The Hummingbird Journey Eco-Route is a 50 km ride through secondary roads that make their way through one of the most intricate and diverse ecosystems within Ecuador and the world: the cloud forest, correctly termed pre-montane/ subtropical rain forest.

Quinde is the native Quechua word for hummingbird; and indeed this route is immersed in a hummingbird sanctuary. In many of the facilities along the way you may encounter more than 10 hummingbird species simultaneously, zooming around the diverse flora, as well as the birdfeeders that have been strategically located in several sites. Moreover, along this route one is easily overwhelmed by the impressive variety of bird species: more than 500 (that is more than three thirds of all the bird species in North America - only within 50 km!).

The project of the Eco-Route "El Paseo del Quinde" started 3 years ago, and aims to be a model for other areas of the country and beyond, as a tool for the conservation of roads in rural areas of ecological interest. It starts at the town of Nono ( 2,723 m / 8,934 ft), then reaches up to almost 3,600 m (11,811 ft) and then winds its way down until the town of San Tadeo at 1700 m (5,577 ft). This altitude range within such a short distance derives in a drastic diversity.

Several private reserves along the way have opened their doors to the public, allowing to observe first-hand stunning bird sites such as mating spots for the clamorous Cock of the Rock (leks), among other attractive bird hotspots.

The Cloud Forest
The slopes of the Andes are dressed with this wonderful ecosystem, also called "Andean brow" due to its generous vegetation. The cloud forest looks like a mossy jungle with tall trees decorated with orchids, mosses, bromeliads, and other epiphytes. Many of its characteristics are similar to that of the rain forest. However, as it is not flat but on a slope, the sunrays are able to penetrate deeper inside the forest, thus giving rise to exuberant and unique life forms.

The cloud forest is one of the richest ecosystems of the world in bird and plant species. This ecosystem includes many species from the rain forest, some from the highlands, and others that have evolved to its unique conditions. Some of the most impressive bird species of the cloud forest are: Cock of the Rock, Toucan Barbet, an abundance of Hummingbirds, Tanagers, Mountain Toucans, Cotingas, Manakins, and many others.

The vegetation is also surprisingly rich. Numerous epiphyte species, including bounteous orchids and bromeliads, inhabit these slopes. Currently it is believed by many scientists that the largest number of orchid species is found in this ecosystem, many of which remain undiscovered or unlabeled.

The cloud forest is a unique ecosystem: a paradise for nature lovers and scientists... Take an adventure into an area of exuberant and little explored biodiversity!

Local community participation
The Eco-Route aims to support the sustainable development of the region, thus, the local communities are participating in this interesting tourist project: working as guides (an important part of the project has been their training with the help of the Tourism Ministry), producing handicrafts (sold along the way - especially at the information centers), offering visits to their natural reserves (thus motivating locals to preserve the forest on their land), working on road maintenance, as well as offering their delicious gastronomy (especially trout).

Information centers
There are three information centers along the route: at Nono, Tandayapa and San Tadeo towns. Open from 8h00 thru 17h00.

How to get there
There are two ways of access parting from Quito:
Access A: take Avenida Occidental and continue through the Quito - Nono - Tandayapa way.
Access B: first pass through the El Condado toll and then take the way to the Middle of the World monument (San Antonio de Pichincha) - Calacalí - Nono.

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