Bird-watching hot spots near Cuenca
Ecuador, Andes
Cuenca is a strategic base camp if you’re looking to go bird-watching in southern Ecuador. The area is home to a diverse range of ecosystems allowing visitors to view a wide range of bird species. This tour gives you the opportunity to spend the day visiting one of a selection of locations.
Sample itinerary
- Tour hours
- 1
Cajas National Park
Cajas National Park (35 kms from Cuenca) is host to about 150 upper Andean bird species. The most notable is the violet-throated metaltail (hummingbird) which is practically endemic to this park. Other birds found here are the caranculated caracara, tawny antpitta, stout-billed concludes and the Ecuadorian hillstar hummingbird. This is definitely the most remarkable bird-watching destination near Cuenca.
- 2
Llaviuku
Llaviuco (17 kms from Cuenca) is located in the lower section of Cajas National Park. It features a particularly interesting mixture of habitats for bird-watching: well-preserved mountain forests, enchanting lakes and scenic pastures. The mountain toucan, Andean guan, masked trogon, turquoise jay, colorful tanagers, twelve species of hummingbirds and water birds are among the highlights.
- 3
Yunguilla
Yunguilla Valley (85 kms from Cuenca) is an inter-Andean valley which marks a transition to coastal plain, with different climatic zones and ecosystems: western Andean foothills, subtropical valleys and a desert zone. It is also the doorway to the Tumbesian region. Species include the crimson-mantled woodpecker, stripped owl, the endemic tumbesian Pacific elania and the pale-headed brush-finch, rediscovered in 1998.
Description
Over about six hours this bird-watching tour will take your to visit one or more of a selection of bird-watching hot spots located near Cuenca in southern Ecuador. Simply choose from the options included to the right, or ask about special itineraries if you’re looking to see a particular species or visit a particular ecosystem. A packed lunch is included for all options. Visiting more distant locations will require special arrangements and conditions.
- · A bilingual (English/Spanish) guide
- · Private transportation
- · Packed lunch
- · All entrance fees
Rates
| # Passengers | Price by person |
|---|---|
| 2 | $ 150 |
| 3 | $ |
| 4-5 | $ 85 |
| 6-7 | $ 70 |
| 8-9 | $ 55 |