Amazing Birding Tour Ecuador – Guango Lodge – 2 Days / 1 Nights

This birding tour in Ecuador spends 2 days and 1 night at Guango Lodge in the cloud forest near Papallacta, known for hummingbirds and mixed flocks. Prices start at $456 per person.

Guango Lodge is famous for its hummingbird feeders, attracting species such as the Sword-billed Hummingbird, Mountain Velvetbreast, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, and Tourmaline Sunangel.

The Ecuador Birding Tour—Guango Lodge (2 Days / 1 Night) takes you to one of Ecuador’s premier cloud forest birding destinations. This short tour is ideal for beginners and experienced birders alike. For more birding adventures in Ecuador, you can explore our full list of Ecuador Bird Watching Tours.

The surrounding cloud forest also offers great chances to see tanagers, mountain-toucans, and mixed flocks, making it an excellent destination for birdwatching and photography in Ecuador. Learn more about Ecuador’s diverse bird species on eBird.

The tour includes forest and river walks offering excellent birding opportunities in their natural habitat.

Guango Lodge’s feeders provide unmatched bird photography experiences, allowing visitors to capture hummingbirds in action with natural backgrounds.

Why choose Guango Lodge for your Birding Tour Ecuador?

By the end of this 2-day/1-night Birding Tour Ecuador, you will have expanded your bird checklist, enjoyed breathtaking landscapes, and developed a deeper appreciation for Ecuador’s high-Andean ecosystems. Whether seeking rare species, photography opportunities, or simply a connection with nature, Guango Lodge delivers an unforgettable birding experience that showcases the best of Ecuador’s cloud forest.

Highlights

• Discover one of Ecuador’s top birding hotspots on the Andean foothills.
• Experience world-class hummingbird photography, including the iconic sword-billed hummingbird.
• Explore lush cloud-forest trails filled with tanagers, mountain toucans, flycatchers, and mixed flocks.
• Relax in the rejuvenating thermal waters of Papallacta Hot Springs on the way to Guango Lodge.
• Enjoy expert guidance from a naturalist and birding specialist throughout the entire trip.
• Stay at Guango Lodge, famous for its feeders, wildlife, and peaceful natural setting.
• Optional trout fishing, orchid garden visit, and additional trail hikes.
• Perfect short birding getaway from Quito for photographers, nature lovers, and serious birders.

Itinerary

1. Day 1Quito – Papallacta Hot Springs– Guango Lodge

   

   We start the day departing Quito early in the morning, entering a landscape where moorlands and cloud forests showcase Ecuador's natural richness.
   Our first stop takes us to a rose plantation, a colorful space where each flower reflects the diversity of the country.

   We continue ascending to the impressive paramos and cloud forests of Papallacta. Enjoy spectacular views of the Antisana Volcano and capture incredible photographs of the Andean landscapes.

   Relax in the natural hot springs before lunch and, in the afternoon, explore the trails of Guango Lodge, home to toucans, tanagers, and vibrant Andean birdlife.

   We will close the day with a warm welcome by the fireplace and traditional Ecuadorian canelazo (made with water infused with cinnamon, fruit juice, and a splash of sugar cane alcohol; it's the perfect drink to warm you up).

   Meals: lunch, dinner

2. Day 2Guango Lodge – Hummingbird Feeders – Return to Quito

   

   Day two begins with a hearty breakfast, full of exotic fruits that awaken the senses for a day full of nature. Afterwards, we will head to a nearby river to try our luck at fresh trout fishing, an experience that combines patience, fun, and taste straight from the water to the table!

   For birdwatchers, the lodge's feeders offer an unforgettable spectacle with hummingbirds of all colors, including the ever-fascinating sword-billed hummingbird. Those who prefer to move at their own pace can explore a nearby trail or visit the lodge's orchid garden, where orchids display their vibrant beauty at every turn.

   After lunch and time to prepare for departure, we will start our return trip westward through mountainous landscapes and high passes. Along the way, weather permitting, we will make stops to walk through ancient Polylepis forests or discover a high-altitude lake, places that combine serenity and natural spectacle.

   The day culminates with a final lunch before returning to the hotels in Quito, closing the adventure with local flavors and indelible memories of Andean biodiversity and landscapes.

   Meals: breakfast, lunch

Prices per person