Tandayapa Bird Lodge

Birding paradise extraordinaire – that is Tandayapa Bird Lodge. The entire lodge is based within verdant cloud forest, on the western slope of the Andes, placed virtually on the equator only an hour from Quito. Tandayapa is renowned as arguably the best place to see and photograph hummingbirds in the entire world. The lodge’s centrepiece is the balcony, where a series of feeders bring in a variety of hummingbirds species daily. Over 30 hummingbird species have been recorded, and usually more than a dozen species come in daily. Forest trails are available on site, and over 500 other bird species have been found at other areas within reach of day trips from the lodge.

Tandayapa Bird Lodge is an amazing stay for any visitor. Non-birders will appreciate the beauty of the surroundings and the joy of seeing the vibrant hummingbirds, toucanets, barbets, and colourful tanagers. For novice birders the lodge provides an excellent introduction to neotropical bird species and the most experienced birders will love to stay for a longer period of time to allow exploration of places nearby under the company of some of the best bird guides in Ecuador.

The lodge itself comprises of a main building (where ten of the rooms are located), and another outlying building with two further rooms. The main lodge has been designed with convenience in mind; there is no need to hike between your rooms and the dining area. The outer rooms are used for those who wish for more seclusion, away from the main building.

The rooms are basic and comfortable, provided with private bathrooms, hot water, and 24-hour electricity. Guests speak highly of the lodge’s cuisine, which easily rivals some of the best restaurants. Meals are a combination of local cuisine, with plentiful Andean soups in particular, fresh tropical fruit juices and international food. The lodge is tailored to the need of birders, photographers and other tourists. For example, breakfast times are flexible to suit the needs of an early rising birder, who needs to be in the field at dawn, or a relaxed visitor needing to sleep in first.

Are you looking for a unique birding trip, please contact us. Aves Travels partners with the best representatives in Ecuador for specialist birding and wildlife photography tours.