Refugio Paz de las Aves Area

Refugio Paz de las Aves is a 25-hectare private reserve nestled in the cloud forests of Ecuador’s western Andes, between Mindo and Nanegalito. This is a Private birding sanctuary owned by Angel and Rodrigo Paz, birders and antpitta lovers. The grounds are a masterclass in quiet immersion, with shaded trails winding through moss-laden trees, bromeliad-covered branches, and steep forested slopes. Feeders and fruiting stations near the lodge attract a dazzling array of hummingbirds, including the Velvet-purple Coronet, Violet-tailed Sylph, and Empress Brilliant. But what sets this refuge apart is its intimate access to deep-forest species—most famously, the Andean Cock-of-the-rock, whose lek is just a short walk from the entrance. Carefully guided walks reveal antpittas like the Giant, Moustached, and Yellow-breasted, coaxed into view without playback, thanks to years of patient habituation by the Paz family.