Tour Itinerary & Costs

The itinerary for each tour can vary depending on bird activity, weather  time of year, the make up of the group, new birding reserves we have discovered  and  other factors.  Bird activity is not static, so we design each tour to provide the best and most diverse birding experience for each group.  Here is a sample itinerary.

 

Day O: Arrival and transport to our Hotel/ Eco lodge in the Tumbaco valley just 20 minutes from the airport.

Day 1: After breakfast, introductions and observing the many species on the hotel grounds, the adventure begins as we travel to the area of Tandayapa, Mindo and the Choco Andino, one of the most biodiverse hotspots on the planet. After a brief stop at a pond near the airport and the Equator line for photos and From there, we will descend the east slope of the Andes, stopping at the private reserves of Armadillo and Alambi to begin to see hummers, tanagers and more.  We finish the day in our beautiful lodge in Tandayapa or Mindo.

Day 2: After early morning birding on the lodge trails, we will set our sights on two of the most iconic birds of Northern South America:  The mysterious cave dwelling oilbird, as we visit two family run conservation projects in the upper Mashpi valley that protect these very special birds.  Return to Mindo for an evening excursión to search for Owls and Potoos.

Day 3: Daybreak visit to the bird hide of Las Cotingas reserve to watch the daytime feeding of forest birds attracted by the moths. We then continue on to spend the day in the Masphi región one of  the last foothill forests, connecting to the subtropical western foothills.   We will have several stops along the road before reaching the privately owned Amaguza Mashpi reserve, renowned for its 24 Choco endemics. Target species include the rose faced parrot, glistening green and moss backed tanagers, indigo flower piercer and many more. The sacha Guatusa Reserve at a slightly lower elevtion will give us a chance to see new species such as the emerald and tanagers.  

Day 4: We will give two options this morning.  Early departure to search for the long wattled umbrellabird or do more low key birding around Mindo.  We will regroup and contine, visiting lower elevation áreas of Pedro Vicnete Maldonado, including  the farm of Don Marcelo converted to a private birding sanctuary, with an amazing variety of species.  In the afternoon, we will explore the Silanche road, the lowest elevation we will reach to the coast. Optional evening birding on our last night in Mindo.

Day 5: Two options again this morning….5 am departure to the famous Paz de las Aves Reserve, where Angel and Rodrigo Paz will show us elusive antipittas, cock of the rock and many other species. Or for those who would like a quieter morning, there will be the option of more low key birding around Mindo or a chance to do other things in town (chocolate tour, butterfly farm, zip lining).  We then head back to the highlands, stopping at the Maraksacha reserve for lunch.  Birding on the Old Mindo Road, looking for mixed flocks and arrival to the village of Nono for the night.

Day 6: After breakfast we will head high above the Nono valley, to the Zuroloma reserve, looking for high altitude species, including the swordbill hummingbird, the white throated screech owl and additional antpittas. A lunch stop at Yanacocha reserve and then we will head over the east slope of the Andes.  Stops near Papallacta to look for high altitude species and on to our lodge in the transitional Quijos valley.

Day 7: Birding in the transitional eastern slope zones of Quijos, Baeza, and Chaco. Before breakfast we will visit the river in search of the torrent duck. We will visit Concierto de las Aves, and other family run birding reserves in the zone, looking for quetzals, new hummers, inca jays, ladder tailed nightjars, wire crested thorntails and more. More owling in the evening.

Day 8: Today we descend to the Amazon, spending a full day birding in the transitional and eastern Amazon Basin . We will hike the beautiful Guacamayos ridge and then the Loreto road, searching for the Band Breasted owl at Pachakutik and stopping at the Hollin waterfall for lunch. After lunch we will continue on to our lodge along the Napo river.  Visit to the Paikawe Lagoon to see the Hoatzin and many other iconic Amazon speicies.

Day 9: Early morning to the Arajuno River where we will board canoes, to bird along the river as the day breaks.  We will spend the morning birding on the Arajuno and Napo rivers, stopping at several islands and spots along the shore.  Back to the hotel for lunch.  In the afternoon, we will visit a special spot to see one of the most beautiful and elusive hummingbirds :  The Fiery Topaz.

Day 10: Optional pre breakfast birding near the lodge, an área that is teeming with birds.  After breakfast, we begin our ascent up the Andes, stopping at several birding sites, including Wayra Reserve and the trails of Guango Lodge. We end the day back at Zaysant, our arrival lodge in Quito

Day 11: A full day of birding in the Antisana area, visiting the Jocotoco Antisanilla reserve and La Mica Lake to sight condors and search for the Ecuadorian Hillstar, Black faced Ibis and more. Final lunch and birding at Tambo Condor.  Tour will conclude around 4 pm.

 

 

 

Tour Pricing 2024, 2025 & 2026:

$2500 p.p. based on double occupancy.

Add $300 for single supplement

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Jun 18 - 28, 2025 

November 6 - 16, 2025 

January 13 - 23, 2026 

June 2 - 12, 2026 

November 10 - 20, 2026

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What is included:

1.  Pick up and transport to hotel.

2. 11 nights of lodging in our comfortable hotels and lodges

3. Breakfast and lunch

4. Transportation in a comfortable roomy bus

5. Expert birding guide on the tour, with additional birding guides at certain spots.

6. Additional Bilingual guide and tour facilitator

7. Entrance fees to all the reserves

8. Entrance to Intinan museum, hotsprings.

9. Birding checklist to help you with identification.

10. Daily ebird lists and post trip list of birds sighted and photos.

 

What is not included:

1. Airfare to and from Ecuador

2. Tips for guide and driver

3. Dinner and snacks.We have left dinner open in order to provide flexibility and options for travelers.

4. Personal expenses.

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This is a sample itinerary which may vary due to weather, bird activity, group input and factors outside of our control.