Private Tour
Zuroloma Photo and Bird Watching Private Tour
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Zurloma is located within a high andean montane forest- an ecosystem unlike any other in the world.
In the company of your specialized guide, you’ll experience a unique habitat with very particular biodiversity, climate and topographic conditions as you become immersed in this ideal location for an extraordinary ecological experience; an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers and photographers!
Your visit supports a sustainable alternative income for the local people who run this conservation initiative, a very valuable effort that resists the pressure for agricultural conversion and other ways of habitat degradation.
Additional Info
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)
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Let us know if you are prone to altitude sickness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Quito
Pick up from your accommodation in Quito or the airport area at 6:00 am. Your private guide will give you a briefing of the wonderful day you have ahead and ask any question you have, before you start your way towards Zuroloma Reserve
An hour's drive brings you to Zuroloma Reserve, located northwest of Quito, along the famous Hummingbird Route. Explore the reserve and its sorroundings: amazing views of the evergreen lush Andean cloud forest and snow-capped volcanoes as far as the eye can see; and rainbows of sparkling hummingbirds that will catch all your attention. Enjoy the privilege of admiring and photographing otherwise elusive species that are frequently encountered in the reserve, such as Chestnut-napped Antpitta, Rufous Antpitta, the incomparable Sword-billed hummingbird, Sapphire vented Puffleg, Blue-capped Tanager and many others! Enjoy lunch at the reserve. Support local development and conservation with your visit by contributing to an initiative to resist the pressures of agriculture conversion and other forms of habitat degradation.
What‘s Included
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
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Early pickup 5:30am
Early start: Arrive at the reserve at sunrise to make the most of the early bird activity. Pick up at 5:30am
Pickup included
Zuroloma Photo and Birding Private Tour
Pickup included
Reviews
11 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
This was a wonderful...
Rachel R,,Jun 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a wonderful excursion. Zuro Loma Reserve was a fantastic place to view and photograph birds that I had never seen before, especially hummingbirds. The guide, Santiago, was extremely knowledgeable about both birds and photography, and helped me get some great pictures.
Paradise
SassyTxn,,Apr 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Zuroloma was amazing! Santiago was the best guide. He made sure we saw everything we wanted and so much more. Zuroloma has a great setup for bird viewing. Seeing the sword-billed hummingbird was the highlight for me, but we saw many beautiful birds there. The reserve is very well-maintained, easy to navigate, and has clean restrooms. Staff there were very friendly and helpful. We can’t wait to return.
UNFORGETTABLE!!!!
AngelicaS517,,Dec 22, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An unforgettable experience, led by an extraordinary guide!, Santiago Salazar from @Neotropicalnaturebirding. I mega-recommend them!!!!
Santiago worked hard to...
Mike T,,Aug 30, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Santiago worked hard to find us a number of good birds and to ensure we had a great experience in Zuroloma.
Knowledgeable Guide and lots of birds
Claudette C,,Apr 9, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Santiago was a wonderful guide who knows where all the birds are! He was very knowledgeable about the birds and his country! The meal he arranged at the reserve was delicious and Ecuadorian! I would highly recommend this tour to anyone!
An excellent day trip within easy reach of Quito
Nomad740297,,Feb 5, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We chose the Zuroloma Reserve private day trip as it fit perfectly with our schedule and offered a relaxed itinerary focused on observing and photographing some of the local birds with the added benefit of introducing us to the lush forest above Quito. This turned out to be an excellent choice of locations, offering stunning views and abundant bird species - all of which were new to us. Neotropical Nature and Birding proved to be a great find. They responded promptly to our inquiries and provided thorough information. Our guide, Santiago Salazar, was extremely knowledgeable and very personable, making the day particularly enjoyable. We were so pleased with our initial Neotropical tour that we scheduled a 2nd tour with them and explored the Antisana Ecological Reserve area, and upon our return to the states we immediately began researching an extended trip with Neotropical Nature and Birding. That’s about the highest endorsement I can offer for this operator.
Birding with a View!!!
614catm,,Feb 3, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00After driving for approx 1 hour outside of Quito along a fairly rugged, steep road, we arrived at this former farmstead. The views along the way and at the reserve were magnificent! Upon arrival, we walked down a short path to an observation area where we were able to watch and photograph a variety of birds including diverse hummingbird species, flower piercers,, Antpittas Andean guans, a scarlet-bellied mountain tanager etc. We were able to take our time and never felt rushed. It was awesome. After the birdwatching/ photography, we had lunch at a very quaint local restaurant that boasted a variety of local delights. Super yummy !!! Would highly recommend this experience, company and tour guide (Santiago)
Zuroloma. : Superb photography set up in a beautiful location
SarahPriggen,,May 30, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My trip to Zuroloma was organised at short notice after another tour company let me down. They actually did me a big favour as otherwise I would not have found Neotropical and my amazing guide, Santiago Salazar. Zuroloma was set up very well with a sheltered viewing platform next to feeders attracting an amazing number and variety of species, mainly hummingbirds with a stunning backdrop . We spent much of the day at the feeders and then went for a short hike in the hills. Santiago's identification skills are excellent but he was also great company and good to chat to (and very patient with my Spanish which I wanted to try). I can't speak highly enough of this experience.
Holy Zuroloma!
csummers3,,Apr 11, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Santiago took us to Zuroloma and knew every bird that flew in to feed. It was like travelling with an encyclopedia. He's very involved with nature and conservation and his love of nature. I highly recommend Santiago for any nature trip. Bring a tripod for photography. Zuroloma was amazing, all sorts of birds came in. He made an ebird list for us and we saw 28 different species at this one location! We were also served breakfast by the Zuroloma staff while observing hummingbirds. Amazing experience!
Zuroloma was excellent!
Spudwell,,Jan 8, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent setup for photographers with some really great birds to photograph there. Really do a wonderful job, and one of top spots to visit on the Western slopes for birding. Easily one of my favorite locations from my trip to Ecuador.
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