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Ecuador Birding Journeys

Discover the Abundance of Ecuador's Bird Life

 

Embark on an 11-day birding adventure in Ecuador with Ecuador Birding Journeys! Discover the incredible avian diversity of this South American gem, from the lush cloud forests of Mindo to the vibrant Amazon rainforest. Our expert guides will lead you through prime birding locations, including the Andes highlands, Amazon basin, and the picturesque coast where you’ll have the chance to spot exotic species like the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Toucan Barbet, and Harpy Eagle. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, delicious local cuisine, and the unforgettable experience of Ecuador’s breathtaking landscapes. Join us for a journey filled with nature, discovery, and unparalleled birdwatching opportunities. You can expect to see hundreds of "lifers" on this spectacular trip!

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Visit our sister website www.ecuadorbirdingjourneys.com for more information or to book this once in a lifetime tour.

Sample Itinerary

Please Note: This is a sample itinerary only.  We occasionally make changes to the actual itinerary depending on hotel availability, holidays, road conditions, and other factors.  However, once we have sent out itineraries for each tour, we strive to maintain that schedule. Thanks!

Day 0 - Arrival Day

  • Pick up and transport to a local eco-lodge in the Tumbaco Valley of Quito

  • Enjoy some free time to explore the hotel grounds and prepare the adventure ahead!

Day 3

  • Hotel Breakfast

  • Disembark from hotel & travel towards the coast

  • Stop at the private birding sanctuary of Don Marcelo in the region of Pedro Vicente Maldonado and Rio Silanche

  • Afternoon exploration of the Mindo Valley in search of the Plate Billed Mountain Toucan and Toucan Barbet

Day 6

  • Hotel Breakfast

  • Morning departure for the Zuroloma Reserve, looking for high altitude species, including the swordbill hummingbird, the white throated screech owl, and additional antpittas

  • Lunch stop at Yanacocha Reserve

  • Travel to the east slope of the Andes and Rio Quijos

Day 9

  • Early morning birding at the Paikawe Lagoon to see exotic Amazon species, including the iconic Hoatzin, tropical screech owl, purple galinules, along with several species of monkeys

  • Canoe ride on the Napo River, with more birding at different reserves and hotspots

Day 1

  • Hotel Breakfast & Introductions

  • Observation of bird species on the hotel grounds

  • Hotel check-out & travel to the Equator with a stop at the Intinan Museum

  • Stop at the Alambi hummingbird reserve and lunch at the Guaycapi lookout

  • Short hike to view the cock of the Rock

  • Continue on to Tandayapa, Mindo and the Choco Andino regions

  • Check in to hotel in either Tandayapa or Mindo

Day 4

  • Hotel Breakfast

  • Optional early-morning trip to Paz de las Aves Reserve to view elusive antipittas, cock of the rock and many other species OR

  • Option to stay in Mindo for more low key birding, or a chance to do other things in town (chocolate tour, butterfly farm, zip lining)

  • Afternoon visit to the caves of the iconic Oil Bird

Day 7

  • Early morning visit to the river in search of the torrent duck

  • Hotel Breakfast

  • Visit to Concierto de las Aves, Madrigal and other family-run birding reserves in the zone, looking for quetzals, new hummers, Inca jays, ladder tailed nightjars, wire crested thorntails and more

  • More owling in the evening

Day 10

  • Ascend the Andes, stopping at several birding sites, including Wayra Reserve and the trails of Guango Lodge

  • Return to Zaysant, our arrival lodge in Quito

Day 2

  • Hotel Breakfast

  • Spend the day in the Maspi region of Northern Ecuador

  • Visit to Amaguza Mashpi reserve in one of the last foothill forests, renowned for its 24 Choco endemics.

  • Late afternoon return to Mindo

  • Evening search for Owls and Potoos in the Mindo Valley

Day 5

  • Breakfast at the Hotel

  • Early morning departure for the hide at Las Cotingas reserve, where we will see new forest birds as they visit the hide at daybreak

  • Lunch at the Maraksacha Reserve, with opportunities to view the club winged manakin and two antpitta species

  • Depart for Nono, with birding stops along the way

  • Spend the night in Nono

Day 8

  • Hotel Breakfast

  • Descent into the Amazon Basin for a full day of birding

  • Hike the beautiful Guacamayos ridge and then the Loreto road, searching for the band breasted owl at pachakutik and stopping at the Hollin waterfall for lunch

  • Possible stop at the provincial capital of Tena, time permitting

  • Continue on to our lodge along the Napo river

Day 11

  • A full day of birding in the Antisana area, visiting the Jocotoco Antisanilla Reserve and La Mica Lake to sight Condors and search for the Ecuadorian Hillstar,  Black-faced Ibis and more

  • Box lunch along the way and a final farewell meal at Tambo Condor

Your Trip Includes:

  • Private van/bus transportation throughout the tour

  • Bi-Lingual tour guides with over 20 years experience in Ecuador

  • Lodging for 11 nights

  • Breakfast and lunch for all 11 days

  • Expert birding guide on the tour, with additional birding guides at certain spots

  • Additional Bilingual guide and tour facilitator

  • Entrance fees to all the reserves

  • Entrance to Intinan museum, hot springs

  • Birding checklist to help you with identification

  • Daily e-bird lists and post trip list of birds sighted and photos

You are Responsible for:

  • Round-trip airfare to Ecuador from your home country

  • Tips for guide and driver

  • Dinner and snacks. We have left dinner open in order to provide flexibility and options for travelers.

  • Personal expenses

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