Mindo Loma had superb photo opportunities for hummers and tanagers. Velvet purple coronet and empress brilliant were the dominant species, but a whole host of other species at point blank range, as well as possums and a kinkajou at night.
For a private photo session and great accommodation, Alambi Lodge at the foot of the Tandayapa valley was outstanding. You'll probable have the place to yourself and it's thronged with hummers feet away, with beauties like booted racketail, purple throated woodstar,. I had about fifteen species in a couple of hours there, plus dipper on the river, cock of the rock nesting under the bridge, and swallow tailed kite overhead. An outstanding birding experience. And really nice people too.The owners can also take you to the busier sites in Tandayapa as well, but Alambi will probably be just for you.
Basically, you can't go far wrong in Ecuador. You'll love it!
Thank you for your inciteful post, this sounds really good. Very much looking forward to my trip.