18-Day Hummingbird Photography Tour in Ecuador
Experience one of the most spectacular hummingbird tours in the world.
Ecuador is home to more than 130 species of hummingbirds, making it one of the best destinations on Earth for birdwatching and photography.
Join us on a 18-day journey across cloud forests, Andean slopes, and Amazon regions to discover these incredible birds up close.
HIGHLIGHTS
Over 100+ hummingbird species possible
Perfect for photography
Visit top birding reserves in Ecuador
Expert local birding guide
Private transportation included
Continuation our detailed itinerary
Day 9 – Papallacta Pass, Guango Hummingbird Paradise, Quijos Ecolodge
After exploring the hummingbird areas of the Pacific slope, we cross into the high-Andean Amazon basin.
Visit Papallacta Pass to observe high-altitude hummingbirds like Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Viridian Metaltail, and Blue-mantled Thornbill.
Continue to Guango Lodge, where 14 species of hummingbirds can be seen, including Sword-billed Hummingbird, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Collared Inca, Long-tailed Sylph, Tourmaline Sunangel, and Glowing Puffleg.
Transfer to Quijos Ecolodge for the next four days in the cloudforest.
Overnight at Quijos Ecolodge.
Days 10–13 – Quijos Cloud forest
A Hidden Jewel of Andean Biodiversity
The Quijos region is a fascinating cloud forest landscape and one of the most biodiverse habitats on the planet. Surrounded by dramatic Andean scenery, rushing rivers, and lush vegetation, this extraordinary setting offers an unforgettable immersion into Ecuador’s natural richness.
Here, we will discover an even greater diversity of hummingbirds. Among the species we may encounter are the Speckled Hummingbird, Long-tailed Sylph, Bronze Inca, Booted Racket-tail, White-tailed Hillstar, Violet-fronted Brilliant, and many more.
We will spend the next four days at this impressive ecolodge, perfectly located to provide comfort, tranquility, and exceptional wildlife observation opportunities in the heart of
the cloud forest. Overnight at Quijos Ecolodge.
Days 14–17 – Archidona / Amazon Region
Archidona – Amazon Region
Nestled in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon, Archidona is the vibrant capital of Archidona Canton and the second-largest city in Napo Province. Located in the north-central Amazon region, it rests on a vast plain along the outer slopes of the eastern Andes, on the left bank of the Misahuallí River, at an elevation of 577 meters (1,893 ft) above sea level. With its tropical rainforest climate and an average temperature of 22°C (72°F), the region offers lush landscapes and extraordinary biodiversity year-round.
This unique ecological zone hosts a completely different suite of hummingbird species compared to the cloud forests of the western Andes.
The reserves near our lodge provide access to Amazonian specialties, offering exciting new photographic and birdwatching opportunities. During our three days here, we will explore these remarkable habitats in search of stunning hummingbirds such as Golden-tailed Sapphire, Black-throated Brilliant, Blue-fronted Lancebill, Rufous-vented Whitetip, Green Hermit, Violet-headed Hummingbird, Many-spotted Hummingbird, Gould’s Jewelfront, Napo Sabrewing, Ecuadorian Piedtail, and Fork-tailed Woodnymph, along with a rich diversity of other tropical birds that make this Amazonian experience truly unforgettable. Overnight at Archidona lodge
On the 16th day, after lunch at the lodge, we will drive back to Quito. Overnight at Quito lodge
Day 18 – Antisana National Park / High Andean Birds
Hummingbirds of Antisana National Park
Once we enjoye the Amazon lower in this time we connected very early in the morning we will start our Top Birding Tour in the Ecuadorian Andes, a magestic day await us to observe one the endangered Andean Condor in its natural habitat. from our hotel in Quito drive towards the Upper Andean Valleys near Antisana Volcano. species we will look at: Andean Condor, Shining Sunbeam, Giant Hummingbird, Black Flowerpiercer, Caranculated Cara Cara, Variable Hawk, Black-chested Buzzard Eagle, Andean Coot, Andean Teal, Ruddy Duck, Andean Gull, Many-striped Canastero, Tyrian Metaltail, American Kestrel, Brown-backed Chat Tyrant, Red-crested Cotinga, Ecuadorian Hillstar.
If the weather permits, we can see the top-three volcanoes including Cotopaxi, Sincholagua and Antisana Volcanoes. We will enjoy a delicious Box Lunch surrounded with an incredible mountain scenery. 15:00 PM: Transfer to Quito airport or to any hotel in the Quito area.
End of Itinerary
TOUR INFORMATION
Length: 18 days Hummingbirds plus any pre- and post-tour extensions
Starting city: Quito
Ending city: Quito
Physical difficulty: Moderate
Focus: Hummingbird and Bird Photography
Group size: All groups will be limited to 8 participants.
All of our guides have over 20 years of experience as birdwatching and bird photo guides in Ecuador.
-Specialized English-speaking birding guide
-Private transportation
-All accommodations
–Entrance fee to all the reserves and activities
-All meals plus water on the route
-International airfare
-Alcoholic beverages
-Tips
-Laundry services
All eco-lodges are located in the country’s most important and biologically diverse areas for butterfly and bird watching. They are built with local materials and offer Wi-Fi, hot water, standard double or single rooms, and panoramic views.