About Butterfly & Bird Julio Tours
Butterfly & Bird Julio Tours is a premier nature tour operator based in Ecuador. Our goal is to provide immersive experiences for nature lovers and wildlife photographers. We specialize in birdwatching, butterfly observation, and insect photography tours.
We operate in Ecuador’s cloud forests, Andean highlands, subtropical and tropical rainforests, and the Amazon basin. We also offer trips in Colombia and Peru, giving travelers the chance to explore some of the richest ecosystems in South America.
Our Mission
We create unforgettable experiences focused on birding, butterfly photography, and wildlife discovery. Since 2019, our goal has been to connect visitors with nature through responsible tourism, environmental awareness, and meaningful interaction with local cultures and ecosystems.
Expert Guides & Operations Team
Julio Ayala – Naturalist Specialist Birding Guide
I grew up observing birds in the cloud forests of northwestern Pichincha Province, Ecuador. My early years in nature led to extensive training in natural history, ecology, conservation, wildlife, geology, and survival skills — all of which form the foundation of my approach as a guide.
Since 2013, I have guided birdwatching tours throughout Ecuador, and later expanded my work to Peru and Colombia. In 2018, I founded Butterfly & Bird Julio Tours, combining my passion for nature with years of experience in guiding, photography, and environmental education.
I live in Nanegal, where I work daily with local communities to preserve habitats and create meaningful wildlife experiences. I speak fluent English, and my outgoing, friendly personality helps make every tour both educational and enjoyable.
I have a strong ability to recognize bird species by their calls and songs — a skill that allows me to find even elusive birds and bring them closer for my guests to observe and photograph.
Why Travel With Us?
We design high‑quality tours for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers of all levels. Our tours balance adventure and comfort with small group sizes, expert guides, thoughtfully planned logistics, and opportunities to explore Ecuador’s most biodiverse landscapes — from cloud forests and Andean slopes to tropical rainforests and Amazonian lowlands. Whether you are a first‑time visitor or an experienced naturalist, our tours offer rich experiences grounded in conservation, education, and unforgettable moments.
Holger Beck – Scientific Naturalist Guide
Holger Beck has been living in the Nanegal areas for ten years. Initially working as the manager of the Santa Lucía Ecolodge he has shifted into various different activities in the montane rain forest in North Western Ecuador. Since 2012 he has worked as naturalist guide in the Santa Lucía Cloud Forest and the Maquipucuna Reserve. His principal occupation is scientific research and wildlife monitoring. Apart from research of hummingbird-plant interactions, he has been collecting data on mammals (via camera traps), birds (point counts), orchids and many other aspects of the cloud forests.
He is an active member of a the Steering Committee of the Bears Corridor (CACOA) and principal educator at the Santa Lucía Forest School.
Holger is fluent in three languages: German, English and Spanish.
Margarita Toapanta – Cooking Serving
Margarita is a skilled and dedicated worker, who from a very early age has focused her efforts toward achieving her dreams of creating a better quality of life for herself and the community. We are proud to have her helping to build our company. Margarita studied accounting and loves to show people how wonderful Ecuador is. For over nine years ago, Margarita has worked in local restaurants within the private reserves in her area and now with Restaurante la Delicia los Colibríes (Restaurant of the Hummingbirds at Delicia). She excels in preparing traditional regional dishes that highlight fresh local ingredients prepared with style and love. Margarita also helps organize and manage our birding and butterfly tours in Northwest Ecuador.
Priscila Toapanta – Local administrator
Priscila a native of the parish of Nanegal, is 25 years old. Priscilla worked for four years in the Nanegal Parish Government and is currently studying at the Technological Institute of Pichincha, majoring in tourism administration. Her dream is to build a community tourism project with the combined aims of community development and sharing the wonders of nature with the people of Ecuador and the wider world. We are so pleased to have Priscila as part of our Butterfly and Bird Julio Tours company offering birding and butterfly tours.
Who Travels With Us?
Our guests come from all over the world — from first‑time travelers to seasoned enthusiasts. We believe that small group sizes create better birdwatching and photography experiences, allowing personal attention, flexible pacing, and excellent opportunities to observe wildlife.
Why Do Our Clients Travel With Us?
From first-timers to seasoned enthusiasts, our clients continue to travel with us because we carefully design our itineraries, provide comprehensive pre- and post-tour information, and handle logistics seamlessly. Our guides aren’t just top-notch field ornithologists and expert butterfly spotters; they are also warm, friendly, and fun people who genuinely enjoy making the tour a pleasant experience for each participant. They excel not only at finding birds but also at helping every member of the group see them.
Beyond creating itineraries that balance exceptional birding with smooth logistics, our goal is to make your vacation as worry-free as possible.
Our tours include all meals and a ready supply of field snacks from our coolers on most tours.
How Big Are Our Groups?
We believe that small groups make for high-quality birdwatching tours. Each tour is carefully designed with group size in mind, as we know it enhances the experience for all participants.
Domestic tours are limited to 8 participants with one guide and vehicle, or 16 participants with two guides and two vehicles. We normally travel in 12- or 15-passenger vans, ensuring no more than two passengers per row, so everyone has a window and extra space for backpacks. Our group size limits are firm; we do not exceed them, even by one, to accommodate a couple when only one space is available. Occasionally, a trainee guide may join the tour. In these cases, a seat will be occupied by the trainee, and guides rotate seating to share any minor inconvenience equally. The small inconvenience is more than offset by the advantage of having an additional guide.
International tours are typically limited to 6–14 participants. One guide is provided for groups of 8 or fewer participants; a second guide is added for groups of 9 or more. When two guides are listed, the second guide joins if the tour is sufficiently subscribed.
What Is Included in Our Tour Fees?
Tour rates are based on double occupancy (single supplements are available for most tours). Unless otherwise stated in the itinerary, the tour fee includes:
All lodging and meals listed in the itinerary
All transportation during the tour (including internal flights if indicated)
Entrance fees to parks and other areas
All luggage handling
Services of professional tour guides
Unless otherwise specified, tour fees do not include:
Transportation to and from tour departure points
Alcoholic beverages
Passport and visa fees
Airport taxes
Telephone calls, laundry, or other personal expenses