This now-famous antpitta reserve near Mindo is considered a must visit place and a highlight of the Northwestern Route.
Here, the former local farmer Angel Paz and his brother Rodrigo have switched their activities to birding and conservation. They are pioneers in the neotropics in  hand-feeding several elusive species like, Dark-backed Woodquail, Moustached, Giant, Yellow-breasted, Chestnut- crowned and Ochre-breasted Antpittas  with amazing and nearly miraculously success. These birds respond relatively easily to their voice, giving us a great chance to see these otherwise evasive birds.
They have gained substantial fame for developing this technique of conditioning extremely rare Antpittas and other rare birds to come out onto the trail.
Here you’ll also visit  an active Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek at sunrise. The species exhibits marked sexual dimorphism, the male has a large disk-like crest and a very unique vivid scarlet plumage. Gatherings of males compete for breeding females with each male displaying its colorful plumage, bobbing and hopping, and making strident calls.
Hummingbird feeders within the reserve attract many species species like Velvet-purple Coronet, Empress Brilliant and Brown-Violetear. Other Chocó specialties sometimes found in the area include Nariño Tapaculo, Orange-breasted Fruiteater, and Black -chinned Mountain-Tanager. It is also a good site for birds like Olivaceus Piha, Golden-headed Quetzal, Golden-winged Manakin and Crimson-rumped Toucanet.
A very early departure from Quito at 4:15 am is the beginning of this unique adventure. To have a successful experience at the reserve with the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek and the Antpittas, it is necessary  to arrive at, or slightly before, dawn.
After a delicious local brunch we’ll continue to Alambi cloud forest reserves where you’ll see new species of hummingbirds at close range and enjoy the uniqueness of the cloud forest diversity.