Set your GPS to the cloud forest because Ecuador is a dream come true for bird watching.
Refugio Paz de Las Aves is owned by Angel and his brother. The Paz family are experts that have been living and taking care of the land and birds here for decades.
Daily Tour
The morning tour starts between 5:30 – 6:30 am. The tour is about 6 hours and includes breakfast. On the trail you’ll have the opportunity to 3 and maybe even 4 different antpittas that are endemic to Ecuador.
This location is home to the famous Andean cock-of-the–rock that are native to Andean cloud forests. As well as, Rufous-breasted Antthrush, Olivaceous Piha and Golden-winged Manakin.
From the porch
Throughout the day Angel puts out fresh bananas and other fruits for the birds to happily graze all day. Find your favorite spot to sit, relax and wait for all the tanagers, toucans, barbets, and more.
Camp in The Parking Lot
Small to medium size rigs will easily be able to park and stay overnight. When it come to big rigs, they will not fit. However, there are a couple of spots early on the road where one might be able to pull off on the side of the road and camp. As far as getting to the daily tour, message and ask Angel or his brother to pick you up in the morning.
From the parking lot, around 10 pm keep a keen ear for an own that might visit just past the light pole.
If you thought Costa Rica had a lot of biodiversity, you’ll be over the moon to learn that both Ecuador and Colombia have more than double the biodiversity of Costa Rica. And for later down the road, Brazil has triple the biodiversity.
Key Information
- Cost $60 Day Tour
- Phone +59 3987253674
- Visit Their Website
- Save Location
Max is the friendly dog 🙂
Photos to Help Navigate
Google Maps might try to take you on a little adventure. Drive here and look for this giant sign.
After about 10 minutes you will find this restaurant. This is where you will have breakfast during the tour. From this point all the land is owned by The Paz Family. Keep driving.
Do not turn left. This sign is to go down the hill to the location where the birding tour starts. Potentially a good place for big rigs to camp, contact Angel to confirm.
Once you see this sign you’re almost there. The very next drive on the left will take you to there.
Welcome! As you can see the parking lot is of medium size and it is best to park off to the side as minivans and other vehicles will be coming and going all day with bird watchers.
There are a few bathrooms, a sink, water spout on the outside and wifi.
Here you can sit all day, anytime you wish or walk the trails on your own.
You’ll see these guys and many other birds coming and grazing bananas all day. Mashpi Amagusa Reserve is another amazing place you can camp in the parking lot and go on tours or sit all day and watch birds.
Insane Update
After decades of The Paz family hand delivering food to the antpittas, hanging bananas for over a hundred species of birds 365 days a year. Trimming trees and taking care of so much land.
AN ANDEAN BEAR has arrived for the first time ever !!!!!!!!!!!!!
