OVERVIEW

To dramatically boost your bird photography experience in Ecuador, welcome to the exploration of our privileged Amazon region. While the Amazon basin falls within several South American countries, a singularity occurs in Ecuador's Amazonia. The Equator line, the Andes mountain range, and, our Amazon territory blend together to give place to the most bio-diverse ecosystem in the world! Brace yourself for a bird photography trip jam-packed with unique bird species.

Our upper Amazonia trip visits the best location to see the fabulous Rainbow-bearded Thornbill © Jorge Luis Cruz Alcivar

Our first chapter covers the Upper Amazon basin, stretching from 3000 m (9800 feet) all the way down to 1200 m (4000 feet). Our bird photography trip covers the Amazon's  mountainous region made up of lush montane forest, deep-green foothill forests, and, crystal clear rivers that feed into the largest tributary of the Amazon river. This region is exceptionally good for bird photography for its highly sought-after mountain-toucans, mountain-tanagers, fruiteaters, tanagers, jays, caciques, antbirds, and, notably, for its abounding hummingbird species, most of which don't occur in the Choco slope (5 & 8 day trips). This region is unfortunately missed by most bird photographers, who, unknowingly skip this must-see! wildlife photography area by flying directly from Quito to Coca city into the Lower Amazon which we offer as a separate trip.

FOR OUR 5 DAY LOWER AMAZON BIRD PHOTO TOUR  CLICK HERE!

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1

Pick-up from Quito airport and transfer to San Jorge Eco-lodge Quito.
Overnight: San Jorge Eco-lodge Quito.

DAY 2

Bird Photo Papallacta Pass, Cayambe-Coca National Park & Cuyuja River:
Now that we've covered the best bird photography locations of the Choco (Western slope), we embark into an essentially new world, the enchanted forests of the Upper Amazon Basin (Eastern slope).  After breakfast we drive towards Amazonia's slope gateway, the famous Papallacta Pass. Some of Ecuador's most stunning hummingbird species inhabit this stunning treeline forest. This will be one of the best locations to photograph the majestic Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Blue-mantled Thornbill, and a second chance at the Ecuadorian Hillstar. Other great bird species we'll photograph at this location include the Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, Giant Conebill, Many-striped Canastero, Andean Tit-Spinetail, and with a bit of luck, the mighty Spectacled Bear, South America's only bear species. At around noon, we'll be rewarded with a delicious boxed lunch surrounded by a sublime Andean landscape.

Be enchanted by the breathtaking scenery of the Upper Amazon region. © Jorge Luis Cruz Alcivar

After lunch we do bird photography inside Cayambe-Coca National Park. This dwarf Andean forest is home to very localized bird species and we'll focus on bird photography of the Masked Mountain-Tanager, Black-backed Bush-Tanager, Pale-naped Brush-Finch, Crowned Chat-Tyrant, and, the stunners Pluscap, and Golden-crowned Tanager. After Cayambe Coca, we descend to Cuyuja river and we spend the rest of the afternoon doing hummingbird photography of brand new species including the Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Collared Inca, Glowing Pufleg, and, Tourmaline Sunangel. We'll also go after the Torrent Duck that's commonly seen along the Cuyuja river. With a bit of luck we might also photograph the Red-hooded Tanager, Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan, and the Andean Potoo.
Overnight: Borja Valley Eco-lodge.

DAY 3 & 4

Bird Photo Baeza Valley Eco-lodge and surroundings 
We'll spend two full days in the picturesque valley of Baeza as besides the feeders at the eco-lodge, we'll visit several other spots for hummingbird photography and other birds. We'll be able to take super photos of brand new hummingbird species including the Long-taild Sylph, Green-backed Hillstar, Tawny-bellied Hermit, Speckled Hummingbird, Bronzy Inca, Rufous-booted Racket-tail, Violet-fronted Brilliant, and the Tiny Gorgeted Woodstar. Other birds that visit the bird feeders at this valley include, Bronze-green Euphonia, Red-breasted Meadowlark, Spot-breasted Woodpecker, Northern Mountain-Cacique, Scarlet-rumped Cacique, Andean Motmot, Turquoise Jay, and, Inca Jay. At the eco-lodge we'll also check the little ponds and the river for the stunning Sunbittern, and, a second chance at the Torrent Duck. In addition,  during one afternoon, we'll visit a lek to do photography of the eastern Andean Cock-of-the-rock which has an amazing orange color and a piercing bright yellow eye.
Overnight: Borja Valley Eco-lodge

The valley of Baeza is home to some of the most beautiful hummingbird species including this Long-tailed Sylph. © Jorge Luis Cruz Alcivar

DAY 5

Bird Photo Archidona Hummingbird Reserve
After breakfast we drive for 30 minutes to Archidona Hummingbird Reserve. Extensive gardens covered with flowering vervenas are home to numerous hummingbird species that occur at this elevation only. We'll focus on hummingbird photography of the following species, the iconic Wire-crested Throntail, Violet-headed Hummingbird, Rufous-throated Sapphire, Napo Sabrewing, Rufous-vented Whitetip, Black-throated Brilliant, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, Black-throated Brilliant, Gould's Jewelfront, Blue-fronted Lancebill, Green Hermit, Ecuadorian Piedtail, Pink-throated Brilliant, and, with a bit of luck, the amazing Spangled Coquette. After having a delicious boxed lunch we continue exploring the reserve for other birds including the Black-chested Fruiteater, Black-streaked Puffbird, Lafresnaye's Piculet, White-crowned Manakin, Coppery-chested Jacamar,  Spotted Tanager, Orange-breasted Falcon, and the endangered Military Macaw. 
3:00PM transfer to any hotel in Quito area or to Quito

TO CONTINUE WITH OUR 5 DAY LOWER AMAZON BIRD PHOTO TOUR  CLICK HERE!

END OF ITINERARY

OVERVIEW

Complete the Magic Birding Circuit with the Ultimate Amazon Bird Photography Experience in Ecuador.

Saving the best for last, the Magic Birding Circuit culminates at Sumaco Bajo, our most biodiverse private reserve and lodge. Nestled in the Amazon Lowlands—one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth—it offers an extraordinary setting for world-class bird photography. Sumaco Bajo Lodge presents exceptional bird photography opportunities across a rich mosaic of Amazonian habitats.

The crown jewel of Ecuador's tanagers, the Paradise Tanager perches gracefully atop Sumaco Bajo's canopy tower. © Jorge Luis Cruz Alcivar

Photograph some of the Amazon’s most spectacular hummingbirds in the lodge’s flowering gardens, iconic aquatic birds at the lagoon, riverside specialties along pristine waterways, and elusive canopy species from high observation decks and an elevated canopy tower. Strategically positioned wild fruiting trees surrounding the tower and observation decks attract an incredible diversity of Neotropical birds, creating rare, eye-level opportunities for Amazon bird photography. This exclusive setting enables bird photographers to capture stunning images of canopy species in their natural environment—an experience rarely found elsewhere in the Amazon Rainforest.

CONTINUATION OF OUR 12 DAY TRIP
FOR DAYS 9-TO-12  CLICK HERE!

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 13

Bird Photo Sumaco Bajo Wildlife Reserve & Lodge:

Our day begins at sunrise atop our spectacular 40-meter (130-foot) canopy observation tower, offering breathtaking 360-degree views above the Amazon rainforest. This unique vantage point provides eye-level photography opportunities of canopy specialists that are rarely seen so well from the ground.

Rising above the rainforest canopy, Sumaco Bajo's observation tower provides an extraordinary perspective for photographing stunning canopy specialists at eye level—an experience rarely possible from the forest floor. © Jorge Luis Cruz Alcivar

From the tower, we'll search for an extraordinary diversity of colorful Amazon birds, including the Paradise Tanager, Turquoise Tanager, Opal-crowned Tanager, Masked Tanager, Yellow-bellied Dacnis, Cream-colored Woodpecker, Chestnut-eared Aracari, Spangled Cotinga, Plum-throated Cotinga, Crested Oropendola, Long-billed Woodcreeper, Red-throated Caracara, Chestnut-fronted Macaw, Black-bellied Cuckoo, and many more. On sunny mornings, troops of Red Howler Monkeys often gather in the canopy, providing exceptional wildlife photography opportunities.

The magnificent Plum-throated Cotinga ranks among Sumaco Bajo's canopy tower's most coveted photography subjects, rewarding photographers with unforgettable eye-level views of one of the Amazon's most spectacular canopy birds. © Jorge Luis Cruz Alcivar

In the afternoon, we continue our Amazon bird photography adventure through the lodge's vibrant hummingbird gardens, where an extraordinary diversity of nectar-feeding species creates exceptional photographic opportunities.

Drawn to the lodge's flourishing flowering gardens, the radiant Golden-tailed Sapphire is a frequent visitor, offering unforgettable opportunities to photograph its shimmering jewel-like colors. © Jorge Luis Cruz Alcivar

Here, you'll photograph some of Ecuador's most dazzling hummingbirds, including the Golden-tailed Sapphire, Gould's Jewelfront, Black-bellied Thorntail, Gray-breasted Sabrewing, Rufous-breasted Hermit, Blue-tailed Emerald, and Amethyst Woodstar. With a bit of luck, you'll also encounter the rare and enchanting Butterfly Coquette, one of the Ecuadorian Amazon's most coveted hummingbird photography subjects.

Overnight: San Jorge Lodge Sumaco Bajo

DAY 14

Bird Photo Sumaco Bajo Wildlife Reserve & Lodge

The following morning, we dedicate more time to photographing from the lodge's strategically positioned observation decks, particularly those overlooking the reserve's productive fruiting trees. These natural feeding hotspots attract an extraordinary diversity of Amazonian birds, creating exceptional opportunities for bird photography in the beautiful morning light.

The lodge's fruiting trees draw an impressive array of colorful tanagers, with the elegant Opal-crowned Tanager among the most rewarding species to photograph. © Jorge Luis Cruz Alcivar

Some of these fruiting trees can attract up to 24 species of tanagers in a single day, with highlights including the spectacular Yellow-backed Tanager, Green-and-gold Tanager, Opal-rumped Tanager, Opal-crowned Tanager, Turquoise Tanager, Yellow-bellied Dacnis, Black-faced Dacnis, Purple Honeycreeper, and Short-billed Honeycreeper. Even the breathtaking Paradise Tanager descends from the rainforest canopy to join the feast, offering photographers unforgettable eye-level views of one of the Ecuadorian Amazon's most iconic and dazzling birds.

As the sun begins to set, the beautiful Cream-colored Woodpecker enjoys the day's final golden light atop Sumaco Bajo's canopy tower. © Jorge Luis Cruz Alcivar

In the afternoon, we return to Sumaco Bajo's spectacular canopy tower, where cooler temperatures and the soft afternoon light create ideal conditions for photographing a different suite of Amazon canopy species. During this time, we'll have outstanding opportunities to capture birds such as the Chestnut-eared Aracari, Many-banded Aracari, Cream-colored Woodpecker, Golden-collared Toucanet, Lettered Aracari, White-fronted Nunbird, and Gilded Barbet, often at eye level.

A pair of Many-banded Aracaris touch beaks as the day fades over the deep emerald canopy of the Ecuadorian Amazon. © Jorge Luis Cruz Alcivar

As the golden afternoon light softens, weather permitting, one of the Amazon's most spectacular natural events unfolds. Flocks of parrots, parakeets, and as many as six species of macaws make their way toward the lower foothills of Sumaco Volcano to reach their evening roosts. Their low, direct flight path provides exceptional opportunities to capture dramatic flight photographs against the breathtaking backdrop of the Ecuadorian Amazon.

DAY 15

As our journey draws to a close, we spend one last morning immersed in the beauty of Sacha Cocha Lagoon. Framed by lush rainforest and mirror-like waters, this enchanting wetland provides the perfect finale to our Amazon bird photography experience. Here, we'll search for the graceful Green-backed Trogon, Greater Ani, Rufous-headed Woodpecker, Sungrebe, Lemon-throated Barbet, Black-capped Donacobius, the prehistoric-looking Hoatzin, and up to four species of kingfishers, each offering exceptional photographic opportunities in a breathtaking natural setting.

After warm, sunny mornings, the prehistoric-looking Hoatzin often emerges from the riverside vegetation to quench its thirst at Sacha Cocha Lagoon. © Jorge Luis Cruz Alcivar

After warm, sunny mornings, Hoatzins often emerge from the surrounding vegetation to drink from the lagoon, providing exceptional opportunities to photograph this remarkable prehistoric bird in beautiful natural light. With luck, the elusive Sungrebe may also venture into the open, rewarding photographers with one of the Amazon's most prized wetland encounters.

After lunch, transfer to Quito Airport or your hotel in Quito.

END OF ITINERARY

OVERVIEW

To dramatically boost your bird photography experience in Ecuador, welcome to the exploration of our privileged Amazon region. While the Amazon basin falls within several South American countries, a singularity occurs in Ecuador's Amazonia. The Equator line, the Andes mountain range, and, our Amazon territory blend together to give place to the most bio-diverse ecosystem in the world! Brace yourself for a bird photography trip jam-packed with unique bird species.

Our upper Amazonia trip visits the best location to see the fabulous Rainbow-bearded Thornbill © Jorge Luis Cruz Alcivar

Our first chapter covers the Upper Amazon basin, stretching from 3000 m (9800 feet) all the way down to 1200 m (4000 feet). Our bird photography trip covers the Amazon's  mountainous region made up of lush montane forest, deep-green foothill forests, and, crystal clear rivers that feed into the largest tributary of the Amazon river. This region is exceptionally good for bird photography for its highly sought-after mountain-toucans, mountain-tanagers, fruiteaters, tanagers, jays, caciques, antbirds, and, notably, for its abounding hummingbird species, most of which don't occur in the Choco slope (5 & 8 day trips). This region is unfortunately missed by most bird photographers, who, unknowingly skip this must-see! wildlife photography area by flying directly from Quito to Coca city into the Lower Amazon which we offer as a separate trip.

CONTINUATION OF OUR 8 DAY TRIP - FOR DAYS 6-TO-8  CLICK HERE!

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 9

Bird Photo Papallacta Pass, Cayambe-Coca National Park & Cuyuja River:
Now that we've covered the best bird photography locations of the Choco (Western slope), we embark into an essentially new world, the enchanted forests of the Upper Amazon Basin (Eastern slope).  After breakfast we drive towards Amazonia's slope gateway, the famous Papallacta Pass. 

The first day alone may yield three thornbill species, crowned by the majestic Rainbow-bearded Thornbill. © Jorge Luis Cruz Alcivar

Some of Ecuador's most stunning hummingbird species inhabit this stunning treeline forest. This will be one of the best locations to photograph the majestic Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Blue-mantled Thornbill, and a second chance at the Ecuadorian Hillstar. 

The Blue-mantled Thornbill captivates all with its exquisite, two-toned “tie,” a tiny flourish of elegance that never fails to enchant © Jorge Luis Cruz Alcivar

Some of Ecuador's most stunning hummingbird species inhabit this stunning treeline forest. This will be one of the best locations to

Other great bird species we'll photograph at this location include the Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, Giant Conebill, Many-striped Canastero, Andean Tit-Spinetail, and with a bit of luck, the mighty Spectacled Bear, South America's only bear species. At around noon, we'll be rewarded with a delicious boxed lunch surrounded by a sublime Andean landscape.

Be enchanted by the breathtaking scenery of the Upper Amazon region. © Jorge Luis Cruz Alcivar

After lunch we do bird photography inside Cayambe-Coca National Park. This dwarf Andean forest is home to very localized bird species and we'll focus on bird photography of the Masked Mountain-Tanager, Black-backed Bush-Tanager, Pale-naped Brush-Finch, Crowned Chat-Tyrant, and, the stunners Pluscap, and Golden-crowned Tanager. After Cayambe Coca, we descend to Cuyuja river and we spend the rest of the afternoon doing hummingbird photography of brand new species including the Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Glowing Pufleg, and, the Tourmaline Sunangel. We'll also go after the Torrent Duck that's commonly seen along the Cuyuja river. With a bit of luck we might also photograph the Red-hooded Tanager, Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan, and the Andean Potoo.
Overnight: San Jorge Eco-lodge Guacamayos.

DAY 10 & 11

Bird Photo  San Jorge Eco-lodge Guacamayos 
The next two days we spend at our brand new eco-lodge located in the heart of Guacamayos valley. San Jorge Eco-lodge Guacamayos sits between Antisana and Sumaco Napo-Galeras national parks. On the 10th day we'll photograph the Andean cock-of-the-rock at our eco-lodges lek.

After the lek falls silent, fruiting trees and lush bushes around the observation decks of San Jorge Eco-lodge Guacamayos draw the vibrant Andean Cock-of-the-rock. © Jorge Luis Cruz Alcivar

The eastern cock-of-the-rock has an amazing orange color and a piercing bright yellow eye. After the lek, we'll do hummingbird photography right from the restaurant. The hummingbird feeders and the verbena gardens attract brand new hummingbird species including the Long-taild Sylph, Greenish Puffleg, Tawny-bellied Hermit, Speckled Hummingbird, Bronzy Inca, Rufous-booted Racket-tail, and the tiny Gorgeted Woodstar.

Among Guacamayos’ most charismatic birds, the White-capped Tanager is known for its colorful plumage and lively flock behavior. © Jorge Luis Cruz Alcivar

Other birds that can be allured to the lodge's balcony include the spectacular White-capped Tanager, Yellow-throated Tanager, Deep-blue Flowerpiercer, Orange-eared Tanager, Vermillion Tanager, Saffron-crowned Tanager, and the Black-chested Fruiteater. On the 11th day, we'll redo the Andean cock-of-the-rock lek in the morning in case that the weather and/or the lighting conditions were not ideal on the previous day. In the afternoon we'll visit another hummingbird photography station to photograph a couple of new species including the Collared Inca, Violet-fronted Brilliant, Green-fronted Lancebill, and the Green-backed Hillstar. We'll also make a little stop along one of the rivers to have a second chance at the Torrent Duck.
Overnight: San Jorge Eco-lodge Guacamayos

The valley of Guacamayos is home to some of the most beautiful hummingbird species including this Long-tailed Sylph. © Jorge Luis Cruz Alcivar

DAY 12

Bird Photo Hummingbird Reserve in Guacamayos Valley
After breakfast we drive for 10 minutes to a hummingbird reserve in the lower part of Guacamayo's valley. Extensive gardens covered with flowering vervenas are home to numerous hummingbird species that occur at this elevation only. We'll focus on hummingbird photography of the following species, the iconic Wire-crested Throntail, Violet-headed Hummingbird, Rufous-throated Sapphire, Napo Sabrewing, Black-throated Brilliant, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, Black-throated Brilliant, Gould's Jewelfront, Blue-fronted Lancebill, Green Hermit, Many-spotted Hummingbird, Ecuadorian Piedtail, Pink-throated Brilliant, and, with some luck, the spectacular Spangled Coquette. After having a delicious boxed lunch we continue exploring the reserve for other birds including the Red-crested Finch, Silvery-beaked Tanager, Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail, Lafresnaye's Piculet, Blue Dacnis, Coppery-chested Jacamar,  Spotted Tanager, and with a bit of luck, the endangered Military Macaw, and the rare Orange-breasted Falcon.
3:00PM transfer to any hotel in Quito area or to Quito

TO CONTINUE WITH OUR 15 DAY BIRD PHOTO TOUR  CLICK HERE!

END OF ITINERARY

OVERVIEW

Eight glorious days to photograph the most spectacular and iconic bird species in Ecuador's imposing Andean valleys, mystical could forests, and, deep-green tropical forests.  Be prepared to delve into Ecuador's most biologically-diverse bird photo reserves and eco-lodges to photograph the most vivid tanagers, exotic toucans, and, an absurd amount of hummingbird species. We will setup our multi-flash for high-speed hummingbird photography at two unique habitats with distinctive hummingbird species at each place.    

DETAILED ITINERARY

CONTINUATION OF OUR 5 DAY TRIP - FOR DAY 1 TO 5  CLICK HERE!

DAY 6

Bird Photo Nanegalito Bird & Hummingbird Feeders
After breakfast we drive for 45 minutes to Nanegalito Bird & Hummingbird Feeders.  This charming little place offer some extraordinary photography oportunities. We will  go after one of the most sought-after bird species in Ecuador, the magnificient Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan.  

Awaiting us on the sixth day is Ecuador’s crown jewel of the cloud forest — the striking Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan. © Jorge Luis Cruz Alcivar

This place has a convenient bird hide to photograph this gem and several other brand new bird species including the, Sickled-winged Guan, Blue-capped Tanager, Dusky Bush-Tanager, Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager, and, with a bit of luck, the Beryl-spangled Tanager.

The Velvet-purple Coronet, also known as the Seven-colored Hummingbird, glides like a liquid gemstone — iridescent, rare, and utterly mesmerizing. © Jorge Luis Cruz Alcivar

Hummingbird photography at this location offers a couple of new hummingbird species including the Velvet-purple Coronet, Speckled Hummingbird, Empress Brilliant, Brown Inca, and, with a bit of luck, the rare Hoary Puffleg. After a delicious boxed lunch we will return to our Milpe eco-lodge to relax or continue shooting by our hummingbird & bird feeders.
Overnight: San Jorge Eco-lodge Milpe.

DAY 7

Umbrellabird LEK & return to Quito:
Ecuador has some strange-looking birds but none as bizarre as the Chocoan endemic Long-wattled Umbrellabird. A bird with a very long feathered throat wattle and umbrella-shaped feathers on top of its head. If you've never heard of this bird before here's a little clip made during one of our bird photography trips. 

Few birds in Ecuador are as strange and captivating as the Long-wattled Umbrellabird. © Jorge Luis Cruz Alcivar

Early in the morning, we drive for 1 hour to photograph this amazing species. At this hide, birds will be displaying at a distance of approximately 165 feet (50 meters), and, with some luck, much closer. A bird photography trip to Ecuador is not complete without this species in the bag. Along the road that leads to the Umbrellabird LEK we will look out for the Gartered Trogon, Golden-headed Quetzal, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Smoky-brown Woodpecker, and, with a bit of luck the Ornate Hawk-Eagle.

After lunch at San Jorge Eco-lodge Milpe, we have a few hours to do hummingbird photography from the restaurant before we return to San Jorge Eco-lodge Quito. 
Overnight San Jorge Eco-lodge Quito.

DAY 8

Birding Antisana Ecological Park - Andean Condor Reservation
Once in the brink of extinction in Ecuador, the Andean Condor has now recovered thanks to several protected reserves like Antisana. Our main targets for this place include the Andean Condor, and, the elegant Ecuadorian Hillstar. We first photograph the road that leads to the park's entrance searching for the oh-so-beautiful Ecuadorian Hillstar.

The Ecuadorian Hillstar, a highland gem — radiant and unforgettable. © Jorge Luis Cruz Alcivar

This road can also offer close encounters of the Andean Lapwing, Black-faced Ibis, Carunculated Caracara, Tawny Antpitta, and, with some luck the Aplomado Falcon. Halfway to the park, we will make a little stop by an observation deck which sits right in front of the condor's breeding cliffs. If the condors and other raptors like the Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, and, the Variable Hawk are not active, we will return in the afternoon as they are noticeably more active if it's sunny. Inside the the park, we will visit an Andean lagoon to look out for the Andean Ruddy-Duck, Andean Coot, Andean Teal, Silvery Grebe, Andean Tit-Spinetail, Many-striped Canastero, and, casually, a Cinereous Harrier. After exploring the lagoon we will have have lunch by a picturesque hacienda overlooking the condor cliffs.

The enourmous Andean Condor is the main focus of our trip to Antisana © Luis Alcivar

After lunch, we will spend the rest of the day at a patio with hummingbird feeders which are visited by the Giant Hummingbird and the Great Sapphirewing.
4:00PM: transfer to Quito airport or to any hotel in Quito area 

TO CONTINUE WITH OF OUR 12 DAY TRIP  CLICK HERE!

END OF ITINERARY