Amagusa Reserve
Amagusa Reserve: A cloud forest haven for birdwatchers, offering magical hummingbird encounters and stunning biodiversity.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak bird activity
Amagusa Reserve
Best Time
Peak bird activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Amagusa Reserve: A cloud forest haven for birdwatchers, offering magical hummingbird encounters and stunning biodiversity.
"Amazing preserve with spectacular birding on the grounds and at the feeders!"
🐦 Birding by Bus
Book tours with @neotropicalnaturebirding for an amazing cloud forest experience.
🤝 Friendly Hosts
Doris and Sergio make you feel at home; great for learning about local birds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hummingbird Feeders
Amagusa Reserve Grounds
Witness a magical spectacle as hummingbirds flock to feeders, some even landing on your hand!
Rose-faced Parrot
Amagusa Reserve
Spot the vibrant Rose-faced Parrot, a stunning resident of this unique cloud forest ecosystem.
Cloud Forest Trails
Amagusa Reserve
Hike through lush cloud forests to observation towers and serene waterfalls for breathtaking views.
Tanager Spectacle
Amagusa Reserve
Marvel at the dazzling colors of various tanager species, a true delight for birdwatchers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Peak Birding
Beyond Birding: Explore the Cloud Forest
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐦 Birding by Bus
Book tours with @neotropicalnaturebirding for an amazing cloud forest experience.
🤝 Friendly Hosts
Doris and Sergio make you feel at home; great for learning about local birds.
✋ Hand-feeding Hummingbirds
Experience the magic of hummingbirds landing on your hand at the feeders!
🚶♀️ Accessible Birding
Excellent feeding stations and accessible grounds make it great for all mobility levels.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐦 Birding by Bus
Book tours with @neotropicalnaturebirding for an amazing cloud forest experience.
🤝 Friendly Hosts
Doris and Sergio make you feel at home; great for learning about local birds.
✋ Hand-feeding Hummingbirds
Experience the magic of hummingbirds landing on your hand at the feeders!
🚶♀️ Accessible Birding
Excellent feeding stations and accessible grounds make it great for all mobility levels.
📸 Bird Photography Haven
Ideal spot for bird photography, with over 90 species observed in under 24 hours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Amagusa Reserve for its exceptional birdwatching opportunities, particularly the magical hummingbird feeders and the chance to see rare species like the Rose-faced Parrot. The serene cloud forest setting, comfortable lodge, delicious food, and friendly hosts contribute to a highly recommended experience for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
"Me and my partner spent 2 night in Mashpi Amagusa and we loved it! It is so much more than just birdwatching. We hiked to the observation tower and to the waterfall to swim in it, we were the only 2 people there and it felt very private and isolated. The lodge is in the middle of the cloud forest, the rooms are spacious with very comfortable beds and hot shower and the food is really delicious. Directly from our balcony we could see an incredible amount of bird species in a very short time, it was an incredible experience. The area around is just special, and after a day of birdwatching and hiking we could enjoy a nice beer from a brewery just on the other side of the road. Highly recommended!"
Antonella Marra
"Great experience with Doris and Sergio. They made us feel as at home. Great way to learn about all the birds in this area with a 6am bird watching show (for 2 hours) and Sergio to explain all about these birds, a hike to the cascade and a climb into the watch tower and a visit to one of the neighbors bird watching places. And Doris arranges the nice meals and all. Very worthwhile if you enjoy nature in a quiet surrounding, or bird watching or photographing."
Hans Jacobs
"Fantastic place surrounded by foothills cloud forest and agricultural fields, but fortunately a good bit of cloud forest persists in the area. The birding here is excellent and accessible - this is a great location for visitors with limited mobility. Excellent feeding stations, and the flowering areas are absolutely besieged with Velvet-purple Coronets - I’ve had them perch on my hand here, in fact.
The food was excellent, and the dining area is great for birding from your table. Nearby stretches of road offer further opportunities.
I’ve never spent the night here, but the accommodations looked comfortable, and based on the level of service at lunch, I’d be ready and willing to try this place out for a night or two.
Highly recommended."
Sandy Cash
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Amagusa Reserve is located in the cloud forest, a couple of hours from Quito. Many visitors book tours that include transportation, or you can arrange private transport. Consider services like @neotropicalnaturebirding for guided experiences.
Yes, the reserve is known for its accessibility, with excellent feeding stations and grounds suitable for visitors with limited mobility.
Walking is the primary way to explore the reserve's trails and feeders. Guided tours often include transportation to specific viewing points.
While direct public transport might be limited, many visitors opt for organized tours or private transfers from Quito or nearby towns.
The drive from Quito to Amagusa Reserve typically takes around 2-3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's advisable to book accommodations and tours in advance, especially if you plan to stay overnight, as the lodge can fill up.
The reserve is generally accessible during daylight hours for birdwatching and hiking. Overnight stays allow for extended access.
Entry fees are typically part of lodge packages or guided tour costs. Specific pricing for day visits may vary.
While you can visit independently, guided tours offer valuable insights into the local birdlife and ecosystem, enhancing the experience.
Entrance often includes access to trails and feeders. Overnight packages usually include meals and guided activities.
📸 📸 Photography
The hummingbird feeders are exceptional for close-up shots, and the various trails offer opportunities to photograph diverse species in their natural habitat.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing distant birds, while a macro lens can be useful for hummingbirds at the feeders.
Many guided tours focus on birdwatching and photography, providing expert knowledge and access to prime locations.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light and bird activity for photography.
Yes, the lodge balconies offer excellent vantage points for observing and photographing a variety of bird species.
🎫 🌿 Nature & Wildlife
Amagusa Reserve is renowned for its incredible bird diversity, including numerous hummingbird species, tanagers, and the Rose-faced Parrot. You might also encounter other cloud forest inhabitants. +1
Yes, guided walks are highly recommended to learn about the flora and fauna from knowledgeable guides like Sergio.
The cloud forest is a vital ecosystem supporting unique biodiversity, including many endemic species. Amagusa is actively involved in its conservation and expansion. 
Yes, some visitors have enjoyed swimming in the waterfalls, finding the experience private and isolated.
The reserve is involved in creating nurseries for native plants and expanding protected areas to conserve biodiversity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The accessible trails make it easy for families to explore the cloud forest without strenuous hikes, and the chance to spot colorful birds like the Rose-faced Parrot +1 will spark their imagination. Consider booking an overnight stay at the lodge for a more immersive experience, where kids can enjoy the comfortable accommodations and delicious meals. 📸 Bird Photographers
🚶♀️ Travelers with Limited Mobility
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Avian Paradise of Amagusa Reserve
Beyond hummingbirds, keep an eye out for the vibrant Rose-faced Parrot +2 and a stunning variety of tanagers, known for their brilliant plumage. The reserve's location in the cloud forest provides a unique habitat for many endemic and rare birds, making every visit a potential discovery. Beyond the feeders, exploring the cloud forest trails offers opportunities to spot other fascinating birds like fruiteaters, toucanets, flower piercers, and barbets.
Conservation is a key aspect of Amagusa Reserve's mission. The reserve is actively involved in expanding protected areas and establishing nurseries for native plants to support the local ecosystem.
+1 This commitment to conservation ensures that the incredible biodiversity of the region is preserved for future generations, making a visit to Amagusa not only a wildlife encounter but also a contribution to important ecological efforts.Experiencing the Cloud Forest Ambiance
For those seeking adventure, the reserve features hiking trails leading to scenic spots like observation towers and waterfalls.
The serene surroundings and the opportunity to connect with nature are frequently highlighted by visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit