Have some questions?
Whether you’re wondering what to pack, how many hummingbirds you can realistically spot in a day, or if it’s true that the rainforest will eat your socks (it is), you’re in the right place. We’ve gathered the most common questions we get about our birding tours, Cabañas Tamiaju, and traveling in Ecuador — and answered them with as much honesty, humor, and helpful detail as possible.
From logistics like transportation and meals to pro tips for spotting that elusive Andean Cock-of-the-rock, this page is your one-stop guide to planning a stress-free, feather-filled adventure.
Frequently Asked Bird Questions
(and a few that have nothing to do with birds but we get asked anyway)
Where exactly are you?
How do I get to Cabañas Tamiaju?
From Quito or Mariscal Sucre International Airport, it’s about 2.5 hours by private transfer (we can arrange it for you). There are public buses to Cosanga, but private transport is better for early starts to prime birding locations. If you want to take buses and need help figuring it out just let us know, we’re experts.
What’s included in my birding tour?
What’s included with my lodging stay?
The essentials: unlimited bean water (that’s coffee), safe drinking water, my sparkling personality, and—at no extra charge—a rooster alarm clock courtesy of the neighbor.
Ahem, in practical terms: your cabin comes with a private bathroom, hot shower, linens, and daily housekeeping.
What’s the weather like at Tamiaju?
One word. WET. It rains an average of 3-5 meters (5-15 feet) per year here. During the dry season (Nov -Jan) it rains every day, and during the wet season (May – July) it rains all day every day. We’ve got you covered with umbrellas and boots, so come unlock your inner kid and stomp through some puddles!
The sun does occasionally shine here and when it does, it’s glorious. But also strong. We are at 2000 meters (6500 feet) of elevation, basically right on the equator (-0.5 degrees latitude). The moral of this story is don’t forget your sun protection.
Average temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50–68°F). Bring layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy shoes. Expect a mix of sun, mist, and rain; often in the same day.
When is the best time to visit?
Birding is fantastic year-round in the eastern Andes. The migrant species start showing up in late September and hang around until mid March, lucky for us this coincides nicely with the dry season!
Ecuador has so many little micro climates, Quito and the western slope wet season is completely the oposite of ours even though they are only a few hours away. so if you’re traveling in other areas of the country take some time to do some research about seasonality there. Or drop us a line and we can help you out!
Do you only cater to hardcore birders?
Not at all! Whether you’re a seasoned birder chasing lifers or a curious nature traveler wanting to experience Ecuador’s biodiversity, we’ve got you covered. Our tours can be tailored to beginners, pros or non-bird lovers. You don’t even have to like birds at all to stay with us.
How early do birding tours start?
Will I see all the birds on your species lists?
Can you accommodate dietary needs?
Is there Wi-Fi at Cabañas Tamiaju?
Yes, and wild as it may be, its fibre optic. However, we are in the middle of the Andes so, things happen, outages are a part of life here and sometimes there is just nothing we can do. We’ll get it reconnected ASAP, because I’m here working too.
If I don’t eat meals with you, are there other options?
We’re not totally in the middle of nowhere, but options are a little limited. Cosanga (about 1.5 km down the road) has a few small restaurants of varying quality; definitely stop by Doña Nancy’s place, she’s a local legend and just about the sweetest human you could meet.
If you’ve got wheels, you can easily head over to Baeza (about 30 minutes by bus or car) for more choices. Just a heads-up: our rooms don’t have cold storage, and the kitchen is staff-only; so plan to eat out, or eat with us.
What is your reservation/ cancelation policy?
To confirm your reservation, we require a 50% deposit. Once we’ve finalized the details of your stay, we’ll send you a secure link for credit card payment.
Refunds:
• Cancel 28 days or more before arrival → Full refund of deposit.
• Cancel 15–27 days before arrival → 50% refund of deposit.
• Cancel within 14 days of arrival → Deposit is non-refundable.
That said, we understand life happens—if you’re dealing with an emergency, please reach out. We’ll do our best to find a fair solution.
The remaining 50% of your payment is due upon arrival.
Is Ecuador safe for travel?
Still have questions?
We’ve tried to cover it all — from what kind of boots to bring to whether the birds will pose nicely for photos (spoiler: they won’t). But if your burning question didn’t make the list, we’d love to hear from you. Send us a message, and we’ll get back to you faster than a hummingbird at a sugar feeder.
Your birding adventure in Ecuador should be exciting, stress-free, and maybe even a little magical — and we’re here to make sure of it.