Bird watching tour
Daily from Quito
2 days, 1 night
One of the best areas for birding in Ecuador. Many neotropical birds can be seen easily, over 200 species have been recorded.
Drive south from Quito into the lush Machachi Valley. After lunch visit Tinalandia, a rustic birdwatchers’ hotel with forest trails; a humid world of orchids, mushrooms and many migrant and resident bird species, including toucans and parrots.
Overnight at a private hacienda.
Next morning venture deeper into the forest for birding before returning to Quito. A short visit is also included to Santo Domingo de los Colorados, a commercial centre for the surrounding oil and banana producing areas.
The local shaman Tsachila men are known as the 'Indios colorados' owing to their custom of coating their hair with achiote, a red vegetable dye (also used in Ecuadorian cooking), though it is increasingly difficult to see the 'Colorado' men. |