About This Reserve

The discovery of a new bird species — the Jocotoco Antpitta — in 1997 set off a series of events that would forever change conservation in Ecuador. Ten months after the sighting, the Jocotoco Foundation was founded and the Tapichalaca Reserve created to protect this and numerous other globally-threatened birds such as Bearded Guan, Golden-plumed Parakeet, White-breasted Parakeet, and Spot-winged Parrotlet. Additional birds of interest include Rufous-capped Thornbill, Masked Saltator, Coppery-chested Jacamar, and the Masked Mountain Tanager.

The reserve is also part of an important migration corridor for populations of Andean Tapir, Spectacled Bear, Puma, Andean Paca, Red-Sprocket Deer and Andean Coati.

Tapichalaca is situated just across the Continental Divide on the east (or Amazonian) slope of the Andes, adjoining the southern extremity of Podocarpus National Park and just north of the Peruvian frontier, making it an integral part of a significant conservation corridor in southern Ecuador.

The reserve ranges in altitude from 1,800 to 3,400 meters, making it a cool and wet area. Over five meters of rain falls annually in this zone, compared to a typical two meters in lowland Amazon forest in Ecuador. However, this rainfall is significantly less than in most nearby Andean areas, perhaps accounting for the rarity of the reserve’s signature bird.

Accommodations

  • Casa Simpson Lodge

    The Casa Simpson Lodge at Tapichalaca Reserve has seven rooms with private bathrooms (hot water and 110 Volt electric outlets) and a balcony that looks out onto the forested hillside, comfortably accommodating 15 people.

  • Lounge Area

    The Casa Simpson Lodge at Tapichalaca Reserve has seven rooms with private bathrooms (hot water and 110 Volt electric outlets) and a balcony that looks out onto the forested hillside, comfortably accommodating 15 people.

  • Balcony

    The Casa Simpson Lodge at Tapichalaca Reserve has seven rooms with private bathrooms (hot water and 110 Volt electric outlets) and a balcony that looks out onto the forested hillside, comfortably accommodating 15 people.

  • Dining Area

    The dining area and communal lounge/bar includes a cozy fireplace—something you are likely to want in the evenings! The lodge has Wi-Fi and also offers laundry service using biodegradable products.

  • Trails at Tapichalaca Reserve

    There is an extensive trail network at Tapichalaca, designed to take you through spectacular Andean forest.

  • Antpitta Feeding Station

    One of the best features of the Reserve is a word-feeding station where you can get excellent views of the Jocotoco Antpitta, coming in for a snack!

    Greg Homel

Bird Feeder
Dining Available
Guide Available
Overnight Accomodation
Photography Opportunity
Trails Available

Reserve Information

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Bird Checklists

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ABC-supported Reserve

What You'll See

  • Bearded Guan

    Benjamin Skolnik

  • Beryl Spangled Tanage

    Luke Seitz

  • Chestnut Naped Antipitta

    Greg Homel

  • Collared Inca Male

    Larry Thompson

  • Flame-faced Tanager

    Jean Paul Perret

  • Glossy Flowerpiercer

    Joselvan Cano Marin

  • Golden-plumed Parakeet

    Ramiro Mendoza

  • Green Jay

    Mike Parr

  • Jocotoco Antpitta

    Hugo Arnal

  • Lacrimose Mountain Tanager

    Christopher Becerra

  • Masked Trogon

    Owen Deutsch

  • Slate-Crowned Antpitta

    Greg Homel

  • Tapichalaca

    Jocotoco Foundation

  • White-Breasted Parakeet

    Nick Athanas

Tapichalaca Reserve - Casa Simpson

“Just a quick note to thank you for a wonderful trip! Peru is amazing and a place everyone should visit! Our trip was flawless! Everything was on schedule and our tour guide, Elan was wonderful. He sure made the tours very interesting and quite a learning experience! He was like a walking encyclopedia!”

-Lisa Hopkins

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