Highlights
Nestled on the northwestern slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes, just 1.5 to 2 hours from Quito, Nanegal Cloud Forest is one of Ecuador’s best-kept secrets. Located within the Chocó Andean biodiversity hotspot, this remarkable region is internationally recognized as one of the richest ecosystems on Earth.
More than 500 bird species and over 400 butterfly species have been recorded in the area, making Nanegal a dream destination for birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, butterfly enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.
What makes Nanegal truly exceptional is the incredible diversity of life found within its cloud forests. Ancient trees covered with mosses, orchids, bromeliads, and ferns provide habitat for countless birds, butterflies, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
Toucan Barbet (Semnornis ramphastinus)
Key Bird Species and Families
- Hummingbirds
- Golden-headed Quetzal (Pharomachrus auriceps), one of the most sought-after birds in the cloud forests of Ecuador
- Toucan Barbet (Semnornis ramphastinus), a colorful Chocó endemic found only in the cloud forests of western Ecuador and southwestern Colombia.
In addition, the forests are also home to remarkable mammals, including Ocelots, Jaguarundis, Pumas, Armadillos, and Danta alpaca, although these elusive animals are rarely seen. There is also a large variety of butterflies and orchids.
Golden-headed Quetzal
Best Regions for Birding
La Delicia Cloud Forest (Butterfly & Bird Julio Tours – Ecolodge)
The lodge is surrounded by well-preserved cloud forest, excellent hummingbird gardens, and natural feeding areas. More than 80 bird species can often be recorded in a single morning without leaving the property, making it an ideal base for both birdwatchers and photographers.
Primary Cloud Forest Trail
Located about a 20-minute walk from the lodge, this moderately ???? (moderate) trail enters mature cloud forest where birders regularly encounter toucans, antbirds, woodcreepers, tanagers, Wood-Quail, Antpittas, and mixed-species flocks. The trail also offers excellent opportunities to observe butterflies, orchids, and other wildlife.
Hummingbird Garden
The lodge’s hummingbird garden attracts more than 20 species of hummingbirds throughout the year. Birds can be observed both at the feeders and feeding naturally on flowering plants, offering excellent opportunities for photography and close observation.
Alambi River Trail
This moderate trail follows the Alambi River and connects with the village of Nanegal. It is one of the best places to search for Torrent Duck, White-capped Dipper, Common Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper (seasonally), Sunbittern, and other river-associated birds.
Piedra Oronzona Trail
This scenic forest trail leads to the impressive Piedra Oronzona, a giant moss-covered rock surrounded by primary cloud forest. Along the way, birders can encounter antbirds, foliage-gleaners, trogons, mixed-species flocks, butterflies, orchids, and many other Chocó cloud forest specialties.
Quetzal & Toucan Area
Just a 15-minute drive from the lodge, open forest edges provide excellent opportunities to observe and photograph Golden-headed Quetzals directly from the road. Chocó Toucans and Collared Aracaris are also regularly seen here. This area is especially interesting because mixed-species flocks often include both foothill and lower-elevation birds, creating excellent birding throughout the morning.
Best Birding Season
The best time to visit is generally from January through May and again from September through December, when bird activity is especially rewarding and weather conditions are often ideal for birdwatching and photography.
A scenic cloud forest trail
Birding Trip Suggestion(s)
1 Day: Nanegal is an excellent day trip from Quito. A full day allows birders to explore the hummingbird gardens, the cloud forest around La Delicia, the Alambi River, and nearby birding sites, with an excellent chance of recording 80–120 bird species.
2–3 Days (Recommended): This is the ideal stay for most visitors. It provides enough time to explore the primary cloud forest trails, visit Piedra Oronzona, search for mixed-species flocks, photograph hummingbirds, and enjoy the rich birdlife around La Delicia.
4–6 Days: A longer stay allows visitors to explore several of the northwest Ecuador birding hotspots located within a short drive of Nanegal. These include Refugio Paz de las Aves, Milpe Bird Sanctuary, the Cock-of-the-rock lek at 1 de Mayo, Maquipucuna Reserve, and Santa Lucía Cloud Forest Reserve, both renowned for their excellent opportunities to observe and photograph Chocó endemics and other cloud forest specialties. Most of these sites are within about 20–40 minutes of the lodge.
7–12 Days: Nanegal is an outstanding base for exploring the entire Chocó Andino. During a one- to two-week stay, birders can combine the local trails with nearby reserves such as Maquipucuna, Santa Lucía, Milpe, Tandayapa, Mindo, Bellavista, Mashpi, Yanacocha, and Refugio Paz de las Aves. Depending on the season, it is possible to record several hundred bird species while enjoying exceptional opportunities for bird photography. In fact, our most recent birding tour in this region lasted 12 days, allowing guests to experience the remarkable diversity of habitats and endemic species found in northwest Ecuador.
Practical Tips
Patience is one of the greatest tools for observing wildlife in Nanegal. By remaining quiet and moving slowly through the forest, visitors are often rewarded with close encounters as birds and butterflies naturally approach, creating unforgettable photographic opportunities.
Despite its extraordinary biodiversity, Nanegal remains easily accessible. Visitors can travel by public bus from La Ofelia Bus Terminal in Quito, where several daily buses to Nanegal pass directly in front of our ecolodge. Those traveling by private vehicle can reach the lodge in approximately 90 minutes to two hours.
Butterfly & Bird Julio Tours – Ecolodge
Diaethria clymena, A spectacular butterfly from Nanegal
Books
The Birds of Ecuador by Robert S. Ridgely & Paul J. Greenfield
The most comprehensive reference on Ecuador’s birdlife, covering species identification, distribution, and natural history. An essential resource for serious birdwatchers and researchers.
Birds of Ecuador (Helm Field Guides) by Robert S. Ridgely & Paul J. Greenfield
A practical field guide featuring illustrations, maps, and concise descriptions, making it ideal for use in the field.
Birds of Northern South America by Robin Restall, Clemencia Rodner & Miguel Lentino
An excellent reference for birdwatchers interested in the wider region, including many species found in Ecuador.
Violet-tailed Sylph
Links
- eBird – https://ebird.org
The world’s largest bird observation database, with checklists, hotspot information, and recent sightings. - Macaulay Library – https://macaulaylibrary.org
A comprehensive collection of bird photographs, videos, and sound recordings. - BirdLife International – https://www.birdlife.org
Information on bird conservation, Important Bird Areas (IBAs), and global conservation projects.
Organizations
- Aves y Conservación (BirdLife Ecuador Partner)
- Jocotoco Foundation
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology
These organizations play an important role in bird conservation, scientific research, and environmental education throughout Ecuador.
Julio Ayala is an Ecuadorian naturalist, birding guide, wildlife photographer, and founder of Butterfly & Bird Julio Tours – Ecolodge in Nanegal, Ecuador. Raised in the cloud forests of the Chocó Andean region, he has spent more than two decades exploring its extraordinary biodiversity. Julio specializes in birdwatching, bird photography, butterfly photography, and personalized nature tours throughout Ecuador. Passionate about conservation, he also rescues birds after window collisions whenever possible and works with local children to promote environmental education. Through his guiding and photography, he hopes to inspire visitors from around the world to discover and protect Ecuador’s remarkable wildlife.
Cover photo: Panoramic view of the Nanegal Cloud Forest
All photographs taken by Julio Ayala.
Leave a Comment