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★★★★★ Top Tailor-made Birding, Wildlife and Photography Tours & Highly recommended in Trip Advisor!!

Ecuador Birds Tours &  Wildlife Reserves

Andes - Cloud Forests - Amazon Rainforest - Southern Ecuador - Galapagos Islands 

We are a Local Expert Birding Team specialized in Birding and Wildlife Tours in Ecuador including Airport Transfers, Private Transportation, Excellent Birding Lodges, Exotic Birding Reserves and Hidden Natural Gems, Observation Towers, Waterfall and Orchids, Top Birding Guides, Delicious Ecuadorian Food, Local Flights, Quality Services and Recommended in Trip Advisor.   

We will create your Tailor-made Birding Tour in Ecuador based on your interests and amount of travel days. It will be a pleasure to have you with Ecuador Birds Tours . For more information please send fill our  Request Information Form . 

Note: All our photos in this website are taken by Ecuador Birds Tours - Best Birding Tours in Ecuador . All rights reserved. 

Welcome to Ecuador Birds Tours - Top Birding Experiences

Our best selling birding & wildlife tours.

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12 Days NEast Slope & Amazon Basin

20 Days Birding Jewels of Ecuador Birds Tours

15 Days Andes Cloud Forests & Amazon Basin Paradise

5 Days Magic Galapagos Islands Hopping

9 Days Ecuador Birds Tours Hotspots

Why choose us.

Top Birding & Wildlife Reserves

Explore our Top Birding, Wildlife and Nature Reserves in Ecuador, located in the Andes, Cloud Forest, Amazon and Galapagos Islands. 

Expert Birding Travel Planners

We are a Team of Expert Birders who love to Travel. We will plan your Tailor-made Birding & Wildlife Tours! 

5 Star Customer Satisfaction

We offer personalized service to each of our clients. We cover every aspect of your trip like transfers, lodges, guided tours and local flights. 

Customized Itineraries

We will create your trip to your budget, interests, and style. Any trip is completely modifiable and we'll make any requirement possible!

Exotic Birding & Photography Tours

Deluxe Birding and Wildlife Tours are designed for you to enjoy to the fullest and observe incredible bird species.

Top Birding Lodges in Ecuador

Excellent Accommodations with Private Birding Trails, Hummingbird Feeders and Top Personalized Service. 

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Our Lodges Our Reserves Packing List Terms and Conditions Birding Presentation

Ecuador Birds Tours

24/7 Whatsapp: +593 99 373 2879

Address: Barrio Andrango, Quito, Ecuador

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Ecuador (Mainland and Galápagos) Birding Tours

Birding Ecotours has an exciting suite of Ecuador birding tours which include visits to the north, south, the Amazon lowlands and the unique Galapagos Islands.  Due to its relatively small size and the diversity of its natural habitats and unique ecosystems in the Neotropics, such as the high Andean mountains, páramos, volcanos including Cotopaxi and Chimborazo, the Pacific rainforest (Chocó), the Amazon Rainforest, and the legendary Galapagos Islands, Ecuador is one of the most megadiverse countries in the world, making Ecuador birding tours an absolute must for bird and nature lovers.

With a list of 1705 bird species, 13 of them endemic to the mainland and 31 to the  Galápagos Islands , and several regional endemics together with the high diversity of wildlife and flora, it has meant Ecuador has been a top location for birders and eco-travelers for at least the last 40 years. Therefore it is not surprising that the country has developed a good birding and eco-tourism infrastructure and that its facilities are pioneering in South America by offering visitors a good selection of private birding reserves, top-quality lodges, and an amazing set of hummingbird feeders all over the country. Ecuador still possesses the record for the most hummingbird species on a birding trip; an amazing 75 species have been recorded during a three-week Ecuador birding tour!

Today one can reach Mariscal Sucre International Airport, serving Quito, with direct flights from several airports in the world, and after just a two-hour drive reach the world-famous Tandayapa Valley, considered one of the top 100 birding sites of the world. With species like  Toucan Barbet ,  Andean Cock-of-the-rock ,  White-faced Nunbird ,  Choco Toucan ,  Plate-billed Mountain Toucan ,  Crimson-rumped Toucanet ,  Moss-backed Tanager ,  Glistening-green Tanager ,  Club-winged Manakin ,  Sunbittern ,  Ocellated Tapaculo ,  Masked Trogon ,  Golden-headed Quetzal , plenty of striking species of hummingbirds such as  Empress Brilliant ,  Violet-tailed Sylph ,  Velvet-purple Coronet ,  and  Gorgeted Sunangel ,  Powerful Woodpecker ,  Olivaceous Piha ,  Dusky Pigeon , and  Black-and-white Owl , to name just a few, this valley located in northern Ecuador is a true birding paradise, where you can spend a week getting lifers, taking photos, or falling in love with Neotropical birds.

Read More About Ecuador – Incl. Galápagos

The Mindo area is similarly famous and species-rich and also synonymous with Mr. Angel Paz, who was the first person who dared to feed one of the most difficult families to observe in the Neotropics, antpittas, to the point that now with a little luck they can be watched only meters from the observer while feeding on earthworms.  Giant Antpitta ,  Moustached Antpitta ,  Yellow-breasted Antpitta ,  Ochre-breasted Antpitta ,  Chestnut-crowned Antpitta , and  Rufous-breasted Antthrush  are frequent visitors to these feeding stations.

Over the famous Papallacta mountain pass one reaches the eastern slope of the Andes to look for the endemic subspecies of  Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe  and visit  Antisana Ecological Reserve , where  Andean Condor  and  Andean Ibis  are important targets. The famous Cabañas San Isidro host  Black-banded Owl  (once thought to be a different species, “San Isidro Owl”),  White-bellied Antpitta ,  Andean Potoo ,  Torrent Duck ,  White-capped Tanager , and  Crested Quetzal . The Wildsumaco Lodge located in the tropical foothills at the base of the Sumaco volcano is another mega site, providing species such as  Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater ,  Grey-tailed Piha ,  Golden-collared Honeycreeper ,  Plain-backed Antpitta ,  Chestnut-crowned Gnateater ,  Yellow-throated Toucan , a large collection of colorful tanagers, and a fantastic set of hummingbirds including  Napo Sabrewing ,  Ecuadorian Piedtail , and  Wire-crested Thorntail .

In addition to this incredible northern Ecuador route the country offers you the chances to do more than one journey, such as the southern Ecuador birding tour, a trip developed for more intrepid birders who are in search of jewels like Long-wattled Umbrellabird ,  Jocotoco Antpitta ,  El Oro Parakeet ,  Orange-throated Tanager ,  Grey Tinamou ,  Bearded Guan , and  Golden-plumed Parakeet .

A Galápagos Islands cruise is a dream of every birder and naturalist since the times of Charles Darwin. Our Galápagos cruise lets us explore San Cristobal, Floreana, Española Baltra, Santa Fe, Santiago, Bartolomé, Isabela, and Santa Cruz, focusing on the wonders of this archipelago such as large colonies of  Waved Albatrosses ,  Swallow-tailed  and  Lava Gulls ,  Blue-footed ,  Nazca  and  Red-footed   Boobies ,  Red-billed Tropicbird ,  Galapagos Penguin ,  Flightless Cormorant ,  Galapagos Hawk ,  Magnificent Frigatebird , the amazing set of 14 endemic finches of the islands,  Galapagos Dove , the Galápagos subspecies of  Short-eared Owl  and  Marine Iguanas .

The Amazon speaks for itself as the heart of diversity of the planet, and the forest located along the Napo River holds great species of birds, including  Black-necked Red Cotinga ,  Hoatzin ,  Sunbittern ,  Sungrebe ,  White-plumed Antbird , the elusive  Zigzag Heron , several canopy dwellers such as  Black-headed Parrot ,  White-throated Toucan ,  Curl-crested Aracari , and with luck  Harpy Eagle .

We invite you to check our selection of Ecuador tours and join our enthusiastic leaders in the next Birding Ecotours adventure. We also run day tours in Ecuador. Please visit our  Ecuador Birding Day Tours  page for more info. You can also read through our  Neotropical field guides blog  to find our recommendation on which field guide to take with you to Ecuador.

Galápagos: Natural History Extravaganza October 2024/2025

Ecuador: The Amazon – Clay Lick & Giant Otters October 2024/November 2025

Northern Ecuador Birding Paradise – Hummingbird & Antpitta Extravaganza November 2024/2025

Southern Ecuador — A Feast of Endemics March 2025

Download Ecuador – Incl. Galápagos Itineraries

Ecuador: 3-day Yanacocha Reserve and Angel Paz

Northern Ecuador Birding Paradise – Hummingbird & Antpitta Extravaganza November 2024/2025

Ecuador – Incl. Galápagos Gallery

Yellow-throated Toucan

Jocotoco Antpitta

Harpy Eagle

Velvet-purple Coronet

Giant Conebill

White-sided Flowerpiercer

White-booted Racket-tail

Tanager Finch

Stygian Owl

Rufous-crowned Antpitta

Rufous-Motmot

Orange-breasted Fruiteater

Paradise Tanager

Plate-billed Mountain Toucan

Andean Cock of the rock

Andean Guan

Long-tailed Sylph

Buff-fronted Owl

Toucan Barbet

Testimonials from our ecuador – incl. galápagos birding tours.

We have travelled with Galo twice and had planned a third trip with him until world problems interfered. We have greatly enjoyed his company and good nature. He has been a tremendous guide with great ear for the bird calls and knowledge of all sites. He is very helpful and patient with us. He seems to anticipate our needs without our asking and adapts to our capabilities and interests. We look forward to travelling with him again.

Galo and his driver Nestor were a dream team. They were very experienced and we saw ten times more birds and other wildlife than if we had tried to guide ourselves. We saw over 200 new birds including 49 different hummingbirds. The bird of the trip was the Cock-of-the-Rock (both east and west versions) while the Tayra (east and west versions) and Mountain Tapir showings were amazing. We would highly recommend this trip…and guide team.

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Ecuador Birding Journeys

Discover the Birds of Ecuador with us!

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Come bird with us!

Looking for a fabulous yet budget friendly birding tour of Ecuador?

We are happy to present ECUADOR BIRDING JOURNEYS, an 11 day adventure, visiting Ecuador’s top birding hotspots.  Accompanied by a tour facilitator and an experienced bilingual bird guide, our tour takes you to the important birding areas of northern Ecuador, from the western foothills of the Andes to cloud forest to the high altitude paramo to the edge of the Amazon.  You can score hundreds of lifers here in this one fell swoop of a tour, all without having to spend a fortune.  Expect to see 400 to 500 lifers on the trip!

Read the trip reports of our m ost recent tours!

TOP BIRDING EXPERIENCE ON A BUDGET

We realize that not every birder who wants to visit Ecuador can afford many of the tours out there.  We will visit the same birding hotspots of the pricier tours,  provide top guides, comfortable transport and smart accommodations at a fraction of the cost.  We are based in Ecuador and have decades of experience in the tourism industry, so are able to provide the best experience without breaking the bank.    

What Makes Us Special

With more than 25 years in the tourism business, Ecuador Expat Journeys has a wealth of experience in showing Ecuador off to the world and organizing all kinds of excursions for families, university groups, people considering relocation to Ecuador and others.  As Ecuador has been recently recognized as one of the best birding locations in the world, we have seen the need for affordable tours that not only visit the best birding spots in Ecuador, but also let visitors experience other aspects of this incredible and biodiverse country.

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“Birding is something we do for enjoyment...so if you enjoy it, you're a good birder.  If you enjoy it a lot, you're a great birder!”

Kenn Kaufman

best  Bird  locations

ecuador BIRDING tours

birding tours

— Select Region — Highlands Choco Tumbessian Upper Amazon

— Guests — 1 2 3 4 5+

andean choco west from quito

upper amazon east from quito

ecuador birdING TOURS

8 DAYS BIRDING ITINERARY YEAR 2023

USD. 1190 ALL INCLUSIVE

5 DAYS BIRDING ITINERARY YEAR 2023

USD. ask ALL INCLUSIVE

2 DAYS BIRDING ITINERARY YEAR 2023

6 DAYS BIRDING ITINERARY YEAR 2023

USD. 2224 ALL INCLUSIVE

We offer exclusive private birding tours in Ecuador , carefully designed itineraries to visit bird reserves and locations. Ecuador’s most bio-diverse areas and bird sanctuaries.

Our expertise , knowledge and passion for birding while supporting in the conservation of bird habitats.

BIRDING AREAS – ECUADOR

Is the highest zone of Ecuador and still pristine with native vegetation above the tree line, high altitude, from 4000 meters. Home of the Andean condors. Located in the eastern and western slopes of Ecuador.

. HIGHLANDS

In Ecuador, the Tumbessian Endemic Region, which includes western Ecuador encompassing the provinces of Manabí, Guayas, El Oro and Loja, and northwestern Peru, with an approximate extension of 135,000 km² with around 800 species of birds and 59 endemic ones. TUMBESSIAN

The Choco Choco Choco Biogeographic Region, which covers 100,000 km² of humid forest in western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador, is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. Exceptional bird diversity and endemism. CHOCO ANDEAN

The high Amazonas-Napo lowlands cover a vast area of eastern Ecuador (Napo and Pastaza provinces), Loreto. The ecosystem is extraordinarily diverse in birds and includes primary humid forest. upper amazon

Birding and Wildlife Tours

ECUADOR Birding

With over 1600 species of birds, Ecuador offers more bird diversity in less space than any other country in the world. We offer Personalised fully guided bird watching day tours throughout the Ecuador four regions: The Andes, The Pacific Coast, The Amazon Basin and the Galapagos, where you have the opportunity to see endemic and difficult to find species.

From the very moment you contact us, we make sure your holiday goes as planned, with stunning scenery, fantastic birds, friendly and professional guides.  

ABOUT OUR JOCOTOCO RESERVES

Fundación de Conservación Jocotoco is an  Ecuadorian non-governmental organization (NGO)  created in  1998 to protect areas of critical importance for the conservation of  Ecuador’s most threatened birds and the biodiversity that exists within  them. Jocotoco achieves this goal by acquiring strategic land and managing it  as biological reserves.

The Jocotoco reserves protect more than 900 species of birds, of which more than 50  are threatened or almost threatened with extinction on a global scale, and more than  100 species are regional endemics (species of restricted geographic distribution).

OUR RESERVES

• Casa Simpson | Tapichalaca Reserve
• Umbrellabird Lodge | Buenaventura Reserve
• Chocó Lodge | Canandé Reserve
• Café del Zamarrito | Yanacocha Reserve
• Urraca Lodge | Jorupe Reserve
• Refugio Cerúlean | Narupa Reserve
• Copalinga Lodge | Copalinga Reserve

Recommended Tours

SOUTHERN JOCOTOCO CIRCUIT – 11 DAYS/10NIGHTS

Quito Arrival. Hotel in Quito

Flight to Loja, Vilcabamba. Tapichalá

Tapichalá Reserve

Old Zamora Road

Bombuscaro, Copalinga área

Copalinga, Utuana to Jorupe

Jorupe área

El Empalme to Buenaventura

Buenaventura área

Manglares Churute, Hotel in Guayaquil

NORTHWEST ECUADOR CIRCUIT – CHOCO BIRDING

Quito Arrival, Hotel in Quito

Yanachocha Reserve, Bellavista

Upper and lower Tandayapa Valley, Bellavista

Paz Reserve to Chocó Lodge

Canandé Resereve, Chocó Lodge

Canandé Reserve, Chocó Lodge

Canandé Reserve to Quito. Quito Hotel

DISCOVER ECUADOR

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

SOUTH AMERICA TRAILS

ADVENTURE TRAILS

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Ecuador: home to the Andes and gateway to the Galapagos Islands. This special South American country offers amazing bird and wildlife diversity, with habitats to match. Explore forests lush with orchids, bromeliads, and butterflies, browse colorful markets, and enjoy warm Ecuadorian hospitality. Ecuador is a must for those keen to explore South America, and seamlessly pairs with Amazonia lodges if you’d like to extend your adventure. Ecuador birding tours with Naturalist Journeys are the perfect way to immerse in the birds of Ecuador, as well as in Ecuador's rich culture. We strive to get to know the local culture and take in a sense of place while we are birding in Ecuador. We offer many other South American birding tours , too!

Guided Group Tours

Group travel is rewarding and fun! With more eyes you see more species. Travel Planners of Naturalist Journeys have been creating memorable journeys for 40+ years. We offer you small-group birding and nature tours, limited to just 8-13 persons led by expert guides. Learn and explore with like-minded people, enjoy local food and culture, and immerse yourself in birding and nature.

Conservation Corner

We value conservation – it is at the heart of our work. All Naturalist Journeys’ tours support local conservation projects. Browse the links below to learn more about positive local work to save and conserve the wildlife and landscapes we visit.

Yanacocha Reserve The Yanacocha Reserve was established in 2001 with assistance from the local community to protect the critically endangered Black-breasted Puffleg, found almost exclusively on the forested ridges of the reserve. The site is also home to puma, spectacled bear, and Sword-billed Hummingbird. Mindo Cloudforest Foundation The Mindo Cloudforest Foundation is run by a multi-disciplinary team from five different countries. The Foundation protects critical habitat through six private reserves (including the Milpe Bird Sanctuary), ecotourism, reforestation, research, and citizen science (including an annual Christmas Bird Count). Antisanilla Reserve Over half the estimated population of wild Andean Condor lives in the Jocotoco Foundation’s Antisanilla Reserve , which was purchased between 2011 and 2014 specifically to protect condors. The reserve is part of a conservation land mosaic of parks and reserves of close to 300,000 acres.

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Dear Friends, After many years of working in bird conservation and with extensive experience as a tour leader as well as personal birding trips throughout the Americas, Europe and southern Africa, I decided to open a birding tour company based in Mindo, Ecuador.  Why Mindo??   Because it is considered a key site for endemism and it was where I had launched the first Important Bird Area (IBA) in the Americas while working in Quito as Head of the Americas Regional Office for BirdLife International.  I had first visited Mindo in 1990 as a birding tourist and had found it to be a beautiful, tranquil, bird-filled area.  So, in 1996 when we were deciding to launch the first IBA, it was not hard to convince everyone that it should be in the Mindo area. I had long ago decided that by the year 2000 I would be working in the field instead of a city office.  So in May 1999 I quit my real job, sold my home in Austin, Texas and moved from Quito to Mindo.  As my birding friends and others began to want to come birding in Ecuador they contacted me for assistance.  So I helped arrange birding tours and, one thing always leading to another, soon decided to formalize my efforts by establishing an actual tour company.  In 1999 I established Mindo Bird Tours as the first birding company based in Mindo.   Since its inception twenty-three years ago, Mindo Bird Tours has grown dramatically and now includes Ecuador Bird Tours.  We now offer regular birding tours throughout Ecuador as well as Peru and Colombia and also arrange many custom and private tours in Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Chile, Brazil and elsewhere in South America.  We have very many repeat customers and pride ourselves on providing the best possible birding tour – with great birds, great guides, great drivers, comfortable lodging and safety. Our philosophy of providing the best birding tours is coupled with our strong conservation ethic.  As I plotted my move away from city life I began to purchase parcels of land for habitat conservation and potentially for a place to live.  In 1998, with a purchase of 15 acres of mixed forest and farm,  Reserva Las Gralarias ( www.reservalasgralarias.org ) was born.  I now co-own approximately 1500 acres of land within Mindo parish.  With the help of many people we established the U.S.-based Las Gralarias Foundation, Inc.  for the protection in perpetuity of the reserve.  We have worked hard since 1998 to establish and grow the reserve, actively revegetating previously pastured areas, and protecting the primary forest as well as the many waterways within the reserve.  Our efforts have paid off and we now have regular observations of many rare Choco endemic species not to mention the innumerable other species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects and plants that call Reserva Las Gralarias their home.  We have had visitors from some 31 countries, including numerous researchers who are trying to unlock the mysteries of this Pacific slope Andean cloud forest in order to help us better conserve it.  Our Las Gralarias Foundation has an amazing Board of Directors that does everything from fundraising, newsletter production, frog research, aquatic insect research, environmental education, tour leading -  ETC ETC ETC!!!   We also have a dedicated full-time staff of Ecuadorians without whom none of our efforts would have been possible. So, when you sign up for a tour with us you can rest assured that you will be receiving the highest quality experience and will also be helping conserve some amazing habitat for many wonderful birds and other cloud forest creatures.  You will be providing meaningful employment to our full-time and contract staff and will be helping promote responsible ecotourism in one of the world's most biodiverse regions. We all thank you!    Jane A. Lyons, Ph.D. Mindo Bird Tours & Ecuador Bird Tours Quito, Ecuador                 CLIENT COMMENTS FROM BIRDING IN ECUADOR!   www.ecuadorbirdtours.com     [email protected]                                                                 ENJOY SOME PHOTOS BELOW FROM OUR TOURS

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Nature Travel Birding

Private and Small group Birding tours

This tour can also be booked as a private guided birding tour

Next Group Departure Date:  July 2025 Price: USD 6300 per person sharing (Please enquire about single supplement)

Full Itinerary – Ecuador Birding Tour

Day 1: Arrive in Quito – Mariscal Sucre International Airport and transfer to Puemba Birding Garden On your arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Quito) you will be met by a company representative and transferred to Puemba Birding Garden. Depending on your time of arrival, you can explore the grounds of Puemba Birding Garden which boasts a list of more than 35 bird species.

Day 2: Jocotoco Reserve and Tandayapa Valley We leave very early to visit Yanacocha. The first hours of the morning will be spent at the Jocotoco Reserve of Yanacocha where we will also have lunch. Some of the species we might see are Superciliated Hemispingus, Ocellated Tapaculo, White browed Spinetail, Andean and Sickle-winged Guan.

In the afternoon we will be birding along the road that connects Yanacocha to the Tandayapa Valley.  By the end of the afternoon, you will arrive in Sacha Tamia for dinner and overnight. During dinner, we will update the list of bird species that we have seen during the day.

Day 3: Milpe and Rio Silanche After an early breakfast, we will head down to Milpe and Rio Silanche for the day. Milpe is a Chocó-Andean foothills reserve. Milpe Bird Sanctuary is a 62 hectare sanctuary protecting one of the most important remnant forests in the Choco Endemic Area of Ecuador. The sanctuary encompasses a steep forested valley between two small rivers and offers a network of trails along with hummingbird feeders, an orchid nursery, a birding viewpoint, and a visitor center with a cafeteria. The reserve is a mixture of primary forest, regenerating forest, and pasture. Since the reserve is some 500 meters lower in elevation than Mindo, it harbours many endemic birds not found in the Mindo Valley.

Trails are relatively level and easy walking. Many birders consider the Milpe Bird Sanctuary one of the finest birding sites on the west slope of the Andes because of the many lowland specialties and Choco endemics that can be seen. Endemics regularly seen in the reserve include Choco Trogon, Choco Toucan, Club-winged Manakin, Choco Warbler, Moss-backed Tanager, Yellow-collared Chlorophonia, and Glistening-green Tanager. A number of hummingbirds can be seen visiting the feeders or flowering plants in the more open areas, including the locally distributed Tooth-billed Hummingbird, Green Thorntail, Purple-bibbed White-tip, Wedge-billed Hummingbird, and Purple-throated Woodstar. We break for lunch in the reserve with our packed lunches.

Rio Silanche is a bird sanctuary in the western lowlands managed by Mindo Cloud Forest. The best part about birding at Rio Silanche is alternating between short walks in the dense humid forest and scouting the treetops from the canopy tower. Notable birds that can be seen are Swallow-Tailed Kite, White-Whiskered Hermit, Western White-Tailed Trogon, Collared Trogon, Pale-Mandibled Aracari, Lineated Woodpecker, Black-Striped Woodcreeper, Spotted Woodcreeper, Checker-Throated Antwren, White-Flanked Antwren, Dot-Winged Antwren, Black-Headed Antthrush, Ochre-Bellied Flycatcher, Western Wood-Pewee, Streaked Flycatcher, Masked Tityra, Yellow-Tufted Dacnis, Guira Tanager, Gray-and-Gold Tanager, Blue-Whiskered Tanager, Rufous-Winged Tanager, Scarlet-Browed Tanager, Orange-Billed Sparrow and Scarlet-Rumped Cacique. We return to Sacha Tamia Lodge for dinner.

Day 4: Bellavista Cloud Reserve Today we will bird and explore the road that leads from our hotel in Mindo to the Bellavista Reserve. The Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve is a 2,000-acre certified conservation area on the North-Western slopes of the Andean mountain range and is located 52 km from the Ecuadorian capital city of Quito. The lodge straddles the ridgeline and offers superb vantage points for watching birds. The veranda outside the dining area is a good place to observe the endemic Toucan Barbet and a variety of other species including Green-and-black Fruiteater and Russet-crowned Warbler. The Choco endemic Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan can usually be seen from the veranda or walking the road or trails through the forest near the lodge.

Numerous hummingbird feeders near the lodge attract a variety of species, including some not seen in the valleys below. Some of the common species are Andean Emerald, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Empress Brilliant, Brown Inca, Collared Inca, Gorgeted Sunangel, Booted Racket-tail, and Violet-tailed Sylph. We return to Sacha Tamia Lodge for dinner and our overnight stay.

Day 5: Angel Paz Reserve After a very early cup of coffee, we depart the lodge at no later than 4:30am as we need to drive to the Angel Paz reserve. This is the place we will see the Cock of the Rock lek, five species of Antpittas being fed and other many species. We have breakfast here with Angel’s family. Some of the species we might see are Giant Antpitta, Andean Cock of the Rock, Club winged Manakin, Toucan Barbet and Beautiful Jay.

We will continue birding this day in the vast forests of Mindo. Species that we might see are Swallow Tanager, Golden Tanager, Bay-headed Tanager, Palm Tanager, Black-chinned Mountain Tanager, Blue-winged Mountain Tanager, Yellow-faced Grassquit, Dull Coloured Seedeater, Streak capped Treehunter, Uniform Treehunter, Streaked Xenops, Little Cuckoo, Andean Pygmy Owl, Wedge-billed Hummingbird, Spotted Sandpiper and many more. By the end of the evening we will reach the town of Pacto, where we will overnight and have dinner at La Cañita.

Day 6: Mashpi Road and Amagusa Reserve Today we will take a packed lunch and visit the Mashpi road with some time for Amagusa feeders. They have set up a small but nice hummingbird garden with a few well visited feeders that attract some of the sought choco endemic humingbirds like the Empress Brilliant, Velvet-purple Coronet, Violet-tailed Sylph, Brown Inca, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, and White-whiskered Hermit. The hummingbird garden also has a shelter where you can comfortably look at hummingbirds even if it is raining.

Some of the local tanagers are also being attracted to feeders, so you will be able to see and photograph more of the choco endemics like Glistening-green Tanager and the Black-chinned Mountain Tanager. They also have other colourful tanagers that visit the feeders like the Golden-naped Tanager, Golden Tanager, Flame-faced Tanager, and others.

Mashpi road is in the midst of the Choco forest. The Mashpi protected area has the highest number of choco birds in a single site in Ecuador. We will be out birding for the whole day, returning to Puembo Birding Garden by late afternoon.

Day 7: Papallacta Pass and Wildsumaco After breakfast, we will head to the Eastern slope of the Andes. We will pass the Papallacta Pass, the highest birding spot on our itinerary. Silvery Grebe, Rufous bellied Seedsnipe, Andean Titspinetail, Ecuadorian Hillstar, Black backed bush tanager, Giant Conebill are some of the birds we might encounter. After birding Papallacta we head to Wildsumaco Lodge.

Wild Sumaco Lodge is set on a ridge in the Andes’ Eastern Foothills and has panoramic views reaching across the Rio Pucuno Valley and to the Andes beyond. The lodge is located at a comfortable elevation of about 1480m (4900 feet) and the forest reserve ranges from 1200 to about 1600m (3900 to 4900 feet). Possible birds we might see are Scaled Pigeon, Chestnut-fronted Macaw, Maroon-tailed Parakeet, Red-headed Barbet, Black-mandibled Toucan, White-throated Toucan, Channel-billed Toucan, Lafresnaye’s Piculet, Lineated Woodpecker, Dark-breasted Spinetail, Wedge-billed Woodcreeper, Lined Antshrike, Sooty-headed Tyrannulet, Olive-chested Flycatcher, Black-billed Thrush, Spotted Tanager, Paradise Tanager, and Chestnut-bellied Seed-Finch. After a wonderful day’s birding, we settle in at Wildsumaco Lodge where we will have dinner and overnight.

Day 8: Full day birding around Wildsumaco Lodge Today we will spend a full day at Wildsumaco Lodge and surrounding area. Due to its location on the Equator, the steep Andean Foothills, and the close proximity of the Amazon, the Sumaco area holds one of the richest avifaunas in the world. A wonderful mix of cloudforest species, foothill specialties, and typically Amazonian birds share Wildsumaco’s lush subtropical rainforest with a myriad of other animals.

From Wildsumaco’s trails, you might see Gray-tailed Piha, Blue-rumped Manakin, and Chestnut-crowned Gnateater. Short-tailed Antthrush and Wing-banded Wren often sing, while more uncommon species like Gray-throated Leaftosser and Plain-backed Antpittas are seen occasionally, and more often heard. The very rare Yellow-throated Spadebill has territories along several of our trails, and at any time the endangered Military Macaw or rare Spot-winged Parrotlet might fly by, or Black Hawk-Eagle soar overhead.

The road passing through the reserve offers great road birding, and this is one of many areas from which to see flocks of birds. Possibilities here include Blue-browed Tanager, Yellow-breasted Antwren, and Coppery-chested Jacamar.  Many colourful species of tanager may be accompanied by Ecuadorian Tyrannulet, the recently described Foothill Elaenia, and sometimes Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater joins in. We return to Wildsumaco Lodge to update our lists, have dinner and overnight.

Day 9: San Isidro We will drive and bird the Cosanga Road up to San Isidro. The birds here belong to the eastern cloudforest, many species overlap the Mindo ones and give us many new ones such as the Black and chestnut Eagle, Rufous-vented Whitetip, Moustached and Peruvian Antpittas, Bicolored Antvireo, Oleaginous Hemispingus, Highland Tinamou, Rufous bellied nighthawk, Lemon-browed Flycatcher, White-capped Tanager. We will have dinner and overnight in San Isidro.

Day 10: San Isidro and Guacamayos Ridge After an early breakfast we set of to the Guacamayos Ridge where we could see birds such as Highland Tinamou, Slate crowned Antpitta, Striped Treehunter, Bicoloured and Broad winged Hawks, Masked Trogon, Powerful Woodpecker, and Green-and-Black Fruiteater, Masked Flowerpiercer, Pearled Treerunner, Lacrimose and Blue-Winged Mountain-Tanagers, Blue-and-Black Tanager and Montane Woodcreeper. We return to San Isidro for dinner and overnight.

Day 11: Guango We will slowly drive up to the Papallacta area and bird around Guango Lodge which is located near the paramo and hot springs of Papallacta, is a paradise for hummingbird lovers and photographers. Seeing 14 species of hummingbirds within an hour is not uncommon, and the Sword-billed hummingbird with its unique and its long bill is sure to amaze you. We return to Guango Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 12: Guango and return to Puemba Birding Garden After a morning of enjoying the many trails at Guango, we will have lunch and drive to Puembo Birding Garden for an afternoon of birding the grounds. Birds like the Scrub Tanager which only happens in this interandean valley and the extraordinary Black Trainbearer will be found here.

Day 13: Antisana Reserve Today we will leave early to visit the Antisana Reserve. This reserve is home of the Andean Condor, Ecuadorian Hillstar, Giant Hummingbird and Black Faced Ibis. The scrub vegetation features Black-winged Ground-Dove, Giant Hummingbird, Andean Tit-Spinetail, Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant, and Giant Conebill. We will lunch at Tambo Condor and return to Puembo Birding Garden late afternoon.

Day 14: End of Equador birding trip and transfer to airport Depending on the time of your departure flight we can bird around Puembo Birding Garden. You will be transferred to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Quito) for your flight home.

Do you have a quick question about this birding tour? Speak to a specialist at [email protected]  

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Mindo birding tour

Personal local bird guide with excellent English. High quality birding. Day or multy-day tours. Pick up/drop off from/to Quito. Wonder with the endemic birds of the Choco in Ecuador. Bird photography tours and Ecuador Birds tours around Ecuador.

"Design your bird tour"

All over Ecuador. From tropical rainforest up to Paramo (tree less). Please let us know your tour inquiries.

"Endemic 1 - one birding day"

1 full day birding with a 4am Quito pick up to see the andean cock of the rock bird lek and late afternoon drop off.

"Endemic 2 - one birding day"

1 full day birding with a 3am Quito pick up to see the long wattled umbrella bird lek and late afternoon drop off.

Choco and Highalnds - two days

2 days birding from 1100m to above the tree line (3700 meters).

"Ecuador birding"

7 days round Ecuador. From tropical rainforest up to Paramo (tree less).

"Choco birding tour"

4 days birding. Staying in ecolodges. Lower elevation than Quito.

Bird lek mating - club winged manakin

3 days birding on the Northwestern part of Ecuador.Choco Endemic. Lodging out of Quito.

Highlands birding

3 days birding above the tree line (3700 meters). Based in Quito.

Who is Richard Hernandez ?

Professional in birding.

I do enjoy birding since 2005. Our first pioneers in birding like: Audobon Society, Bird Life International, International Conservancy, Cornell University, Paul Greenfield and Robert Ridgely and others, are the ones who seriously made a milestone in Ornithology of Ecuador. Our sincere respect and thanks to all of those who have been working and some they do still work on. Mindobirdingtour.com is just a result of their work. Our passion for birding. Sincerely: Richard Hernandez naturalist and local experienced bird guide.

A very simple work

• 100% local encourage
• We do support/use local bird lodges/sanctuaries
• We are not a huge multinational
• Your entrance fee supports
• Not too much playback
• Less laser pointer
• ExploreConserveObserve
• We leave no trace

"Mindo Birding Tour" on Tripadvisor

About richard hernandez - naturalist and bird guide.

"The birding experience of a lifetime"

"Choco Birding"

"Fantastic experience"

"Excellent two days tour"

"Ecuador birding tours"

• Yanacocha and Choco bird tour
• Antisana and Cotopaxi birding
• Guango bird & Papallacta tour
• Mindo bird photography tours
• 7 days birding Ecuador
• 4 days Choco birding
• Antisana birding
• Endemic bird tour
• Ecuador bird photography tours

Birding lodges and Reserves

• MCForest org
• San Jorge ecolodges
• Yanacocha reserve
• Mangaloma area
• 23 de Junio village
• Antisana Reserve
• Yunguilla reserve
• Santa Lucia reserve
• Maquipucuna reserve

"Birding Ecuador" - Highlands and Choco - bird tours from Quito

• Quito airport pick up and drop off services

The Republic of Ecuador in Southamerica is one of the 17 megadiverse groups world wide. The presence of the Andes mountains from North to South forming valleys in between the West and the East Andes chain crossed by the Equator line, makes up different ecosystems both eastern andean slopes and western andean slopes. Nearby the Subtropical Zone of Tandayapa, this hummingbird route, is Mindo Cloud Forest this unique bird area with endemic species of birds and plants is the transition Cloudforest zone from 2,500 meters above the sea level down to 1,000 m. a. s. l. with rain fall of 800 to 2,500 milimeters per year. Ecuador birding tour .

Ecuador – Andes and Antpittas

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Oriole Birding is a UK based birdwatching tour company specialising in small group holidays throughout the UK and to over 30 countries worldwide

A fortuitous return to @spurnbirdobs with @OrioleBirding group today. Ace views of a lingering male Red-backed Shrike on Beacon Lane with @wathingsmecca. Late in the day what appeared to be a 2nd cyr male Montagu's Harrier sped over the triangle, pic captured by @BirdingHawkeye

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• BIRDING TOURS
• DAY BIRDING TOUR FROM QUITO

FULL DAY BIRDING TOUR FROM QUITO

One glorious day to discover birds in Ecuador's imposing Andean valleys and mystical could forests. Be prepared to delve into Ecuador's most biologically-diverse birding reserves and eco-lodges looking for endemic hummingbirds, vivid tanagers, splendid toucans, skulking antbirds, agile warblers, and, many more. 

DETAILED ITINERARY

5:30AM Pick-up from Quito airport or any hotel in Quito area.

Birding San Jorge Eco-lodge Quito, Yanacocha Road, & Old Nono-Mindo Road: Our journey begins at San Jorge Eco-lodge Quito. We will make a 1 hour-ish stop at this lodge to look for some fantastic bird species. Most of the species at this lodge and elevation will not occur anywhere else. We will begin exploring the trail that loops around the lodge to go after the Tufted Tit-tyrant, Rufous-naped Brush-Finch, Azara's Spinetail, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager, Blue-and-yellow Tanager, Southern Yellow Grosbeak, Grass Wren, Red-crested Cotinga, and, the Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant. We wil also visit the lodge's hummingbird feeders visited by very unique and iconic hummingbird species including the Black-tailed Trainbearer, Green-tailed Trainbearer, Sparkling Violetear, Tyrian Metaltail, Shining Sunbeam, the tiny White-bellied Woodstar and, the bizarre-looking Sword-billed Hummingbird, 

Black-tailed Trainbearer. Photo taken at San Jorge Eco-lodge Quito. © Luis Alcivar

After Quito lodge we drive for 40 minutes to Yanacocha Reserve's road which runs through the Andean slopes of Pichincha Volcano. At this elevation, we will look for several Upper-Andean species like the stunning Golden-crowned Tanager, Pearled Treerunner, Blue-backed Conebill, Black-chested Mountain-Tanager, Rufous Antpitta, Barred Fruiteater, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Sapphire-vented Puffleg, Great Sapphirewing, and many more. Yanachoca is also home to the critically endangered Black-breasted Puffleg which is casually observed.  

The Sword-billed Hummingbird at San Jorge Eco-lodge Quito. © Luis Alcivar

The multi-colored and endemic Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan can be seen along the "Old Nono-Mindo Road" © Luis Alcivar

At around 1:00 PM, we will arrive to our San Jorge Eco-lodge Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary, located in the heart of Tandayapa Cloud Forest Reserve. After having a delicious lunch at our open-air restaurant, we begin exploring the 4 observation decks overlooking our prime cloud forest reserve and the bird feeders around the lodge which will provide an incredible amount of birds species without having to engage in much walking.

The exotic Booted Racket-tails are commonly seen at San Jorge Eco-lodge Tandayapa. © Luis Alcivar

After fully exploring the decks, we access the "Toucant Trail" that runs through the center of of cloud forest reserve.  This trail will offer us different variety of birds, just to list some, we will go after the Scaled Antpitta, Toucan Barbet, Rufous-breasted Antthrush, Masked Trogon, White-winged Tanager, Beryl-spangled Tanager, Ringed Kingfisher, Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonia, Immaculate Antbird, Plain Antvireo, Uniform Antshrike, Russet-crowned Warbler, Black-and-chestnut Eagle, Bat Falcon, White-throated Quail-Dove, Golden-headed Quetzal, and, with some luck, the enchanted White-faced Nunbird. 

At 4:30PM we drive for 30 minutes up to perhaps the most memorable part of trip, the Andean Cock-of-the-rock LEK (gathering of male birds that engage in competitive display), which is arguably the most iconic and stunning bird species of Ecuador.

The Andean Cock-of-the-rock leks in the the upper valley of Tandayapa © Luis Alcivar

At 5:30PM transfer back to Quito airport or to any hotel in Quito area. Arriving to most hotels in Quito at approximately 7:30PM (Depends on traffic). 

END OF ITINERARY

TRIP INFORMATION

• Starting Location:  Quito City, Ecuador
• Ending Location:  Quito City, Ecuador
• Maximum group size:  8 participants. Bigger groups upon request
• Minimum group size: none
• Difficulty: easy with optional moderate. Daily hikes of 1.5 miles with optionally up to 4 miles per day
• Pace:  relaxed, slow-paced, your guide does not move into the next bird until everyone in the group has genuinely seen each species. 
• Driving distance between eco-lodges:  1 hour
• Photo opportunities:  YES! on-the-go (birding with a camera)
• Your guide's equipment:  Binoculars, spotting scope, laser pointer & field-guide
• Your guide's focus:  Find as many birds as possible at an enjoyable pace for all the participants in the group
• * round-trip airport/hotel transfers
• * lunch at our open-air hummingbird restaurant 
• * specialized english-speaking birding guide
• * reserves entry fees

LODGING & ACCOMMODATIONS

San Jorge Eco-lodges are a chain of award-winning eco-lodges located inside the most important bird areas of the country. San Jorge offers the most specialized birding eco-lodges in Ecuador.

WHY CHOOSE US

• Supporting local guides and communities matter: get a more intimate cultural experience by getting to see and learn about the biodiversity and culture of the country through the eyes of an Ecuadorian. The Magic Birding Circuit of Ecuador is fully owned and operated by Ecuadorians who: benefit local communities, use sustainable and environmentally friendly practices and continue to purchase endangered Ecuadorian forests for conservation.
• Quality-Value Guaranteed: Don't pay twice for the same package. We offer the lower rates while providing the highest value for your money. We match the price of any competitor offering the same itinerary of the same quality at a lower price.
• Experienced Bird Guide/Dedicated Guides:  All of our guides have over 15 years of experience as birdwatching and bird photo guides in Ecuador. 
• Smaller Groups for uncrowded and personalized experience: if you have previously been part of a large birding group, you know exactly how frustrating it can be to comfortably appreciate the beauty birds around a crowd of people.
• The most complete and diverse birding tours in Ecuador: Our itineraries are product of years of continuously scouting the very best birding locations in the country. Our experienced bird guides know exactly where to find the birds, and, most importantly how to draw them to your binoculars.

BOOKS & FIELDGUIDES

Ecuador - Hummingbirds Adventure (Relaxed) 2024 - ()

Ecuador - hummingbirds adventure (relaxed).

• Dates, Leaders and Pricing
• Trip Reports
• Tour Enquiry

Ecuador is fortuitously situated within the heart of a fantastically diverse habitat array, ranging from the high Andes to excellent lowland rainforest. Ecuador’s small size, good infrastructure, unsurpassable scenery and friendly people make it one of the planet’s most delightful birding destinations. Our dedicated hummingbird tour seeks to enjoy a vast number of these jewels, most to be comfortably found at the numerous feeders that dot the prime birding locations we visit.

This tour is a great introduction to birding the mighty Andes of South America. We begin the tour in the primary birding sites found north-west of the capital city of Quito. This area is part of the Chocó bioregion that hosts a great number of endemics and specialities that are only shared with neighbouring areas of Colombia to the north. We will be based in the Tandayapa and Mindo valleys from where we will set out to bird the various renowned private reserves, affording us an outstanding opportunity to support local conservation projects for long-term habitat protection. A wide array of habitats will be birded, starting with the mystical elfin forest of the temperate zone, followed by bird-rich subtropical cloud forests. We will also explore the vast east-slope for its local specialities and visit a wide array of different habitats and elevations. Travelling from snow-capped volcanoes down to pristine cloud forests will be an incredible experience with superb birding and scenery each day! A great network of birding reserves together with good infrastructure, unsurpassable scenery and friendly people make the eastern Andes of Ecuador one of the world’s key birding destinations.

Ecuadorian, White-tailed & Green-backed Hillstars; Black-tailed Trainbearer; Great Sapphirewing; Purple-backed, Black-mantled, Blue-mantled, Purple-mantled & Rainbow-bearded Thornbills; Shining Sunbeam; Giant, Speckled, Many-spotted, Violet-headed & Sword-billed Hummingbirds; Collared & Bronzy Incas; Long-tailed & Violet-tailed Sylphs; Tourmaline Sunangel; Chestnut-breasted, Velvet-purple & Buff-tailed Coronets; Mountain Avocetbill; Tyrian & Viridian Metaltails; White-bellied, Purple-throated & Gorgeted Woodstars; Glowing, Sapphire-vented, Black-breasted, Hoary & Golden-breasted Pufflegs; Great Sapphirewing; Violet-fronted, Black-throated, Empress, Green-crowned & Fawn-breasted Brilliants; White-booted & Peruvian Racket-tails; Geoffrey’s Wedgebill; Brown Violetear; Bronzy & Brown Incas; Green & Sparkling Violetears; Gould’s Jewelfront; Golden-tailed Sapphire; Napo Sabrewing; Rufous-vented & Purple-bibbed Whitetips; Golden-tailed Sapphire; Blue-fronted Lancebill; Wire-crested & Green Thorntails; Fork-tailed & Crowned Woodnymphs; Green & White-whiskered Hermits; Ecuadorian Piedtail; White-tipped Sicklebill; Buff-winged Starfrontlet; White-necked Jacobin; Andean Emerald.

Top Mammals

White-tailed Deer; Andean Fox; Mountain Tapir (rare); Spectacled Bear (rare); Olingito; Tayra; White-fronted Capuchin.

Habitats Covered

paramo grasslands and highland lakes, temperate tree line forest & polylepis, temperate cloud-forest, upper and lower subtropical cloud-forest, subtropical cloud-forest, tropical foothill forest

Expected Climate

chilly at high elevations but pleasant in the subtropics

Max Group Size

10 with 1 Rockjumper leader & local birding leader

Tour Pace & Walking

Our Relaxed series of tours are designed to focus on having an enjoyable holiday with a bird and wildlife focus. Where possible; we have reduced or removed long drives, single night stays and poor/rustic accommodation. We have also sought to reduce or remove difficult hikes, narrow/muddy trails and otherwise oppressive environmental conditions. Early starts and night birding are mostly optional, and we will not spend much time searching for difficult and/or skulking species. These tours are not suitable for hardcore birders and listers, or dedicated photographers.

Accommodation

comfortable lodges

Ease of Birding

generally easy, most Hummingbirds attend feeders

Photographic Opportunities

good to very good at dedicated feeders

What our clients say about us

SR & PT, Ecuador 2022

This was our first birding tour and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The support from the tour leader, the ground staff, hotel, boat and lodge staff, local guides and families was exceptional. In particular we'd like to express our appreciation to Tuomas whose local and bird knowledge, combined with people skills made this a really memorable trip.

JK, Ecuador 2018

Dušan Brinkhuizen is an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable, patient, never got tired and made sure everyone got the bird. You are fortunate to have a guide like Dušan.

SW, Ecuador 2022

Our tour of the Choco cloud forest and the Eastern Andes paramo and cloud forest was superb. Our guide Dušan Brinkhuizen was amazing in his ability to find birds; he clearly has supernatural hearing and eyesight! He also was superb at making sure that everyone saw the birds. He truly worried about his clients and listened to their requests as to birds, landscapes and need for sleep. We saw spectacular landscapes far off the beaten path and got very good looks at birds in all habitats. An additional plus was our driver Dario who kept us safe on marginal roads. We look forward to our next Rockjumper trip.

BS, Ecuador 2022

Dušan was an excellent bird guide and a good tour guide.

ES & JS, Ecuador 2018

Dušan Brinkhuizen is a wonderfully skilled birder and he readily shares his enthusiasm for birds and their environments. He is also skilled in Spanish and knowledgeable about the country.

Ecuador - Hummingbirds Adventure (Relaxed) 2025

23 Feb 2025 - 08 Mar 2025 (14 days)

USD5,895 - Spaces Available

Tour Leader: James Wade Lee

Tour price (Per person): USD5,895 * GBP4,645 * EUR5,497 * AUD8,853

Single Supplement: USD720 * GBP567 * EUR671 * AUD1,081

Ecuador - Hummingbirds Adventure (Relaxed) 2026

22 Feb 2026 - 07 Mar 2026 (14 days)

USD6,100 - Spaces Available

Tour Leader: Amanda Guercio

Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated and dates may change*

Tour price (Per person): USD6,100 * GBP4,806 * EUR5,688 * AUD9,160

Ecuador - Northern: Ultimate Amazon I 2024 - April 2024

Ecuador - Northern: Eastern Andes I 2024 - February 2024

Ecuador - Northern: Choco Cloud Forest I 2024 - February 2024

Ecuador - Northern: Eastern Andes II 2023 - November 2023

Ecuador - Northern: Choco Cloud Forest II 2023 - October 2023

Ecuador - Northern: Eastern Andes I 2023 - February 2023

Ecuador - Northern: Choco Cloud Forest I 2023 - February 2023

Ecuador - Southern Endemics 2023 - January 2023

Ecuador - Pacific Coast Extension 2023 - January 2023

Ecuador - Northern: Ultimate Amazon II 2022 - November 2022

Ecuador - Northern: Eastern Andes II 2022 - November 2022

Ecuador - Northern: Choco Cloud Forest II 2022 - November 2022

Ecuador - Rare Bird Club 2022 - October 2022

Ecuador - Northern: Ultimate Amazon I 2022 - April 2022

Ecuador - Northern: Eastern Andes I 2022 - April 2022

Ecuador - Northern: Choco Cloud Forest I 2022 - March 2022

Ecuador - Northern: Ultimate Amazon III 2022 - February 2022

Ecuador - Northern: Eastern Andes III 2022 - February 2022

Ecuador - Northern: Choco Cloud Forest III 2022 - February 2022

Ecuador - Southern Endemics 2022 - January 2022

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San Jorge Eco-Lodges & Botanical Reserves of Ecuador The Magic Birding & Photography Circuit

We own and operate 6 eco-lodges & 7 private nature reserves and offer the most extensive all-inclusive birding tours in ecuador. visit up to 9 different eco-systems., visit our own cock of the rock lek.

June 12, 2022 - ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Entry requirements  for all incoming travelers arriving to Ecuador, effective June 12, 2022: 

• All travelers who enter mainland Ecuador by international air travel must fill out a Traveler’s Health Declaration, which will be sent to you from your airline carrier via email.  It must later be delivered to personnel of the Ministry of Public Health at the entry point to the country. 
• All travelers must present an original copy of vaccination certification card with full COVID19 doses at least two weeks given before arrival.  Or, you may provide the negative result of an RT-PCR test taken up to 72 hours prior to boarding to Ecuador. Any passenger under 3 years old will not present these requirements.
• Please read & monitor Quito Airport travel protocols before traveling:  https://www.aeropuertoquito.aero/en/covid-19-protocol.html  

Re-entry requirements to fly to US :  International travelers will no longer need to show proof of a negative coronavirus test before boarding flights to the United States

• As of  12:01AM ET on June 12, 2022 , The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will no longer require air passengers traveling from a foreign country to the United States to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight.

Note :  Both travel Insurance & International Health Insurance are required for visitors to enter Ecuador .  When you arrive to Quito Airport, the Immigration Staff will ask to see a copy of your insurance policy or official documentation as proof, which needs to state your name(s) and travel dates in Ecuador

Ecuador Hummingbirds

~ 2 BRAND NEW ECUADOR ECO-LODGES NOW OPEN AT SAN JORGE ~

Grand Opening! San Jorge de Sumaco Bajo NEW Deluxe Eco-Lodge has opened in March, 2023! San Jorge de Sumaco Bajo Bird Sanctuary is located on 400 acres in the Tropical Amazonian Rainforest and is new to our collection of private reserves in Ecuador. It's new aquatic Eco-Lodge overlooks our Lagoon with gorgeous spacious rooms with balconies, high vaulted ceilings and large windows for viewing wildlife from your room, all with stunning views overlooking the water. The upcoming new open-air restaurant will be situated on an Island in the middle of the lagoon with 360-degree views, the second floor offers an open-air bar with observations deck, and the third floor is a spacious covered tower situated 65-foot high over the water, overlooking the Amazonian canopy, and offers an enormous amount of new birds and wildlife.

This private reserve is a paradise for birdwatchers, photographers and nature lovers. You will enjoy a variety of walking trails, hundreds of tropical birds, streams, river swimming, 8 Manikin Leks, 12 species of Parrots, 4 Macaw species, along with a 60-foot-high spacious observation tower which overlooks the Amazonian canopy and is perfect for birdwatching and photography. Our new San Jorge de Sumaco Bajo Eco-Lodge is now open and included in all of our East Andes tours.

Ecuador Eco-Lodge San Jorge de Sumaco Bajo Lodge Tropical Amazonian Rainforest @George Cruz

  Grand Opening ! San Jorge de Guacamayos NEW Eco-Lodge has opened in late 2022 . San Jorge de Guacamayos Bird Paradise Reserve, located in the Sub-tropical Cloud Forest on the East Andes Slope offers 6 spacious rooms, a large open-air restaurant with vast mountain views, a spacious observation deck overlooking the canopy with a network of trails.  Its Solar panel system provides the electricity for the complex.  The nature reserve is surrounded by Antisana National Park, Sumaco NP, Napo Galeras NP and Cayambe Coca NP making it the largest and most protected natural area in Ecuador. San Jorge de Guacayamos Bird Paradise Reserves offers hundreds and hundreds of bird species, many rare and uncommon, plus, its own Cock of the Rock Lek, colorful butterflies, possible Spectacled bears, Tapirs, Pumas, Tyra’s, deer and Jaguar, including numerous wild orchids, plants and flowers. Our new San Jorge de Guacamayos Eco-Lodge is now open and included with all of our East Andes tour schedules.

San Jorge de Guacamayos Eco-Lodge – Sub-tropical Cloud Forest in the East Andes Slope

San Jorge de Guacamayos new Restaurant offers observation decks & vast views @Luis Cruz Alcivar

Bird List_San Jorge de Sumaco Bajo Tropical Rainforest

Birds at The Magic Birding Circuit Photos by George Cruz

San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve/Quito Birding Center - 18th Century Spanish Hacienda located in the Andes Highlands 45 minutes from Quito Airport and 25 minutes from downtown Quito.  Start birding as soon as you arrive to Quito! 

Enjoy our mountain lodge in the Pichincha Foothills and situated on 230 acres inside Bosque Pichincha consisting of 10,000 hectares of protected land. We are the only private native reserve near Quito that offers birdwatching tours, bird photography tours, many species of Hummingbirds, hiking trails, wild orchids, medicinal plants and a wide array of flora and fauna. The exotic Sword-billed Hummingbird frequents our feeders along with 90 possible Highland species. A variety of cultural day tours are available from this lodge such as: the Andes Chocolate & Coffee - San Jorge Ecuadorian Cooking Class ; Medicinal Plants & Sacred Waterfalls, Mountain Biking, Old Colonial Quito, Middle of the World Equator, Otavalo Indian Market and Cotopaxi Volcano.

San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary & Lodge are located in the Cloud Forest on 150 acres of prime birding.  A gorgeous mountain top lodge in Tandayapa Valley with pristine birding and hiking trails, beautiful open-air Hummingbird Restaurant with observations decks overlooking spectacular Cloud Forest views, natural active Hummingbird, Tanager & Toucan feeders, wild orchids in their natural habitat, seasonal butterflies, pristine trails, running rivers and ponds. Accommodations include rooms with private bath and optional upgraded spacious vaulted ceiling rooms with balconies/patio and views. Located just one hour from San Jorge Eco-Lodge/Quito, it is part of the Choco Bird Area of N.W. Ecuador where as many as 500 species live, offering superb photography options as well.

Forest Lodge at San Jorge Milpe Reserve offers 8 comfortable deluxe and spacious rooms with large windows and optional balconies. The reserve offers over 500 possible bird species, a 45-foot-high covered observation tower overlooking the Upper Tropical Rainforest canopy , a large open-air restaurant surrounded by active Hummingbird, tanager and toucan feeders, miles of pristine birding trails, with gardens, butterflies, mammals and wild orchids growing in their natural state.

SAN JORGE ITINERARIES

Magic birding circuit 17 nights/18 days visit 6 san jorge lodges + 6 san jorge private birding reserves east & west andes slopes: andes highlands, cloud forest, upper tropical rainforest, subtropical rainforest. eastern subtropical cloud forest, tropical amazonian rainforest, paramo, coco corridor.

Day One - Evening airport transfer to San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve/Quito. Overnight San Jorge/Quito Lodge, no meals included Day Two - Birding San Jorge Reserve/Quito Birding Center - Upper Farm Road & Yanacocha old road, Alambi Road & Nono Tandayapa Road (ANDES HIGHLANDS/UPPER CLOUD FOREST) feeders, gardens, road walking. Feeders at the lodge are visited by the Black-tailed Trainbearer, Green-tailed Trainbearer, Sword-billed Hummingbird ,  Sparkling Violetear, Tyrian Metaltail, Shining Sunbeam, and, the tiny White-bellied Woodstar. The Trail around the lodge offers possible Tufted Tit-tyrant, Rufous-naped Brush-Finch, Azara's Spinetail, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager, Blue-and-yellow Tanager, Southern Yellow Grosbeak, Red-crested Cotinga, and the Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant. Overnight San Jorge Tandayapa Lodge, includes 3 meals Days Three & Four - Birding San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary (CLOUD FOREST) Hummingbird & Tanager feeders, bird walks on pristine trails, Canopy Islands Observation decks, ponds, streams.  Multi-colored bird species like the Blue-winged Mountain Tanager,  Red-headed Barbet,  Three-striped Warbler, White-winged Becard,  Metallic-green Tanager, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Pale-mandibled Aracari, Golden-naped Tanager, Golden Tanager, Flame-faced Tanager, Orange-bellied Euphonia, along with the Masked Trogon, Squirell Cuckoo, Slate-throated Whitestar, Streak-capped Treehunter, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Buff-fronted Foliage-Gleaner, Black-chested Tanager, and, with a bit of luck, the Ochre-breasted Antpitta.  Additionally, our feeders are visited by abounding hummingbird species including the iconic  Booted Racket-tail  and the  Violet-tailed Sylph .  Seasonal visits by the iconic Toucan Barbet, and, the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan along with the Crested Quetzal, and, the Golden-headed Quetzal.  Overnight San Jorge Tandayapa Lodge, includes 3 meals per day Day Five - Birding Upper San Jorge Tandayapa, Bellavista & San Tadeo road (CLOUD FOREST/UPPER TROPICAL RAINFOREST ) A second chance at the Plate-billed Mountain Toucan and Toucan Barbet along the road of San Tadeo.  Overnight San Jorge/Milpe Forest Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Six - Birding San Jorge Milpe Reserve ( UPPER TROPICAL RAINFOREST ) home of the Banded-ground Cuckoo!  (One of the 50 rarest birds in the world).   feeders, trails.   Endemic Choco Toucan, Esmeraldas Antbird, Bicolored Antbird, Choco Warbler, Streaked Xenops, Glistening-green Tanager, Blue-tailed Trogon, Black-throated Trogon, Gartered Trogon, Collared Trogon, White-tailed Trogon, Striped Woodhaunter, Black-headed Antthrush, Scaly-throated Foliage-Gleaner, Buffy Tuftedcheek, Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher, Crismon-bellied Woodpecker, Guayaquil Woodpecker, Red-Rumped Woodpecker, Emerald Tanager, Choco Toucan, White-bearded Manakin, Club-winged Manakin, Northern Schiffornis, Golden-winged Manakin, Purple-throated Fruitcrow and with some luck the Lanceolated Monklet, Berlepsch's Tinamou.  Overnight San Jorge/Milpe Forest Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Seven - Birding Rio Chaguaryacu feeder and trails; exploring Mashi area.  Overnight San Jorge/Milpe Cliff Lodge, includes 3 meals 

Day Eight - Birding Rio Tatal trails, Milpe road, Forest Lodge observatory & towers.   Return to Quito.  Overnight San Jorge/Quito Lodge, includes 3 meals 

Day Nine - Old Colonial Quito City Tour .  Overnight San Jorge/Quito Lodge, includes 3 meals 

Day Ten - Birding Antisana National Park by vehicle - Andes Condor Reserve (PARAMO/HIGH BARREN PLAINS) feeders, scenic views.  Ecuadorian Hillstar, Andean Teal, Andean Lapwing, Black-faced Ibis, Giant Hummingbird, Andes Condor .  Overnight San Jorge/Quito Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Eleven - Birding Papallacta Pass, Cayambe Coca (PARAMO/EAST ANDES)  Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Red-rumped Bush-Tyrant, Bar-bellied Woodpecker, White-chinned Thistletail, White-browed Spinetail, Many-stripped Canastero, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Blue-mantled Thornbill, Viridian Metaltail, Red-rumped Bush-Tyrant, Giant Conebill, Paramo Seedeater, Paramo Tapaculo, and many more.  Overnight brand new San Jorge/Guacamayos Lodge, includes 3 meals                                                                                                     Days Twelve & Thirteen - Birding at San Jorge de Guacamayos Bird Paradise (EASTERN SUB-TROPICAL CLOUD FOREST). Visit our private Cock of the Rock Lek.  Possible Blue-headed Hummingbird, Bat Falcon, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Cliff Flycatcher, Bronze Inca, Flame-faced Tanager, Andean Cock of the Rock (m) Rupicola Peruviana, Golden-collared Honeycreeper, Fork-tailed Honeycreeper, Northern-mountain Cacique, Sunbittern, Ochre-breasted Antpitta, White-tailed Hillstar, Slate-crowned Antpitta, Emerald Toucanet, Berryl-spangled Tanager, Black and Chestnut Eagle, Streaked Tuffedcheck, White-capped Tanager, Yellow-throated Tanager,Wire-crested Thorntail, Violet-fronted Brilliant, White-tailed Hillstar, Mountain Velvetbreast, Bronzy Inca, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Tourmaline Sunangel, Emerald-bellied Puffleg, Long-tailed Sylph and Wedge-billed Hummingbird, after lunch birding San Jorge Guacamayos Low area offers different species possible Deep blue-flower Piecer, Golden eared Tanager, Paradise Tanager, Amazon Umbrella Bird, Mani-banded Acari. Overnight brand new San Jorge Guacamayos Lodge, includes 3 meals  Day Fourteen - Birding Hollin, High Sumaco Road.  Feeders, road walking. Overnight Loreto Lodge or new San Jorge Sumaco Bajo Lodge when completed, includes 3 meals                                            Day Fifteen - Birding San Jorge de Sumaco Bajo Bird Sanctuary (TROPICAL AMAZONIAN RAINFOREST) Macaws Boulevard (12 species Parrots & 4 Macaw species); 60-foot-high spacious covered Observatory Tower over canopy, (optional afternoon river swim).  Overnight Loreto Lodge or new San Jorge Sumaco Bajo Lodge when completed, includes 3 meals. Blue headed Parrot, Chestnut fronted Macaw, Tawny bellied Owl, Dusky headed Parakeet; Harpy Eagle, and numerous more.                                                                                                                                                                   Day Sixteen - Birding San Jorge de Sumaco Bajo Bird Sanctuary. Visit Manikin Lek, up to 8 species - trail walking in the jungle for long distant active walkers, rivers, streams. Possible Wire tailed Manakin, Golden-winged, Striped Manakin, Blue-crowned, Dwarf-tyrant, Club-winged & White-bearded. Wing-banded Piprites  Overnight Loreto Lodge or new San Jorge Sumaco Bajo Lodge when completed, includes 3 meals                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Day Seventeen - early AM stop at San Jorge de Cosanga-Yanayuca Bird & Wildlife Reserve, return drive to Quito. Overnight San Jorge/Quito Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Eighteen - am airport transfer or to downtown Quito

Magic Birding & Photography Circuit MAP We own and operate 7 private birding reserves and 6 birding Eco-Lodges in Ecuador with up to 1600 possible bird species + 100 Hummingbirds, wild orchids, butterflies, mammals and beautiful flora and fauna.  Our lodges are comfortable with quality services and delicious Ecuadorian cuisine. The reserves offer miles of pristine bird trails, Hummingbird/Tanager/Toucan feeders, 25 waterfalls, rivers, ponds, spacious covered observation decks and covered towers overlooking the canopy + bird hides.  Our tours are guided by native bird guides and birding is fabulous!  The diversification of our expeditions offer new birds in each new eco-system visited.  Our brand new San Jorge de Guacamayos Bird Lodge located in the Subtropical Cloud Forest on the East Andes Slope is now open!  It even has its own Cock of the Rock Lek!  Our 2nd new bird lodge, San Jorge de Sumaco Bajo in the Tropical Amazonian Rainforest on the East Andes Slope is projected to open Spring, 2023.  The Magic Birding Circuit Tours are all-inclusive, including round trip airport transfers, comfortable lodging accommodations, daily guided bird walks with specialized native bird guides to the region, inter-lodge private transportation and reserve entrance fees. Added features while at San Jorge Lodges include delicious Ecuadorian and International cuisine with top quality service.  Our West Andes Lodges & Reserves visited on this tour are located in the Coco Corridor which has the most concentrated amount of birds in Ecuador as this area was never hit by the ice age.  This tour is for active birders without physical limitation who can walk and bird steadily for approximately 3 hours in the morning and also the afternoon. 

Magic Birding Circuit Tour - 11 Nights/12 Days VISIT UP TO 5 SAN JORGE LODGES + 4 SAN JORGE PRIVATE BIRDING RESERVES East & West Andes Slopes: ANDES HIGHLANDS, CLOUD FOREST, UPPER TROPICAL RAINFOREST, SUBTROPICAL RAINFOREST.  EASTERN SUBTROPICAL CLOUD FOREST, PARAMO, COCO CORRIDOR

Magic birding circuit 7 nights/8 days visit 4 san jorge lodges + 3 san jorge private birding reserves andes highlands, cloud forest, upper tropical rainforest, subtropical rainforest, coco corridor.

Day One - Evening Airport transfer to San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve/Quito ; overnight San Jorge/Quito Lodge, no meals included Day Two - Birding San Jorge Reserve/Quito Birding Center - Upper Farm Road & Yanacocha old road, Alambi Road & Nono Tandayapa Road (ANDES HIGHLANDS/UPPER CLOUD FOREST) feeders, gardens, road walking. Feeders at the lodge are visited by the Black-tailed Trainbearer, Green-tailed Trainbearer, Sword-billed Hummingbird ,  Sparkling Violetear, Tyrian Metaltail, Shining Sunbeam, and, the tiny White-bellied Woodstar. The Trail around the lodge offers possible Tufted Tit-tyrant, Rufous-naped Brush-Finch, Azara's Spinetail, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager, Blue-and-yellow Tanager, Southern Yellow Grosbeak, Red-crested Cotinga, and the Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant.  Overnight San Jorge Tandayapa Lodge, includes 3 meals (boxed lunch) Day Three - Birding San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary (CLOUD FOREST)  Hummingbird & Tanager feeders, bird walks on pristine trails, Canopy Islands Observation decks, ponds, streams.  Multi-colored bird species like the Blue-winged Mountain Tanager,  Red-headed Barbet,  Three-striped Warbler, White-winged Becard,  Metallic-green Tanager, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Pale-mandibled Aracari, Golden-naped Tanager, Golden Tanager, Flame-faced Tanager, Orange-bellied Euphonia, along with the Masked Trogon, Squirell Cuckoo, Slate-throated Whitestar, Streak-capped Treehunter, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Buff-fronted Foliage-Gleaner, Black-chested Tanager, and, with a bit of luck, the Ochre-breasted Antpitta.  Additionally, our feeders are visited by abounding hummingbird species including the iconic  Booted Racket-tail  and the  Violet-tailed Sylph .  Seasonal visits by the iconic Toucan Barbet, and, the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan along with the Crested Quetzal, and, the Golden-headed Quetzal.  Overnight San Jorge Tandayapa Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Four - Birding Upper San Jorge Tandayapa, Bellavista & San Tadeo road (CLOUD FOREST/UPPER TROPICAL RAINFOREST ) A second chance at the Plate-billed Mountain Toucan and Toucan Barbet along the road of San Tadeo.  Overnight San Jorge/Milpe Forest Lodge, includes 3 meals (boxed lunch) Day Five - Birding San Jorge Milpe Reserve ( UPPER TROPICAL RAINFOREST ) home of the Banded-ground Cuckoo!  (One of the 50 rarest birds in the world).   feeders, trails.   Endemic Choco Toucan, Esmeraldas Antbird, Bicolored Antbird, Choco Warbler, Streaked Xenops, Glistening-green Tanager, Blue-tailed Trogon, Black-throated Trogon, Gartered Trogon, Collared Trogon, White-tailed Trogon, Striped Woodhaunter, Black-headed Antthrush, Scaly-throated Foliage-Gleaner, Buffy Tuftedcheek, Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher, Crismon-bellied Woodpecker, Guayaquil Woodpecker, Red-Rumped Woodpecker, Emerald Tanager, Choco Toucan, White-bearded Manakin, Club-winged Manakin, Northern Schiffornis, Golden-winged Manakin, Purple-throated Fruitcrow and with some luck the Lanceolated Monklet, Berlepsch's Tinamou.  Overnight San Jorge/Milpe Forest Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Six - Birding Rio Chaguaryacu feeder and trails; exploring Mashi area.  Overnight San Jorge/Milpe Cliff Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Seven - Birding Rio Tatal trails, Milpe road, Forest Lodge observatory Return to Quito.  Overnight San Jorge/Quito Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Eight - am airport transfer

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Magic Birding Circuit 4 NIGHTS/5 DAYS ANDES HIGHLANDS, CLOUD FOREST, UPPER TROPICAL RAINFOREST, WEST ANDES SLOPE, COCO CORRIDOR

The Magic Birding Circuit Tours are all-inclusive , including airport/hotel transfers, comfortable lodging accommodations, meals, guided tours with specialized English speaking native bird guides and inter-lodge private transportation. Added features while at San Jorge’s Reserves include delicious Ecuadorian and International cuisine and quality service.

Day One - Evening airport to San Jorge Eco-Lodge (ANDES HIGHLANDS) overnight San Jorge de Quito Lodge Day Two - Birding Yanacocha old road, Nono Tandayapa Road (HIGHLAND RAINFOREST/CLOUD FOREST), overnight San Jorge de Tandayapa Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Three - Birding San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary (CLOUD FOREST) overnight San Jorge de Tandayapa Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Four - Birding Milpe Road, overnight San Jorge de Milpe Cliff Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Five -  Birding San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve (UPPER TROPICAL RAINFOREST) later afternoon transfer to downtown Quito, includes breakfast & lunch

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MAGIC BIRDING CIRCUIT TOUR - 8N/9D EAST ANDES VISIT 3 SAN JORGE LODGES + 4 SAN JORGE PRIVATE BIRDING RESERVES ANDES HIGHLANDS, EAST ANDES SLOPE, PARAMO, CLOUD FOREST, TROPICAL AMAZONIAN RAINFOREST

Magic Birding & Photography Circuit MAP We own and operate 7 private birding reserves and 6 birding Eco-Lodges in Ecuador with up to 1600 possible bird species + 100 Hummingbirds, wild orchids, butterflies, mammals and beautiful flora and fauna.  Our lodges are comfortable with quality services and delicious Ecuadorian cuisine. The reserves offer miles of pristine bird trails, Hummingbird/Tanager/Toucan feeders, 25 waterfalls, rivers, ponds, spacious covered observation decks and covered towers overlooking the canopy + bird hides.  Our tours are guided by native bird guides and birding is fabulous!  The diversification of our expeditions offer new birds in each new eco-system visited.  Our brand new San Jorge de Guacamayos Bird Lodge located in the Subtropical Cloud Forest on the East Andes Slope is now open!  It even has its own Cock of the Rock Lek!  Our 2nd new bird lodge, San Jorge de Sumaco Bajo in the Tropical Amazonian Rainforest on the East Andes Slope is projected to open Spring, 2023. The Magic Birding Circuit Tours are all-inclusive, including round trip airport transfers, comfortable lodging accommodations, daily guided bird walks with specialized native bird guides to the region, inter-lodge private transportation and reserve entrance fees. Added features while at San Jorge Lodges include delicious Ecuadorian and International cuisine with top quality service.  Our West Andes Lodges & Reserves visited on this tour are located in the Coco Corridor which has the most concentrated amount of birds in Ecuador as this area was never hit by the ice age.  This tour is for active birders without physical limitation who can walk and bird steadily for approximately 3 hours in the morning and also the afternoon.

Magic Birding Circuit Tour – 9N/10D East Andes Slope, Upper & Lower Amazon regions

Includes: Airport transfers, inter-lodge transportation, lodging, 3 meals per day, specialized English speaking bird guide & entrance fees to all reserves

DAY 1 - Evening airport transfer from Quito Airport to San Jorge, overnight San Jorge Eco-Lodge/Quito, no meals included

DAY 2 - Birding Papallacta Pass, Velma feeders, Cock of the Rock Lek Peruvian sub-species Cosanga (Paramo & East Andes) Hummingbird feeders, trails Overnight Baeza. Includes: 3 meals DAY 3 - Birding NEW San Jorge de Guacamayos Bird Paradise (Eastern Andes Cloud Forest) Feeders & trails Overnight Loreto. Includes: 3 meals DAY 4 - Birding High Sumaco (Upper Amazon) Overnight Loretto, includes 3 meals

DAY 5 - Birding NEW San Jorge de Sumaco Bajo Bird Sanctuary (Amazonian Tropical Rainforest) Road & forest trails at the reserve Overnight Loreto. Includes: 3 meals Possible Harpy Eagle, Blue headed Parrot, Tawny bellied Owl, Dusky headed Parakeet, Wire tailed Manakin, Chestnut fronted Macaw

DAY 6 - Birding NEW - San Jorge de Sumaco Bajo Bird Sanctuary (Amazonian Tropical Rainforest) Forest trails at the reserve Overnight Loreto. Includes: 3 meals

DAY 7 - Limoncocha Ecological Reserve (Lower Amazon – Amazon Rainforest) Birding by boat Overnight Limoncocha. Includes: 3 meals

DAY 8 - Napo River, Islands, Parrot Licks, Yusuni National Park Tower  (Lower Amazon Basin – Amazon Rainforest) Birding by boat Overnight Loreto, includes 3 meals

DAY 9 - AM San Jorge de Cosanga-Yanayuca Bird & Wildlife Reserve (Eastern Andean Cloud Forest) Birding at San Jorge de Cosanga-Yanayuca Bird & Wildlife Reserve & Guacamayos Afternoon drive to Quito.  Overnight San Jorge Eco-Lodge Quito, includes 3 meals

DAY 10 - AM airport transfer

The Magic Birding Circuit Photo Tours are all-inclusive, including airport transfers, comfortable lodging accommodations, meals, native bird guide and inter-lodge private transportation. Added features while at San Jorge Lodges & Private Reserves include delicious Ecuadorian and International cuisine and quality service.  This tour is for photographers without physical limitation who can trail walk steadily.

MAGIC BIRDING CIRCUIT PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR ITINERARY: 18 Nights/19 Days EAST & WEST ANDES SLOPES & AMAZON JUNGLE - Andes Highlands, Cloud Forests, Upper Tropical Rainforest, Paramos, Tropical Amazonian Rainforest & Amazon Jungle VISIT 5 SAN JORGE ECO-LODGES & 5 PRIVATE BIRD RESERVES + NUMEROUS DESTINATIONS ANDES HIGHLANDS, CLOUD FORESTS, TROPICAL  & AMAZONIAN RAINFORESTS  - COCO CORRIDO PARAMO , EAST & WEST ANDES SLOPES & AMAZON JUNGLE

Visit 9 different eco-systems with new birds every few days!

DAY ONE - Airport transfer to San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve/Quito, day to relax and acclimate.  Feeders - possible Sword-billed Hummingbird. Overnight SJ Quito Lodge, no meals included DAY TWO - Bird Photo San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve/Quito (Andes Highlands) - feeders, gardens, trails, visit Zuri feeders.  Overnight San Jorge Quito Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY THREE & FOUR - Bird Photo San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary (Cloud Forest).  Hummingbird & Tanager feeders, expansive observation decks, trail walking, Moth feeder with hide for rare species, rivers, ponds. Overnight San Jorge Tandayapa Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY FIVE - Bird Photo Pena, afternoon Quinde or similar.  Overnight San Jorge de Tandayapa Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY SIX - Bird Photo San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve (Upper Tropical Rainforest).  Hummingbird, Tanager & Toucan feeders, expansive observation decks, 45’ high covered tower over canopy, trail walking, waterfalls. Overnight San Jorge Milpe Forest Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY SEVEN - Bird Photo Nan feeders and San Jorge Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve.  Overnight San Jorge de Milpe Forest Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY EIGHT - Bird Photo Umbrellabird LEK, afternoon return to San Jorge Quito.   Overnight San Jorge Quito Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY NINE - Bird Photo Antisana National Park Reserve by vehicle (Paramo).  Feeders, possible Andes Condor. Overnight San Jorge Quito Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY TEN - Bird Photo Papallacta Pass-Cayambe Coca National Park.  Afternoon Coca-Cuyuja River.  Overnight brand new San Jorge de Guacamayos Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY ELEVEN & TWELVE - Bird Photo San Jorge de Guacamayos Reserve (Eastern Sub-tropical Cloud Forest).  Private Cock of the Rock Lek. Observation decks & platforms, trail walking. Overnight new San Jorge Guacamayos Lodge, includes 3 meals per day DAY THIRTEEN - Bird Photo Wayra, continue to San Jorge de Sumaco Bajo Bird & Wildlife Reserve (Tropical Amazonian Rainforest).  Overnight brand new San Jorge de Sumaco Bajo Aquatic Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY FOURTEEN - Bird Photo San Jorge Sumaco Bajo Reserve -  Observation decks, 65’ high tower over canopy; pristine trails; gardens, 4 Monkey species.  Afternoon aquatic observations decks, surrounding of lodge, ponds and lagoon. Overnight new San Jorge Sumaco Bajo Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY FIFTEEN - Photo Coca Oxbow Lake by motorized canoe, afternoon to Amazon Jungle Lodge (Amazon Jungle).  Overnight Amazon Jungle Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY SIXTEEN - Photo Parrot & Macaw Hide & Amazon Jungle. Overnight Amazon Jungle Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY SEVENTEEN - Photography boating Napo River - Parrot Clay Lick.  After lunch, boat back to San Jorge Sumaco Bajo Reserve.  Overnight new San Jorge Sumaco Bajo Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY EIGHTEEN - am San Jorge Sumaco Bajo photography, return drive to San Jorge Quito, overnight San Jorge Quito Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY NINETEEN - am airport transfer

Optional :  Multi-flash set up while at our 3 West Slope lodges

MAGIC BIRDING CIRCUIT PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR 14 Nights/15 Days EAST & WEST ANDES SLOPES - Andes Highlands, Cloud Forests, Upper Tropical Rainforest, Paramos, Tropical Amazonian Rainforest

VISIT 5 SAN JORGE ECO-LODGES & 5 PRIVATE BIRD RESERVES + NUMEROUS DESTINATIONS

DAY ONE - Airport transfer to San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve/Quito, day to relax and acclimated.   Feeders - possible Sword-billed Hummingbird . Overnight SJ Quito Lodge, no meals included DAY TWO - Bird Photo San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve/Quito (Andes Highlands) - feeders, gardens, trails,  visit Zuri feeders.  Overnight San Jorge Quito Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY THREE & FOUR - Bird Photo San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary (Cloud Forest).  Hummingbird & Tanager feeders, expansive observation decks, trail walking, Moth feeder with hide for rare species, rivers, ponds. Overnight San Jorge Tandayapa Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY FIVE - Bird Photo Pena Tanai, afternoon Quinde.  Overnight San Jorge de Tandayapa Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY SIX - Bird Photo San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve (Upper Tropical Rainforest).  Hummingbird, Tanager & Toucan feeders, expansive observation decks, 45’ high covered tower over canopy, trail walking, waterfalls. Overnight San Jorge Milpe Forest Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY SEVEN - Bird Photo Nan feeders and San Jorge Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve.  Overnight San Jorge de Milpe Forest Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY EIGHT - Bird Photo Umbrellabird LEK, afternoon return to San Jorge Quito.   Overnight San Jorge Quito Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY NINE - Bird Photo Antisana National Park Reserve by vehicle (Paramo).  Feeders, possible Andes Condor. Overnight San Jorge Quito Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY TEN - Bird Photo Papallacta Pass-Cayambe Coca National Park.  Afternoon Coca-Cuyuja River.  Overnight brand new San Jorge de Guacamayos Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY ELEVEN & TWELVE - Bird Photo San Jorge de Guacamayos Reserve (Eastern Sub-tropical Cloud Forest).  Private Cock of the Rock Lek. Observation decks & platforms, trail walking. Overnight new San Jorge Guacamayos Lodge, includes 3 meals per day DAY THIRTEEN - Bird Photo Wayra, continue to San Jorge de Sumaco Bajo Bird & Wildlife Reserve (Tropical Amazonian Rainforest).  Overnight brand new San Jorge de Sumaco Bajo Aquatic Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY FOURTEEN - Bird Photo San Jorge Sumaco Bajo Reserve -  Observation decks, 65’ high tower over canopy; pristine trails; gardens, 4 Monkey species.  Afternoon aquatic observations decks, surrounding of lodge, ponds and lagoon. Overnight new San Jorge Sumaco Bajo Lodge, includes 3 meals

The Magic Birding Circuit Photo Tours are all-inclusive, including airport transfers, comfortable lodging accommodations, meals, native bird guide and inter-lodge private transportation. Added features while at San Jorge Lodges & Private Reserves include delicious Ecuadorian and International cuisine and quality service.  This tour is for photographers without physical limitation who can also trail walk steadily.

MAGIC BIRDING CIRCUIT PHOTO TOUR - 10N/11D EAST ANDES SLOPE & AMAZON JUNGLE - Andes Highlands, Sub-tropical Cloud Forest, Paramo, Tropical Amazonian Rainforest & Amazon Jungle VISIT 3 SAN JORGE ECO-LODGES & 3 PRIVATE BIRD RESERVES + NUMEROUS OUTSIDE DESTINATIONS Visit 5 different eco-systems with new birds every few days!

DAY ONE - Airport transfer to San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve/Quito, day to relax and acclimate.   Feeders - possible Sword-billed Hummingbird . Overnight SJ Quito Lodge, no meals included DAY TWO - Bird Photo Papallacta Pass-Cayambe Coca National Park.  Afternoon Coca-Cuyuja River.  Overnight brand new San Jorge de Guacamayos Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY THREE & FOUR - Bird Photo San Jorge de Guacamayos Reserve (Eastern Sub-tropical Cloud Forest).  Private Cock of the Rock Lek. Observation decks & platforms, trail walking. Overnight new San Jorge Guacamayos Lodge, includes 3 meals per day DAY FIVE - Bird Photo Wayra, continue to San Jorge de Sumaco Bajo Bird & Wildlife Reserve (Tropical Amazonian Rainforest).  Overnight brand new San Jorge de Sumaco Bajo Aquatic Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY SIX - Bird Photo San Jorge Sumaco Bajo Reserve - Observation decks, 65’ high tower over canopy; pristine trails; gardens, 4 Monkey species.  Afternoon aquatic observations decks, surrounding of lodge, ponds and lagoon. Overnight new San Jorge Sumaco Bajo Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY SEVEN - Photo Coca Oxbow Lake by motorized canoe, afternoon to Amazon Jungle Lodge.  Overnight Mandi, includes 3 meals DAY EIGHT - Photo Parrot & Macaw Hide & Amazon Jungle. Overnight Mandi, includes 3 meals DAY NINE - After breakfast, boating Napo River - Parrot Clay Lick.  After lunch, boat back to San Jorge Sumaco Bajo Reserve.  Overnight San Jorge Sumaco Bajo Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY TEN - am San Jorge Sumaco Bajo photography, return to San Jorge Quito, overnight San Jorge Quito Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY ELEVEN - am airport transfer

MAGIC BIRDING CIRCUIT PHOTO TOUR – 9N/10D West West Andes Slope - Andes Highlands, Cloud Forest, Upper Tropical Rainforest, Paramo VISIT 3 SAN JORGE ECO-LODGES & 3 PRIVATE BIRD RESERVES + OUTSIDE DESTINATIONS Visit 5 different eco-systems with new birds every few days!

DAY ONE – Airport transfer to San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve/Quito, day to relax and acclimate.   Feeders – possible Sword-billed Hummingbird . Overnight SJ Quito Lodge, no meals included DAY TWO – Bird Photo San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve/Quito (Andes Highlands) – feeders, gardens, trails, visit Zuri feeders.  Overnight San Jorge Quito Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY THREE & FOUR - Bird Photo San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary (Cloud Forest).  Hummingbird & Tanager feeders, expansive observation decks, trail walking, Moth feeder with hide for rare species, rivers, ponds. Overnight San Jorge Tandayapa Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY FIVE – Bird Photo Pena Tanai, afternoon Quinde.  Overnight San Jorge de Tandayapa Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY SIX – Bird Photo San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve (Upper Tropical Rainforest).  Hummingbird, Tanager & Toucan feeders, expansive observation decks, 45’ high covered tower over canopy, trail walking, waterfalls. Overnight San Jorge Milpe Forest Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY SEVEN – Bird Photo Nan feeders and San Jorge Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve.  Overnight San Jorge de Milpe Forest Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY EIGHT – Bird Photo Umbrellabird LEK, afternoon return to San Jorge Quito.   Overnight San Jorge Quito Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY NINE – Bird Photo Antisana National Park Reserve by vehicle (Paramo).  Feeders, possible Andes Condor. Overnight San Jorge Quito Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY TEN – am airport transfer

MAGIC BIRDING CIRCUIT PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR 6 Nights/7 Days EAST ANDES SLOPE - Andes Highlands, Sub-tropical Cloud Forest, Paramo & Tropical Amazonian Rainforest VISIT 3 SAN JORGE ECO-LODGES & 2 PRIVATE BIRD RESERVES + OUTSIDE DESTINATIONS

Visit 5 different eco-systems with new birds every couple of days!

DAY ONE - Airport transfer to San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve/Quito, day to relax and acclimate.   Feeders - possible Sword-billed Hummingbird . Overnight SJ Quito Lodge, no meals included DAY TWO - Bird Photo Papallacta Pass-Cayambe Coca National Park.  Afternoon Coca-Cuyuja River.  Overnight new San Jorge de Guacamayos Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY THREE & FOUR - Bird Photo San Jorge de Guacamayos Reserve.  Private Cock of the Rock Lek. Observation decks, trail walking. Overnight San Jorge Guacamayos Lodge, includes 3 meals per day DAY FIVE - Bird Photo Wayra, continue to San Jorge de Sumaco Bajo Bird & Wildlife Reserve.  Overnight new San Jorge de Sumaco Bajo Aquatic Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY SIX - Bird Photo San Jorge Sumaco Bajo 65’ tower over canopy.  Afternoon aquatic observations decks, surrounding of lodge, pond and lagoon. Overnight San Jorge Sumaco Bajo Lodge, includes 3 meals DAY SEVEN - am airport transfer to Coca Airport (fly Coca to Quito Airport - purchase air ticket on own - Latham Airlines 50min. flight departs Coca 10:15 am)

San Jorge’s Magic Eco-Tour Nature packages are all-inclusive, including airport transfers, comfortable lodging accommodations, meals, guided tours with specialized native guides, private transportation and reserve entrance fees. Added features while at San Jorge’s Lodges include delicious Ecuadorian and International cuisine and quality services.

Day One - Evening airport transfer from Quito Airport to San Jorge Eco-Lodge/Quito, overnight lodging San Jorge/Quito, no meals

Day Two - Eco-Tour for nature lovers - San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve/Quito - Walk the pristine highland humid forest, volcanic walls and sightseeing overlooking Quito from a distance on pre-Inca trails. Great explanation of archeology, medicinal plants and folklore.  After lunch, hands on Cooking Class learning how to make dark Andes chocolate, Andes Coffee and empanadas. Overnight San Jorge/Quito Lodge, includes 3 meals

Day Three - Visit the middle of the world museum and original equator monument at Cala Cali. Continue on to San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary in the Cloud Forest checking for Hummingbirds and Tanagers at the feeders. Excellent for wild photography. After lunch, a guided hike on our pristine well designed trails viewing birds and exotic flora and fauna. Overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa Lodge, includes 3 meals   

Day Four - Early morning sightseeing and animal observation at the reserve. After breakfast guided Orchid Tour at our orchidairy and trails with orchids and bromeliads in their natural habitat. Afternoon at leisure on own.  Overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa Lodge, includes 3 meals

Day Five - After breakfast depart for San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve in the Upper Tropical Rainforest. Afternoon bird and canopy observation at our 45-foot high spacious observation tower and decks overlooking the canopy. After dinner, partake in a Night Walk looking for owls, potoos, different frogs and insects. San Jorge Milpe Reserve has an upper tropical forest, which is even more diverse than our Cloud Forest at San Jorge de Tandayapa. Totally different eco-systems, only 1 hour drive part!  Overnight San Jorge/Milpe Cliff Lodge, includes 3 meals

Day Six - After breakfast get ready for a hike in the Tropical Forest, visiting several waterfalls all pristine! Enjoy swimming in the cascading waterfalls at one of the last preserved and purest forests in the world! The stunning upper tropical rainforest surrounding the lodges feature well-kept pristine hiking trails, with 8 different trails to explore the different features of the reserve, with 11 spring fed waterfalls, crossed by the large Chaguaryacu River.  Overnight San Jorge/Milpe Forest Lodge, includes 3 meals 

Day Seven - Day of leisure at San Jorge/Milpe paradise to explore on own.  After lunch, transfer to San Jorge/Quito. Overnight San Jorge/Quito Lodge, includes 3 meals

Days Eight & Nine - San Jorge de Guacamayos Reserve in the Eastern Andes Cloud Forest.  View beautiful vistas of Antisana and Sumaco Volcanos a and gorgeous scenery when hiking the trails in the clouds. Observe beautiful Hummingbirds, birds, butterflies and fauna. Overnight new San Jorge Guacamayos Lodge, includes 3 meals per day.

Days Ten & Eleven- AM departure with a stop at Ollin Waterfalls and Hummingbird feeders.  Continue on to San Jorge de Sumaco Bajo Reserve in the Amazonian Tropical Rainforest. Hiking trails, Macaws, Parrots and elaborate birds, monkeys, butterflies, dragonflies and wildlife. Swimming in our crystalline river and streams. Wildlife observation and photography from our observation decks overlooking the Amazonian canopy and new observation decks. Partake in a guided Night Walk looking for lizards, different frogs and insects, caimans, night monkeys and ocelots . Overnight new San Jorge de Sumaco Bajo Lodge, includes 3 meals per day

Day Twelve - 7:30 AM airport transfer to Coca Airport (AM flight purchased on own from Coca Airport to Quito Airport) includes breakfast

Optional :   Extra days/cultural tours at the beginning of the tour:  Old Colonial Quito City Tour, Medicinal Plants, Otavalo Indian Market & Surrounding Villages, Pappallacta Hot Springs, Cotopaxi Volcano – inquire for pricing

San Jorge’s Magic Eco-Tour Nature packages are all-inclusive, including airport transfers or pick up from downtown Quito, comfortable lodging accommodations, meals, guided tours with native guides, private transportation and reserve entrance fees. Added features while at San Jorge’s Lodges include delicious Ecuadorian and International cuisine and quality services.

Day Two - Eco-Tour for nature lovers - San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve/Quito - Walk the pristine highland humid forest, volcanic walls and sightseeing overlooking Quito from a distance on pre-Inca trails. Great explanation of archeology, medicinal plants and folklore.  After lunch, hands on Cooking Class learning how to make dark Andes chocolate, Andes Coffee and empanadas. Overnight San Jorge/Quito Lodge, includes 3 meals 

Day Three  - Visit the middle of the world museum and original equator monument at Cala Cali. Continue on to San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary in the Cloud Forest checking for Hummingbirds and Tanagers at the feeders. Excellent for wild photography. After lunch, a guided hike on our pristine well designed trails viewing birds and exotic flora and fauna. Overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa Lodge, includes 3 meals 

Day Four - Early morning sightseeing and animal observation at the reserve. After breakfast guided Orchid Tour at our orchidairy and gorgeous trails with orchids and bromeliads in their natural habitat. Afternoon at leisure on own. Overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa Lodge, includes 3 meals

Day Five - After breakfast depart for San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve in the Upper Tropical Rainforest. Afternoon bird and canopy observation at our 45 foot high spacious covered tower overlooking the canopy. After dinner, partake in a Night Walk looking for owls, potoos, different frogs and insects. San Jorge Milpe Reserve has an upper tropical forest, which is even more diverse than our Cloud Forest at San Jorge de Tandayapa. Totally different eco-systems, only 1 hour drive part!  Overnight San Jorge/Milpe Forest Lodge, includes 3 meals

Day Six - After breakfast get ready for a hike in the Tropical forest, visiting several waterfalls all pristine! Enjoy swimming in the cascading waterfalls at one of the last preserved and purest forests in the world! The stunning upper tropical rainforest surrounding the lodges feature well-kept pristine hiking trails, with 8 different trails to explore the different features of the reserve, with 11 spring fed waterfalls, crossed by the large Chaguaryacu River. Overnight San Jorge/Milpe Cliff Lodge, includes 3 meals 

Day Seven - Day of leisure at San Jorge/Milpe paradise to explore on own. Later afternoon, transfer to San Jorge/Quito. Overnight San Jorge/Quito Lodge, includes 3 meals

Day Eight - AM airport transfer

Optional Extra days/cultural tours:   Old Colonial Quito City Tour, Medicinal Plants, Otavalo Indian Market & Surrounding Villages, Pappallacta Hot Springs, Cotopaxi Volcano.

MAGIC BIRDING CIRCUIT SENIOR TOUR – East & West Andes Slope & Tropical Amazon Rainforest – 17 Nights/18 Days

Would you like to see the special birds of Ecuador, but without too much exertion? This relaxed birding package is specially designed for the senior traveler, or those who do not prefer to involve long or strenuous walks.  Includes ½ day guided birding with afternoons at leisure on own.

Itinerary:  17N/18D Day One - Evening Airport transfer from Quito Airport to San Jorge Eco-Lodge/Quito; overnight San Jorge/Quito Eco-Lodge, no meals included Day Two - Day of leisure on own at San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve, overnight San Jorge/Quito Eco-Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Three - Morning guided birding at San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve/Quito Birding Center -  gardens & feeders (ANDES HIGHLANDS); overnight San Jorge/Quito Eco-Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Four - Morning guided birding world famous Nono-Mindo Road (HIGHLAND RAINFOREST/CLOUD FOREST) continue on to San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary, overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa Eco-Lodge, includes 3 meals Days Five & Six -Morning guided birding San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary gardens, feeders, easier trails surrounding the lodge & Canopy Islands Bird Observation Center (CLOUD FOREST) overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa Eco-Lodge, includes 3 meals per day Day Seven -Morning guided birding at Amaguza Reserve: Observe endemic birds at feeders not found in Tandayapa or Milpe – feeders & bird walk.  Overnight San Jorge/Milpe Forest Eco-Lodge, includes 3 meals Days Eight & Nine - Morning guided birding at San Jorge de Milpe Orchid & Bird Reserve (UPPER TROPICAL RAINFOREST) gardens, feeders and easier trails surrounding the lodge. Overnight San Jorge/Milpe Forest Lodge, includes 3 meals per day Day Ten - Morning guided San Tadeo feeders.  Overnight San Jorge/Quito Eco-Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Eleven - 1/2 day guided birding Antizana National Park by vehicle - Andes Condor Reserve (PARAMO), overnight San Jorge/Quito Eco-Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Twelve - Morning guided birding Papallacta Pass & Papallacta Lake (PARAMO/EAST ANDES), overnight Quijos, includes 3 meals Days Thirteen & Fourteen - Morning guided birding at NEW San Jorge de Guacamayos Bird Paradise (EASTERN SUBTROPICAL CLOUD FOREST), overnight Loreto, includes 3 meals per day Days Fifteen & Sixteen – Morning guided birding at NEW San Jorge de Sumaco Bajo Reserve (Amazonian Tropical Rainforest) NEW 60 foot high spacious bird observation tower overlooking the canopy, Macaws Boulevard, gardens and trails.  Overnight Loreto, includes 3 meals per day Day Seventeen – early AM stop at San Jorge de Cosanga-Yanayuca Bird & Wildlife Reserve, continue return drive to Quito - overnight San Jorge/Quito Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Eighteen - AM transfer to Quito Airport

Optional side tours: Old Colonial Quito City Tour, Middle of the World Equator Monument, Otavalo Indian Market & surrounding villages; Cotopaxi Volcano, Papallacta Hot Springs; Medicinal Plants, Andes Chocolate, Coffee & Empanadas - Hands on Cooking Lesson; Galapagos Islands Cruise extension 

SENIOR BIRDWATCHING TOURS WITH EASIER TRAIL S

14 nights/15 days east & west andes slope.

Would you like to see the special birds of Ecuador, but without too much exertion? This relaxed birding package is specially designed for the senior traveler, or those who do not prefer to involve long or strenuous walks. The Magic Birding Circuit Senior Tours are all-inclusive, including airport transfers, lodging (rooms with easy accessibility) meals, ½ day guided birding tours on flatter terrains, specialized birding guides, private transportation and reserve entrance fees. Itinerary includes morning bird walks with free time in afternoon to relax or bird on own while at our private birding reserves.

Itinerary: 14 Night/15 Day - Magic Circuit Senior Pre-scheduled Tour

Day One - Evening Airport transfer from Quito Airport to San Jorge Eco-Lodge/Quito; overnight San Jorge/Quito Lodge, no meals included Day Two - Day of leisure on own at San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve, overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals Day Three - Morning guided birding at San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve/Quito Birding Center -  gardens & feeders (ANDES HIGHLANDS); overnight San Jorge/Quito, includes 3 meals Day Four - Morning guided birding world famous Nono-Mindo Road (HIGHLAND RAINFOREST/CLOUD FOREST), continue on to San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary, overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa, includes 3 meals Day Five - Morning guided birding San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary gardens, feeders, easier trails surrounding the lodge & NEW Canopy Islands Photo & Observation Center (CLOUD FOREST) overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Six - Morning Birding at Amaguza Reserve:  Observe endemic birds at feeders not found in Tandayapa or Milpe - feeders & bird walk; overnight San Jorge/Milpe Forest Lodge, includes 3 meals Days Seven & Eight - Morning guided birding San Jorge de Milpe Eco-Lodge gardens, feeders and easier trails surrounding the lodge (UPPER TROPICAL RAINFOREST), overnight San Jorge/Milpe Forest Lodge, includes 3 meals per day Day Nine - Morning visit to San Tadeo feeders; afternoon transfer to San Jorge/Quito, overnight San Jorge/Quito Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Ten - Old Colonial Quito City Tour with lunch at typical restaurant, overnight San Jorge/Quito Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Eleven - 1/2 day Birding Antizana National Park by vehicle - Andes Condor Reserve (HIGH BARREN PLAINS/PARAMO), overnight San Jorge/Quito Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Twelve - Morning Birding Papallacta Pass & Papallacta Lake (PARAMO/EAST ANDES SLOPE), overnight Quijos, includes 3 meals Day Thirteen - Morning feeders & Birding San Jorge de Guacamayos Bird Paradise (Eastern Cloud Forest), overnight Quijos, includes 3 meals Day Fourteen - Morning Birding San Jorge de Guacamayos Bird Paradise (Eastern Cloud Forest), overnight San Jorge/Quito Eco-Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Fifteen - AM airport transfer

Optional side tours: Middle of the World Equator Monument, Otavalo Indian Market & surrounding villages; Cotopaxi Volcano, Papallacta Hot Springs; Medicinal Plants, Andes Chocolate, Coffee & Empanadas - Hands on Cooking Lesson; Galapagos Islands Cruise extension 

MAGIC BIRDING CIRCUIT SENIOR TOUR – West Andes Slope – 7 Nights/8 Days

Would you like to see the special birds of Ecuador, but without too much exertion? This birding package is specially designed for the 'active' senior traveler, or those who do not prefer to involve long or walks. Includes ½ day guided birding with afternoons at leisure on own. The Magic Birding Circuit Tours are all-inclusive, including round trip airport transfers, lodging, meals, ½ day guided birding tours on easier trails, private transportation and reserve entrance fees. 

Itinerary - 7 Nights/8 days Day One - Evening Airport transfer from Quito Airport to San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve/Quito; overnight San Jorge/Quito Lodge Day Two - Morning guided birding at San Jorge Eco-Lodge/Quito gardens & feeders (HIGH BARREN PLAINS); overnight San Jorge/Quito Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Three - Morning guided birding world famous Nono-Mindo Road (HIGHLAND RAINFOREST/CLOUD FOREST), overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Four - Morning guided birding San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary -  gardens, feeders, easier trails surrounding the lodge & Canopy Islands Bird Photo & Observation Center  (CLOUD FOREST) overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Five - Morning Birding at Amaguza Reserve:  Observe endemic birds at feeders not found in Tandayapa or Milpe - feeders & bird walk; overnight San Jorge/Milpe Forest Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Six - Morning guided birding San Jorge de Milpe Lodge gardens, feeders and easier trails surrounding the lodge (TROPICAL RAINFOREST), overnight San Jorge/Milpe Forest Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Seven - Morning guided visit to San Tadeo feeders; afternoon transfer to San Jorge/Quito, overnight San Jorge/Quito Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Eight - AM transfer to Quito Airport

Optional side tours: Old Colonial Quito City Tour, Middle of the World Equator Monument; Otavalo Indian Market & surrounding villages; Cotopaxi Volcano, Papallacta Hot Springs; Medicinal Plants & Sacred Waterfalls, Andes Chocolate & Coffee - Hands on Cooking Lesson; Galapagos Islands Cruise extensions

Magic Birding Circuit Senior Tour - West Andes Slope 

Would you like to see the special birds of Ecuador, but without too much exertion? This relaxed birding package is specially designed for the senior traveler, or those who do not prefer to involve long or strenuous walks. You may choose your own travel dates. The Magic Birding Circuit Tours are all-inclusive, including airport transfers, lodging (rooms with easy accessibility, meals, ½ day birding tours on flatter terrains , specialized birding guides, private transportation and reserve entrance fees.  Itinerary includes morning bird walks with free time in afternoon to relax or bird on own while at our private birding reserves.

4 nights/5 days

Day One - Evening Airport transfer from Quito Airport to San Jorge Eco-Lodge & Botanical Reserve/Quito; overnight San Jorge/Quito Lodge Day Two - Morning birding at San Jorge Eco-Lodge/Quito surroundings & feeders ANDES HIGHLANDS); overnight San Jorge/Quito Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Three - Morning birding world famous Nono-Mindo Road (HIGHLAND RAINFOREST/CLOUD FOREST), overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Four - Morning birding San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary surroundings & feeders (CLOUD FOREST), overnight San Jorge/Tandayapa Lodge, includes 3 meals Day Five - Day at leisure for birding/photography on own, afternoon transfer to downtown Quito, includes breakfast & lunch Optional side tours: Old Colonial Quito City Tour, Middle of the World Equator Monument; Otavalo Indian Market & surrounding villages; Cotopaxi Volcano, Papallacta Hot Springs; Medicinal Plants, Andes Chocolate & Coffee - Hands on Cooking Lesson; Galapagos Islands Cruise extension 

Our all-inclusive tours include airport transfers, delicious fresh meals, lodging, specialized English-speaking native bird guides and private inter-lodge transportation. San Jorge Eco-Lodges are rustic and environmentally friendly and offer top quality service with comfortable well-appointed rooms. You can even see birds from your room!

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South America (and its islands)

NORTHERN ECUADOR – The Ultimate specialities tour of both slopes of the Andes and the Chocó

Rufous Antpitta (image by Pete Morris)

Blue-winged Mountain Tanager (image by Pete Morris)

Andean Emerald (image by Pete Morris)

Chestnut-crowned Antpitta (image by Pete Morris)

Andean Pygmy Owl (image by Pete Morris)

Fawn-breasted Brilliant (image by Pete Morris)

Ocellated Tapaculo (image by Pete Morris)

Andean Cock-of-the-rock (image by Pete Morris)

White-booted Racket-tail (image by Pete Morris)

Plate-billed Mountain Toucan (image by Pete Morris)

Coppery-chested Jacamar (image by Pete Morris)

Black-and-white Owl (image by Pete Morris)

Rufous-crowned Antpitta (image by Pete Morris)

White-throated Screech Owl (image by Pete Morris)

Purple-bibbed Whitetip (image by Pete Morris)

Chestnut-breasted Coronet (image by Pete Morris)

Peruvian Antpitta

Torrent Duck (image by Pete Morris)

Toucan Barbet (image by Pete Morris)

Blackburnian Warbler (image by Pete Morris)

Ochre-breasted Antpitta (image by Pete Morris)

Moss-backed Tanager (image by Pete Morris)

Grey-and-gold Tanager (image by Pete Morris)

Empress Brilliant (image by Pete Morris)

Yellow-breasted Antpitta (image by Pete Morris)

Fasciated Tiger Heron (image by Pete Morris)

Ecuadorian Hillstar (image by Pete Morris)

Violet-tailed Sylph (image by Pete Morris)

Golden-collared Honeycreeper (image by Pete Morris)

Golden-naped Tanager (image by Pete Morris)

Glistening-green Tanager (image by Pete Morris)

Golden-crowned Tanager (image by Pete Morris)

Velvet-purple Coronet (image by Pete Morris)

Lined Quail-Dove (image by Pete Morris)

Orange-breasted Fruiteater (image by Pete Morris)

Rufous-banded Owl (image by Pete Morris)

Black-backed Woodquail (image by Pete Morris)

Choco Trogon (image by Pete Morris)

Giant Antpitta (image by Pete Morris)

Scaled Fruiteater (image by Pete Morris)

NORTHERN ECUADOR: OVERVIEW

Birdquest’s Northern Ecuador birding tours are surely some of the ultimate South American birding tours. Our Northern Ecuador birding tour is the ultimate tour itinerary in the region and regularly records a huge number of species as well as more specialities than any other tour! Mostly very pleasant accommodations, short travel distances, great scenery and an extraordinarily rich avifauna make this tour one of the best and most enjoyable birding journeys in the world.

Ecuador, bisected from north to south by the mighty Andes mountains and from east to west by the equator (after which the country is named), offers wonderful birding amidst magnificent scenery in one of the smallest countries in South America.

Once part of the Inca empire that stretched from Chile to Colombia and later a Spanish colony before it gained its independence during the 19th century, this small country possesses an extraordinary range of environments. Here, in a comparatively limited area, one can travel from towering snow-capped volcanoes to oxbow lakes deep in the Amazonian rainforests and from windswept grasslands to temperate cloud forests. It is thus not surprising that Ecuador has the highest bird species diversity for an area its size in South America. Over 1600 bird species have already been recorded from this beautiful country, twice as many as from the whole of Europe, and yet many areas still remain ornithologically unexplored! In addition to having many species that are widely distributed in South America, Ecuador has a fine selection of endemics and other species only shared with neighbouring areas in Colombia or northern Peru.

This wonderful country offers not only the ultimate in Neotropical birding but also one of the richest birding experiences on earth! Ours is the most comprehensive tour to the northern regions of Ecuador available, regularly recording a huge number of very special birds! This tour is also specially designed to see as many as 70 or more hummingbirds, something which is not possible anywhere else in the world within such a short time frame!

During our Northern Ecuador birding tour, we shall visit almost all of the main habitats found in the northern half of the country, apart from the Amazonian lowlands. We will look for seedsnipe high on the Andean slopes, gorgeously-plumaged quetzals and gaudy tanagers amongst the moss and bromeliad-encrusted trees of the cloud forests, toucans and manakins in the Amazonian foothills, skulking antbirds deep in the rainforest, scintillating hummingbirds breaking all the laws of aerodynamics as they search out blossoms, raucous chachalacas at dawn, confusing woodcreepers and ovenbirds, retiring doves and exotic trogons. Ecuador’s astonishing diversity of birdlife, welcoming people, short travel distances and good accommodations make birding here a real delight.

Our Northern Ecuador birding tour starts in Quito, a pleasant colonial city nestled in the central valley of the Andes below the active Pichincha volcano, we will investigate some splendid patches of temperate cloudforest in the Yanacocha area in search of such iridescent jewels as Sword-billed Hummingbird, Black-breasted and Golden-breasted Pufflegs and Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, as well as Chestnut-naped Antpitta.

Subsequently, we shall explore verdant cloud forests and paramo grasslands in the surrounding highlands and on the western slope of the Andes around Mindo. This is one of the most exciting areas for birds in Ecuador and amongst a plethora of new birds we will be wanting to see Purple-bibbed Whitetip, Empress and Fawn-breasted Brilliants, Buff-tailed and Velvet-purple Coronets, the gorgeous Golden-headed Quetzal, the splendid Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, the impressive Toucan Barbet, Streak-capped and Uniform Treehunters, Nariño and Spillmann’s Tapaculos, Club-winged Manakin, Orange-breasted and Scaled Fruiteaters, Olivaceous Piha, Beautiful Jay and the rare Tanager Finch.

Star attractions in the Mindo region are the Giant, Yellow-breasted, Moustached, Chestnut-crowned and Ochre-breasted Antpittas that have been habituated to eat provided earthworms by the extraordinary Angel Paz!

Providing we have the time, we will also visit a wonderful gulley in order to watch strange Oilbirds at their ledges in a dark ravine.

Farther west, we will explore some remnant lowland forest for such Chocó specialities as Brown Wood Rail, Green Thorntail, the handsome Purple-chested Hummingbird, Guayaquil Woodpecker, Rufous-winged Tyrannulet, Slate-throated Gnatcatcher, Stripe-throated Wren, Choco Warbler, and Moss-backed, Rufous-winged and Grey-and-gold Tanagers.

Afterwards we will venture further to the northwest and take a boat journey to Playa de Oro in the drainage of the Cayapas River in the Chocó lowlands. Based at a community-owned lodge, we will explore the vast forests bordering the Cotacachi-Cayapas Reserve, where the much sought-after Sapayoa, the sole member of its family is fairly easy to find! Here we have our best chance for the elusive Rufous-crowned Antpitta, nowadays thought to be a giant gnateater rather than a true antpitta, which sometimes joins raiding army ant swarms attended by Bicolored, Spotted and Ocellated Antbirds. Other sought-after birds that inhabit the forests in this fantastic area include Semiplumbeous Hawk, Choco Screech Owl, Choco Poorwill, Choco Trogon, Pale-mandibled Aracari, Five-colored Barbet, Rose-faced Parrot, Tooth-billed Hummingbird, Stub-tailed Antbird, the stunning Black-tipped Cotinga, the near-endemic Scarlet-breasted Dacnis, and Scarlet-browed, Blue-whiskered, Scarlet-and-white and Lemon-spectacled Tanagers. There are even chances for seeing Berlepsh’s Tinamou and with a lot of luck the very rare Baudo Gauan.

After the western lowlands, we will continue towards the Colombian border. On the way to the foothills, we will visit the swamp forest of Humedal de Yalaré where we will seek out such goodies as Black-breasted Puffbird. Afterwards, we will head into the foothills again to visit an area where our main targets will be Lita and Choco Woodpeckers, Yellow-collared Chlorophonia, and the near-endemic Yellow-green and superb Golden-chested Tanagers.

Moving on, we explore the cloudforests of the Chical and the dry valleys around Ambuqui, looking for a number of localized birds including Blue-headed Sapphire, Hoary Puffleg, Star-chested Treerunner, Purplish-mantled Tanager and the localized Scrub Tanager.

Our final ‘west slope’ experience will be looking for the delightful little Buff-fronted Owl (one of the most sought-after owls in the Americas), Stygian Owl, Rusty-breasted Antpitta and Rufous-chested Tanager in the Quito region.

After spending some time on the western slope of the Andes and in the western lowlands, our spectacular descent into the upper tropical zone at the base of the eastern slope of the Andes will come as a total ornithological contrast. Here we will visit the superb Wild Sumaco Lodge in the Amazonian foothills. Birdlife is extraordinarily rich here at the edge of Amazonia, and amongst many special birds are Coppery-chested Jacamar, Black-mandibled Toucan, Ecuadorian Piedtail, Chestnut-crowned Gnateater, Grey-tailed Piha, Foothill Elaenia, Olive-chested Flycatcher, Buff-throated and Black-and-white Tody-Tyrants, the pretty White-crowned and Blue-rumped Manakins, Olivaceous and Rufous-naped Greenlets, Blue-browed Tanager, Golden-collared Honeycreeper and Olivaceous Siskin.

As we make our way back to Quito we will explore progressively higher areas as we ascend the verdant eastern slope of the Andes all the way to the Guacamayos Ridge. There are so many specialities in this fantastic area that it is hard to know which to pick out, but amongst the many good birds here are Rufous-banded Owl, Swallow-tailed Nightjar, Crested Quetzal, Yellow-vented Woodpecker, White-bellied and Slate-crowned Antpittas, Ocellated Tapaculo, Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher, Rufous-breasted Flycatcher, Black-billed Peppershrike, Dusky Piha, Yellow-whiskered Bush Tanager and White-capped Tanager.

Finally, after returning to Quito we will sample the rich birdlife of the high Andean paramo at Antisana National Park and at the Papallacta Pass, looking for such great birds as Andean Condor, Carunculated Caracara, Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, the endemic Ecuadorian Hillstar, Giant Hummingbird, Paramo Tapaculo and Black-backed Bush Tanager.

Birdquest has operated Ecuador birding tours since 1989.

Accommodation & Road Transport: The hotels/lodges are almost all of good or medium standard. At Playa de Oro the lodge is quite basic, with no electricity, though it has cold running water. Some of the rooms have attached bathrooms, while others have shared bathrooms. Road transport is by small coach and roads are variable in quality.

Walking: The walking effort during our Northern Ecuador birding tours is mostly easy, but sometimes moderate, and there are a few optional, more strenuous, muddy trails at Playa de Oro.

Climate: Rather variable. At low and middle altitudes many days are warm or hot, dry and sunny, but it is sometimes cool and overcast. At high altitudes conditions range from cool to decidedly cold. It often rains (and it may even snow at high altitudes) and it can be rather humid in the lowlands.

Bird Photography: Opportunities during our Northern Ecuador birding tours are good in places, worthwhile elsewhere.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• An extraordinary tour with a huge number of species recorded, even while focused on the many specialities!
• Too many highligts to list them all! Definitely a must-do tour in one of the richest countries for birding in the world
• An endless variety of habitats visited, ranging from the Pacific shore to the lowland forest of the Choco, the high Andes and the Amazonian foothills
• More than 70 species of hummingbirds usually seen, including the amazing Sword-billed Hummingbird
• Very good photographic opportunities. Many tanagers, toucans and hummingbirds coming to feeders
• A visit to the world-famous Angel Paz reserve, home of tame antpittas and lekking Andean Cocks-of-the-rock
• The incredible Plate-billed Mountain Toucan and tame Toucan Barbets of the Mindo area
• Rarely-seen birds at Playa de Oro, deep in the Chocó, such as Broad-billed Sapayoa and Five-colored Barbet
• Searching for Choco Woodpecker and the stunning Golden-chested Tanager in the northwest
• Tracking down the sought-after Buff-fronted Owl and Rusty-breasted Antpitta near Quito
• A visit to the extremely birdy Wild Sumaco Lodge, where more than 500 species have been recorded!
• Chances of seeing the impressive Spectacled Bear in the Andes
• Birding along the Guacamayos Ridge, searching for Peruvian Antpitta, while based at the famous San Isidro lodge
• Enjoying Ecuadorian Hillstars and Andean Condors in the high andean paramo, where the scenery is breathtaking!

OUTLINE ITINERARY

• Day 1: Evening tour start in Quito area.
• Day 2: Drive via Yanacocha to Mindo on west slope of Andes.
• Days 3-5: Mindo area, including Angel Paz antpittas.
• Day 6: Drive to Selva Alegre. By boat to Playa de Oro Lodge.
• Days 7-8: Cotacachi-Cayapas Reserve in the Chocó. Overnights at Playa de Oro Lodge.
• Day 9: Playa de Oro area, then by boat and road to San Lorenzo. Visit Alta Tambo and Lita area.
• Day 10: Chical Road, then drive to Ambuqui.
• Day 11: Drive to Quito area.
• Day 12: Drive via Papallacta pass to Wild Sumaco lodge on east slope of Andes.
• Days 13-15: Wild Sumaco.
• Day 16: Wild Sumaco, then return up east slope to San Isidro Lodge near Cosanga.
• Days 17-18: San Isidro and Cordillera de Guacamayos.
• Day 19: San Isidro, then drive to Quito area.
• Day 20: Antisana National Park, then to Quito airport for late afternoon tour end.

To see a larger map, click on the square-like ‘enlarge’ icon in the upper right of the map box.

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PRICE INFORMATION

Birdquest Inclusions: Our tour prices include surface transportation, accommodations, meals and entrance fees.

We also include all tipping for local guides, drivers and accommodation/restaurant staff.

Deposit: 20% of the total tour price. Our office will let you know what deposit amount is due, in order to confirm your booking, following receipt of your online booking form.

TO BOOK THIS TOUR: Click here (you will need the tour dates)

The single supplement will not apply if you indicate on booking that you prefer to share a room and there is a room-mate of the same sex available.

This tour is priced in US Dollars. Amounts shown in other currencies are indicative.

Air Travel To & From The Tour:  Our in-house IATA ticket agency will be pleased to arrange your air travel on request, or you may arrange this yourself if you prefer.

NORTHERN ECUADOR BIRDING TOUR: DETAILED ITINERARY

Northern Ecuador: Day 1   Our Northern Ecuador birding tour begins this evening in the Quito area, where we will stay overnight at a pleasant rural guesthouse. (An airport transfer will be provided.)

In the garden, we might see Eared Dove, Blue-and-white Swallow, Cinereous Conebill, Golden-rumped Euphonia, Blue-and-yellow Tanager, Southern Yellow Grosbeak and Hooded Siskin, while flowering bushes act like magnets for Sparkling Violetears and Black-tailed Trainbearers.

Northern Ecuador: Day 2   Quito, a charming colonial capital, sits at the foot of Pichincha (15,424ft or 4701m), one of four huge volcanoes that dominate the surrounding area. On clear days the towering snow-capped peaks of Cayambe (19,017ft or 5796m), Cotopaxi (19,345ft or 5896m) and Antisana (18,715ft or 5704m) can be seen in the distance. While the city-facing slopes of Pichincha have long since been brought under cultivation, the western side of the mountain is clothed in uninterrupted and magnificent cloudforest from the treeline down to upper tropical elevations.

Travelling via a maze of little country roads, we shall drive to the Yanacocha area, an area of extraordinarily beautiful upper temperate forest that seems light years away from the bustling city. Here the various feeders attract a bewildering variety of hummingbirds, and we are likely to see Shining Sunbeam, Mountain Velvetbreast, Great Sapphirewing, the amazing Sword-billed Hummingbird, Golden-breasted, Black-breasted and Sapphire-vented Pufflegs, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, Tyrian Metaltail and Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, whilst sneaky Glossy and Masked Flowerpiercers, their sharp bills crossed at the tip like tiny secateurs, steal away the sweet liquid by nipping at the bases of some nearby flowers. This is also one of the best places in the country to see the exquisite Black-chested Mountain-Tanager.

Another important target today is Chestnut-naped Antpitta. If we are fortunate we will even come across the delightful Rufous Antpitta or the much larger Undulated Antpitta.

Among the other birds, we may find in this invigorating habitat are Andean Pygmy Owl, Bar-bellied Woodpecker, Azara’s and White-browed Spinetails, Pearled Treerunner, Blackish Tapaculo, White-throated Tyrannulet, Tufted Tit-Tyrant, Slaty-backed and Crowned Chat-Tyrants, Barred Fruiteater, Brown-belied Swallow, Great Thrush, Rufous Wren, Spectacled Whitestart, Blue-backed Conebill, Golden-crowned Tanager, Scarlet-bellied and Hooded Mountain-Tanagers, Rufous-collared Sparrow, and Rufous-naped and Stripe-headed Brushfinches.

Later we shall descend the western slope of the Andes to the Mindo area for a four nights stay.

Northern Ecuador: Days 3-5   There are many excellent birding places around Mindo and certainly one of the highlights is a visit to Angel Paz’s property. In recent years, Giant, Yellow-breasted, Moustached, Chestnut-crowned and Ochre-breasted Antpittas have been habituated to eat provided earthworms by the deservedly famous local farmer and his brother. As long as these individuals survive (or are replaced), we will have a good chance of seeing up to all five of these normally very elusive birds! Recently, even Rufous-breasted Antthrush, Dark-backed Wood-Quail and Ocellated Tapaculo have been tamed by the ‘antpitta team’. We will also visit a lek of the superb Andean Cock-of-the-Rocks, where the smart males perform their courtship rituals whilst emitting their most unusual calls.

On the western slope of the Andes, we will visit the Milpe Bird Sanctuary (which protects some remnant upper foothill forest) and the Mashpi Road. A wide range of exciting birds possible at these locations such as Pallid Dove, Choco Trogon, Uniform Antshrike, Esmeraldas Antbird, Uniform Treehunter, the localised Club-winged Manakin, Orange-breasted Fruiteater, the superb Glistening-green Tanager, the odd-shaped Moss-backed Tanager, Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager and Indigo Flowerpiercer. We shall also concentrate on the mixed flocks that make their round here, looking for such specialities as the gaudy Red-headed Barbet, Scaly-throated and Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaners, Rufous-rumped Antwren, Rufous-winged Tyrannulet, Choco Vireo, Choco Warbler, Silver-throated, Rufous-throated and Ochre-breasted Tanagers, and Yellow-throated and Ashy-throated Bush Tanagers. Hummingbird feeders attract White-whiskered Hermit, Green-crowned Woodnymph, Violet-bellied and Rufous-tailed Hummingbirds, Andean Emerald and Green-crowned Brilliant, and we will take our time studying these beautiful, sugar-driven little creatures.

Other birds we will look for in these interesting areas are Swallow-tailed Kite, Black and Turkey Vultures, Ruddy and Dusky Pigeons, Maroon-tailed Parakeet, Bronze-winged Parrot, Squirrel and Striped Cuckoos, Smooth-billed Ani, Cloud-forest Pygmy Owl, Choco Toucan, Barred Puffbird, Slaty and Red-faced Spinetails, Zeledon’s Antbird, Ashy-headed Tyrannulet, Western Wood Pewee, White-thighed and Southern Rough-winged Swallows, Tropical Parula, Olive-crowned Yellowthroat, Swallow-Tanager, Buff-throated and Black-winged Saltators, Variable and Yellow-bellied Seedeaters, and Shiny Cowbird.

In the lush subtropical forests near Mindo we shall enjoy a lovely dawn chorus amidst splendid mountain scenery. Here the beautiful antiphonal song of the shy Russet-crowned Warbler fills the crisp morning air, Turquoise Jays add a touch of blue to the green wilderness and gaudy Toucan Barbets utter their haunting duets. Pearled Treerunners, Streaked Tuftedcheeks and Montane Woodcreepers search the moss and bromeliad-encrusted branches whilst White-collared and Chestnut-collared Swifts fly at tremendous speeds overhead. As the sunlight penetrates the canopy it may illuminate the splendid plumage of a Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, whilst a Golden-headed Quetzal may dazzle us with its fantastic attire. As the mist rolls in, swirling flocks of dazzling Rufous-throated, Fawn-breasted, Golden, Flame-faced, Golden-naped, Metallic-green, Beryl-spangled, Black-capped, Blue-capped and White-winged Tanagers may be seen feeding on the fruits of the silvery-leaved Cecropia trees.

Several sets of hummingbird feeders in the area, including one on our lodge’s porch, provide an unrivalled spectacle as Tawny-bellied Hermit, White-necked Jacobin, Green Violetear, Western Emerald, Speckled Hummingbirds, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, Empress and Fawn-breasted Brilliants, Brown and Collared Incas, Buff-tailed and Velvet-purple Coronets, Gorgeted Sunangel, White-booted Racket-tail, Violet-tailed Sylph and Purple-throated Woodstar indulge themselves on the artificial nectar.

As long as we have time, we will make a detour to an area that holds a fine Oilbird cave, or rather deep, dark gulley. The strange, very prehistoric-looking, fruit-eating Oilbird is the sole member of its family and visiting a nesting and roosting cave is an unforgettable experience. We will have great views of Oilbirds perched on rocky ledges not far from us and a few may decide to fly around, looking like strange nightjars. The strange hissing, clicking and growling sounds they make are quite eerie and add to the weird and wonderful atmosphere.

Other species we may well see in the Mindo area include Barred and Roadside Hawks, Band-tailed and Plumbeous Pigeons, Red-billed Parrot, Rufous-bellied Nighthawk, Geoffroy’s Daggerbill (or Wedge-billed Hummingbird), Masked Trogon, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Crimson-mantled and Powerful Woodpeckers, Azara’s Spinetail, Spotted and Rusty-winged Barbtails, Lineated Foliage-gleaner, Streaked Treehunters, Slaty Antwren, Streak-headed Antbird, Nariño and Spillmann’s Tapaculos, Sierran Elaenia, White-tailed Tyrannulet, Bronze-olive Pygmy Tyrant, Smoke-colored Pewee, Black Phoebe, Streak-necked, Ornate, Flavescent, Cinnamon and Golden-crowned Flycatchers, Green-and-black and Scaled Fruiteaters, Olivaceous Piha, Swainson’s Thrush, Mountain Wren, Grey-breasted Wood-Wren, Brown-capped Vireo, Spectacled and Slate-throated Whitestarts, Black-crested and Three-striped Warblers, Blue-winged Mountain Tanager, Dusky Bush Tanager, Western Hemispingus, Dusky, White-winged and Chestnut-capped Brushfinches, and Masked and White-sided Flowerpiercers.

We should also see a few of the more uncommon species, which include the retiring Rufescent Screech Owl, White-faced Nunbird, Scarlet-backed Woodpecker, Coopman’s Elaenia, Fulvous-breasted Flatbill, the elusive Beautiful Jay, Pale-eyed Thrush, Ecuadorian Seedeater and the striking Tanager-Finch.

[Note: There is a site for Long-wattled Umbrellabird that can be reached from Mindo, although with a long drive each way. However, views are generally distant and nothing like the amazing views we typically have on our Southern Ecuador tour. Why do we miss this site out? The answer is simple: there are so many Choco specialities to find in NW Ecuador, many of which are seen on no other tour, that we simply do not have the time to include it. We do very occasionally see this bird in the Mashpi Road area.]

Northern Ecuador: Day 6   This morning we will leave the Mindo area, and will continue further west into the lower foothills and western lowlands.

We will break the journey at a small patch of forest where the uncommon and usually very secretive Brown Wood Rail, a Chocó endemic, has taken to being much more ‘seeable’ than usual. With a bit of luck, one can even take good photographs!

Other good birds we may well see in this area include four more Chocó endemics; White-whiskered Hermit, Purple-chested Hummingbird, Pallid Dove and Orange-crowned Euphonia.

(If by any chance Rufous-crowned Antpitta becomes accessible in the area again, we will make a short detour to take a look for this uncommon and shy bird.)

After this exciting morning, we will continue to the town of Selva Alegre where we shall board the motorized dugouts that will take us up the Rio Cayapas to Playa de Oro Lodge for a three nights stay.

This simple lodge will be our base for visiting the Cotacachi-Cayapas Reserve and we shall arrive in time to start the exploration of this remarkable area. This area has an amazing list of very special birds, some of which are difficult to see, and a visit here is generally considered a unique experience.

Northern Ecuador: Days 7-8   Our main purpose in visiting the tall Chocó forests of the Cotacachi-Cayapas Reserve is to see some scarce and hard-to-come-by Chocó lowland birds such as Plumbeous Hawk, the rarely seen and highly threatened Baudo Guan, the superb Rose-faced Parrot, the localized Five-colored Barbet, Tooth-billed Hummingbird, the skulking Rufous-crowned Antpitta (now thought to be a huge gnateater rather than a true antpitta), the Chocó race of the Green Manakin (possibly a distinct species) and the enigmatic Broad-billed Sapayoa (now placed in its own family).

Around the lodge itself, Stub-tailed Antbird is not uncommon and both the terrestrial Black-headed Antthrush and Streak-chested Antpitta regularly announce their presence with their echoing songs. We will make serious efforts to get good views of these forest floor skulkers.

We shall also want to find several other bird species typical of the Chocó forests of southwestern Colombia that reach their southern limits here, such as the handsome Purple-chested Hummingbird, Slate-throated Gnatcatcher, Scarlet-browed, the scarce Blue-whiskered and Rufous-winged Tanagers and, with luck, the striking Spot-crowned Antvireo, Blue Cotinga or the near-endemic Scarlet-breasted Dacnis.

We should also come across a few of the more difficult special birds, which include the secretive Berlepsch’s Tinamou (which we may well hear), Tawny-faced Quail, Great Green Macaw, Olive-backed Quail-Dove, Dusky and Scaly-throated Leaftossers, Choco Sirystes and Speckled Mourner.

At night we shall listen for Choco Poorwill and Choco Screech Owl and then try to see them in the spotlight beam.

Many other lowland birds may well be seen in the area below Mindo or at Playa de Oro, including Plumbeous Kite, Laughing Falcon, Crested Guan, Dusky Pigeon, Pacific Parrotlet, Blue-headed Parrot, Grey-rumped Swift, Stripe-throated Hermit, Band-tailed Barbthroat, Green Thorntail, Purple-crowned Fairy, Choco and Western White-tailed Trogons, Broad-billed Motmot, White-whiskered Puffbird, Pale-mandibled Aracari, Choco and Black-mandibled Toucans, Olivaceous Piculet and Lineated, Black-cheeked and Guayaquil Woodpeckers.

Passerines include Pacific Hornero, Western Woodhaunter, Streaked and Plain Xenopses, Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner, Northern Barred, Black-striped, Plain-brown, Black-striped, Spotted and Streak-headed Woodcreepers, Western Slaty-Antshrike, Spotted and Ocellated Antbirds, Dot-winged, Pacific and Dot-backed Antwrens, Sooty-headed, Brown-capped and Yellow-crowned Tyrannulets, the restricted-range Choco Tyrannulet, Yellow-bellied and Grey Elaenias, Black-capped and Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrants, Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher, the restricted-range Pacific Flatbill, Yellow-margined Flatbill, Sulphur-rumped, Dusky-capped, Social and Rusty-margined Flycatchers, Tropical Kingbird, Cinnamon and One-colored Becards, White-bearded Manakin, Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Lesser Greenlet, Band-backed, Bay, Stripe-throated, House, Nightingale and Song Wrens, the restricted-range Dagua Thrush, Tropical Gnatcatcher, Buff-rumped Warbler, Bananaquit, Yellow-tufted Dacnis, Guira, Grey-and-gold, Blue-necked, Golden-hooded, Bay-headed, Blue-grey, Palm, Lemon-rumped, White-shouldered, Dusky-faced and Tawny-crested Tanagers, the noisy Lemon-spectacled Tanager, Slate-colored Grosbeak, Scarlet-rumped Cacique, Scrub Blackbird, Yellow-tailed Oriole and Yellow-bellied Siskin.

Northern Ecuador: Day 9  After some early morning birding at Playa de Oro we will travel to San Lorenzo for an overnight stay.

Along the way, we will visit the rapidly shrinking swamp forest of Humedal de Yalaré. Although it will not be the most productive time of the day, we will spend some time in this area to look for Five-colored Barbet, the loud-mouthed Black-breasted Puffbird and Slaty-tailed Trogon. Other specialities in the area could include the raucous Rufous-headed Chachalaca, and the gaudy Stripe-billed Aracari, Pied Puffbird and Greenish Elaenia. With a modicum of luck, we will even find the secretive Brown Wood Rail.

In the afternoon we shall drive into the lower Andean foothills of western Ecuador and explore the excellent Alta Tambo and Lita area for the superb, near-endemic Golden-chested and Yellow-green Tanagers (both of these Bangsia tanagers only occur in northern Ecuador and extreme southwest Colombia) and we will have another chance to see the Blue-whiskered Tanager should we have missed it earlier. There is also a good viewpoint to search for the snow-white Black-tipped Cotinga.

Other birds we may find in the wet forests here include Lita and Cinnamon Woodpeckers, Green Thorntail, Russet Antshrike, Choco Tapaculo, Yellow-collared Chlorophonia and Rufous-throated Tanager. More open areas hold White-lined Tanager and Thick-billed Seed Finch, in addition to the distinctive brachyptera race of the Lesser Elaenia. If we are fortunate we will come across the rare Choco Woodpecker.

Northern Ecuador: Day 10   We will spend much of the day exploring the road to Chical. The road ascends to a high pass at over 2350m and is still extensively forested, especially at higher altitudes. Attempts are being made to purchase more and more of the land along the highway, both to preserve rare orchids and birds, so the future of this fine area is starting to look more secure.

The most important Chocó specialities of the Chical road are the near-endemic Hoary Puffleg, the lovely Star-chested (or Fulvous-dotted) Treerunner, Purplish-mantled Tanager and Indigo Flowerpiercer, all of which we have a good chance of finding.

Other birds we are likely to encounter today include a large number of Chocó foothill endemics including Empress Brilliant, Rufous-gaped Hillstar, Velvet-purple Coronet, Brown Inca, the spectacular Violet-tailed Sylph, Cloudforest Pygmy Owl, Yellow-breasted Antpitta (easier to hear than see), Narino Tapaculo, Choco Tyrannulet, the aptly-named Beautiful Jay, Choco Brushfinch, Dusky Bush Tanager, the superb Moss-backed Tanager and Glistening-green Tanager.

More widespread species include Green-fronted Lancebill, Rufous-vented Whitetip, the remarkable White-booted Racketail, White-throated Quail-Dove (not easy to see as opposed to hear), the stunning Golden-headed Quetzal, Masked Trogon, Chestnut-tipped Toucanet, Yellow-vented Woodpecker, Dusky Leaftosser, Tyrannine Woodcreeper, Lineated Foliage-gleaner, Red-faced Spinetail, Streak-necked, Flavescent, Handsome, Ornate, Cinnamon and Golden-crowned Flycatchers, Black Phoebe, Smoke-colored Pewee, Green-and-black Fruiteater, Barred Becard, Brown-capped Vireo, Grey-breasted Wood Wren, Andean Solitaire, White-capped Dipper, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonia (nomadic and unpredictable), Tropical Parula, Slate-throated Whitestart, Grass-green, Flame-faced, Golden-naped and Beryl-spangled Tanagers, Capped Conebill and White-sided Flowerpiercer.

Afterwards, we head for Ambuqui where we will overnight.

Northern Ecuador: Day 11   This morning we will check the flowering hibiscus in the gardens and hedgerows of the arid Chota Valley for the handsome and restricted-range Blue-headed Sapphire. We will also look for Scrub Tanager, a rather widespread species in Colombia but in Ecuador only found in the northern valleys.

Other birds found in this area include Pearl Kite, American Kestrel, Eared Dove, Common Ground Dove, White-tipped Dove, Western Emerald, White-tipped Swift, Vermilion Flycatcher, Tropical Mockingbird, Streaked Saltator, Band-tailed Seedeater and Ash-breasted Sierra Finch.

En route to the Quito area, where we will stay overnight at the Pululahua volcano, we shall stop at a wetland to look for the near-endemic Ecuadorian Rail, which is usually straightforward to see, and also the localized Subtropical Doradito. More widespread birds found here include Yellow-billed Pintail, Andean Teal, Andean Duck, Andean Coot, Andean Gull and – a species fast expanding its range in Ecuador – Southern Lapwing.

This evening we will go out in search of the rare but wonderful little Buff-fronted Owl, one of the most sought-after owls of the Neotropics. We also have a good chance for Stygian Owl.

Northern Ecuador: Day 12   Early this morning we will look for the attractive Rusty-breasted Antpitta and Rufous-chested Tanager before setting out for the east slope of the Andes.

En route, we will explore the high Papallacta pass at around 13,100ft (4000m), first used in the 16th century when Francisco de Orellana led his expedition from Quito down into Amazonia. Nowadays the pass provides the only direct road access from the country’s capital to the vast eastern lowlands.

At the top of the pass, there is a small pond surrounded by damp paramo characterized by the huge flowering stalks of the Puya, a terrestrial bromeliad. Here, we will look for Noble Snipe amidst the boggy ground and, if we are fortunate, a Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle will be sailing by the jagged rock-faces. In the shrubbery, we can look for Andean Tit-Spinetail, White-chinned Thistletail, Many-striped Canastero, Tawny Antpitta, Paramo Tapaculo, Vermilion Flycatcher, Red-crested Cotinga, Grass Wren, Black Flowerpiercer, Plain-colored Seedeater and Plumbeous Sierra Finch. The uncommon Blue-backed Thornbill may also be encountered. By scanning the wires and bush tops there is a fair chance of finding the handsome Red-rumped Bush Tyrant in this inhospitable place.

Nearby are a few patches of stunted Polylepis woodland where we may well find the nuthatch-like Giant Conebill. Overhead we may see Variable Hawk, while Brown-bellied Swallows often hawk for insects over the area. Stout-billed and Chestnut-winged Cinclodes hop over the rocky terrain and near the upper limit of vegetation we will search for the large but cryptic Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe. If we are really lucky we will also find Jameson’s (or Andean) Snipe. If the weather is clear we will be able to see the huge, ice-clad peak of Antisana and its associated glacier.

Lower down, the scrub and elfin forest hold Shining Sunbeam, Viridian Metaltail, Tawny-rumped Tyrannulet (uncommon), White-throated Tyrannulet, Agile Tit-Tyrant, Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant, Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager, Pale-naped Brushfinch and Black-backed Bush Tanager. With luck, we will encounter the superb Masked Mountain Tanager.

From the pass, we will descend the eastern slope of the Andes to the truly wonderful Wild Sumaco Lodge for a four nights stay. The journey is a fascinating experience as we gradually wind our way down the eastern slope, enjoying breathtaking views of forest-clad hillsides and plume-like waterfalls plunging up to 330ft (100m) or more, and passing through some small Andean villages. Dense thickets of bamboo fill the gaps created by those trees that have succumbed to time and perhaps the sheer weight of their epiphytic guests.

En route we shall check rushing mountain streams for the amazing Torrent Duck, marvelling at its ability to swim against the strongest of currents. Here we may also find the delightful Torrent Tyrannulet hawking for aquatic insects and watch a White-capped Dipper bobbing on top of a boulder.

Northern Ecuador: Days 13-15   Wild Sumaco Lodge is a comfortable, spacious lodge designed for nature enthusiasts and is perched on a high ridge with a fine view across almost unbroken forest to the Andes beyond.

At Wild Sumaco we shall have a superb opportunity to sample the rich bird communities inhabiting the lush forests of the upper tropical zone. Here, sparkling streams tumble through verdant forests, and flowering trees and bushes festooned with orchids line the road where it crosses the lower slopes of Volcan Sumaco. On clear days the conical peak of Volcan Sumaco (roughly 2800m or 9100ft) dominates the area.

Many trails provide access to excellent upper tropical foothill forest, a habitat that is fast disappearing throughout the length of the eastern slope of the Andes. Although more and more settlers are moving into the area, there are still huge swathes of forest remaining and a mixture of primary forest and secondary growth hosts a wide assortment of interesting birds.

A fine selection of restricted-range species such as Napo Sabrewing, Ecuadorian Piedtail, Rufous-vented Whitetip, Coppery-chested Jacamar, Olive-chested Flycatcher, Yellow-cheeked Becard, Blue-rumped Manakin and Olivaceous Greenlet only occur at these elevations and we should manage to see them all during our visit to this bird-rich area.

Wild Sumaco’s superb trail system provides access to the interior of magnificent upper tropical forest, and along these trails or at the forest edge we will hope to find such additional special birds as Black-throated Brilliant, the relatively recently-described Foothill Antwren and Foothill Elaenia, Ecuadorian Tyrannulet, Buff-throated Tody-Tyrant, Black-and-white Tody-Flycatcher, Golden-winged and Green Manakins, Fiery-throated Fruiteater, Grey-tailed Piha, Bronze-green Euphonia, Orange-eared, Golden-eared and Spotted Tanagers, Golden-eyed Flowerpiercer and Olive Finch.

At a feeding station, we have a good chance to get superb views of Plain-backed and Ochre-breasted Antpittas as well as Northern White-crowned Tapaculo. Harder to come by specialities at Wild Sumaco, some of which we will see, include the superb Military Macaw, White-chested Puffbird, Dusky Leaftosser, White-streaked Antvireo, Plain-winged Antwren, White-fronted Tyrannulet, the unobtrusive Yellow-throated Spadebill, Orange-crested Flycatcher, Striolated and Green Manakins, Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater and Blue-browed Tanager.

The rare Black Tinamou, another foothill speciality, occurs here and we should hear its haunting whistles while we are out nearly or late on the trails. The chances of seeing this shy bird are slim, although we have seen this rarity at Wild Sumaco.

The hummingbird feeders at Wild Sumaco are often very lively and as well as Napo Sabrewing and Rufous-vented Whitetip, commonly occurring visitors include Grey-chinned Hermit, Wire-crested Thorntail, Gould’s Jewelfront, Peruvian Racket-tail, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, Golden-tailed Sapphire and Many-spotted Hummingbird. Violet-headed Hummingbirds and Blue-fronted Lancebills visit adjacent flowers and occasionally the feeders.

Other species we may well find at these elevations include Fasciated Tiger-Heron, Black-streaked Puffbird, Chestnut-tipped Toucanet, Rufous-breasted and Lafresnaye’s Piculets, Little, Golden-olive, Smoky-brown and Yellow-tufted Woodpeckers, Ash-browed and Dusky Spinetails, Black-billed Treehunter, Olivaceous and Olive-backed Woodcreepers, Lined Antshrike, Stripe-chested, Rufous-winged and Yellow-breasted Antwrens, Black-faced, Black and Blackish Antbirds, White-backed Fire-eye, the pretty little Chestnut-crowned Gnateater, Plumbeous-crowned, Golden-faced and Red-billed Tyrannulets, Marble-faced Bristle-Tyrant, Slaty-capped, Cliff, Short-crested, Piratic and Lemon-browed Flycatchers, Common and Golden-winged Tody-Flycatchers, Olive-faced Flatbill, Long-tailed Tyrant, White-winged Becard, Masked Tityra, Thrush-like, Coraya and Wing-banded Wrens, Rufous-naped Greenlet, Silver-beaked, Magpie and Paradise Tanagers, Greyish Saltator, Blue-black Grassquit, Chestnut-bellied Seed Finch, Chestnut-bellied and Black-and-white Seedeaters, Russet-backed and Crested Oropendolas and Olivaceous Siskin. During the boreal autumn and winter, Cerulean, Blackburnian and Canada Warblers and Summer Tanager are also to be found. Sunbittern can sometimes be located along nearby rivers.

Mammals are mostly inconspicuous but we should see the tiny and rather demonic-looking Black Mantle Tamarin as well as Red-tailed Squirrel and perhaps Amazon Dwarf Squirrel.

Northern Ecuador: Day 16   After some final birding at Wild Sumaco we will leave this remarkable area and make our way back across the Cordillera de Guacamayos to the well-known San Isidro Lodge near Cosanga for a three nights stay. We will arrive in time for some initial exploration.

Northern Ecuador: Days 17-18   Set in a beautiful mountain valley with forested ridges stretching away in all directions, San Isidro is an excellent base from which to explore the upper subtropical forest of the eastern slope of the Andes.

Here, the morning air is filled with the three-note whistle of the secretive White-bellied Antpitta. Recently the local guides have habituated both this species and Chestnut-crowned Antpitta to come for earthworm ‘handouts’, so we have a good chance of seeing one or both species at close range!

Hummingbird feeders attract Bronzy Inca, Chestnut-breasted Coronet and Long-tailed Sylph, while a quiet dirt road that heads up the valley above the lodge provides excellent roadside birding. Here we will check fruiting trees for the gaudy Black-billed Mountain-Toucan and dense stands of Chusquea bamboo for such characteristic birds as the secretive Striped Treehunter, the retiring Ash-colored Tapaculo, the endearing Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher and the vociferous Plain-tailed Wren.

At night a pair of ‘San Isidro Owls’ can often be found in the vicinity of the lodge. Looking intermediate between Black-and-white and Black-banded Owls but living at higher elevations, this form was initially described as a new species but is currently thought to be an undescribed form of Black-banded Owl.

The steep slopes of the Cordillera de Guacamayos nearby are clothed in some of the country’s finest cloud forests. Trees covered in aerial gardens of bromeliads, mosses and orchids form a green carpet on even the steepest slopes, and here we hope to find such special birds as the superb Black-billed Mountain Toucan, Black-chested Fruiteater, the splendid Rufous-breasted Flycatcher, the delightful Handsome Flycatcher, Dusky and Olivaceous Pihas and Yellow-whiskered Bush Tanager.

Other mid-elevation birds inhabiting this misty environment include Yellow-vented Woodpecker, Montane Foliage-gleaner, Blackish Antbird, Sulphur-bellied Tyrannulet, Barred Becard, Inca Jay, Sepia-brown Wren, Pale-eyed Thrush, Black-billed Peppershrike, Golden-collared Honeycreeper and Saffron-crowned Tanager.

After dusk, we will look for the attractive White-throated Screech Owl, the splendid Rufous-banded Owl, the uncommon Andean Potoo and the awesome Swallow-tailed Nightjar.

Feeders elsewhere in the area attract Green-backed Hillstar, Greenish Puffleg and the tiny Gorgeted Woodstar.

We will also find some of the less frequently observed special birds of the area, which include the shy Wattled Guan, White-chested Swift, Bicolored Antvireo, the skulking Slate-crowned Antpitta, the shy Barred Antthrush, the noisy Ocellated Tapaculo, Flammulated Treehunter, Greater Scythebill, Variegated Bristle Tyrant and the gregarious, noisy and rather jay-like White-capped Tanager

Other typical birds of San Isidro and the nearby crest of the Cordillera de Guacamayos, where we will walk a trail that follows the ridge through moss-draped cloudforest, include White-capped Parrot, Scaly-naped Amazon, White-throated Toucanet, Rufous Spinetail, Tyrannine Woodcreeper, Long-tailed Tapaculo, Sulphur-bellied Tyrannulet, Rufous-breasted and Pale-edged Flycatchers, Rufous-headed Pygmy Tyrant, Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant, Smoky Bush Tyrant, Rufous Wren, Glossy-black and Chestnut-bellied Thrushes, Capped Conebill, Grass-green Tanager, Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager, Common Bush Tanager, Bluish Flowerpiercer and Subtropical Cacique.

Northern Ecuador: Day 19   After some final birding in the San Isidro area we shall return to Quito for an overnight stay, sampling the birdlife at progressively higher elevations en route.

A stop at the Guango Lodge hummingbird feeders will provide another ‘hummerfest’ and amongst the characteristic wing sounds and quarrels over the nutritious sugar-water we shall pick out Mountain Velvetbreast, the incredible Sword-billed Hummingbird, Tourmaline Sunangel, Tyrian Metaltail and the diminutive White-bellied Woodstar. If we are seriously in luck we will come across the rare Mountain Avocetbill, most likely at some flowering shrubs or trees rather than at the feeders.

In addition, we should encounter White-banded Tyrannulet, Northern Mountain Cacique, Glossy Flowerpiercer and the gorgeous Scarlet-bellied and Hooded Mountain Tanagers. Another good bird at Guango is Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan, although it is not easy to find.

Our route takes us back over the Papallacta Pass before we finally reach Quito.

Northern Ecuador: Day 20   This morning we will visit the magnificent Antisana National Park, which encompasses one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Around the mountain an extensive national park has been created, mainly consisting of dry paramo grassland and stony hillsides. On our way to the park, we will drive through some pine plantations where llamas can be seen quietly grazing on the understorey. A beautiful lake at the foot of the volcano is the haunt of Andean Teal, Blue-winged Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail, Andean Coot, Andean Lapwing, Lesser Yellowlegs and Andean Gull. The surrounding plains, slopes and shrubbery hold Carunculated Caracara, Aplomado Falcon, Black-winged Ground Dove, Streak-backed Canastero, Paramo Ground Tyrant, Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant, and Plumbeous Sierra Finch. If we are lucky we will also find Black-faced Ibis. Climbing further up towards the snowline we shall look for Streak-backed Canastero in the low shrubbery and check the orange Chuquiragua-flowers for the endemic Ecuadorian Hillstar.

Afterwards, we will drive back to Quito, where our Northern Ecuador tour ends in the late afternoon.

(Those departing today will be dropped off at the airport. If you need to stay overnight we will be pleased to arrange a hotel and airport transfer for you, at extra charge, on request.)

NORTHERN ECUADOR TOUR REPORT 2023

by Leonardo Garrigues

NORTHERN ECUADOR TOUR REPORT 2022

Ultimate ecuador tour report 2019, ultimate ecuador tour report 2017, other 'blockbuster' birding tours by birdquest in northern south america include:, classic colombia – the ultimate birding tour to the ultimate birding destination, southern ecuador – the ultimate specialities tour to the region, with avian marvels galore, northern peru – the ultimate feast of endemics in the land of the marvellous spatuletail.

Birding in Southwest Ecuador

The complete birding experience, what makes our tours better, knowledgable guides.

Tumbesian Birding guides are knowledgeable of all the birding tour sites, the habitat, and the bird species. They work hard to locate as many species as possible during the tour and make the most of it.

Worries-Free Tours

We understand that getting around in a foreign country with a different culture isn't easy. Our English speaking guide will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning, and return you at the end of the tour. We can also stop for lunch in a nearby restaurant.

Exceeding Expectations

We are a privately owned business that genuinely cares about your satisfaction. We truly aim to provide high-quality tours and exceed your expectations. Feel free to contact us with any special requests or questions on birding in Southwest Ecuador.

Why You Can Trust Us

Tumbesian Birding has been conducting tours in Ecuador for the last 11 years. We had the privilege to share our knowledge with many birders along the way, learned from them exactly what they are looking for, and evolved to meet and exceed their expectations.

Whether you are young or old, an experienced birder or just starting out, we know how to provide you with a great birding experience in Ecuador.

A Unique Experience at Every Site

How it works.

We offer birding tours at a variety of sites with different rich habitats, high endemism and a large variety of bird species. Read on their unique properties and view photos on our Tours and Sites page.

On our booking page, you can view our tours calendar and even join other birders. Shortly after booking, We will reach out to confirm the reservation and answer any questions you may have.

Our guide will pick youu up from your hotel on the day of the tour. The best time to begin the tours is at 6 AM. This allows us to enjoy the first activity of the birds in the morning, and make the most out of the day. At noon we stop for lunch in a nearby restaurant, or in the field.

We offer full day (10-12 hours) and half day (5 hours) tours. Following a full day birding tour, your guide will return you to your hotel at about 4 PM - 6 PM, depending on the site. You can find more details in our Tours and Sites page .

What people say?

Derek Matthews (BC, Canada) “Carlos was a brilliant guide in all respects - His enthusiasm is contagious and he was generous in sharing his considerable knowledge of Tumbesian birds. Always helpful and professional and a pleasure to bird with - we would not hesitate to recommend him.”

Dave and Dots Peppar (IL, USA) “You guided us not only professionally but you added more than a mere touch of Friendship and Care to the tour as you guided us.”

Sneed Collard (MT, USA) “It was terrific finishing our trip with the great afternoon of birding with you. Thank you so much for sharing your time, knowledge, and passion with us. We would have never figured out anything without your guidance, and we are happy to recommend you to any other potential clients.”

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