Ecuador Birding: Southern
Southern Ecuador; A Kaleidoscope of Bird Diversity
Southern Ecuador is considered one of the most biodiverse places in the world, with Podocarpus National Park alone supporting over 600 species of birds. We will visit habitats ranging from tropical dry forest and tropical rainforest to Chocó and Tumbesian forests, as well as Polylepis forests and páramo habitats—all within a small part of Ecuador. And along our visit, we will be contributing to conservation efforts in southern Ecuador, especially in the reserves of the Jocotoco Foundation. Thanks to the discovery of the Jocotoco Antpitta in southern Ecuador, the area is now protected, particularly in areas where endangered or vulnerable birds live. These include the Jocotoco Antpitta, the Golden Parakeet, the Pale-browed Tinamou, the Long-wattled Umbrellabird, the Pale-headed Brushfinch, the White-headed Brushfinch, the Rainbow Starfrontlet, the Purple-throated Sunangel, the White-necked Parakeet, the Gray Tinamou, and the Violet-throated Metaltail, to name a few.
Highlight and Target Birds
- We’ll expect more 450 species of birds including; Jocotoco Antpitta, Oro Parakeet, Long-wattled Umbrellabird, Pale-headed Brush-finch, the new species of hummingbird -Blue-throated Hillstar, White-necked Parakeet, Gray and Pale-browed Tinamou, Coppery-chested Jacamar, Rainbow Starfrontlet, White-tailed Jay, Peruvian Screech Owl, Purple-throated Sunangel, Black-crested Tit-tyrant, White-necked Parakeet, and many, many, more.
40+ species of Hummingbirds including; Violet-thoated Metaltail, Little, Purple-throated, and Amethyst-throated Sunangel, Amazonia Hummingbird, Violet-bellied Hummingbird, Rainbow Starfrontlet, the new species of hummingbird -Blue-throated Hillstar, and many more.
KEY LOCATIONS
- Manglares Churute, Jorupe Reserve, Utuana Reserve, Utuana Reserve, Podocarpus National Park, Tapichalaca Reserve, Valladolid, Bomboscaro, Cerro Arcos, El Cajas National Park.
EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
- Birdwatch in one of the world’s most bird and biodiverse countries, with the Andes as your backdrop.
- Pale-headed Brush-finch, one of the rarest birds on that planet, which we will have a good chances to see (and photograph).
- Cerro Arcos Reserve, home for new species of hummingbird, the Blue-throated Hillstar at 12,000 ft.
- Relax in eco-friendly lodges situated in remote, serene landscapes.
- Experience Ecuadorian culture with visits to local farmers engaged in reforestation and sustainable agriculture.
- Enjoy delicious local cuisine and stay in bird and conservation-friendly accommodations.
More Details
Accommodations
Hosteria Agua y Sol, Jorupe Reserve, Vilcabamba, Casa Simpson, Copalinga Lodge, Saraguro, Guayaquil.
Weather and climate
Our southern Ecuador birding trip will cover habitats from sea level to 12,500 ft. and we can expect temperatures between 35 to 90 F or more.
The route will start on the coast, where we will be visit sea-level dry forest, and daytime temperatures will be a humid 80-90 F or more. We’ll progress to not-as-warm, foothills habitat at around 3,000 ft. with daytime temperatures of 70 F or so.
From here, we move to cloud forest at about 8,000 ft. where we can expect daytime temperatures averaging 60 F. Finally, in Paramo habitat at about 12,500 ft., we can expect colder temperatures and a possibility of showers, with daytime highs averaging 35 F.
Tour Details
Price: $5,290 per-person
Single Supplement: $1,210 per-person
Included: In-country accommodations, ground transportation, meals from dinner on first day to breakfast on last day, English speaking guide and entrance fees.
Not Included: International airfare, personal items such as alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, gift shop, laundry, tips, etc. are not included.
From: Quito (UIO)
Minimum Participants: 6
Participant Limit: 10
Activity Level: Moderate
Deposit: 30% per-person deposit is required to hold your spot on this tour (with your registration form)
Tour Leader: Edison Buenaño
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Natural Selections Tours thanks Zeiss Optics in partnering with us to advance birding, ecotourism, and conservation. Zeiss Optics is a world leader in quality optics products and service, and we are proud to work together making our world a better place by seeing beyond, together!