Cuenca to Yunguilla: Birdwatching Day Tour & Cloud Forests

Summary

Southern Ecuador birdwatching day trip with cloud forest stops

You’ll set out from Cuenca into Azuay’s cloud forests with a local guide who knows every call and feather. Spot dozens of birds — maybe even some southern endemics — pause for fresh juice in Yunguilla, then wander Jocotoco Reserve’s trails before lunch under the canopy. Expect muddy shoes and moments that linger long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly missed the first flash of color — blame it on too much coffee or just nerves — but our guide, Andrés, caught it right away. “Masked trogon,” he whispered, like we were sharing a secret. We’d barely left Cuenca and already the air felt different: heavier, sweet with wet leaves and something almost citrusy. The drive out to Giron was all winding roads and foggy hillsides; I kept losing track of time watching the clouds roll through the trees.

We stopped more times than I could count. Sometimes for birds — a tanager here, a hummingbird there — sometimes just because Andrés spotted something he thought we’d like (he was right about the sugarcane juice in Yunguilla; I tried to pronounce it in Spanish and got a laugh from the lady at the stall). The Jocotoco Reserve itself felt almost hushed, except for bursts of birdsong that made you look up every few minutes. My shoes got muddy fast but honestly, I didn’t care. There’s something about standing still in that forest, waiting for a glimpse of feathers you’ve only seen in books.

The list of species we saw kept growing — maybe fifty by lunchtime? I lost count after a while. Lunch was simple but good: sandwiches, fruit, and juice that tasted like sunlight (I know how that sounds). We swapped stories with Andrés about his favorite sightings; he told us about the pale-headed brushfinch and how rare it is here. Didn’t see it ourselves this time but somehow that made it feel even more special. Heading back toward Cuenca later, tired and quiet, I realized my phone was full of blurry photos but my head was buzzing with color and birdsong anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Birdwatching and local juice tasting

• Visit important birdwatching areas in Azuay
• Enjoy landscapes and spot many birds
• Visit Yunguilla for natural local juice

Top questions

How long does the birdwatching tour from Cuenca last?

This is a full-day tour from Cuenca with multiple stops in Giron and Yunguilla Jocotoco Reserve.

Is hotel pickup included on this birdwatching day trip?

Yes, pickup from hotels or apartments in Cuenca is included.

Are binoculars provided on the tour?

Binoculars are available if requested in advance—just let them know when booking.

What kind of lunch is served during the tour?

A box lunch is included, typically sandwiches, fruit, and juice; vegetarian options are available if requested ahead.

How many bird species can you see on this tour?

You may spot around 50 species in one day across different ecosystems.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Specialized infant seats are available; travelers should have moderate physical fitness.

Are entrance fees included?

The entrance fee is only included if you book the private option.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Yes—please advise any specific dietary needs or vegetarian requests when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Cuenca, private transportation through Azuay’s changing landscapes, use of binoculars if you ask ahead, entry to reserves (with private option), a checklist of local birds to track your sightings, box lunch with drinks along the way, plus guidance from a bilingual birdwatcher who knows every corner of these forests before returning to town by evening.