25‑Day Ecuador Bird Photography Tour
Explore Ecuador’s astonishing bird diversity on this comprehensive 25‑day Bird Photography Tour. Ecuador is one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots, with over 1,700 recorded bird species across a range of habitats from cloud forests to Amazon lowlands. This extended itinerary is open to bird photographers of all levels, from enthusiastic beginners to seasoned professionals.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 15 – Hollín & Wildsumaco
Bird Photography at Hollín
After an early breakfast, we drive to the Hollín area, one of the gateway regions to Amazonian birding. Along the way, we make a scenic photo stop and then visit the Wildsumaco preserve and research facility, jointly managed by Wildsumaco Wildlife Sanctuary and partner universities. Over 540 bird species have been recorded here, including rare finds like Pale‑vented Pigeon, Subtropical Pygmy‑Owl, and White‑tailed Kite. Mixed flocks may include Wire‑crested Thorntail, Gorgeted Woodstar, Chestnut‑eared Aracari, and Amazonian Umbrellabird. Enjoy lunch at Wildsumaco Lodge before continuing to Loreto bird sanctuary in the lower Amazon.
Overnight: Loreto Lodge.
Days 16–18 – Loreto Area
Bird Photography at Loreto Area
Loreto is one of the most incredible places for birdwatching, so we will spend a couple of days exploring here. Usually we get up very early to observe around the ecolodge before breakfast. Our sightings are enhanced by bird feeding stations, some lighted to attract insects before dawn. We will photograph birds as they come to these feeding stations very early, so bring your best photographic equipment. We may expect to see the Gray-necked Wood Rail, Blue-headed Parrot, Greater Ani, Great Kiskadee, Lesser Kiskadee, chestnut crowned Becar, White-winged Swallow, and Thrush-like Wren. Here among the 540 recorded bird species, we hope to see mixed flocks including the Yellow-bellied Tanager, Gray-mantled Wren, Blue crowned Trogon, White-eyed Parakeet, Chesnut-fronted Macaw, Blue Dacnis, Olive Oropendola, Black-faced Dacnis, Blue naped Chlorophonia, Violaceous Jay, Opal-rumped Tanager, Black
Caracara, Crested Oropendola, Masked Crimson Tanager, Turquoise Tanager. Magpie Tanager, Fulvous Shrike-Tanager, Orange-eared Tanager, Flame-crested Tanager, and Fulvous-crested Tanager. And, as we continue sighting more birds, we will look out for Plum-throated Cotinga, Purple-throated Cotinga, King Vulture, Paradise Tanager, Turquoise Tanager, Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, Cream Colored Woodpecker, Rufous-headed Woodpecker, Red-throated Caracara, Gilded Barbet, Many-banded Aracari, Chestnut-eared Aracari, White-throated Toucan, and Lettered Aracari (an unmistakable toucan).
Overnight at Loreto Lodge.
Day 19 – Payamino Road
Bird Photography in the Payamino Road Region
Enjoy three full days in the remarkable Yasuní area, one of the richest birding sites in the Amazon basin. Early mornings begin with birding around the lodge and excursions by canoe to reach the 118‑foot canopy tower on the Napo River, offering unique perspectives for photographing canopy specialists. Species recorded here include Hoatzin, Amazon Kingfisher, Sunbittern, Crimson‑crested Woodpecker, Bare‑necked Fruitcrow, Golden‑headed Manakin, Masked Tanager, Harpy Eagle, and many more. Afternoons may be spent birding trails, photographing from lagoon viewpoints, or relaxing with opportunities for additional shots.
Overnight: Yasuní Lodge.
Days 20–23 – Yasuní Area
Bird Photography at Yasuní Area
We will spend the next three days exploring the Yasuní area, one of the most biodiverse birding locations in the Amazon. Each morning begins with birdwatching around the lodge before breakfast. On the first day, we will experience life in the treetops from a 118‑foot (36 m) high observation tower. To reach it, our guides will row along the Napo River for approximately 30 minutes, followed by a short 10‑minute walk.
To date, over 565 bird species have been recorded in this area, including colorful macaws, toucans, flycatchers, and hummingbirds. With some luck, we may also observe howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, or capuchins resting in the canopy. The tower provides a unique perspective, revealing a side of Amazonian biodiversity that is often hidden and nearly impossible to see from the forest understory.
After the morning session, we will continue exploring nearby trails in search of more Amazonian wildlife. Following lunch, guests can choose from several activities: bird photography from the lodge’s bar overlooking the lagoon, relaxing in the hammocks, or taking extra time to capture the perfect shot. Each day is structured to maximize photographic opportunities.
Our experienced guides are adept at identifying the dizzying variety of species and spotting birds that are often well camouflaged. Some of the iconic species you may photograph in the lower Amazon include:
Bird Highlights: Hoatzin, Black‑capped Aracari, Chestnut‑Eared Aracari, Donacobius, Amazon Kingfisher, Ringed Kingfisher, Sunbittern, Rufescent Tiger‑Heron, Crimson‑crested Woodpecker, Greater Ani, Bare‑necked Fruitcrow, White‑browed Purpletuft, Spangled Cotinga, White‑bellied Spinetail, Striped Manakin, Golden‑headed Manakin, Dwarf Tyrant‑Manakin, Blue‑headed Manakin, Flame‑crested Tanager, Masked Tanager, Yellow‑backed Tanager, Great Jacamar, Collared Puffbird, Chestnut‑capped Puffbird, White‑plumed Antbird, and Harpy Eagle.
Overnight: Yasuní Lodge
Day 24 – Limoncocha Oxbow Lake
Bird Photography at Limoncocha Oxbow Lake
After breakfast we explore Limoncocha Lagoon, a protected wetland designated as a Ramsar site due to its global importance. With over 400 bird species recorded, including 68 waterbird species, this area offers superb photo opportunities in diverse wetland habitats. Birding continues until approximately 14:00, when we begin the transfer back toward Quito.
Overnight: Quito Lodge.
Day 25 – Antisana Ecological Park
Bird Photography at Antisana Ecological Park – The Home of the Andean Condor
Our final day focuses on high‑Andean bird photography at Antisana Ecological Park, where our principal target is the majestic Andean Condor. We also seek species such as Ecuadorian Hillstar, Andean Lapwing, Black‑faced Ibis, Aplomado Falcon, Black‑chested Buzzard‑Eagle, and more. A visit to a Andean lagoon provides chances to capture Andean Ruddy‑Duck, Andean Coot, Andean Teal, Many‑striped Canastero, and Cinereous Harrier.
Around 16:00, we transfer to Quito International Airport or your hotel in the Quito area.
End Of Itinerary
Trip Information
Length: 25 days — Bird Photo Tour (with optional pre/post extensions)
Starting City: Quito
Ending City: Quito
Physical Difficulty: Moderate
Focus: Birding and Bird Photography
Group Size: Limited to 5 participants
Experienced Bird Photography Guide
All of our guides have over 20 years of experience as birdwatching and bird photography guides in Ecuador.
Your Guide’s Equipment
Binoculars
Spotting scope
Laser pointer
Field guide
Specialized English‑speaking bird and photography guide
Private transportation
All accommodations
Entrance fees to all reserves and activities
All meals, plus water during transfers
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.