Ecuador Exotic Bird Photography Tour

Flights from the U.S. arrive in Quito this evening, where there will be a group transport (time to be announced) to your accommodations, in the heart of Quito. Overnight Quito (meals aloft)

Even before tourists catch sight of the Volcano Antisana, there is evidence of her destructive past. Ancient lava flows are footsteps from the past, setting the scene as visitors make their way into the reserve. Antisana is a haven for birdlife, home to an impressive 418 different species. The most famous feathered Antisana resident is the Andean Condor. Today, there are fewer than 100 wild condors in Ecuador and this reserve is often the best place to spot them.

For hummingbirds, the feeders around Tambo Condor offer a great location to photograph Shining Sunbeams, Tyrian Metaltails and Sparkling Violetears, as is the largest species on the planet – the Giant Hummingbird (Patagona Gigas). Long trumpet flowers also attract sword-billed hummingbirds in season, using his spectacular long beak to find pollen where only he can reach. At Antisana it’s also possible to spot an endemic species to the country – the Ecuadorian Hillstar.

Admire one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the well-reserved historical center of Quito, with its many beautiful churches, museums, houses, and squares. Overnight Quito (B, box Lunch)

Your home base for the next six days is at a marvelous, private ecological reserve. The lodge is nestled into the cloud forest, with individual cabins, and boasts a swimming pool and hot tub, with optional spa treatments. It is located close to Milpe and Mindo Valley, Tandayapa Valley, and Rio Silanche lowlands. The local guide and Kathy will be taking you each day to various reserves and nature trails.

 Zuro Loma & Yanacocha Reserves – Alambi Hummingbird Garden

Enjoy photographing the ecological reserves along the hummingbird route on the western slope of the Andes. The Zuro Loma Reserve or “Bamboo Hill” is located near Yanacocha Reserve in the foothills of Pichincha Volcano, about an hour and half outside Quito. The reserve is a mix of a temperate neotropical cloud forest and inter-Andean vegetation. In addition to the 171 registered bird species, and possibly observe 2 main antpittas, the Equatorial antpitta and the Chestnut-naped antpitta. You will re explore the 3 main trails to observe hummingbird feeders, and other species like White-throated screech owl.

Continue to the Alambi Reserve, a hummingbird paradise. It is a favorite destination for birding and photography with feeders in the West slope cloud forest. It is in the Tandayapa Valley. There are over 30 species of hummingbirds that you can observe in 15 minutes! There are also aguacatillos trees near by, which attract the Golden-headed quetzal and Crested quetzal. The Tandayapa River brings other bird species and is the nesting ground for the Andean cock-of-the rock, Lyre-tailed nightjar and cloud forest pygmy owl. The reserve has 120 Hectares and around 90% is primary forest.

Paz de las Aves & San Tadeo

There are great views of antpitta feeders and Andean cock-of-the rock, located in Angel Paz Reserve. This is a private birding sanctuary owned by Angel and Rodrigo Paz, birders and antpitta lovers, who have conserved this pristine secondary forest. In our tours we can observe possible 6 types of antpittas, Andean cock-of-the rock, and ocellated tapaculo, in addition to hummingbirds, toucans, potoos, flycatchers and others.

Amagusa & Santa Elena

Other great photography location can be found at Amagusa and Santa Elena. Amagusa Mashpi Reserve is one of the best spots in the world for biodiversity and birding. It’s one of the last foothill-forests that directly connects to the lower subtropical western forest of Ecuador. Its unique location makes it particularly attractive for birders looking for the highest biodiversity regions with choco endemic birds.

Birdwatchers House – Mirador Rio Blanco – Frutti Tour

We’ll also visit and photograph at the Birdwatchers House. It is consistently rated as one of the world’s most biodiverse habitats and host to a record-breaking number of endemic bird species and of course, unique to the choco andino. The Birdwatchers feeding stations have been professionally designed for the expert photographer, particularly of birds. Before returning to your lodge you will continue your photography at Mirador Rio Blanco and enjoy a visit to Sendero Frutti.

Chocó Bird Reserve and Punto Ornitologico Mindo

Another highlight in the area is the Choco Bird Reserve, followed by Punto Ornitologico in the Mindo Valley. It is a fascinating spot for bird enthusiasts! Located in the heart of Mindo, Ecuador, this reserve is dedicated to bird tourism and serves as the habitat and sustenance for many avian species. Highlights include hummingbirds, tanagers, toucans, kingfishers, and between anther 70-90 different species.

Recinto de Junio & Milpe Reserve

We’ll make time to visit Recinto de Junio for long-wattled umbrellabird, followed by the Milpe Reserve. Recinto is a magical place dedicated to the conservation of this bird’s habitat. Their conservation area has been blessed with a stable population of the long-wattled umbrellabird. They have a lodge and a 20-hectare reserve with trails and hummingbird feeders where you can feast on the great biodiversity in this Choco endemic region. In the 300-acre Milpe Reserve, you will truly discover why this area of upper tropical forest is world-famous for its birding. There are large flocks of tanagers everywhere, along with a variety of birding excitement with the presence of the Choco trogon, Pale-mandibled aracari, Yellow-collared chlorophonia and Broad-billed motmot. Overnights Sachatamia (B, box L, D each day)

After a leisurely breakfast photograph amidst the grounds of your lodge and trails throughout the reserve. Those not on the extension will be taken to a Quito airport hotel for check-in. You will have the late afternoon and evening to rest, relax, re-pack and enjoy dinner on your own. The hotel provides an airport shuttle for you to check-in for your late evening flight home. Landing home May 31. (B)