Nestled in the heart of the Andes, Ecuador's capital city - Quito - is a haven for birdwatching and nature enthusiasts.
Home to the most hummingbirds in a country and over 1,600 species of birds, which represents 17% of the total amount that can be found across the globe, Quito has numerous enclaves to explore both in the city and nearby surrounding areas. Among the attractions are the Mindo, a bird sanctuary and cloud forest located two hours north of the city as well as El Pahuma, an orchid reserve located one hour from Quito that features 270 species of orchids and 500 species of birds.
Other areas to consider visiting include:
· Antisana Ecological Reserve, an area spanning 120,000 hectares that preserves a range of habitats and ecosystems, including that of the Andean condor, one of the largest birds in the world, and the hummingbird, one of the smallest.
· Bellavista Cloud Forest, located in the Valley of Tandayapa, only 45 minutes away from the City, which was designated as "BirdLife International" in 1997 as the first Important Area for Birds in South America.
· South Metropolitan Park, also known as the lung of the city, is ideal for bird watching and the discovery of local flora and fauna.
· Pachijal Natural Area located in the northwest of the City that spans over 15,000 hectares and focuses on biodiversity conservation and also features an extraordinary amount of archaeological remains of the ancient Yumbo civilization.
Lourdes Perez
Senior Account Executive
Tourism
D +1 305 702 2771
T +1 305 532 7950 Ext. 271
M +1 305 613 4790
