THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Spend a full day from Cuenca exploring Yunguilla and the Jocotoco Reserve where cloud forest, mountain scrub and river corridors concentrate southern endemic birds—expect 40–60 species on a well-guided day trip.
Spend a full day from Cuenca exploring Yunguilla and the Jocotoco Reserve where cloud forest, mountain scrub and river corridors concentrate southern endemic birds—expect 40–60 species on a well-guided day trip.
Book with Polylepis Tours
Book directly with Polylepis Tours for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve NowVerified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Polylepis Tours · Cuenca, Azuay
You step out of Cuenca’s cool morning into a van that hums up into cloud forest, the air tightening and green deepening as the road winds toward Yunguilla and El Chorro. Birdsong arrives in layers: high-pitched calls loop through moss-heavy trees while a distant raptor cuts the valley with a slow, deliberate wingbeat. The landscape is active—streams daring you to lean closer, bromeliads holding rain like tiny basins.
moderate.
8–9 hours.
Moderate endurance and ability to handle several short, uneven walks and light elevation changes over a long day
You can bring your own for the best experience; the operator may lend binoculars if reserved in advance but supply is limited.
The day includes multiple short hikes and some roadside walking across uneven ground—moderate fitness is recommended for a comfortable day.
Yes—private transportation, hotel pickup, and a boxed lunch are included; advise dietary requirements when booking.
Early morning and late afternoon are peak birding windows; the dry season months (June–August) often offer easier access and clearer views.
The Azuay highlands around Cuenca were traditionally occupied by the Cañari people before Spanish colonial reorganization; modern conservation blends local stewardship with national reserve efforts.
Jocotoco and local reserves protect critical habitat for southern endemics—stay on trails, avoid disturbing nests, and support local guides who contribute to conservation fees.
Polylepis Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Book with Polylepis Tours
Book directly with Polylepis Tours for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now