Join this bird photography adventure in Ecuador, exploring vibrant cloud forests and the mystical Chocó in search of the country’s most spectacular bird species. From iridescent hummingbirds to the majestic Andean condor, this 11-day bird photography tour in Ecuador takes you to exclusive reserves to capture unforgettable images. Guided by an expert photographer, you’ll enjoy strategic hides, advanced techniques, and privileged access to habitats rich in biodiversity.

Today you will arrive at our hotel located in the valley of Puembo, near Mariscal Sucre International Airport and the capital city, Quito.

In the evening we will have a welcome dinner where we will meet all the participants, introduce ourselves and have a short meeting about the activities of the following days.

Hotel: San Jose de Puembo

Early in the morning (6am) we will embark on our trip to the high cloud forest area.

We will make our first stop in the parish of Nono, where we will seek, within a hide, to photograph the emblematic antpitta birds, among which are Chestnut-naped antpitta (Grallaria nuchalis) and Equatorial antpitta (Grallaria saturata). Then we will look for an owl that lives inside the forest, the White-throated screech owl (Megascops albogularis). And of course, the air dancers, the hummingbirds, among which we have: the famous Sword-billed hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera), Mountain Velvetbreast (Lafresnaya lafresnayi), Black-tailed trainbearer (Lesbia victoriae), Sapphire-vented puffleg (Eriocnemis luciani), and around 10 more species.

If we are lucky, the Barred fruiteater (Pipreola arcuata) sometimes arrives.

After lunch, we will descend to the Nanegalito zone, stopping at a place with a very high diversity of hummingbirds (up to 23 species have been counted). Here we can get very beautiful pictures of perched hummingbirds, among which we have Purple-throated woodstar (Philodice mitchellii), Fawn-breasted brilliant (Heliodoxa rubinoides), Andean emerald (Uranomitra franciae), Sparkling violetear (Colibri coruscans), Crowned Woodnymph, among others.

Oropendolas, saltators, woodpeckers and tanagers usually arrive at the feeders. Here our goal will be the Blue-necked tanager (Stilpnia cyanicollis), a spectacle of colors.

Hotel: Sachatamia Lodge

In the morning we will go to a hide where we will photograph the Masked Trogon (Trogon personatus), some woodcreepers, Tapaculo, etc.

Then we will try to photograph two species of Antpitta, Giant Antpitta (Grallaria gigantea) and Scaled Antpitta (Grallaria guatimalensis). Then, of course, some hummingbirds.

After breakfast we will go to a reserve to photograph the colorful Plate-billed mountain toucan (Andigena laminirostris) and Toucan Barbet.

This reserve is also excellent for tanagers, among which we can photograph Flame-faced tanager (Tangara parzudakii), Golden tanager (Tangara arthus), Blue-capped tanager (Sporathraupis cyanocephala), Black-capped tanager (Stilpnia heinei), Golden-naped tanager (Chalcothraupis ruficervix), Blue-winged mountain tanager (Anisognathus somptuosus), among others.

As in the entire cloud forest, hummingbirds also have their role. Here we will focus on Empress brilliant (Heliodoxa imperatrix), Green Violet-ear (Colibri thalassinus) and Gorgeted sunangel (Heliangelus strophianus). Around 7-9 species of hummingbirds can be found here.

Hotel: Sachatamia Lodge

After breakfast we will go to a transition zone between the Cloud Forest and the biodiverse Chocó Forest (1,700 to 750 meters above sea level), where we will look for birds such as the Glistening-green Tanager (Chlorochrysa phoenicotis), Moss-backed tanager (Bangsia edwardsi), Black-chinned mountain tanager (Anisognathus notabilis), Orange-breasted fruiteater (Pipreola jucunda), Golden-collared Honeycreeper (Iridophanes pulcherrimus), Crimson-rumped toucanet (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus), Rose-faced Parrot (Pyrilia pulchra), among others.

After lunch we will look for one of the most iconic birds of the cloud forest and the world, the Andean Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruviana). The males gather in places called "leks", where they court the females in a duel of songs and dances.

Hotel: Sachatamia Lodge

After breakfast we will go to another spot to take our last photographs of the Cloud Forest and its beautiful species. We will be able to observe the Pale-mandibled Aracari (Pteroglossus erythropygius), Choco toucan (Ramphastos brevis), Yellow-throated Toucan (Ramphastos ambiguus), Green honeycreeper (Chlorophanes spiza) and Red-headed barbet (Eubucco bourcierii).

Once we finish our photos, we will start our trip to the capital of the country, Quito. On the way we will stop to photograph the White-bellied woodstar (Chaetocercus mulsant).

Hotel: San Jose de Puembo

We start the day from Quito to the Antisana Ecological Reserve.

In the morning we will go to the "Iscos" to try to photograph the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) flying over the valleys.

Our objective will also be to photograph the Carunculated Caracara (Phalcoboenus carunculatus), a beautiful raptor with a colorful face and mottled vest, and the Black-faced Ibis (Theristicus melanopis), a long-billed bird that, unlike the Caracara, is not as friendly to humans.

This area is home to the Giant Hummingbird (Patagona gigas), the largest in the world, and the famous Ecuadorian hillstar (Oreotrochilus chimborazo).

Raptors such as the Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus) and Variable hawk (Geranoaetus polyosoma) can sometimes be seen flying over the valleys.

Once this tour is over, we will go to the Eastern Cloud Forest, where we will enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge.

Hotel: Guango Lodge

In the morning we will explore the local birdlife of the area. We will look for the Torrent Duck and the beautiful Turquoise Jay, along with many other species that inhabit this rich and diverse region.

In the afternoon we will search for one of the most spectacular hummingbirds in the world: the stunning Fiery Topaz (Topaza pyra), an Amazonian jewel known for its intense colors and long, fiery tail. Without a doubt, one of those encounters that makes any journey worthwhile.

At the end of the day we will stay overnight in Tena to rest and prepare for the next adventures.

Hotel: Ama Lodge

These days we will spend the mornings photographing different species of birds around the hotel feeders and spots. From its deck we can photograph species such as Mountain cacique (Cacicus chrysonotus), Blackburnian warbler (Setophaga fusca), Saffron-crowned tanager (Tangara xanthocephala) and Montane woodcreeper (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger). This is also one of the best places for the Cock-of-the-rock (orange subspecies).

After lunch we will visit another reserve where it is possible to photograph Green-backed hillstar (Urochroa leucura), Gorgeted woodstar (Chaetocercus heliodor), Tawny-bellied hermit (Phaethornis syrmatophorus), Bronzy inca (Coeligena coeligena), Violet-fronted brilliant (Heliodoxa leadbeateri), Inca jay (Cyanocorax yncas), Russet-backed oropendola (Psarocolius angustifrons), Spot-breasted woodpecker (Colaptes punctigula), among others.

One day will be a full multi-flash day for hummingbirds of the eastern slope.

Hotel: Rio Quijos Lodge

Early in the morning we will visit Papallacta Pass, one of the best areas to observe special birds such as Rufous-bellied seedsnipe (Attagis gayi), Rainbow-bearded thornbill (Chalcostigma herrani), Giant conebill (Conirostrum binghami) and other páramo birds.

In the afternoon we will head to Quito.

Hotel: San Jose de Puembo

Ten fascinating days saved in photographs, evidence of our time together in a place where biodiversity has no limits.

It is time to say "see you soon". We trust we will share another adventure together.

After a comfortable rest and a delicious breakfast, we are ready to return home. Please check your flight times.