Arrive in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s principal port and coastal city, situated on the banks of the Guayas River. A vibrant commercial hub, Guayaquil offers a dynamic introduction to the country. Transfer to your hotel, settle in, and unwind. Dinner tonight is at your leisure.

After having an early breakfast, we depart from the bustling city of Guayaquil and begin our first full day in Ecuador with a drive of just over an hour to the Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve. This 50,000-hectare reserve was established in 1979 to protect its vital habitat and diverse wildlife. Mangroves play a crucial role in our planet’s health by storing immense amounts of carbon and providing crucial support for a variety of creatures, including numerous juvenile fish.

Manglares-Churute contains an interesting mix of lagoons, mangroves, and semi-humid forest; we won’t see anything else like this on the remainder of the tour. We will spend our time here looking for the threatened “Pacific” Royal-Flycatcher along with a number of other scarce species, including Jet Antbird, Common (Mangrove) Black-Hawk, and Orange-crowned Euphonia. We’ll also have our first chance at finding some of the more common Tumbesian endemics, such as the Superciliated Wren and the Ecuadorian Trogon. Meanwhile, impressive Horned Screamers can be found in nearby rice paddies.

Later in the day, we will drive 120 miles south to the Jocotoco Foundation’s Buenaventura Reserve and the excellent Umbrellabird Lodge near Piñas. We will birdwatch along the way as we travel through wetlands, coastal areas, flooded fields, and patches of forest.

Buenaventura Reserve was specifically created to protect the largest known population of the endemic El Oro Parakeet, giving us a good chance to spot a small flock during our two full days in the reserve.

Potential species on this route include Horned Screamer, Muscovy Duck, Magnificent Frigatebird, various herons & egrets, White Ibis, Rufous-necked Woodrail, Savanna Hawk, Laughing Falcon, Wattled Jacana, various gulls & terns, Ecuadorian and Blue Ground-Doves, Pacific Pygmy-Owl, Ringed & Green Kingfishers, Red-rumped & Black-cheeked Woodpeckers, Peruvian Meadowlark, Jet Antbird, Masked Water-Tyrant, Black-tailed Flycatcher, Pacific Royal Flycatcher, Superciliated Wren, Lemon-rumped and White-shouldered Tanagers, Crimson-breasted Finch, Variable, Parrot-billed, Yellow-bellied and Chestnut-throated Seedeaters, and Thick-billed & Large-billed Seed Finches. By the time we arrive at Buenaventura for our three-night stay, there should still be enough daylight to observe the hummingbird feeders, where we may spot species such as the Long-billed, White-whiskered, and Baron’s Hermits, Brown Violetear, Violet-bellied Hummingbird, Emerald-bellied Woodnymph, Green Thorntail, Andean Emerald, Long-billed Starthroat, Purple-crowned Fairy, Green-crowned Brilliant, White-booted Racket-tail, and Violet-tailed Sylph. A feeding table stocked with tropical fruits attracts species such as the Rufous-headed Chachalaca and Pale-mandibled Aracari, while a short yet steep trail descends into a ravine, leading us to a display site for the Long-wattled Umbrellabird—though we might save this for another day.

The two primary target species in this impressive reserve are the El Oro Parakeet and the Long-wattled Umbrellabird. In fact, the endemic El Oro Parakeet was discovered here in 1980, and the reserve now safeguards most of its remaining preferred habitat. This species inhabits an incredibly small area, making it one of the more elusive targets on this trip, but we remain hopeful of catching a glimpse of this rare Ecuadorian endemic parrot. However, there is so much to see here, and the day will be packed with non-stop birding action as we explore a road at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,200 meters.

Just to give you a taster of what is possible here: Rufous-headed Chachalaca, Barred Hawk, Bronze-winged Parrot, Red-masked Parakeet, Golden-headed Quetzal, Collared Trogon, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Pale-billed Aracari, White-tipped Sicklebill, Emerald-bellied Woodnymph, Wedge-billed Hummingbird, Bay Wren, Guayaquil & Golden-olive Woodpeckers, Scaled Fruiteater, Barred Puffbird, Grey-rumped Swift, Club-winged & Golden-winged Manakins, Plain-backed & Ochre-breasted Antpittas, Esmereldas & Zeledon’s Antbirds, Russet & Uniform Antshrikes, Checker-throated & Slaty Antwrens, Andean Solitaire, Uniform Treehunter, Brown-billed Scythebill, Olive-striped Flycatchers, Bronze-olive Pygmy-Tyrant, Song & Whiskered Wrens, Scarlet-rumped Cacique, Slaty Becard, White-throated Spadebill, Golden, Rufous-throated, Golden-naped, Silver-throated, Blue-necked & Bay-headed Tanagers, Black-and-white Seedeater, Black-winged Saltator, and Dusky Brush-Finch.

We will likely spend lunchtime watching the feeders back at the lodge, where hundreds of hummingbirds often gather alongside an amazing variety of other species. It will be hard to tear ourselves away to continue birding along the road. This is sure to be a day we will never forget!

Today we look for birds in the upper areas of the reserve, our goal will be the Ecuadorian endemic and rare bird, the El Oro Tapaculo. As for the umbrellabird, if we didn’t visit its lek yesterday, we will definitely target this species today.

To see this cotinga displaying is one of nature’s true marvels. Additionally, we watch for other birds like Brown Inca and Gorgeted Sunangel. This area is also the habitat for montane birds like Pacific Tuftedcheek, Flame-faced and Ochre-breasted Tanagers, Choce Brushfinch, and rare and endangered raptors like Grey-backed Hawk and Ornate Hawk-Eagle.

After lunch, we look for birds of the lower areas of the reserve, like White-vented (Ecuadorian) Plumeleteer, Gartered Trogon, and Ochraceous Attila. Much of the birding will be on a moderately inclined dirt track through the forest, as we look for the key mixed-species feeding flocks, but we’ll also take short walks on muddy and sometimes steep trails.

After a fabulous time at Buenaventura, we will drive 160 miles in an easterly direction to Copalinga, making a number of stops en route along the old Loja-Zamora Road.

We’ll expect to see a number of commoner birds during the journey, such as Cliff Flycatcher, Green Jay, and Paradise Tanager, although surprises always turn up.

In the afternoon, we will arrive at Cabañas Ecologicas Copalinga, a lodge found on the northern edge of the Podocarpus National Park (a Biosphere Reserve recognized by UNESCO) and settle in for a 3-night stay.

Established in 1999, the lodge is situated on a beautiful reserve of 150 hectares.

The grounds of the lodge itself are great for hummingbirds, with species such as Wire-crested Thorntail, Violet-headed Hummingbird, Violet-fronted Brilliant, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, and Spangled Coquette being regularly attracted to the feeders and flowering plants.

Once we’ve sorted through the hummers, we can stroll along a trail to a small hide where Gray Tinamou can be seen, while, at night, Band-bellied Owl often calls near the lodge.

On one of our days out from Copalinga, we’ll bird an excellent trail just a short drive away, looking for many sought-after or localized species such as Coppery-chested Jacamar, Ecuadorian Piedtail, White-breasted Parakeet, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Foothill Elaenia, Olive Finch, Black-billed Treehunter, Blue-rumped Manakin, and Equatorial Graytail.

Other more common birds we may see are Paradise and Green-and-gold Tanager, Andean Motmot, Green Hermit, Red-headed Barbet, Lafresnaye’s Piculet, and Marble-faced Bristle-Tyrant.

In mid-afternoon, we will return to the lodge, where we can either have some relaxed birding around the lodge or take a short drive to other nearby sites.

On another day, we can explore some slightly higher elevation forest patches, which are good for spotting species like the Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Ecuadorian Tyrannulet, Lined Antshrike, and Olivaceous Greenlet. Farther along this road, we’ll target some scarce species of higher elevations, including Vermilion and Blue-browed Tanagers, Chestnut-tipped Toucanet, among others.

After three nights at Copalinga, we move on to Tapichalaca Reserve, 100 winding miles to the south. After a three-hour car journey with the possibility of birding en route again, we will arrive at the montane forests where the Jocotoco Antpitta thrives, settling in to our cozy lodge for 2 nights.

While the Jocotoco Antpitta is our main target here, we should see plenty of other good birds along the trails, such as Chestnut-capped and Slate-crowned Antpittas, plus there’s a slim chance of Undulated Antpitta too, Chusquea and Ocellated Tapaculos, White-breasted and Golden-plumed Parakeets, Barred Fruiteater, Black-capped Hemispingus, Orange-banded Flycatcher, White-throated Quail-Dove, Andean Potoo, and sometimes the reserve rangers know of a day roost for Long-tailed Potoo.

The walk up to the Jocotoco feeding area follows a narrow forest trail with some short, steep sections that can be slippery and muddy. Although the hike is not long, we will take our time, as there are many birding opportunities along the way. However, we will ensure our arrival at the antpitta feeding area coincides with their regular feeding time.

As recently as 1997, a new species of antpitta was discovered here—the Jocotoco Antpitta—leading to the creation of a series of reserves and accommodations by the Jocotoco Foundation.

This is the foundation’s premier reserve, spanning altitudes from 1,500m to 2,900m and home to over 400 bird species.

Amidst this stunning, epiphyte-laden forest, there are plenty more birds to look for, such as the Bearded Guan, White-capped Parrot, Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Bar-bellied and Powerful Woodpeckers, Andean Pygmy-Owl, Barred Antthrush, Slate-crowned and Rufous Antpittas, Black-capped Tyrannulet, Rufous-headed Pygmy-Tyrant, Russet-crowned Warbler, Turquoise Jay, Maranon Thrush, Grey-hooded Bush-Tanager, and the Red-hooded, White-capped, and Grass-green Tanagers.

Continuing the feeder theme throughout this tour, we will find more hummer feeders here, hosting species such as the Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Collared Inca, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Amethyst-throated and Flame-throated Sunangels, Long-tailed Sylph, and White-bellied Woodstar. Additionally, a compost heap attracts a remarkable variety of species, including the Black-throated Tody-Tyrant. At dusk, we will try for the Swallow-tailed Nightjar and White-throated Screech-Owl near the lodge.

During our stay, we may bird along the road below the lodge towards the town of Valladolid, where occasionally Chestnut-crested Cotinga can be seen, or else spend more time around the lodge.

On our last full day in southern Ecuador, we will drive approximately 80 miles north to the dry valley of Catamayo, where we will search for endemic birds such as the Tumbes Sparrow, Elegant Crescentchest, Drab Seedeater, Parrot-billed Seedeater, Chestnut-throated Seedeater, Band-tailed Seedeater, Peruvian Meadowlark, and Fasciated Wren.

We will spend our final night in the south in this valley, where we may even hear the call of the Peruvian Pygmy-Owl.

After breakfast, we will head to Catamayo Airport for a short flight to Quito. Upon arrival, we will be greeted and transferred to the open grasslands of Antisana National Park (ranging from 9,000 to over 13,000 feet). This is one of the best places in Ecuador to spot high-altitude birds such as the Andean Condor, Andean Ibis, Silvery Grebe, Aplomado Falcon, Chestnut-winged and Stout-billed Cinclodes, Black-chested Eagle, Glossy Flowerpiercer, Many-striped and Streaked-backed Canasteros, Cinereous Harrier, Band-tailed Seedeater, Tawny Antpitta, Spot-billed Ground, and Black-billed.

Shrike-Tyrants, White-crested Elaenia, Blue-mantled Thornbill, Ecuadorian Hillstar, Red-crested Cotinga, Paramo Pipit, and Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe.

We will enjoy a delicious lunch at Tambo Condor, a small local farm with a fantastic view of the rock walls where Andean Condors roost and nest. This spot also provides an opportunity to see the Giant Hummingbird! After enjoying a hearty Andean lunch, you will be transferred to the airport for your international flight home.

Pick up from the Hotel early in the morning at 6:30 am and drive towards the Upper Andean Valleys near Antisana Volcano. The Antisana Condor Observatory is the most impressive Andean mountain near Quito and the Sanctuary of Wild Andean Condor.

Upon arrival at the reserve, we will observe the Condors from our Tower and other Hawks, Flowerpiercers, and Hummingbirds with a splendid view of the Waterfall. Continue to Antisana National Park, making strategic stops to observe different bird species. We will have lunch while viewing Secas Lagoon. After lunch, return to our Lodge surrounded by nature and a 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.

Driving up out of Quito, we pass over the western ridge of the Andes, dropping down onto the Pacific slope. This forested valley has earned its impressive reputation for the quality and number of birds seen along its length, including Toucan Barbet, Plate-billed Mountain-toucan, Masked Trogon, White- capped Dipper, Cinnamon Flycatcher, and many tanagers and hummingbird species. We make our way northwest to the Alambi Reserve.

Located in the Andean Chocó ecosystem, we’ll find the Alambi Reserve, which preserves the cloud forest in the famous Tandayapa Valley. You’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and marvel at the beauty of species like the Golden-headed Quetzal and Crested Quetzal, Violet-bellied Hummingbird, Andean Emerald, White- necked Jacobin, Flame-rumped Tanager, Tropical Parula, and others.

We expect to arrive at our lodge in the late afternoon, in time to enjoy the hummingbird feeders before the sun sets. Settle in and watch for Violet-tailed Sylph, Empress Brilliant, Tawny-bellied Hermit, Green-fronted Lancebill, Purple-throated Woodstar, White-bellied Woodstar, Green-crowned Woodnymph, Brown, White- collared Inca, and more. Our lodge offers great bird and butterfly watching. It is nestled in the valley of the Rio Mindo, a remarkable locale, home to over 360 species of birds.

The ridges, slopes, and steep ravines to the north, west, and east of the village are cloaked in pre-montane cloud forest with a dense understory that includes Guadua bamboo. A hint to be most comfortable here: Bring easy-to-slip-off shoes, as you go in and out of the lodge in search of birds.

We dedicate the next two days to searching for mammals (though the birds are certainly a distraction!). Our efforts focus on spotting coatis, Mountain Agoutis, and our key target in the area: the recently discovered Olinguito, a small, red-furred carnivorous mammal. Its nocturnal habits and the dense fog of the cloud forest helped it remain hidden from the scientific community until recently.

Or rather, the Olinguito had been detected and even collected, but nearly two dozen preserved skins and skulls were misidentified as close relatives in US museum collections! There’s even evidence that one individual lived in several American zoos during the 1960s, frustrating zookeepers by refusing to breed with the Olingos, which it was mistaken for.

New species of insects and amphibians are discovered fairly regularly, but a new mammal species is rare, particularly with carnivorous mammals.

The Colombian Weasel, found in 1978, is the most recent find in the Western Hemisphere. With the help of our expert local guides, who keep a watchful eye on its whereabouts, we have great chances to see it in spotlighting sessions after dark. An optional field trip to Angel Paz’s Refugio Paz de las Aves offers great birds, among them many antpittas, including Yellow-breasted and Giant, and also spectacular Andean Cock-of-the-rock.

Today, we visit Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve, a private 1,000-acre nature reserve that encompasses a mix of primary and secondary forest. The botanical wonder here is something to behold!

One of the top birding locations in Ecuador, the reserve is known for its diverse hummingbird species (at feeders for close-ups), as well as a colorful array of toucans and tanagers.

At 5,000 – 7,000 feet, we encounter a spectacular cloud forest on the steep slopes above us. Here we may find a number of bird species with limited range, including the Tanager Finch.

The forest and gardens are draped with orchids and bromeliads, and butterflies abound. Some of the most beautiful birds of the forest include the Plate-billed Mountain Toucan, Toucan Barbet, Golden Tanager, and Flame-faced Tanager. Lunch and the choice of hiking or birding fill our afternoon at Bellavista.

We leave early today for a flight to Coca, headed down to the base of the Andes and eastwards across the vast Amazonian floodplain to Coca. We’ll travel along the Auca road towards the Shiripuno River.

It will take us approximately two hours to get to this doorway to the Waorani territory. We will enter the Yasuni there, and you might even encounter some of its inhabitants on the way to the campsite. Wao Kamp is located at the entrance of Gaba’s Territory.

Gaba is an elder Waorani warrior. Before wrapping up the day, we’ll visit Gaba and then return for dinner.

We start our journey early, before 6:00 a.m. We’ll go on a navigation trip through the misty Shiripuno River. You might spot toucans, macaws, monkeys, tapirs, or capybaras here. We then enjoy breakfast at 8:00 a.m.

Before joining Gaba —a respected Waorani Warrior and Chief— for a 4-5 hour trek focused on wildlife, survival skills, and ethnobotany, including a visit to a clay lick.

We’ll then have lunch and rest at noon, returning to Gaba’s home in the afternoon to explore Waorani art made with natural materials. We’ll enjoy dinner around 7:00 p.m. before wrapping up the day.

Start your day with breakfast at 6:30 a.m. before embarking on a canoe ride that lasts around an hour and a half.

Once we end the ride, enjoy a 4-hour hike through the pristine forest, culminating in a breathtaking hilltop where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the lush rainforest. We’ll find a nice spot to serve lunch in the shadow of the surrounding trees.

After this experience, we’ll head back to the Camp before 6:00 p.m. On the road back, we’ll take advantage of the darkness to spot caimans and observe nocturnal wildlife.

Low river levels attract jaguars, capybaras, caimans, and turtles, making it an exciting time for wildlife sightings. Enjoy dinner to give adventure a rest for the day.

We bird our way back via road transfer to the Quijos Valley, one of the westernmost headwaters of the Amazon basin at Cabañas San Isidro, at an elevation of 6,800 feet. It was founded more than 40 years ago by the Bustamante family of Quito, during a government campaign to convert unclaimed lands of eastern Ecuador into productive farms. Despite pressure to clear the land for farming, Simón Bustamante left most of his 1,300-hectare property untouched in part to help protect the unique flora and fauna, and the area has slowly matured into an area of ecolodges and nature-focused accommodations.

It is happily surrounded by some of the largest and most accessible tracts of primary subtropical forest in Ecuador. Our host, Carmen, is Simón’s daughter, who has managed the lodge for the last 20 years. We settle into superb lodgings here for the next two nights.

We enjoy a leisurely final morning at our lodge, taking short walks to spot a few more birds around the area, including any we may have missed. After an early lunch, we pack up and head back to Quito’s airport in time for your flight home.