and Santiago was always on the lookout for new sightings and it was incredible what it could see and hear to then direct us to see/hear the same. Santiago had a great understanding of the habitats were visiting and also on the lookout for other wildlife such as reptiles. Santiago was well equipped with telescope and other equipment to see and hear birds real close up. It was truly magical day and it was fantastic that Santiago recorded all the birds we had seen/heard and sent us the list. We would highly recommend Santiago for any wild life tours In South America, check out their website you won’t disappointed.
Amazing experience
taffy2001,,Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Dario was prompt in the pick up time. He was fairly quiet during the drive, but was very knowledgeable on the birds and cameras (both pro settings and camera phones). Alambi hummingbird reserve was great. Many feeders and many birds per feeder. Sachatamia had a cute set up for hummingbirds as well as a lookout into the valley. A short 300 meter walking path was cut into the grounds. We also had lunch here which was fine. They attempted to work with a dietary restriction, but missed with dessert. Mindo Loma was a great ending to the day. The hummingbirds were super active and friendly. We were able to sit under a covered area so the rain was not an issue. We even got to hand feed them at all locations! After this one day tour, we ended up with over 2000 hummingbird photos… we just couldn’t stop taking pictures of the cute lil birds. Truly an amazing experience!!
Amazing and best ever bird watching/photography tour.
Cheryl R,,Aug 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was absolutely the highlight of our trip. Gabriel was our guide for a fabulous tour of the cloud forest in Mindo with incredible bird sightings. After picking us up early in the morning from our hotel, we headed to the cloud forest. Along the way we stopped at several different spots to see vast numbers of bird species. Gabriel was an expert in identifying the different birds for us. The shear number of different hummingbirds and tangiers that we saw was unbelievable. We also took a cable ride across the Mindo valley for spectacular views followed by a nice hike to a beautiful waterfall with many more bird sightings along the way. We had a most delicious lunch at a local restaurant. We then headed in search of the Andean Cock of the Rock and were able to see several in a remote area. This was such an awesome experience. Gabriel took such great care of us and made sure we had plenty of time for photography. If you love birdwatching and/or bird photography, then this tour is a must with the best guide ever, Gabriel.
Amazing day with hummingbirds
X7503HKdianeg,,Aug 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Outstanding tour! The various locations we visited were a treasure trove of hummingbirds, birds, flora and fauna. Our guide Dario taught us so much about the area, hummingbirds and on top of that helped me understand and use my camera to its optimum, capturing amazing images. We can't stop talking about the tour now that we are home. The highlight of our trip!
We were very...
Richard B,,Jul 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00We were very disappointed. We booked this excursion at the start of our holiday. We got up at 5.30. No one arrived to collect us . After 20 minutes we messaged to ask if the excursion had been cancelled- the person answering the message said they had received no notification that this was the case. After an hour, we messaged again and were asked if we had phoned. When we did phone we were told the excursion had indeed been cancelled. It’s a shame no one contacted us at any point.
Wonderful cloud forest birding experience!
janetsV7908YF,,Feb 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Santiago is a wonderful guide! He took us to some of the most accessible spots in the Choco cloud forest where we saw dozens of hummingbird species, tanagers, aracari, umbrellabird, Andean cock-of-the-rock and many more species. He made sure we got the best look possible, while still ensuring the birds were not disturbed and the reserves we visited used ethical measures to protect the birds. We would highly recommend Santiago for your birding adventures!
Great trip!
SusanY163,,May 31, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A second half day trip with Santiago to see the hummingbirds in the Mindo area. What a delight. Again, Santiago pointed out the different birds, we felt tiny hummingbird feet on our fingers when they perched....what an experience! Delicious lunch. Santiago made sure we were able to see the birds as he identified them. Thank you, Santiago, we are looking forward to more trips with you.
It was an experience of a lifetime and hope to make a second visit to the cloud forest.
788meredithw,,Apr 25, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The views were amazing, and we took so many photos of the birds. The guide was so knowledgeable about the area and the birds. His enthusiasm about the birds made the day so pleasurable. He was very personable and was concerned and helpful when the altitude got the better of me. We have just returned home and anxious to review my photos. Meredith & Nicky [email protected]
What an Amazing Day!
Guide52690908870,,Feb 9, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We started our birding at daybreak at a cock-of-the-rock lek. The birds were very vocal and easy to spot in the cloud forest canopy. It's difficult to describe the incredible experience. Afterward, Santiago took us to various locations to see an amazing number and variety of hummingbirds and colorful tanagers. Santiago is very knowledgeable about what is where and how to find it. We could not have had a better guide!
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Operated by Neotropical Nature and Birding Trips