Quito sits in one of the richest birding regions in the world, and Yanacocha is among the best places to experience it. The tour linked here takes you from the city to this high Andean forest reserve on the slopes above Quito, guided by someone who knows where and when to look. For birdwatchers it is a highlight, and for casual visitors it is a quiet, beautiful way to see a different side of the Andes. Yanacocha is known for its hummingbirds, which hover at feeders and flowers in the cool, misty forest. Species here include some with startling features, such as extraordinarily long bills or iridescent plumage, and they share the habitat with tanagers, mountain toucans and other birds that you will not see in lowland Ecuador. The forest itself is atmospheric, with moss-draped trees, twisting branches and views that open and close with the clouds.
What to expect
An early start, a transfer from Quito, and a morning of slow walking on trails with frequent stops to watch and listen. Guides carry scopes and know calls, so even beginners can spot birds they would miss alone. The pace is unhurried, but the elevation is high and weather can be cold and damp, so you should come prepared.
Confirm the length, the group size and what is included when you book. Why go: it is one of the closest serious birding sites to the capital, which makes it ideal for travellers with limited time. It also suits photographers, because feeders and flowers bring hummingbirds close.
Compared with Mindo, Yanacocha is higher, cooler and quieter, with a different set of species, so it complements a cloud forest day rather than repeating it. Early mornings usually give the best activity and the best light. Tips: wear warm layers, a waterproof jacket, a hat, gloves and sturdy shoes, and bring binoculars if you have them, or ask whether the operator provides a pair.
Move quietly, follow the guide's instructions and avoid sudden movements around feeders. Bring a camera with a zoom lens and a spare battery, because cold drains them quickly. Take it slowly because of the altitude, and build the trip in after a couple of days of acclimatisation in Quito.
What to expect
The experience
A guided morning of birdwatching in a high Andean forest reserve above Quito, with a transfer from the city.
Best time
Early morning, when bird activity is highest.
How long
A half day to a full morning, depending on the departure.
Tips
Dress in warm waterproof layers, bring binoculars and move quietly on the trails.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Birdwatchers and nature photographers.
- Families
- Best for patient, nature-loving children who can walk quietly.
- Couples
- A calm, beautiful morning in the mountains.
- Pair with
- The Mindo cloud forest on another day for a different set of species.
- Time needed
- A morning.
Good questions
Do I need to be an expert?+
No. Guides help find and identify birds, and beginners enjoy it as much as experts.
What will I see?+
The reserve is known for hummingbirds and Andean forest birds, though sightings are never guaranteed.
What should I wear?+
Warm layers, a waterproof jacket, a hat, gloves and sturdy shoes.
Do I need binoculars?+
They help a great deal. Ask the operator whether a pair is provided.
How is it different from Mindo?+
Yanacocha is higher, cooler and quieter, with different species from the warmer cloud forest at Mindo.
