Spend a day at Yanacocha Reserve on the Pichincha slopes to watch hummingbirds, tanagers and the endangered Black-breasted Puffleg in a high-Andean cloud forest. This private day tour from Quito combines easy trails, multiple hummingbird stations and a conservation-focused visit.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Mist and cloud press close to the trunks as visitors step onto the main trail at Yanacocha Reserve, a high-Andean cloud forest that feels a world away despite being roughly an hour from Quito. Hummingbird feeders clink as tiny wings slice the air; the Black-breasted Puffleg — rare and restless — can appear like a flash of midnight among moss-draped branches.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for people in normal walking condition; short sections of uneven trail but no technical climbing; allow for altitude.
Wildlife
History
The Jocotoco Foundation set aside the reserve in the early 1990s to protect cloud-forest habitat on Pichincha’s slopes and safeguard several endemic bird species.
Conservation
The reserve actively resists agricultural conversion and uses visitor fees to fund habitat protection; visitors help by staying on trails, not disturbing feeders, and following guide instructions.
Reserve your spot on the Nature and Birding Experience in Yanachocha Reserve today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize before you go
Spend a day in Quito or move slowly on arrival—Yanacocha sits near 3,200 m (10,500 ft) and light-headedness is possible.
Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom
Hummingbirds and tanagers are best seen with 8–12x binoculars; a telephoto lens helps capture fast wings at feeders.
Dress in quick-drying layers
Temperatures and weather shift quickly in the cloud forest—windproof outer layers and a light insulating mid-layer are useful.
Respect feeder etiquette
Follow guide instructions at hummingbird stations—stay quiet, avoid sudden movements, and don't touch the feeders.
Binoculars (8–12x)
Essential for close views of hummingbirds and other small birds at feeders.
Light waterproof jacket
Cloud forest weather changes rapidly—stay dry and wind-protected.
fall
Sturdy trail shoes
Good traction and ankle support help on irregular, sometimes muddy trails.
Telephoto camera lens or spotting scope
Useful for photographing hummingbirds and distant tanagers at feeding stations.