Presentation Video
Birding Photography Tours
Birding Photo Hotspots: 9 Days in Ecuador’s Andes
Possible 200 - 300 Bird Species
Tailor-Made Focus at your own pace and flexible!
Visit the Andes, Choco Andino, Mindo Valley, East Slope Cloud Forest
Expert Bilingual Guides: over 25 years of birding experience
Observe specialties like Condors, Andea Cock of the Rock, Galapagos Penguin, Galapagos Hawks, Marine Iguanas, Land Iguanas, Galapagos Seals.
Top Birding Reserve – Includes iconic locations like Antisana Condor Observatory, Mindo Cloud Forest, and North Seymour Island with snorkeling opportunities
Top Logistics – Includes Airport Transfers, Private transportation, Meals, Entrance Fees, Top Birding Guides, Lodges, and more!
24/7 Customer Support – We will ensure your trip goes smoothly and can be reached anytime via whatsapp at +593 99 373 2879.
Contact Information
View Our Wildlife Map
Our Birding Map
Andes (Our Base)
HJ: Hacienda Jimenita
West Slope Cloud Forest
W1. Sachatamia Lodge
East Slope Cloud Forest
E1. San Isidro Lodge
Itinerary
Day
01
ARRIVAL TO ECUADOR.
Private Transfer in to our Birding Lodge, Hacienda Jimenita, located 15 minutes from the airport. No meals included.
Black-tailed Trainbearer
Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager
Vermillion Flycatcher
Day
2
PENAS BLANCAS RAINBOW-BEARDED THORNBILL ROAD & JIMENITA BIRDING TRAILS
Morning birding at Penas Blancas Birding Road near Papallacta Pass, a special location for High Andean Species and Hummingbirds. Other specialties like the elusive Spectacled Bear can be observed. In the afternoon visit Jimenita Reserve to explore the main feeders and viewing point for local specialities. Rest of the afternoon relax in our natural paradise.
Targets: Black-tailed Trainbearer, Sparkling Violetear, Western Emerald, Saffron Finch, Vermillion Flycatcher, Hooded Siskin, White-bellied Woodstar, Great Thrush, Rufous-collared Sparrow, Rusty Flowerpiercer, Harris Hawk, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Blue-mantled Thornbill, Purple-backed Thornbill, Giant Conebill, Tawny Antpitta and others.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Welcome Dinner
Overnight Hacienda Jimenita, King Suite with chimney
Red-crested Cotinga
Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe
Tawny Antpitta
Day
3
ANTISANA CONDOR OBSERVATORY & WILDLIFE RESERVE
Pick up from our lodge at 6:30 am and drive towards the Upper Andean Valleys near Antisana Volcano. The Antisana Condor Observatory is the most impressive Andean Mount near Quito and Sanctuary of Wild Andean Condor. Upon arrival to the reserve we will observe the Condors from our Tower and other Hawks, Flowerpiercers, and Hummingbirds with an splendid view to the Waterfall. Continue to Antisana National Park making strategic stops to observe different bird species. We will have lunch viewing Secas Lagoon. After lunch, return to our Lodge surrounded with nature and birding reserve.
Targets: Andean Condor, Shining Sunbeam, Red-Crested Cotinga, Spectacled Redstart, Ecuadorian Hillstar, Caranculated Cara-Cara, Black-chested Buzzard Eagle, Variable Hawk, Black Flowerpiercer, Andean Ibis, Andean Lapwing, Many-striped Canastero, Tawny Antpitta, Giant Hummingbird, Tyrian Metaltail, Andean Duck and others.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight Hacienda Jimenita, King Suite with chimney
Andean Condor
Andean Ibises
Spectacled Bear
Day
4
ZURO LOMA ANTPITTAS, OLD-NONO MINDO ROAD and ALAMBI HUMMINGBIRD PARADISE
Early pick up at 530am from our lodge. Drive towards Zuro Loma located in the Pichincha Foothills. We will visit the Antpitta Hides and Sword-billed Hummingbird in Zuro Loma Feeders. Continue birding in Old-Nono Mindo Road towards Tandayapa Valley and lunch at Alambi Hummingbird Paradise. Late afternoon arrival to our lodge in Upper Tandayapa Valley and possible Plate-billed Mountain Toucans at the feeders.
Targets: Sword-billed Hummingbird, Equatorial Antpitta, Chestnut-naped Antpitta, Ocellated Tapaculo, Golden-breasted Puffleg, Great Sapphirewing, Blue-backed Conebill, Burrowing Owl, White-throated Screech Owl, Cloud-Forest Pigmy Owl, Black-chested Mountain Tanager, Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager, Plate-billed Mountain Toucan and others.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight Guaycapi Lodge, Double Room with Balcony
Crimson-rumped Toucanet
Yanacocha Reserve
Shining Sunbeam
Day
5
ANGEL PAZ ANDEAN COCK OF THE ROCK LEK AND TOUCAN HIDES
Early morning pick up around 530am to visit the Andean Cock of the Rock Lek and photography hides of Antpittas, Tanagers, Toucan-Barbets, Quails, Hawks, and other exotic choco endemic bird species. Continue for Lunch in our Lodge and afternoon explore the Choco Toucan Hides. Afternoon continue to our lodge in Mindo Valley.
Possible Olinguito and Kinkajou Night activity.
Targets: Andean Cock of the Rock, Masked Trogon, Dark-backed Wood-Quail, Violet-tailed Sylph, Velvet-Purple Coronet, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Red-billed Parrot, Bronze-winged Parrot, Moustached Antpitta, Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, Yellow-breasted Antpitta, Ochre breasted Antpitta, Scaled Antpitta, Golden Tanager, Golden-naped Tanager, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Flame-faced Tanager, Toucan Barbet, Sunbittern, Beryl-spangled Tanager and others.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight Sachatamia Lodge, Double Room Cabin
Andean Cock of the Rock
Chestnut-crowned Antpitta
Toucan Barbet
Day
6
AMAGUSA MASHPI RESERVE & OIL BIRDS CAVE
Pick up at 6:00 am for a full-day birding adventure at Amagusa Mashpi Reserve, one of the world’s premier hotspots for biodiversity. This reserve protects one of the last remaining foothill forests seamlessly connected to the lower subtropical western forests of Ecuador, making it an essential destination for birders seeking Chocó endemics. After lunch continue to El Chontal to visit the Oilbird Caves, where these nocturnal frugivores can be observed in their roosting sites. In the afternoon, return to Quito.
Targets: Glistening-green tanager, Moss-backed Tanager, Black-chinned Mountain Tanager, Orange-breasted Fruiteater, Choco Vireo, Empress Brilliant, Green Thorntail, Rose-faced Parrot, Spinetails, Chlorophonias, Rufous- throated Tanager, Broad-billed Motmot, Indigo Flowerpiercer, Oil Birds and others.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight Hacienda Jimenita, King Suite with chimney
Rufous-throated Tanager
Empress Brilliant
Yellow-throated Toucan
Day
7
ANDEAN MOTMOT RESERVE, CONCIERTO DE AVES FEEDERS AND SAN ISIDRO OWL OBSERVATION
We’ll start the morning with birding around Río Quijos Lodge, exploring nearby trails before breakfast. Continue birding at the main trails for Andean Motmots, Torrent Duck and other mixed flocks. After lunch, continue to Concierto de Aves in Borja Valley for other Hummingbird Specialties and possible Andean Cock of the Rock - East Subspecie. Continue to San Isidro Reserve, surrounded by lush cloud forest and vibrant mixed-species flocks.
Night Owl Observation and possible Mountain Tapir.
Targets: Andean Motmot, Andean Cock of the Rock, Montane and Olive-backed Woodcreepers, Golden-crowned Flycatcher, Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher, Black-billed Peppershrike, Inca Jay, Subtropical Cacique, White-bellied Antpitta, Long-tailed Antbirds, Plain-tailed Wrens and Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonias, Andean Potoo and Black-banded Owl.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Cabanas San Isidro Lodge, Double Room
Black-banded Owl
Tawny-bellied Hermit
Andean Motmot
Day
8
WHITE-BELLIED ANTPITTA FEEDER, MOTH FEEDERS, GUANGO RESERVE AND RETURN TO QUITO.
Early morning birding in San Isidro Moth Feeders and White-bellied Antpitta Photography Hide. Then continue to Guango Reserve in the East Cloud Forest and explore the main trails of the reserve. Possible to observe the Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan and Mountain Tapir. There are also hummingbird feeders and and torrent duck river. Return to our Lodge and along the way possible Spectacled Bear. Farewell Dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
Overnight Jimenita Lodge, King with chimney
Day
9
TRANSFER OUT TO QUITO AIRPORT
24/7 Transfer out to Quito Airport after breakfast. End of Services or request an EXTENSION to Galapagos Islands either Galapagos Cruises or Galapagos Island Hopping.
Our Birding Lodges
We will overnight in the following lodges:
Hacienda Jimenita
King Size Suite with chimney
Sachatamia Lodge
Double Room Cabin
San Isidro Lodge
King Room with Balcony
Testimonials
BRILLIANT BIRDING!
2025
Australia
“We enjoyed a wonderful three week trip to Ecuador, experiencing over 500 species as we travelled from Quito to the Mindo area and then east through a variety of elevations and forests until seeing the Napo river region of the Amazon. Fantastic birds and Harpy Eagle! An awesome enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides, Miguel, Carlos, and Marcelo. Looking forward already to return to enjoy great birding. The lodges were all excellent and great food.” Ken.
An extraordinary memorable experience
2025
Australia
“I participated in a 3 week experience organized with Diego and Ecuador Birding Tours. The trip was well planned and I loved the Condor lookout where there have identified 48 perching sites and we counted six birds flying. I liked how they partnered with other local residents to see their hummingbirds and ant wrens, toucons etc and the choice of hotels was first class. Diego is committed to reforestation and protecting the environment. It was a memorable trip thanks to Diego and Birding Ecuador” Diane.
Andean Cock of the Rock Tour
2025
EEUU
“Fantastic day trip on the Cock-of-the-Rock tour. Saw lots of birds, including the cock-of-the-rock lek, multiple antpitta species, and quetzals. Guide was extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and the included meals were delicious.” Stuart Masson.
Wonderful birding trip! 204 bird species photographed in 7 days!!
2025
EEUU
“Such a great experience. Our personal guide loves his work and was very resourceful at getting us and the birds together. He has 20+ years experience. Plus – he’s a knowledgeable photographer and knows about lighting, angles, and other necessary details! Diego went above and beyond what was required. Thank you Diego and Ecuadorbirdstours.com!” Bobby and family.
Amazing Hummingbird Tour
2025
EEUU
“Amazing trip set up by Diego, I did four days of “Hummingbirding” and saw 38 species of hummers. The food was delicious with good sized portions at the lodges and at the restaurants we stopped at for lunch along the way. Overall a great experience with Ecuador Birds tours and I’m already booking my next trip to return only 7 weeks after I left Ecuador on the first trip. I highly recommend Ecuador Birds Tours! Thank you Diego and Miguel!! Chris Drakis.
Tour Inclusions
The following outlines whats Included and Not Included in our Day Tours:
Welcome Drink
24/7 Private Airport Transfers Airport-Hotel-Airport
Excellent Accommodations
Specialized English-speaking Birding Guide
Entrance Fees to Reserves, Hides, Feeders, Observation Towers
Delicious and Healthy Meals
Ebird Online Birding Report
Quality Services
Souvenir Ecuador Birds Tours Cup and Buff
Personal Expenses
Alcoholic and Soft Drinks
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Tips
Birding and Wildlife
Hiking
Antpitta Photography Hides
Observation Tower Spectacled Bear Viewing Point
Waterfall Landscapes
Trip Reports
2025
Birding Report Ecuador: 9 Days Andes, West, East Report - 290 Birds!
2025
Birding Report Ecuador: 9 Days Andes, West, East Report - 313 Birds!
2025
Birding Report Ecuador: 9 Days Andes, West, East Report - 261 Birds!
2025
Birding Report Ecuador: 8 Days Andes, West, East Report - 260 Birds!
2024
Birding Report Ecuador: 9 Days Andes, West, East Report - 338 Birds!
2023
Birding Report Ecuador: 9 Days Andes, West, East Report - 286 Birds!
2023
Birding Report Ecuador: 9 Days Andes, West, East Report - 226 Birds!
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Diego Cruz
Sales & Operation Manager
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