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
Read more about this lodge
Chestnut-fronted Macaw nest at San Jorge Sumaco Bajo.