Jocotoco Antpitta - Casa Simpson and Tapichalaca Reserve

This post might be of interest only to birders, but the Jocotoco Antpitta is a rare and unique-looking bird.

We visited Casa Simpson and the surrouning Tapichalaca Reserve in late-June 2023. The lodge is located in far south Ecuador about 100 kilometers north of its border with Peru and just north of the small pueblo of Valladolid.

The lodge is operated by Fundación Jocotoco which operates a number of other reserves and birding lodges throughout Ecuador. The organization grew out of the discovery of a new antpitta species, the Jocotoco Antpitta, which was discovered on property in this area that was eventually bought by the foundation. This is an endangered species with a very narrow range only in southern Ecuador. Birders come from all over the world to get a peek at this species.

Every morning, the guides from the lodge feed worms to the antpitta and it is a fairly surefire bet that one can be seen during the feeding. When we were there, a pair was visiting the feeding spot.

Photos of the Jocotoco Antpitta

A couple more species seen regularly around the lodge.

Collared Inca

Amethyst-throated Sunangel

We visited in the rainy season and, on top of that, the lodge and reserve are located high in the Andes and most of the area is cloud forest. Needless to say, it was cold, foggy and wet during our visit.