Río Quijos Stops

eBird Hotspot Links: 

• La Brisa (hummingbird feeders) 

  • Species - 281

  • Checklists - 1401

Projected Time at Sites: Moderate (≈ 2 hrs.)

• Río Quijos EcoLodge

  • Species - 316

  • Checklists - 1539

Projected Time at Sites: Long (>3 hrs.)

About the Area: 

The Quijos Valley, nestled between the eastern slopes of the Andes and the gateway to Ecuador’s Amazon, is a region steeped in both ecological and cultural history. Once home to the thriving Quijos civilization—an indigenous group that built agricultural settlements and resisted Inca domination—the valley saw dramatic transformation following Spanish colonization in the 16th century. Sediment studies from Lake Huilla reveal centuries of maize cultivation, charcoal deposits from cooking fires, and a sudden decline in human activity after the arrival of Europeans, who brought disease and forced labor. Today, the valley’s misty montane forests and cloud-covered ridges still echo with the memory of these early inhabitants, offering a living archive of pre-Columbian life and colonial upheaval.

Ecologically, the Quijos Valley and the Rio Quijos Reserve are part of a vital corridor linking three major national parks: Cayambe-Coca, Antisana, and Sumaco-Galeras. The region’s steep terrain and abundant rainfall support a rich tapestry of flora, including cedar, porotón, guabas, and brugmansia, while its forests shelter endangered species like the mountain tapir, spectacled bear, and Andean eagle. The Rio Quijos itself is a dynamic river system fed by glacial melt and cloud forest runoff, carving through valleys and sustaining diverse aquatic and riparian habitats. Conservation efforts in the area aim to restore native vegetation, protect wildlife corridors, and promote sustainable ecotourism, making the valley not only a refuge for biodiversity but a model for community-led environmental stewardship.

Top Target Species:

Tawny-bellied Hermit, Sparkling Violetear, Lesser Violetear, Speckled Hummingbird, Long-tailed Sylph, Bronzy Inca, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Peruvian Racket-tail, Green-backed Hillstar, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Violet-fronted Brilliant, Gorgeted Woodstar, Azara's Spinetail, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Golden-faced Tyrannulet, Tropical Kingbird, Green Jay, Blue-and-white Swallow, Chestnut-bellied Thrush, Rufous-collared Sparrow, Russet-backed Oropendola, Scarlet-rumped Cacique, Blackburnian Warbler, Blue-gray Tanager, Blue-necked Tanager, Saffron-crowned Tanager and Bananaquit.

Recap and Reflections (How it played out)

(Stay tuned...)