Nature and Birding Experience in Yanachocha Reserve in Quito, Ecuador
Quito, Ecuador

Nature and Birding Experience in Yanachocha Reserve

Outty Ranking 53 5.0 · 1 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $225
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Outty Ranking

53/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 1 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Nature and Birding Experience in Yanachocha Reserve worth booking?

Nature and Birding Experience in Yanachocha Reserve is a 8-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $225 per person. It scores 53 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
53 / 100
Rating
5/5 (1)
Duration
8 hours
From
$225 per person

Yanacocha Reserve is a high-altitude cloud forest located 10,500 ft a.s.l. that 964 hectares of lush evergreen forest; home to many avian specialties but is noted primarily for its hummingbirds. Among these, is the highly endangered Black-breasted Puffleg, which was nearly driven to extinction due to habitat loss. The reserve was established in the early 1990s by the Jocotoco Foundation, one of Ecuador’s most recognized conservation organizations: an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and photographers! The breathtaking views, the tranquil environment, and the outstanding biodiversity make it hard to believe you are only 1 hour away from the city! A delicious lunch will be served at the reserve's restaurant. Support conservation by visiting this reserve that fights to resist the the pressure for agricultural conversion and other ways of habitat degradation.

What you get

    About this experience

    Yanacocha Reserve is a high-altitude cloud forest located 10,500 ft a.s.l. that 964 hectares of lush evergreen forest; home to many avian specialties but is noted primarily for its hummingbirds. Among these, is the highly endangered Black-breasted Puffleg, which was nearly driven to extinction due to habitat loss. The reserve was established in the early 1990s by the Jocotoco Foundation, one of Ecuador’s most recognized conservation organizations: an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and photographers! The breathtaking views, the tranquil environment, and the outstanding biodiversity make it hard to believe you are only 1 hour away from the city! A delicious lunch will be served at the reserve's restaurant. Support conservation by visiting this reserve that fights to resist the the pressure for agricultural conversion and other ways of habitat degradation.

    What's included

    Included

    • Entrance fees
    • Lunch with soft drink
    • Private transportation
    • Certified, bilingual naturalist & birding guide
    • All activities
    • Hotel pick-up and drop-off

    Not included

    • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Quito

      Pick up from your accommodation at 5:30 am. Your private guide will give you a briefing of the wonderful day you have ahead and answer any questions you have before you start your way towards Yanacocha.

      5 minutes here

    2. Yanacocha Reserve

      Yanacocha Reserve is located on the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano about 1 hour northwest of Quito. After arriving at the reserve you’ll hike on the main trail that extends for more than 2 km through the stunning lush montane humid forest, with flocks of birds being regularly encountered, with species like Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager, Black-chested Mountain-Tanager, Blue-backed Conebill, Golden-crowned Tanager, Superciliared Hemispingus and more. Several stations with multiple hummingbird feeders are situated at various spots, and visitors can obtain point-blank views of the many species that regularly arrive to feed here and in the surrounding flora, including Great Sapphirewing, Sapphire-vented, and Golden-breasted Pufflegs, Tyrian Metaltail, Buff-winged Starfrontlet and the outstanding Sword-billed hummingbird! Enjoy lunch at the reserve. After lunch and a last glance at the wonderful cloud forest, you'll start your way back to Quito.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers.

    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

    • 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)
    • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
    • Let us know if you are prone to altitude sickness

    Photos

    Nature and Birding Experience in Yanachocha Reserve in Quito, photo 2Nature and Birding Experience in Yanachocha Reserve in Quito, photo 3Nature and Birding Experience in Yanachocha Reserve in Quito, photo 4Nature and Birding Experience in Yanachocha Reserve in Quito, photo 5Nature and Birding Experience in Yanachocha Reserve in Quito, photo 6

    Traveler reviews

    1 verified traveler reviews for Nature and Birding Experience in Yanachocha Reserve. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    1
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    S5253FUkarend · April 2024

    See Yanachocha with one of the very best! Neotropical Nature & Birding

    Neotropical Nature and Birding led by Santiago Salazar provided us with one of the very best experiences we could have had at Yanachocha Reserve in Ecuador. Santiago has a wealth of experience guiding. He knows exactly when, where, and how to find birds! In addition Santiago is very interesting and pleasant to spend time with. We are very grateful to have had such a fine day together in an amazingly beautiful place.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that your day at Yanacocha Reserve was such a rewarding and memorable experience. Santiago takes great pride in sharing his deep knowledge and passion for Ecuador’s birdlife, and we’re so glad it made your visit truly special. We appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back soon for more unforgettable moments in nature. Warm regards, Gabriela General Manager Neotropical Nature and Birding Trips

    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
    $225 to $440
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    0
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    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 runs

    Why this scores 53

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)91
    Review evidence (18% weight)12
    Booking momentum (14% weight)0
    Value for money (12% weight)27
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)51
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Nature and Birding Experience in Yanachocha Reserve: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.

    How much does Nature and Birding Experience in Yanachocha Reserve cost?

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    Prices start at $225 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 Nature and Birding Experience in Yanachocha Reserve 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 Nature and Birding Experience in Yanachocha Reserve worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 53 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1 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 Nature and Birding Experience in Yanachocha Reserve?

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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 Nature and Birding Experience in Yanachocha Reserve 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 Nature and Birding Experience in Yanachocha Reserve?

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    Around 0 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 Nature and Birding Experience in Yanachocha Reserve 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 Nature and Birding Experience in Yanachocha Reserve?

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    Included: Entrance fees; Lunch with soft drink; Private transportation; Certified, bilingual naturalist & birding guide; and All activities. Not included: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase); and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Nature and Birding Experience in Yanachocha Reserve include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 12 listed pickup locations in and around Quito. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Nature and Birding Experience in Yanachocha Reserve 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 Nature and Birding Experience in Yanachocha Reserve?

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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 Nature and Birding Experience in Yanachocha Reserve 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.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Nature and Birding Experience in Yanachocha Reserve.

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