Ecuador’s Birding Highlights: 25 Days from the Andes to the Amazon & Galápagos

Private Transfer in to our Birding Lodge, Hacienda Jimenita Birding Lodge, located 15 minutes from the airport. Overnight Hacienda Jimenita Birding Lodge, No meals included.

Relax in our hidden oasis, a natural paradise ideal for recovering from your flight. Unwind in our vibrant hummingbird gardens, enjoy delicious meals, and explore our birding trails. Overnight Hacienda Jimenita Birding Lodge, Meals: Breakfast

Pick up from our lodge at 5:30 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 Jimenita Birding Lodge, King Suite with chimney

Early pick up at 530am from our lodge. Drive towards Zuro Loma Reserve 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

Early morning pick up around 530am to visit the Refugio Paz de las Aves 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.

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

In the morning, we will visit the Long-wattled Umbrellabird Reserve in the Chocó Lowlands, a top location for spotting the elusive Long-wattled Umbrellabird. We’ll then continue to Mindo Valley for Sunbittern and Toucan Feeders providing excellent opportunities for bird photography. Afternoon return to our lodge. Night Tour Reptiles and Insects in Sachatamia Reserve

Targets: Double-banded Graytail, Scarlet-breasted Dacnis, Scarlet-and-white Tanager, Blue-whiskered Tanager, Plumbeous Hawk, Masked Tityra, Blue-necked Tanager, Green Honeycreeper, Orange-breasted Barbet, Choco Toucan, Scarlet-browed Tanager, Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher, Double-toothed Kite and others.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight Sachatamia Lodge, Double Room Cabin

Early start at 5:00 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 Sachaguatusa Feeders for colorful Tanager or when possible and good road conditions Oil Bird Caves is an alternative. 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

Pick up at 7:00 am for the East Slope Cloud Forest, passing through dry valleys, agricultural lands, and native polylepis forests before ascending into the high páramo, where we may spot a Spectacled Bear. At Papallacta Pass, a key transition zone, we’ll search for mixed flocks and high-altitude hummingbirds if the weather permits. Continuing to Guango Reserve, we’ll explore temperate forest trails and possible Torrent Duck and Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan. Afternoon visit Quetzal Feeders and arrival to San Isidro Reserve. Possible Night Owl observation and mountain tapir. 

Targets: Gray-hooded Bush-Tanager, Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant, Giant Conebill, Black-capped and Black-eared Hemispingus, Slaty and Pale-naped Brush-Finch, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Buff-tailed Coronet, Collared Inca, Hooded Mountain Tanager, Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan, Mountain Cacique, Inca Jay, Torrent Duck, Turquoise Jay, Black-banded Owl and others.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight San Isidro Lodge, Double Room

In the morning birding at Wayra Quail Feeders located in the Upper Amazon Basin, a prime birding location with several hides for Quails, Monkeys, Parrots and Hummingbird Feeders. After lunch continue to Ollin Waterfall for other Hummingbird species and Parrots. Continue to Wild Sumaco Birding Road, for other lowland and foothill birds, making it a perfect spot for birding and photography. Possible Night Owl in the surroundings of the lodge

Targets: Green-and-black Fruiteater, Handsome Flycatcher, Rufous Wren, Grass-greenTanager, Northern Mountain-Cacique, Greater Scythebill, Dusky Piha, Cliff flycatcher, Southern Mealy Amazon, Bay-headed Tanager, Black-faced Dacnis, Collared Trogon, Dusky-headed Parakeet, Black-billed Mountain-Toucan, Magpie Tanager and others.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight Wild Sumaco Lodge, Double Room

Wild Sumaco Reserve is a birding paradise located in the foothills of the eastern Andes, offering access to a remarkable diversity of ecosystems. This reserve is renowned for its incredible birdlife, including both Amazonian lowland species and Andean foothill specialties. The mix of cloud forest, subtropical habitats, and nearby lowland rainforest makes Wild Sumaco a prime destination for spotting trogons, tanagers, antpittas, antwrens, owls and other elusive birds. In the morning visit Amarupakcha Cock of the Rock Reserve and then return to the lodge to explore the different trails in the reserve, hummingbird and jacamar feeders, antpitta hides and toucanet trails. Possible Night Owl in the surroundings of the lodge.

Targets: Linated Woodpecker, Many-banded Aracari, White-tipped Sicklebill, Green Hermit, Wire-crested Thorntail, Goulds Jewelfront, Grey-headed Kite, Green-backed Trogon, Coppery-chested Jacamar, Channel-billed Toucan, Yellow-throated Toucan, Lined Antshrike, Blue-headed Parrot, White-backed Fire-eye, Peruvian-warbling Antbird, Musician Wren, Golden-collared Toucanet, Amazonia Motmot, Andean Cock of the Rock and others.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight Wild Sumaco Lodge, Double Room

Early morning birding at the Sumaco Wren and Antpitta hides, followed by exploration of the reserve’s trails, offering excellent chances for foothill species, mixed flocks, and understory birds. After lunch, transfer to Coca with a possible visit to the Payamino observation tower, providing panoramic views over the Napo River.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight Auca Hotel, Double Room

Day 12,13, and 14. After breakfast, transfer to Coca Dock, where your adventure into Yasuní National Park begins. From there, embark on a scenic motorized boat ride along the Napo River, arriving at the Amazon Lodge Interpretation Center. Continue by paddle canoe along Anangu Creek observing wildlife and amazonian bird species. There are over 550 recorded bird species in this area, offering incredible opportunities to spot several specialties like Great Potoo, White-throated Toucan, Sungrebe, Agami Heron, White-capped Heron and others. Leisure time to explore the lodge and afternoon paddle canoe in the surrounding of the lagoon. Our guide will plan the activities for the next days based on your targets. 

Napo Wildlife Center: Observation Towers, Paddle Canoe, Terra-firme forest, Napo Parrot Clay Lick, Scarlet Macaws NWC Parrot Clay Lick, Paddle Canoe, Terra-firme forest.

Bird Targets: Hoatzin, Crane Hawk, White-throated Toucan, Orange-crowned Manakin, Gilded Barbet, Green Kingfisher, Tufted Woodpecker, Plum-throated Cotinga, Sungrebe, Flame-crested Tanager, Ivory-billed Aracari, Dot-backed Antbird, Wire-tailed Manakin, Green and Gold Tanager, Agami Heron, Leterred Aracari, Yellow-bellied Dacnis, Blue and Yellow Macaw, Scarlet Macaw, Red and Green Macaw, Chestnut fronted Macaw, Dusky-headed Parakeet, Cobalt-winged Parakeet, Scarlet-shouldered Parrotlet, Black-headed Parrot, Orange-cheeked Parrot, Blue-headed Parrot, Yellow-crowned Amazon, and others.

Mammal Target: Two and Three-toed Sloth, Pygmy Marmoset, Red-mantled Sadle-back Tamarin, Golden-mantled Tamarin, White-fronted Capuchin, Ecuadorian Squirrel Monkey, Noisy Night Monkey, Red-crowned Titi, Napo Saki, Red-howler Monkey, Spider Monkey, Woolly Monkey, Black Agouti, Capybara, Jaguar, Giant Otter, Collared Peccary, Caiman, Caiman-Lizard and others

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight Napo Wildlife Center, Double Room

Early morning transfer by shared motor boat to Coca and continue by flight to Quito. Arrival and transfer to our lodge. Leisure afternoon in our Birding Reserve.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner

Overnight Jimenita Lodge, King with chimney

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day Galápagos adventure aboard the Orion Cruise in Upper or Lower Deck Cabins, exploring iconic islands such as Bartolomé, Española, Santa Cruz, and San Cristóbal. Encounter extraordinary wildlife—from giant tortoises and marine iguanas to Blue-footed Boobies, Galápagos Penguins, and Waved Albatrosses—while enjoying comfortable accommodations, expert guidance, and a truly immersive island-hopping experience.

Transfer to the Airport. Flight to Galapagos Included. Upon arrival to Baltra Airport our representative will be waiting for you and welcoming to Galapagos. Transfer to the Cruise and briefing of the next week activities.

Santa Cruz Island: Bachas Beach
A pristine white-sand beach and shallow lagoon area, important nesting and feeding ground for coastal wildlife. American Flamingos, Whimbrels, Ruddy Turnstones, Lava Gulls, and Sally Lightfoot Crabs are commonly observed along the shoreline.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and snacks

Bartolomé Island: Bartolomé
One of the archipelago’s most iconic volcanic landscapes, dominated by Pinnacle Rock and dramatic lava formations. You will visit the panoramic view of these islands and then snorkel at red sandy beaches with possibility to observe the Galápagos Penguins, Lava Lizards, Marine Iguanas, and nesting Brown Noddies and herons along sheltered coves.

Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay
A vast lava field showcasing some of the youngest geological formations in the islands. Pioneer wildlife includes Lava Lizards, Galápagos Hawks soaring overhead, and Yellow Warblers adapting to sparse vegetation. Then continue to snorkeling activity at Sullivan Bay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and snacks

South Plazas Island: South Plaza
A small but exceptionally rich island with striking red and green vegetation contrasts. Famous for large colonies of Swallow-tailed Gulls, Nazca Boobies, tropicbirds, and one of the best populations of endemic land iguanas.

Santa Fe Island: Santa Fe
One of the oldest islands, covered in towering Opuntia cactus forests. Santa Fe Land Iguanas dominate the landscape, while Galápagos Hawks, White-cheeked Pintails, and finches are frequently seen in the dry forest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and snacks

San Cristóbal Island:
Witch Hill
A scenic white coral beach and turquoise lagoon, ideal for relaxed wildlife observation. Blue-footed Boobies, Brown Pelicans, Lava Gulls, and sea turtles are often seen nearshore and in shallow waters.

Pitt Point
A remote and rugged site featuring steep cliffs and strong ocean currents, attracting large seabird colonies. Red-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies, Frigatebirds, and Tropicbirds nest along the rocky outcrops.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and snacks

San Cristóbal Island:
Highlands
A lush, humid zone with freshwater lagoons and agricultural areas transitioning into natural forest. Giant Tortoises roam freely, alongside Darwin’s Finches, Vermilion Flycatchers, and endemic rail species.

Lobos Island
A small islet offering very close wildlife encounters in calm waters. Sea lions dominate the beaches, while Blue-footed Boobies, Frigatebirds, and pelicans fish actively in the surrounding channels.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and snacks

Española Island:
Suarez Point
One of the most important seabird breeding sites in the Galápagos, especially for its dramatic cliff colonies. Waved Albatrosses, Nazca Boobies, Blue-footed Boobies, and Red-billed Tropicbirds create constant activity.

Gardner Bay
A long, white coral beach with crystal-clear waters and relaxed wildlife. Española Mockingbirds, Lava Gulls, Marine Iguanas, and large sea lion colonies define this peaceful landing site.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and snacks

Floreana Island:
Post Office Bay
A historic site surrounded by coastal scrub and volcanic terrain with strong cultural heritage. Green Sea Turtles, Darwin’s Finches, Galápagos Mockingbirds, and shorebirds are commonly encountered nearby.

Cormorant Point
A diverse site featuring lagoons, mangroves, and contrasting sand beaches. American Flamingos, Pintail Ducks, stilts, and migratory shorebirds thrive in the brackish wetland system.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner and snacks

Santa Cruz Island:
Charles Darwin Station
A key conservation center dedicated to giant tortoise breeding and ecosystem research. Visitors observe Giant Tortoises, land iguanas, and endemic finches while learning about conservation effort

Leisure afternoon Puerto Ayora
Enjoy a relaxing leisure day in Puerto Ayora, with the option to visit the pristine white sands of Tortuga Bay or the crystal-clear waters of Las Grietas. Explore the charming town, browse local shops, and visit the lively fish market where sea lions and pelicans gather. In the evening, unwind with a free night included in your Galápagos package and enjoy fresh cuisine at one of the local restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to Baltra Airport for your return included flight to Quito, marking the end of your Galápagos adventure. Upon arrival, transfer to your birding lodge, surrounded by peaceful natural surroundings. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate the journey and share final memories of Ecuador’s incredible wildlife.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

24/7 Transfer Out to the Airport. Thanks for choosing Ecuador Birds Tours. End of Services.