Things to do in Tandayapa

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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.

Tandayapa Attractions

Discover the sights of Tandayapa with some unique tours & day trips, or check out our list of {29 fun activities in Tandayapa fun activities in Tandayapa}. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can relax and concentrate on planning your perfect vacation.

Recommended things to do in Tandayapa

Number of things to do
29
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Hummingbirds sanctuary in Mindo.: $10
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Tandayapa

Things to Do in Tandayapa with Kids

There are loads of unforgettable experiences in Tandayapa that the whole gang will get a buzz out of. These are a few of the top family friendly experiences in the area.

 

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Discover the most popular places to visit in Tandayapa

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

 

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Popular day trips from Tandayapa

Quito featuring landscape views and a city

Quito

Did the full zip line tour here and it was the best zip lines I’d ever done. There are places where you can’t even see the other end of the line that you’re on as you glide at high speeds, hundreds of feet above the jungle.#Adventure

Mindo

Landscape with clouds, jungles, mountains and crops Andes, Ecuador

Nanegalito

This is the cloud forest and village of Nono, Ecuador where: I rode a horse in the clouds, got impaled on a tree branch, and was blessed by a lovely 100-year-old woman. An amazing little place near Quito for hiking, cycling, bird watching, horseback riding, and generally having your head in the clouds. For more, see: http://www.travelblissnow.com/blessings-nono-cloud-forest-ecuador/

Nono

Frequently asked questions

Is Tandayapa worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor adventures and history, there are loads of great things to do in Tandayapa. Make sure to experience the area's blend of cool sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Tandayapa?
Kick-start your day with a visit to Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve and Maquipucuna Cloud Forest Reserve. Then, tour different parts of Tandayapa for local dining and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Tandayapa?
Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve is one of the top tourist attractions in Tandayapa and deserves a spot on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Tandayapa?
Three days is plenty for a quick escape to Tandayapa — you'll hit the main spots and get a good feel for the local vibe. But if you want to truly soak it all in, visit for at least a week to check out some hidden gems too.
What are some activities to do in Tandayapa with kids?
If you're searching for tours and attractions for all the family, here are some terrific ideas for what to do in Tandayapa with kids.

What to do in Tandayapa for adults?
From delicious food and cultural hotspots to outdoor adventures and one-of-a-kind experiences, there are loads of fun things to do in Tandayapa for adults.
Are there free things to do in Tandayapa?
From enjoying parks to strolling around vibrant neighborhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Tandayapa. If you're in need of ideas, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Maquipucuna Cloud Forest Reserve is a great spot for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing activities.

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