Explore the magic of the Ecuadorian Andes, a region that offers what some have called the finest birding in South America. Hummingbirds, condors, toucans, tanagers, and antpittas adorn this tour, replete with misty mountains, orchids, hot springs, and genuine interactions with locals. This is the perfect tour for the "relaxed birder." We will provide every opportunity to find and photograph your target birds while also baking in time for you to relax or explore areas on your own. Meet local birding guides and landowners who are passionate about protecting important habitats and hear their stories. It's not often you'll travel like this: get ready to be awed by magnificent landscapes and colorful creatures while sampling new culture and cuisine. Learn about Ecuador from Ecuadorians themselves and return to the States with new perspectives.   

Birding Man Adventures (BMA) is passionate about supporting conservation through sustainable travel. Having spent two years in Ecuador as a Peace Corps volunteer, BMA founder and guide Ryan Dibala has remained in close contact with several different communities in Ecuador. One of these communities, San Francisco de Borja, has spearheaded reforestation and birdwatching efforts as an alternative to unsustainable agriculture. By collaborating with Sandra Morocho, an activist, birder, and guide from San Francisco de Borja, BMA aims to dissolve language and cultural barriers through common ties and interests in nature. You can feel great about your dollars directly supporting a group of humble, landholding Ecuadorians who are working to preserve some of Ecuador's most treasured wildlife.     

The lodging used on this trip is second to none in class and ambiance. In Quito, we will stay in what has been called an oasis of calm at the Puembo Birding Garden only a half hour from the airport. We will transfer to a birdwatcher's paradise, the Rio Quijos Eco Lodge in the middle of virgin cloud forest on the eastern side of the Andes. There, we will spend several days, after which we will relocate to Hosteria Termas de Pampallacta, where you can enjoy soaking in mineral hot springs right outside your door. Next, we will transfer to the western cordillera above the town of Mindo where we will stay at the beautiful Casa de Vista Alta. At each location, we will eat traditional Ecuadorian cuisine while enjoying first class service and unrivaled natural beauty.    

Because we will be traveling as a group,  we require that anyone participating in this tour be up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. We also encourage everyone to get their annual flu shots.