Jocotoco Antpitta Tour

Tapichalaca Birding Experience — Home of the Jocotoco Antpitta

Duration: 2 days / 1 night

Targets:
⭐ Jocotoco Antpitta (Grallaria ridgelyi)
⭐ Chestnut-crested Cotinga (Ampelion rufaxilla)
⭐ Little Sunangel (Heliangelus micraster)

📅 Day 1 – Journey to Tapichalaca & Afternoon Birding

• 🚐 Departure: 6:00 AM from Cuenca, Azuay, Ecuador

• Scenic drive through the Podocarpus National Park region with birding stops along the way.

• Arrival at Reserva Tapichalaca (Fundación Jocotoco Lodge) by noon.

• 🍽️ Lunch at the lodge and orientation about the reserve.

• 🌿 Afternoon birding on the Quebrada Honda Trail — search for the Chestnut-crested Cotinga, Masked Trogon, White-capped Tanager and mixed flocks of tanagers and flowerpiercers.

• 🌅 Dinner and overnight at Tapichalaca Lodge.

• Optional night walk to listen for Andean Potoo or Spectacled Owl.

📅 Day 2 – The Jocotoco Antpitta Encounter

• ☕ Early breakfast (5:30 AM).

• Short walk to the famous Antpitta feeding station — watch the endemic Jocotoco Antpitta up close, a true highlight of Ecuadorian birding.

• Continue birding around forest trails and hummingbird feeders, looking for Little Sunangel, Amethyst-throated Sunangel, Chestnut-naped Antpitta, and Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan.

• 🍽️ Lunch at the lodge.

• 🚐 Return to Cuenca after lunch, arriving around 6:30 PM.

✅ Includes

✔️ Specialized birding guide
✔️ Private round-trip transportation from Cuenca
✔️ Full lodging (1 night) at Tapichalaca Lodge
✔️ All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
✔️ Entrance fees and reserve contribution

🐦 Highlights

• Observe one of South America’s most iconic and endangered birds: Jocotoco Antpitta

• Enjoy the lush cloud forests of southern Ecuador, home to unique species and stunning scenery

• Ideal for photographers and bird enthusiasts seeking rare Andean specialties