Spend a day above Quito exploring Yanacocha and the small Zuro Loma reserve for up-close encounters with high-Andean hummingbirds and mountain-tanagers. This guided, full-day tour blends hands-on birding, accessible trails, and conservation-minded viewing at high elevation.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out of the air-conditioned vehicle into thin, cool air and the paramo opens like a living map: tussocks, moss-stained rocks and a thin ribbon of trail that the wind seems to study before letting you pass. The morning here is a chorus of sharp calls and metallic hums as hummingbirds patrol feeders and mountain-tanagers flash across mossy trunks.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8–10 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; be comfortable walking 2–6 miles on uneven, sometimes muddy trails and standing quietly for extended periods.
Wildlife
History
Jocotoco Foundation established Yanacocha to protect high-Andean habitat and critical species such as the Black-breasted Puffleg, supporting local conservation and community stewardship.
Conservation
Stick to marked trails and avoid feeding wildlife; small private reserves here balance controlled feeders for research and photography with broader habitat protection.
Reserve your spot on the Birdwatching Yanacocha from Quito today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Go early for active birds
Start before 8am—the cooler morning hours concentrate hummingbirds and increase chances of sighting shy species.
Layer for rapid weather shifts
Temperatures and wind change fast at 3,200–4,400 m—pack a lightweight insulating layer and a shell.
Bring a spotting scope or 8–10x binoculars
Feeder hides offer close views, but many tanagers and tapaculos are best seen with magnification.
Move slowly and keep quiet
Reduce sudden movements and speak softly near feeders to avoid spooking birds and to increase photo opportunities.
Binoculars (8–10x)
Essential for identifying distant or skulking species without disturbing them.
Waterproof shell and insulating midlayer
Protects against wind, rain and rapid temperature drops at high elevation.
Sturdy waterproof hiking shoes
Trails can be muddy and uneven; good traction keeps you steady during stakeouts.
Camera with telephoto lens or phone with zoom
Useful for capturing hummingbirds at feeders and distant tanagers—300mm+ recommended for DSLR.