Hi, my name is Irman Arias
I have 15 years experience as a birding and nature guide in the Andean Mountians, Amazon Jungle, Cloud Forests and Highlands of Ecuador.
I speak both English and Spanish, searching online you can find many reviews of my work. I was also featured as part of the 'Lonely Planet' guide to Tourism in Ecuador.
Here you can find details of the tours I offer for those who would like to experience the beauty and natural paradise of Ecuador and its wildlife.
Daily Birding Sessions
I offer daily birding sessions in and around the town of Mindo, these sessions usually start early in the morning as the birds are most active between 5:30am and 9:00am. Please contact me if you would like to reserve a session. Also the local lodges andhostels in Mindo can contact me on your behalf.
Cloud Forest Tour
Day 1: Quinde Route
Very early in the morning at 5:30 am, breakfast will be served. We will arrive in Nono and continue along the main road where it is possible to observe birds Such as:
Hooded Mountain Tananger, Beautiful Jay, Streaked Tuftedcheek, Spectacled Whitestart, Masked Flowerpiercer, Rufus Necked Bush Finch…
Later in the day we will have lunch at a local restaurant in Mindo and arrive at our respective accommodations and take a brief tour of the town.
Very early in the morning at 5:30 am, breakfast will be served. We will arrive in Nono and continue along the main road where it is possible to observe birds Such as:
Hooded Mountain Tananger, Beautiful Jay, Streaked Tuftedcheek, Spectacled Whitestart, Masked Flowerpiercer, Rufus Necked Bush Finch…
Later in the day we will have lunch at a local restaurant in Mindo and arrive at our respective accommodations and take a brief tour of the town.
Day 2: Mindo - Bella Vista
At 5:00 a.m., after breakfast in the hotel, we will begin our journey to Bella Vista. We will walk along various trails, observing different species of birds including:
Crested Quetzal, Turquoise, Plate Billed Mountain Toucan, Grass Green Tananger, Green and Black Fruiteater, Gorgeted Sunangel, Brown Inca, collared Inca.
Later in the afternoon we will return to Mindo
At 5:00 a.m., after breakfast in the hotel, we will begin our journey to Bella Vista. We will walk along various trails, observing different species of birds including:
Crested Quetzal, Turquoise, Plate Billed Mountain Toucan, Grass Green Tananger, Green and Black Fruiteater, Gorgeted Sunangel, Brown Inca, collared Inca.
Later in the afternoon we will return to Mindo
Day 3: Paz de las Aves - Milpe
We leave the hotel at 5:00 a.m. and head to Paz de las Aves reserve where we will be able to observe the Cock of the Rock lek. Later we will go to the Milpe Ecological Reserve, located at 1000 mts above sea level. There we will encounter a countless number of bird species such as:
Choco Trogon, Rufus Motmot, Moos Backed Tananger, Rufus Throated Tananger, Flame Faced Tananger, White Thighed Swallow, Band Backed Wren…
Once again we will return to Mindo later in the afternoon.
We leave the hotel at 5:00 a.m. and head to Paz de las Aves reserve where we will be able to observe the Cock of the Rock lek. Later we will go to the Milpe Ecological Reserve, located at 1000 mts above sea level. There we will encounter a countless number of bird species such as:
Choco Trogon, Rufus Motmot, Moos Backed Tananger, Rufus Throated Tananger, Flame Faced Tananger, White Thighed Swallow, Band Backed Wren…
Once again we will return to Mindo later in the afternoon.
Day 4: Silanche
At 5:00 a.m. we will leave the hotel on an hour and a half journey to the Silanche River Reserve, located at 400 mts above sea level. There, we will experience the animated and attractive sounds, songs and colors of the many bird species. We will be able to observe:
Western White Tailed Trogon, Collared Trogon, Purple Chested Hummingbird, Band Tailed Barbthroat, Gray and Gold Tananger, Rufous Winged Tantanger, Emerald Tananger, Scarled Browed Tananger, Scarlet Breasted Dafnis, White Bearded Manakin…
We will return to town and later return to Quito.
At 5:00 a.m. we will leave the hotel on an hour and a half journey to the Silanche River Reserve, located at 400 mts above sea level. There, we will experience the animated and attractive sounds, songs and colors of the many bird species. We will be able to observe:
Western White Tailed Trogon, Collared Trogon, Purple Chested Hummingbird, Band Tailed Barbthroat, Gray and Gold Tananger, Rufous Winged Tantanger, Emerald Tananger, Scarled Browed Tananger, Scarlet Breasted Dafnis, White Bearded Manakin…
We will return to town and later return to Quito.
Day 5 Via a la Cascada del Rio Nambillo
At 6 a.m. we will start our birdwatching activity walking up the road that leads to the waterfall of Nambillo at 1225 meters over sea level, this will take approximately 6 hours. In this hike we will see the following species:
Torrent Duck, Sunbittern, Golden Headed Quetzal, Guayaquil Woodpecker, Red Headed Barbet, Toucan Barbet, Pale Mandibled Aracari, Chestnut Mandibled Toucan, Choco Toucan, Scaled Fruiteater and White Capped Dipper
At 6 a.m. we will start our birdwatching activity walking up the road that leads to the waterfall of Nambillo at 1225 meters over sea level, this will take approximately 6 hours. In this hike we will see the following species:
Torrent Duck, Sunbittern, Golden Headed Quetzal, Guayaquil Woodpecker, Red Headed Barbet, Toucan Barbet, Pale Mandibled Aracari, Chestnut Mandibled Toucan, Choco Toucan, Scaled Fruiteater and White Capped Dipper
Day 6 Reserva Yanacocha
After being picked up at the Hotel at 5:30am, we will head to the Yanacocha Reserve. This is at an elevation of 3500 mts over sea level, on the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano. During the course of the tour we will come across many mixed flocks of birds.
After being picked up at the Hotel at 5:30am, we will head to the Yanacocha Reserve. This is at an elevation of 3500 mts over sea level, on the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano. During the course of the tour we will come across many mixed flocks of birds.
Western Andes Tour
Day 1: Papallacta
Early departure from the hotel in Quito. At 5 am we will be heading to Guango Lodge, crossing the paramo of papallacta which is a cool high Andes climate where one can enjoy the trip with many easy to see hummingbirds in feeders, as if they were in herds, along with other species like Chestnut Breasted Coronet, Glowing Puffleg, Tourmaline Sunangel, Gray Breasted MountainToucan, Rufous Spinetail, Dusky Piha, Capped Conebill, Blue And Black Tanager, Gray Hooded Bush Tanager, Black Capped Hemispingus and Slaty Brush Finch.
Early departure from the hotel in Quito. At 5 am we will be heading to Guango Lodge, crossing the paramo of papallacta which is a cool high Andes climate where one can enjoy the trip with many easy to see hummingbirds in feeders, as if they were in herds, along with other species like Chestnut Breasted Coronet, Glowing Puffleg, Tourmaline Sunangel, Gray Breasted MountainToucan, Rufous Spinetail, Dusky Piha, Capped Conebill, Blue And Black Tanager, Gray Hooded Bush Tanager, Black Capped Hemispingus and Slaty Brush Finch.
Sword billed hummingbird
Day 2: Guango Lodge
At Guango Lodge you will enjoy the hummingbirds and the different trails to observe other species of birds.
You can observe the Torrent duck, Sword billed hummingbird, Slaty-bush finch, Pale-napped bush finch and others.
With it's wonderful scenery you will be able to capture the Andes magic.
At Guango Lodge you will enjoy the hummingbirds and the different trails to observe other species of birds.
You can observe the Torrent duck, Sword billed hummingbird, Slaty-bush finch, Pale-napped bush finch and others.
With it's wonderful scenery you will be able to capture the Andes magic.
Inca Jay
Day 3: San Isidro
San Isidro is at 2000 meters above sea level, between the Antisana Volcano reserve and Sumaco. Here you will find a high altitude tropical climate in the Andes Orientales. This Andean mountain reserve has various paths that are well designed for bird viewing Crested Quetzal, Highland Motmot, Inca Jay, White Bellied Antpitta, Rufous Breasted Flycatcher, Saffron Crowned Tanager,Plain Breasted Hawk.
San Isidro is at 2000 meters above sea level, between the Antisana Volcano reserve and Sumaco. Here you will find a high altitude tropical climate in the Andes Orientales. This Andean mountain reserve has various paths that are well designed for bird viewing Crested Quetzal, Highland Motmot, Inca Jay, White Bellied Antpitta, Rufous Breasted Flycatcher, Saffron Crowned Tanager,Plain Breasted Hawk.
Green and gold tannanger
Day 4: Road to Loreto
5:00 am departure to arrive as the forest is awaking and listen to the chorus of birds in their natural habitats. Golden Collared Toucanet, Lettered Aracari, Yellow Tufted Flowerpircer Woodpecker, Lined Antshrike, Scarlet Breasted Fruiteater, Orange Eared Tanager, Grayish Saltator, Black Caracara, Cliff Flycatcher, in the afternoon we will return to the hotel.
5:00 am departure to arrive as the forest is awaking and listen to the chorus of birds in their natural habitats. Golden Collared Toucanet, Lettered Aracari, Yellow Tufted Flowerpircer Woodpecker, Lined Antshrike, Scarlet Breasted Fruiteater, Orange Eared Tanager, Grayish Saltator, Black Caracara, Cliff Flycatcher, in the afternoon we will return to the hotel.
Powerful woodpecker
Day 5: Cordillera Guacamayos
Cordillera Guacamayos is located 30 minutes from San Isidro in the Andes Orientales corridor. As the fog burns off we will see the emergence of many bird species like Lacrimose Mountain Tanager, White Capped Tanager, Ocellated Tapaculo, Flammulated Treehunter, Yellow Vented Woodpecker, Greater Scythebill, Undulated Antpitta, Rufous, Crested Tanager, Yellow Whiskered Bush Tanager.
Cordillera Guacamayos is located 30 minutes from San Isidro in the Andes Orientales corridor. As the fog burns off we will see the emergence of many bird species like Lacrimose Mountain Tanager, White Capped Tanager, Ocellated Tapaculo, Flammulated Treehunter, Yellow Vented Woodpecker, Greater Scythebill, Undulated Antpitta, Rufous, Crested Tanager, Yellow Whiskered Bush Tanager.
Amazon Jungle Tour
Day 1: Wild Sumaco Breakfast at 5:30 and bird watching. Lunch at 13:00 pm followed by more bird watching,at this reserve there are 360 bird species known.
Blue Crowned Trogon,Chestnut Tipped Toucanet,Channel Billed Toucan,Rufous Breasted Piculet,Crimson Crested Woodpecker,Yellow Cheeked Becard,Blue Fronted Lancebill,Green Hermit,Black Throated Brilliant,Coppery Chested Jacamar.
Day 2: Wild Sumaco Breakfast at 5:30, 6 am departure to observe birds in the reserve.13:00 pm lunch and more bird watching there later.
Day 3: Wild Sumaco Depart at 5:30. We will take a box lunch and begin the journey along the Loreto Road. Along the way we will see many different bird species.
At 5 pm we will arrive at the San Isidro Lodge, dinner will be at 7 pm.This area is dedicated to the preservation of its flora and fauna and restoring its bird species Golden Collared Toucanet,Lettered Aracari,Yellow Tufted Woodpecker,Lined Antshrike,Scarlet Breasted Fruiteater,Orange Eared Tanager,Grayish Saltator,Black Caracara.
Blue Crowned Trogon,Chestnut Tipped Toucanet,Channel Billed Toucan,Rufous Breasted Piculet,Crimson Crested Woodpecker,Yellow Cheeked Becard,Blue Fronted Lancebill,Green Hermit,Black Throated Brilliant,Coppery Chested Jacamar.
Day 2: Wild Sumaco Breakfast at 5:30, 6 am departure to observe birds in the reserve.13:00 pm lunch and more bird watching there later.
Day 3: Wild Sumaco Depart at 5:30. We will take a box lunch and begin the journey along the Loreto Road. Along the way we will see many different bird species.
At 5 pm we will arrive at the San Isidro Lodge, dinner will be at 7 pm.This area is dedicated to the preservation of its flora and fauna and restoring its bird species Golden Collared Toucanet,Lettered Aracari,Yellow Tufted Woodpecker,Lined Antshrike,Scarlet Breasted Fruiteater,Orange Eared Tanager,Grayish Saltator,Black Caracara.
Golden tailed spaphire
Day 4: San Isidro Breakfast at 5:30 am,6 am on the trails to see birds.13:00 pm lunch and more birding Fiery Topaz,Black Hawk Eagle,White Hawk,Brown Jacamar,Yellow Billed JacamarMany Banded Aracari,Striped Manakin,Masked Tanager,Chestnut Woodpecker,Undulated Antshrrrike
Day 5: San Isidro 5:30 am breakfast and on the trails to watch birds till lunch.Here you will find a high altitude tropical climate in the Andes Orientales. This Andean mountain reserve has various paths that are well designed for birding.
Day 6: Guango Lodge After breakfast at 5:30 we will continue observing. After lunch we will cross the Guacamayos pass were you can see many colorful birds inlcuding Lacrimose Mountain Tanager, White Capped Tanager, Ocellated Tapaculo, Flammulated Treehunter, Yellow Vented Woodpecker, Greater Scythebill, Undulated Antpitta, Rufous Crested Tanager, Yellow Whiskered Bush Tanager
Day 7: Antisana and Return to Quito In Quito you will find your lodging and we will say our goodbyes.
Day 5: San Isidro 5:30 am breakfast and on the trails to watch birds till lunch.Here you will find a high altitude tropical climate in the Andes Orientales. This Andean mountain reserve has various paths that are well designed for birding.
Day 6: Guango Lodge After breakfast at 5:30 we will continue observing. After lunch we will cross the Guacamayos pass were you can see many colorful birds inlcuding Lacrimose Mountain Tanager, White Capped Tanager, Ocellated Tapaculo, Flammulated Treehunter, Yellow Vented Woodpecker, Greater Scythebill, Undulated Antpitta, Rufous Crested Tanager, Yellow Whiskered Bush Tanager
Day 7: Antisana and Return to Quito In Quito you will find your lodging and we will say our goodbyes.
Photographic Tour
Day 1: Reserva Silanche
At 5:00 a.m. we will leave the hotel on an hour and a half journey to the Silanche River Reserve, located at 400 mts above sea level. There, we will experience the animated and attractive sounds, songs and colors of the many bird species. We will be able to observe:
Western White Tailed Trogon, Collared Trogon, Purple Chested Hummingbird, Band Tailed Barbthroat, Gray and Gold Tananger, Rufous Winged Tantanger, Emerald Tananger, Scarled Browed Tananger, Scarlet Breasted Dafnis, White Bearded Manakin…
We will return to town and later return to Quito.
At 5:00 a.m. we will leave the hotel on an hour and a half journey to the Silanche River Reserve, located at 400 mts above sea level. There, we will experience the animated and attractive sounds, songs and colors of the many bird species. We will be able to observe:
Western White Tailed Trogon, Collared Trogon, Purple Chested Hummingbird, Band Tailed Barbthroat, Gray and Gold Tananger, Rufous Winged Tantanger, Emerald Tananger, Scarled Browed Tananger, Scarlet Breasted Dafnis, White Bearded Manakin…
We will return to town and later return to Quito.
Day 2: Mindo - Bella Vista
At 5:00 a.m., after breakfast in the hotel, we will begin our journey to Bella Vista. We will walk along various trails, observing different species of birds including:
Crested Quetzal, Turquoise, Plate Billed Mountain Toucan, Grass Green Tananger, Green and Black Fruiteater, Gorgeted Sunangel, Brown Inca, collared Inca.
Again this night we will spend in Mindo
At 5:00 a.m., after breakfast in the hotel, we will begin our journey to Bella Vista. We will walk along various trails, observing different species of birds including:
Crested Quetzal, Turquoise, Plate Billed Mountain Toucan, Grass Green Tananger, Green and Black Fruiteater, Gorgeted Sunangel, Brown Inca, collared Inca.
Again this night we will spend in Mindo
Day 3: Reserva Milpe
We leave the hotel at 5:00 a.m. and head to the Milpe Ecological Reserve, located at 1000 mts above sea level. There we will encounter a countless number of bird species such as:
Choco Trogon, Rufus Motmot, Moos Backed Tananger, Rufus Throated Tananger, Flame Faced Tananger, White Thighed Swallow, Band Backed Wren…
Once again we will return to Mindo later in the afternoon.
We leave the hotel at 5:00 a.m. and head to the Milpe Ecological Reserve, located at 1000 mts above sea level. There we will encounter a countless number of bird species such as:
Choco Trogon, Rufus Motmot, Moos Backed Tananger, Rufus Throated Tananger, Flame Faced Tananger, White Thighed Swallow, Band Backed Wren…
Once again we will return to Mindo later in the afternoon.
Day 4: Reserva Paz de Las Aves
We leave the hotel at 5:00 a.m. and head to Paz de las Aves reserve where we will be able to observe the Cock of the Rock lek.
During this visit we will also be able to see a variety of other species including :
We will return to town and later return to Quito.
We leave the hotel at 5:00 a.m. and head to Paz de las Aves reserve where we will be able to observe the Cock of the Rock lek.
During this visit we will also be able to see a variety of other species including :
We will return to town and later return to Quito.
Day 5 Ruta San Lorenzo en Mindo
Then again the night will be spent in Mindo
Then again the night will be spent in Mindo
Day 6 AntiSana
Then Later we return to Quito
Then Later we return to Quito
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