Day 0 – Arrive Quito, overnight at Hotel Sebastian.

Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle Photo by Roger Ahlman Plumbeous Hawk Photo by Roger Ahlman

Day 1 – Quito to San Jorge de Milpe

We leave Quito early morning for the 2 hour drive to San Jorge birding along the way with stops for raptors and other specialties. We stop near Calacalí for interandean species such as Purple-collared Woodstar, Blue-and-yellow Tanager and Band-tailed Sierra-Finch as well as White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant, then continue on to the Milpe road. Overnight San Jorge de Milpe lodge.

Chocó Poorwill
Photo by Janos Olah Jr

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Day 2 – San Jorge de Milpe to Canandé

Early drive to Rio Silanche for many Lowland Chocó endemics such as Black-striped Woodcreeper, Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet, Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo, Scarlet-breasted Dacnis, Emerald, Gray-and-gold, Scarlet-and-White & Blue-whiskered Tanagers.

Later we cross the Canandé River on a small ferry we begin to get the feel of the lowland Chocó rain forest. From here we bird our way arriving for dinner at the reserve.

Red-capped Manakin Photo by Roger Ahlman Purple-chested Hummingbird Photo by Roger Ahlman

Day 3 – Canandé all day

With a full day of birding at the reserve we intercept flocks looking for Chocó tanagers such as Scarlet-and-white, Gray-and-gold, Blue-whiskered, Scarlet-browed, Emerald, as well as Rufous-winged Tanagers. Up the forest trail we search for the Baudó Guan and lure in the Chocó Tapaculo and Black-headed Antthrush as well as Spotted, Esmeraldas and Ocellated Antbirds. In the evening we try for Chocó Poorwill, the Central American Pygmy-Owl, Crested, and Black-and-white Owl.

Rufous-tailed Jacamar Photo by Roger Ahlman

Day 4 – Canandé all day

Rose-faced Parrots perched in the canopy in the early morning light are a sight to make you smile, as we start our day searching for more species such as; Indigo-crowned Quail -Dove, Red-lored Amazon and Tooth-billed Hummingbird. Feeders at the lodge attract many hummingbirds including, Purple-chested, and Rufous-tailed Hummingbird as well as White-whiskered Hermit. In the forest, Purple-throated Fruitcrows query while Red-capped , and White-bearded Manakins snap their wings and pop into view.

Rufous-crowned Antpitta Photo by Garry George Black-tipped Cotinga Photo by Charlie Vogt

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Day 5 – Canandé all day

All day birding along the road for more flocks with chances for Black-striped Woodcreeper, Yellow-collared Chlorophonia, Ochre-breasted, and Dusky-faced Tanager as well as Scarlet-rumped Cacique and Chestnut-headed Oropendola.

Cinnamon Woodpecker Photo by Roger Ahlman Lanceolated Monklet Photo by Roger Ahlman

Day 6 – Canandé to San Jorge de Milpe

Early morning cleanup of species we have missed. Mid morning we head off to San Jorge de Milpe with late afternoon birding before dinner. Here we will look for Moss-backed Tanager as well as Chocó Screech-Owl, Chocó Trogon, and Chocó Warbler. Crimson-bellied Woodpecker, Speckled Mourner, Broad-billed Sapayoa, Gray-mantled and Stripe-throated Wren.

White-necked Puffbird
Photo by Roger Ahlman

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Day 7 – San Jorge de Milpe to Quito

We start early on the Milpe road for more chances of Moss -backed Tanager, great views of exquisite Club-winged Manakins displaying at a lek, Broad-billed Motmot, Chocó Toucan, Pale-mandibled Araçari, Yellow-collared Chlorophonia as well as Rufous-throated and Glistening-green Tanager. Afternoon continue birding Milpe area for Chocó Trogon, Chocó Warbler and Crimson-bellied Woodpecker.

Then we bird the lower Milpe road, looking for Blue-fronted Parrotlet as well as Pale-vented Thrush and Yellow-green Bush-Tanager. A little-known species, Jonas had the first nesting record for this Bush-Tanager some years ago.

Late afternoon we head back to Quito winding up a productive Chocó trip.

Red-legged Honeycreeper Photo by Roger Ahlman Laughing Falcon Photo by Roger Ahlman

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Tour Information

Price per person: Click here for prices
Included: All lodging, meals, expert bilingual birdguide, transportation, hotel transfer and entrance fees.
Not included: Last night dinner; drinks; tips.
See our Payment and Cancellation Policy page for important information.