Christopher K
Member
Just had four days birding, based in Mindo but driving out every day. Furthest away was Silanche, about 75 minutes, and closest started only 15 minutes out of Mindo (Ecoruta Paseo del Quinde). Apparently the Ecoruta was the main road to Quito 40 years ago, though it’s only a track. The Ecoruta produced great views of Plate Billed Mountain Toucan, Beautiful Jay, Turquoise Jay, Masked Trogon and many smaller birds. We left hotel at 6h30 and the Ecoruta was empty, we saw nobody else . Apparently if you go later it is used by cyclists and motorbikes for day trips.
Without a guide we would have struggled to locate and identify most of the smaller birds, since he initially identified many by song, before finding them in the bushes. He was really eagle eyed and had to assist us with laser pointer for most of the spottings. If you decide to take a taxi to the waterfall area and walk down, do not do it at the weekend, since traffic is almost constant and the track not very wide.
We used Jorge Luna as guide. He is excellent and easy to get on with, also a good driver.
We are staying at Terrazas de Dana in a room with a terrace overlooking the mountain ; the views are sensational.
Without a guide we would have struggled to locate and identify most of the smaller birds, since he initially identified many by song, before finding them in the bushes. He was really eagle eyed and had to assist us with laser pointer for most of the spottings. If you decide to take a taxi to the waterfall area and walk down, do not do it at the weekend, since traffic is almost constant and the track not very wide.
We used Jorge Luna as guide. He is excellent and easy to get on with, also a good driver.
We are staying at Terrazas de Dana in a room with a terrace overlooking the mountain ; the views are sensational.