Ecuador Birding West to East
Birding Ecuador from West to East
This west to east birding tour starts in Quito, takes us northwest over Zuro Loma at 3,500 meters above sea level, descends to Silanche Reserve at 350 meters, before swinging back east to Papallacta at 3,850 meters and Sumaco at 1,400 meters, before turning back to Quito at completion. This incredible range of elevations and habitats allows us access to well over 500 species of birds (including 65 species of hummingbirds) from lowland rain forest to cloud forest to páramo (high-altitude grassland). The differences in habitat and bird diversity between the western and eastern Andes is remarkable, and each day will be a new adventure with new species. At all of our lodges, we’ll be able to appreciate the uniquely beautiful biodiversity of Ecuador, enjoy some of the best birding in the western hemisphere, and with our visit, contribute to the conservation of it all.
TARGETS AND HIGHLIGHTS
- More than 500 bird species including; Gray-breasted and Plate-billed Mountain Toucans, Grass-green Tanager, Hooded Mountain tanager, Turquoise, Green and Violaceous Jays, Barred and Black-streaked Puffbirds, Cliff Flycatcher, Black-banded Owl, band-bellied Owl, Coppery-chested Jacamar, and others…
- 60 plus species of hummingbird including Empress, Fawn-breasted, Black-throated, Violet-fronted, Brilliant, Wire-crested, Green Thorntail, Purple-bibbed, Rufous-vented Whitetip, Peruvian Racket-tail, Gould’s Jewelfront, and others…
- Up to 10 species of Antpittas including Giant, Yellow-breasted, Moustached, White-bellied, Plain-backed, Tawny, and others…
KEY LOCATIONS
Zuro Loma, Septimo Paraiso, Silanche Reserve and Milpe Bird Sanctuary, Mashpi Reserve, Santa Rosa Reserve, Antizana National Park, Ayaguacu Reserve and Wildsumaco.
EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit the Zuro Loma Reserve to see and photograph the Sword-billed Hummingbird, Chestnut-naped Equatorial Antpitta, and Ocellated Tapaculo.
- Santa Rosa Reserve for capturing tanagers, toucans, and hummingbirds.
- Explore Paz de las Antpittas Reserve to observe Andean Cock of the Rocks and the famously friendly antpittas.
- Journey to the paramo landscapes of Antisana National Park, home to the Andean Condor and unique high-altitude species.
More Details
Accommodations
San Jose del Puembo, Septimo Paraiso Lodge, Guango Lodge, Cabañas San Isidro, Wildsumaco Lodge.
Weather and climate
In October and November, Ecuador’s weather varies with elevation. The highland regions, like Yanacocha and Antisana, experience cooler temperatures ranging from 45°F to 65°F (7°C to 18°C), with occasional mist and rain. In contrast, the cloud forest and foothill regions, such as Mindo and Santa Rosa, are warmer, with temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C). This period generally falls in the transition from the dry season to the rainy season, so participants should be prepared for a mix of sunny days and some rain showers.
Tour Details
Price: $5,185 per-person, double occupancy
Single Supplement: $600
Included: Lodging, meals, in-country transportation, guides, park entrance fees.
Not Included: Passport fees, visa fees, International airfare, alcoholic beverages, personal items, tips, travel insurance.
From: Quito (UIO)
Minimum Participants: 6
Participant Limit: 10
Activity Level: Moderate
Deposit: A 30% deposit is required to reserve space on this tour.
Tour Leaders: Edison Buenaño
ask a question
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!