We will depart Quito bright and early today, as we have a lot of ground and habitats to cover. We first set out for Guango Lodge, passing a dry valley, a variety of different agricultural zones, and a native chaparral forest. We will make a stop at a breezy paramo for our first viewing opportunity. In the morning we will have an opportunity to view the Carunculated Caracara, Andean Gull, Scrub, Tanagers, Southern Yellow-Grosbeak, Black-Tailed Trainbearer, and with a bit of luck the elusive Andean Condor. If it’s a clear day, we will also enjoy spectacular views of surrounding mountain peaks and snow-capped volcanoes. Before leaving the Paramo area, known as Papallacta Pass, we will have opportunities to view several other species of birds. We will then begin descending the eastern slopes of the paramo, towards Guango lodge. The ecosystem will change from arid to high elevation temperate forest. This quickly provides us with bird-dense late-morning photo opportunities. We will arrive to the lodge for a home-cooked meal. While dining we will be able to view a variety of hummingbird species. After lunch we will explore the grounds and trails near the lodge. The prime species we will be on the lookout for will be: Bar-Bellied Woodpecker, White-Banded Tyrannulet, Blue-Backed Conebill, Hemispungus, Brush Finch, Gray-Hooded Bush Tanager, Plushcap, and other Tanager. Local highlights also include the Gray-Breasted Mountain Toucan and the Mountain Avocetbill. We will depart in the afternoon towards San Isidro. We want to arrive before dusk to give us the best chance at spotting a Rufous-Bellied Nighthawk. We will then enjoy a finely prepared meal and then go for a short night walk for some owl-spotting.