What to do in Tandayapa

Activities, attractions and tours

Here we have a very distinctive hummingbird - the Collared Inca. In most lighting they appear all black with a white chest. but if you get them out in some direct light you can make out the blue/violet cap and the green throat. Make sure you hire a birding guide for your visit to the valley. In addition to locating and identifying the birds, a guide is the only way you'll find this amazing hummingbird garden. It's hidden among some dense vegetation, with the only marker being an overgrown footpath leading from the road.
Here we have a very distinctive hummingbird - the Collared Inca. In most lighting they appear all black with a white chest. but if you get them out in some direct light you can make out the blue/violet cap and the green throat. Make sure you hire a birding guide for your visit to the valley. In addition to locating and identifying the birds, a guide is the only way you'll find this amazing hummingbird garden. It's hidden among some dense vegetation, with the only marker being an overgrown footpath leading from the road.
Yesterday I posted a female Violet-tailed Sylph, and today we have the much showier male. It's a wonder that they can fly with such long tail feathers, but clearly the reproductive advantage outweighs any such inconvenience.
The Tandayapa Valley is a birder's paradise. The rugged slopes of this pristine cloud forest offer a spectacle of exotic birds like few places on earth. The mountain roads themselves are great avenues to hunt out mixed flocks, but for a truly amazing experience you need to visit Tony Nunnery's hummingbird garden at Parador Pacha Quindi. Tony grew up in the US but has spent the last fifteen years in a small cottage he and his wife built on 70 hectares in the Tandayapa Valley. They have been reforesting the former pasture and have established a phenomenal hummingbird garden right outside their house. The sight and sound of a hundred hummingbirds whizzing about is something you won't soon forget. It also makes for great photo opportunities, so much so that professionals will even shoot here with their shade umbrellas and strobe arrays. I didn't have anything that fancy, and you'd do quite well here with a 200mm lens and large flash. BTW, I believe that this here is a Speckled Hummingbird.
Here we have a female Violet-tailed Sylph. How do I know it's a female? Because the male has a long blue tail that extends twice his body length. We spotted this beautiful girl at Tony Nunnery's hummingbird garden in the Tandayapa Valley. I love hummingbirds and always hunt down the best places to see and photograph them, and Tony's garden is world class. Hundreds of hummingbirds from at least a dozen species flitted around us in the short couple of hours that we were there. A place you must visit if you ever find yourself in Ecuador.
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What to do in Tandayapa

Popular places to visit

Here we have a very distinctive hummingbird - the Collared Inca. In most lighting they appear all black with a white chest. but if you get them out in some direct light you can make out the blue/violet cap and the green throat. Make sure you hire a birding guide for your visit to the valley. In addition to locating and identifying the birds, a guide is the only way you'll find this amazing hummingbird garden. It's hidden among some dense vegetation, with the only marker being an overgrown footpath leading from the road.

Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve

Explore the great outdoors at Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve, a lovely green space in Tandayapa. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve

Maquipucuna Cloud Forest Reserve

Explore the great outdoors at Maquipucuna Cloud Forest Reserve, a lovely green space in Nanegalito. While you're in the area, wander around the forests.

Maquipucuna Cloud Forest Reserve

Frequently asked questions

Is Tandayapa worth visiting?
Tandayapa offers an interesting mix of attractions, culture and local charm. Whether you're into history, nature or traditional food, there's a lot you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Tandayapa?
Kick your day off with a visit to Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve and Maquipucuna Cloud Forest Reserve. Then, check out different parts of Tandayapa for tasty eats and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Tandayapa?
Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve is one of the top tourist attractions in Tandayapa and should feature high on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Tandayapa?
Book a holiday in Tandayapa for three days and you'll have enough time to check out its most popular sights and experience the local vibe. For the chance to see highlights in the surrounding areas and venture off the tourist trail, consider hanging around for seven to ten days.
What are some activities to do in Tandayapa with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Tandayapa with kids.

What to do in Tandayapa for adults?
From incredible food and cultural hotspots to thrilling excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences, there are many exciting things to do in Tandayapa for adults.
Are there free things to do in Tandayapa?
One of the simplest ways to learn about free things to do in Tandayapa is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can visit without taking your wallet out. Maquipucuna Cloud Forest Reserve is one spot that doesn't charge an admission fee.