In the heart of Ecuador’s cloud forest, the path to entrepreneurship is often shaped by a deep connection to the land and a legacy of hard work. For many, this journey starts with hands-on experience in traditional livelihoods, from farming to forestry, rooted in family tradition. Transitioning from these practices to sustainable entrepreneurship is no small feat—it calls for vision, resilience, and a commitment to preserving nature’s gifts for future generations.
This is the story of one such journey, as told by Ángel Paz, who transformed his life’s work from farming, livestock, and logging into a mission-driven endeavor that now stands as a beacon of conservation and eco-tourism in Mindo.
How I Became the “Antpitta Man”
by Angel Paz
My family originally comes from Baños de Agua Santa. Forty-five years ago we migrated to northwest Pichincha to seek better job opportunities. My father, Manuel Paz, and my mother, Teresa Villafuerte, raised seven children, managing to send each of us to primary school. Some of us had to work from an early age, thus losing our childhood and adolescence. However, we learned from our parent’s respect, honesty, integrity, and perseverance to fight for our dreams. Their dream was to have a family and work in agriculture, livestock, logging and hunting; for a long time we were able to survive by doing these activities.
An Awakening From Illusions
Upon waking up one morning in 2005, Rodrigo’s and my lifestyle would take a change. After working in agriculture, livestock, timber extraction and hunting, we would become entrepreneurs and innovators of avitourism, becoming the Antpitta men. We learned that by protecting birds we would now feed our families.
God’s Miracle
Refugio Paz de Las Aves was created on August 10, 2005. In the beginning, we built a trail that would lead to an Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek. We wondered, “Will it be possible for foreigners to come to our farm to see these birds?”
After a month, the trails were already deteriorating, and no birdwatchers came. After another month and one week, the first tourist would finally arrive to observe the Cock-of-the-Rock.
We were all surprised because, for the first time, a foreigner would come to our farm. He stayed 4 hours and paid $10, money that for us equaled a full day of work in agriculture or cutting wood. Thus, the miracle began to happen. It only took one tourist for the Refugio Paz de las Aves to become the most visited place in northwest Pichincha for bird watching and become internationally renowned.
The Antpitta Man
While I was hiking the trail to the Cock-of-the-Rock lek, a dark bird with a light brown chest, long legs, and a thick beak was eating earthworms on the new trail. I decided to approach her, but she fled into the forest. The next day, I said to myself, “That bird with long legs and a big beak must become my friend.” I started to follow her into the forest. I kept offering her worms and she didn’t accept anything. Days went by and the forest became my home because I spent most of the time trying to make this bird my friend. The big day finally arrived. I got her to accept me as her friend! Since that moment, we have been good friends, so I named her after my wife Maria. Since that day, the Giant Antpitta Maria has welcomed everyone to the Refugio Paz de las Aves.
Each time a visitor marvels at María, I’m reminded of how much our lives have changed. What was once a daily struggle for survival has transformed into a deep-rooted mission to protect the incredible biodiversity of this land, sharing its beauty with the world. This journey has taught me that the true riches of life aren’t found in what we take from the land, but in what we give back.
At Refugio Paz de las Aves, every sunrise, every bird song, and every visitor’s awe-filled gaze is a reminder of our responsibility—and our privilege—to protect this unique corner of the earth for generations to come.
