The Zuroloma Photo and Bird Watching Private Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the Andean cloud forest. Led by a certified naturalist, this full-day excursion promises sightings of rare bird species and breathtaking panoramic vistas. Guests can expect personalized attention, delectable lunch options, and the chance to support local conservation efforts. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or simply seeking a captivating outdoor adventure, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression. What secrets might the Andean mountains hold in store for those willing to venture forth?

Good To Know

  • Explore the Zuroloma Reserve, known for its rare Andean birdlife, on a private, guided tour with a certified naturalist.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the Andean cloud forest and snow-capped volcanoes during the full-day excursion.
  • Spot unique bird species like the sword-billed hummingbird, sapphire-vented puffleg, and blue-capped tanager.
  • Savor a locally-sourced lunch with vegetarian options, contributing to the region’s sustainable development.
  • Benefit from personalized attention and hassle-free transportation, with pickup and drop-off from your Quito accommodations.

Tour Overview

The Zuroloma Photo and Bird Watching Private Tour provides an opportunity to explore the Zuroloma Reserve, known for its rare birdlife in the high Andean mountains.

Reviewers have given the tour a perfect 5.0 rating across 9 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Priced from $235, the tour’s price varies by group size and includes free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Guests can spot species like the sword-billed hummingbird, sapphire-vented puffleg, chestnut-napped antpitta, and blue-capped tanager while enjoying panoramic views of the Andean cloud forest and snow-capped volcanoes.

Lunch with vegetarian options is provided, and the tour supports local development and conservation efforts.

Experience Highlights

Exploring the Zuroloma Reserve, known for its rare birdlife in the high Andean mountains, allows visitors to spot species such as the sword-billed hummingbird, sapphire-vented puffleg, chestnut-napped antpitta, and blue-capped tanager.

The tour offers:

  1. Panoramic views of the Andean cloud forest and snow-capped volcanoes.
  2. Lunch with vegetarian options included.
  3. A private tour with undivided attention from a certified, bilingual naturalist and birding guide.

The tour supports local development and conservation efforts, contributing to initiatives that resist agricultural conversion and habitat degradation.

Guided Tour Details

Zuroloma Photo and Bird Watching Private Tour - Guided Tour Details

The private tour ensures undivided attention from a certified, bilingual naturalist and birding guide. Pickup and drop-off from accommodations in Quito or the airport area are provided. The tour starts at 6:00 am with a briefing from the guide.

Tour Details
Start Time 6:00 AM
Duration Full Day
Meals Lunch Included Vegetarian Options Available
Transport Pickup/Drop-off Quito or Airport
Guide Certified Bilingual Naturalist Birding Specialist

The private nature of the tour allows for personalized attention and a tailored experience to maximize wildlife sightings.

Conservation and Local Impact

This tour supports local development and conservation efforts in the region. The tour operator contributes to initiatives resisting agricultural conversion and habitat degradation in the Zuroloma Reserve.

Some key ways this tour has a positive local impact:

  1. Employs certified, bilingual naturalist and birding guides from the local community.
  2. Sources lunch from local suppliers, including vegetarian options.
  3. Channels tour proceeds into projects preserving the endangered Andean cloud forest ecosystem.

Booking Information

Travelers can receive a confirmation immediately upon booking this tour.

No serious medical conditions are required for participation, though a copy of the passenger’s passport is needed for billing purposes and local tax exemption.

Specific dietary requirements should be advised at the time of booking to ensure they can be accommodated.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled experience.

Transportation and Pickup

Pickup and drop-off from accommodations in Quito or the airport area are included with the Zuroloma Photo and Bird Watching Private Tour.

The tour starts at 6:00 am with a briefing from the certified, bilingual naturalist and birding guide. This private tour ensures undivided attention, allowing you to make the most of your experience.

The key transportation details include:

  1. Pickup from your accommodation in Quito or the airport area.
  2. Drop-off back at your accommodation or the airport after the tour.
  3. Comfortable transportation throughout the tour to the Zuroloma Reserve.

This seamless transportation ensures a hassle-free start and end to your birding and photography adventure in the Andean cloud forest.

Dietary Accommodations

The Zuroloma Photo and Bird Watching Private Tour caters to various dietary requirements.

Vegetarian options are available for the included lunch. Clients should advise the tour operator of any specific dietary needs at the time of booking. This ensures the guide can properly accommodate preferences and restrictions.

Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or have other dietary needs, the tour makes every effort to provide a satisfying meal during the experience.

Communicating any requirements in advance allows the team to prepare accordingly and ensure you enjoy the tour to the fullest.

Passport Requirement

A copy of the client’s passport is required for billing purposes, which allows for local tax exemption. This is a common practice for tours and activities in Ecuador.

The tour operator uses the passport information to:

  1. Properly invoice the client and ensure they receive any applicable tax exemptions.
  2. Maintain accurate records for regulatory compliance.
  3. Provide a safeguard against any potential issues that may arise during the tour.

Providing a copy of the passport is a straightforward requirement that helps facilitate a smooth booking process and tour experience.

Clients should be prepared to submit this information when securing their reservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Equipment Is Provided for the Bird Watching?

The tour doesn’t provide any specific equipment. Participants should bring their own binoculars, cameras, and other gear they need for bird watching and photography during the private tour in the Zuroloma Reserve.

Are There Any Special Permits or Licenses Required to Visit the Reserve?

The tour does not require any special permits or licenses to visit the Zuroloma Reserve. The private guide handles all necessary arrangements, allowing visitors to focus on the birdwatching experience in the high Andean mountains.

How Much Time Is Spent Hiking Versus Driving During the Tour?

The tour involves a balance of driving and hiking. Travelers can expect to spend around 50% of the time driving to the reserve and 50% hiking to viewpoints and bird-watching locations within the Zuroloma Reserve.

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children or Elderly Participants?

The tour may accommodate young children and elderly participants, though it requires a moderate level of physical activity. Guests should consult the tour operator to discuss any special needs or mobility concerns before booking.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Focus More on Photography or Birding?

The tour can be customized to focus more on either photography or birding. Guests can discuss their specific interests with the guide prior to the tour to ensure the experience aligns with their preferences.

The Sum Up

The Zuroloma Photo and Bird Watching Private Tour offers a unique chance to explore the Andean mountains and witness rare bird species. Led by a certified naturalist, the tour provides personalized attention, stunning views, and delicious lunch options. It’s an unforgettable experience that supports local conservation efforts, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.