HUMMINGBIRD EXPEDITION - Searching for the cloud forest jewels.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 37 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is HUMMINGBIRD EXPEDITION - Searching for the cloud forest jewels. worth booking?
HUMMINGBIRD EXPEDITION - Searching for the cloud forest jewels. is a 8-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $220 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 37 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (37)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $220 per person
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.
What you get
About this experience
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.
What's included
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
Not included
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Personal expenses
What you'll see and do
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.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Our next stop is San Tadeo Reserve.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Mindo
Next, we move on to Mindo, for a delicious lunch in a local restaurant.
60 minutes here
Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve
Exploring the area around Mindo we can find several reserves that offer chances to encounter new bird species. The subtropical rain forest is home to an outstanding number of orchids, birds, mammals, insects and reptiles. In addition, waterfalls and rivers invite you to test theis pristine refreshing waters. Talk to your guide about your interests (hiking, birdwatching, photography, general nature) and they will take you to the best destination to make the most out of your day!
90 minutes here · Admission included
If you chose to take the tour extension, our last stop will be at the Andean Cock of the Rock lek. This colorful, iconic species exhibits marked sexual dimorphism, the male has a large disk-like crest and a very unique vivid scarlet plumage. Gatherings of males compete for breeding females with each male displaying its colorful plumage, bobbing and hopping, and making strident calls. If you chose this extension, you can expect to be back at your hotel in Quito late in the afternoon.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Quito
This tour ends with a a scenic drive back and drop off in your hotel in Quito or the airport area.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
Hummingbird expedition private
Hummingbird expedition: Enjoy the hummingbird expedition as described in the main itinerary, finishing with the visit to Mindo. 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
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
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Neotropical Nature and Birding Trips
Know before you go
- 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)
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 37 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
37 verified traveler reviews for HUMMINGBIRD EXPEDITION - Searching for the cloud forest jewels.. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Exceptional birdwatching guide in Ecuador
Santiago from Neotropical Nature and Birding trips is not your typical tour guide. Although he specializes in bird watching, Santiago devoted his entire life on nature conservation and promoting Ecotourism. He is very knowledgeable in all aspects of Ecuador biodiversity and wildlife. Santiago was prompt in our communication before the tour. He was very flexible on our individual preferences. He really took effort to find the birds for us. The birds we saw exceeded our expectations. On our way to Mindo, Santiago heard the sound of Pale-mandibled Aracari, he stopped the car and set up his Spotting Scope, so we could see it clearly. We would never forget this sighting. If you are looking for a bird watching guide, look no further, Santiago is the only guide you need. We were so lucky to have him for our Mindo bird watching day trip. The experience we had with Santiago is priceless. We will come back to Quito for sure in the future.
via Tripadvisor
Bird watching and photography near Mindo
We had a great guide for a day of bird watching and photography. He was on time for our early morning pick up, took us to three sites to photograph birds, including hummingbirds, toucan, and more. He was SUPER helpful showing us how to adjust our camera settings for the best shots. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words and recommendation! We’re very happy to hear you had a great day of birdwatching and photography with us. It’s wonderful to know that the guide could help you not only find amazing species like hummingbirds and toucans, but also assist with camera settings to make the most of the experience. We truly appreciate you joining us and hope to welcome you again in Ecuador or on one of our other wildlife and birding adventures across South America in the future! Safe travels and happy bird photography!
via Tripadvisor
2 Days in the Cloud Forest- exploring the best of MINDO
We did a 2-day private tour with Neotropical Nature and Birding that involved visiting several reserves and focused on birds and other wildlife. Early planning of the trip was easy with fast responses from Gaby. Sebastian, our guide, was excellent! He knew his birds but also general natural history. He was also very patient with us given we frequently got the various hummingbird species mixed up! A landslide happened on the road we were supposed to take on the first morning, but Sebastian, in connection with Neotropical Nature, quickly changed the itinerary to avoid the blocked road. All locations we went to were fantastic with the variety and diversity of birds amazing. The first afternoon we visited the cock-of the rock lek which was very interesting. We spent the night at Sachatamia: nice trail system, bird feeders, and the early morning moth/bird blind was great! We highly recommend Neotropical Nature and Birding and hope to do a future trip with them.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your detailed and thoughtful review! We are truly happy to hear that you enjoyed your 2-day Cloud Forest experience in Mindo and that the trip planning process with Gaby was smooth and helpful from the beginning. We also greatly appreciate your kind words about Sebastian. Having passionate guides with strong natural history knowledge and patience for every traveler’s learning process is something we value deeply as a company. We’re glad he could help make the experience both enjoyable and informative, even with the challenge of distinguishing the many hummingbird species of the Chocó cloud forest! Nature always brings surprises, and we’re pleased that despite the landslide, our team was able to quickly adapt the itinerary so the experience continued smoothly and safely. It’s wonderful to know that you enjoyed the reserves, the incredible diversity of birds, the Cock-of-the-rock lek, and your stay at Sachatamia with its trails, feeders, and early morning blind activity. Thank you again for your recommendation and trust in Neotropical Nature & Birding Trips. We would love to welcome you back in the future for another wildlife and birding adventure in Ecuador or elsewhere in South America!
via Tripadvisor
Very nice day trip from Quito to Mindo
A 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
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We’re pleased you enjoyed the hummingbirds and the Cock of the Rock display, and that Gabriel’s guiding contributed to a memorable tour. If you ever return to Ecuador or explore more of South America, we would be happy to share another adventure with you.
via Viator
We spent our tour up close to wildlife without disrupting their behaviour and led by a very enthusiastic Santiago
My 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.
Response from the operator: Reading your review absolutely made our day! Thank you for sharing such a beautiful account of your time in the cloud forest with Santiago. He’s passionate about creating meaningful experiences in nature, and it’s very rewarding to know that his knowledge and passion for nature helped make your tour so memorable. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to have the joy of exploring more of South America’s wild places with you in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $220 to $445
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 13
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Neotropical Nature and Birding Trips, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.7.
See everything Neotropical Nature and Birding Trips runsWhy this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
HUMMINGBIRD EXPEDITION - Searching for the cloud forest jewels.: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does HUMMINGBIRD EXPEDITION - Searching for the cloud forest jewels. cost?
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Prices start at $220 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Quito usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does HUMMINGBIRD EXPEDITION - Searching for the cloud forest jewels. take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Quito is not rushed.
Is HUMMINGBIRD EXPEDITION - Searching for the cloud forest jewels. worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 37 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Quito, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule HUMMINGBIRD EXPEDITION - Searching for the cloud forest jewels.?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is HUMMINGBIRD EXPEDITION - Searching for the cloud forest jewels. suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book HUMMINGBIRD EXPEDITION - Searching for the cloud forest jewels.?
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Around 13 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Quito can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Quito and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does HUMMINGBIRD EXPEDITION - Searching for the cloud forest jewels. start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Quito within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Quito?
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On Outty we rank every Quito experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cotopaxi Volcano full day tour with all the entrances, every day, Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way, Baños Full Day Tour from Quito Including Entrances and Activities. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Quito?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Quito?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in HUMMINGBIRD EXPEDITION - Searching for the cloud forest jewels.?
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Included: Coffee and tea at Alambi and Santadeo; Hotel pickup and drop-off; Lunch with soft drink; Private transportation; and Certified Naturalist & Birding guide. Not included: Gratuities; Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase); and Personal expenses. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does HUMMINGBIRD EXPEDITION - Searching for the cloud forest jewels. include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 155 listed pickup locations in and around Quito. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is HUMMINGBIRD EXPEDITION - Searching for the cloud forest jewels. offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for HUMMINGBIRD EXPEDITION - Searching for the cloud forest jewels.?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to HUMMINGBIRD EXPEDITION - Searching for the cloud forest jewels. if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Quito. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about HUMMINGBIRD EXPEDITION - Searching for the cloud forest jewels.?
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Across 37 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for HUMMINGBIRD EXPEDITION - Searching for the cloud forest jewels.?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Hummingbird expedition private, Cock of the Rock Lek extension, Early Pick up + Lek visit. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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