Andean Chocó Birdwatching Expedition
Six days in one of the world’s most biodiverse corridors, with expert birding guides at your side. Discover endemic species of the Andean Chocó—found nowhere else on Earth.
What will you experience
Itinerary
We’ll pick you up early from your accommodation in Quito to begin the descent through the Andes toward the Chocó region.
Our first stop will be a high altitude reserve, where you’ll enjoy a cup of coffee while spotting high-altitude species such as the sword-billed hummingbird and colorful mountain tanagers.
After lunch at the reserve, we’ll continue along the Eco Route, a scenic road filled with viewpoints and birdwatching opportunities.
Upon arrival at Casa Divina Lodge, you’ll have time to settle in, relax, and enjoy a homemade dinner surrounded by the cloud forest.
Wake up to the songs of birds from the lodge’s observation terrace.
After breakfast, we’ll explore the San Lorenzo Ridge Forest trails, home to emblematic species such as the Chocó toucan, rufous motmot, and others.
Enjoy a picnic lunch during the hike, and return to Casa Divina in the afternoon to rest.
The day ends with a peaceful dinner surrounded by the forest’s nighttime sounds.
Early in the morning, we’ll depart for a lower altitude where the forest is denser and more vibrant.
From the observation tower, you’ll have a privileged view of the canopy—perfect for spotting species like the white-bearded manakin, blue-crowned trogon, and black-cheeked woodpecker.
After a picnic lunch, we’ll explore the reserve’s trails before returning to the lodge for dinner and rest.
Before sunrise, we’ll visit another important cloud forest reserve, one of the most extraordinary places in the Andean Chocó.
Here you’ll witness the courtship display of the Andean cock-of-the-rock—a truly unique experience.
After a country breakfast at the reserve, we’ll continue hiking in search of elusive species such as antpittas and the plate-billed mountain toucan.
Return to the lodge in the afternoon for rest and dinner.
We’ll head to a fascinating reserve in the Chocó, a private sanctuary where feeders attract a dazzling explosion of color: tanagers, hummingbirds, and endemic species like the green thorntail and moss-backed tanager.
Breakfast and lunch will be enjoyed outdoors, surrounded by the forest.
In the afternoon, return to Casa Divina for dinner and your final night in the lodge.
On your last day, you can choose between two options:
Option A: Visit Milpe Reserve, ideal for spotting the club-winged manakin and a wide variety of hummingbirds.
Option B: Explore Umbrellabird Reserve, home to the remarkable long-wattled umbrellabird.
After a light breakfast in the field, we’ll return to the lodge for lunch and the closing of the experience.
In the afternoon, we’ll transfer you back to Quito or to your next destination.
Stories from travelers like you
Your Hosts & Guides
Molly and Efrain first opened their cloud forest home to travelers in 2007, transforming it into Divine Sabina Experiences & Eco Lodge. Alongside their team of expert local naturalist guides, they share an intimate knowledge of Mindo's rhythms—teaching you to spot the flash of a tanager, identify bird calls, and move through the forest with quiet awareness.
What began as their family retreat is now a place where guests discover the cloud forest through the eyes of those who know it best: people who live here, love it deeply, and want you to see what makes it extraordinary.
What’s included in this experience
- 5 nights of accommodation in a boutique eco-lodge surrounded by the forest.
- Local Birdwatching guide for all activities.
- Round-trip transportation from Quito.
- All meals and entrance fees included.
- Round-trip transportation from Quito.
- All meals and entrance fees included.
- Pricing for groups of 2-4 passengers.
- Please inquire directly for singles and larger groups.
* Not included: drinks at dinner, tips, or any additional activities.
FAQs
Yes. This is a fully private experience, designed exclusively for your group. All activities, transportation, and guiding services are personalized to your pace and interests, ensuring comfort, flexibility, and privacy throughout the trip.
Casa Divina Eco Lodge is in Mindo, Ecuador, in the heart of the Chocó Andino cloud forest—just 2 hours northwest of Quito. The lodge is surrounded by nature on a private property that blends comfort, tranquility, and direct access to trails and reserves.
Exact location: 1.2 Km, Via Salado, Mindo, Ecuador.
We can meet at your accommodation in Quito, where we’ll pick you up in the morning and return you at the end of the trip.
No. All activities are low to moderate intensity and are guided by local naturalists who adapt to each traveler’s pace.
Yes. It includes lodging, meals, transportation, guiding, and entrance fees for all reserves and activities. Not included: dinner beverages (and alcoholic drinks), tips, and personal purchases.
Yes, especially for those who enjoy nature and hiking. We can adapt some activities based on participants’ ages.
Mindo has a mild, humid climate year-round, with temperatures between 64°F and 77°F (18°C–25°C). We recommend bringing a light jacket for the evenings.
- To confirm your booking, a deposit of 50% of the total experience cost is required.
- The remaining balance is due at least 30 days before arrival.
- Cancellations made more than 30 days in advance qualify for a 50% refund of the deposit.
- Cancellations between 30 and 8 days before arrival are non-refundable, but the full deposit may be applied to a future booking of equal or greater value within one calendar year.
- Cancellations with less than 8 days’ notice are not refundable; however, 50% of the total payment may be applied to a future experience of equal or greater value within the same timeframe.
- In cases of extreme weather or major unforeseen events, we offer rescheduling without penalty.