Sendero Frutti Birding Reserve, located near Pedro Vicente Maldonado, Sendero Frutti represents the lush tropical lowlands of Ecuador's Chocó Andino, an ecosystem renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and year-round bird activity. Combining native rainforest with productive fruit plantations, this unique destination provides outstanding opportunities to observe and photograph wildlife in a natural setting where birds are attracted by abundant food resources.

Altitude
Situated between 550 and 750 meters (1,800–2,460 ft), this warm tropical forest supports a remarkable variety of Chocó lowland birds, making it an essential stop for birders exploring western Ecuador.

Birding Experience
The reserve offers excellent chances to encounter brilliantly colored tanagers, toucans, trogons, hummingbirds, and many other rainforest specialties. One of the highlights is the possibility of photographing the charismatic White-bearded Manakin (Manacus manacus), famous for its fascinating courtship displays and one of the most desired photographic subjects in Ecuador's tropical forests.

Photography Opportunities
Raised observation platforms, reaching approximately 7 meters (23 ft) above the ground, provide eye-level views into the forest canopy. This unique perspective allows photographers to capture species that normally remain hidden high among the treetops, creating exceptional opportunities for close-up wildlife photography.

Target Bird Species
Purple-chested Hummingbird • White-whiskered Hermit • White-bearded Manakin • Chocó Toucan • Blue-whiskered Tanager • Rufous-winged Tanager • Scarlet-browed Tanager • Black-cheeked Woodpecker • Golden-olive Woodpecker  •   Bronzy Hermit  •   Long-billed Starthroat  •   Yellow-rumped Cacique  •   Brown Wood-Rail  •   Black-throated Mango  •   Crimson-breasted Finch.

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Milpe Bird Sanctuary located in the lush Chocó Andean foothills, Milpe Bird Sanctuary protects 247 acres of subtropical cloud forest and has become one of western Ecuador's finest destinations for observing low-elevation Chocó specialties. Established in 2004, this remarkable site complements the higher-elevation forests of Mindo, allowing visitors to discover an entirely different assemblage of birds and wildlife.

Altitude
The reserve lies between 1,050 and 1,150 meters (3,440–3,770 ft), where the warm lower montane cloud forest supports an exceptional concentration of endemic birds, colorful tanagers, hummingbirds, and rainforest species characteristic of Ecuador's Chocó region.

Birding Experience
Milpe is internationally recognized for its active Club-winged Manakin leks, where males perform one of nature's most extraordinary courtship displays by producing violin-like sounds with their modified wings. Fruiting trees and nectar feeders attract dozens of species throughout the day, creating outstanding opportunities for close observation and wildlife photography.

Target Bird Species
Club-winged Manakin • Chocó Toucan • Chocó Trogon • Plumbeous Forest Falcon • Pale-mandibled Aracari • Green Honeycreeper • Rufous-throated Tanager • Orange-breasted Fruiteater • White-bearded Manakin • Scarlet-and-white Tanager.

Nature & Photography
Comfortable observation areas overlooking fruit and hummingbird feeders provide excellent close-range encounters with tropical birds, while nearby forest trails lead through one of the most species-rich ecosystems in the Chocó Andino, making Milpe an essential destination for birdwatchers and nature photographers exploring western Ecuador. 

Overnight Guaycapi lodge or similar - double standard room

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Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner