Itinerary

Day 1

ARRIVAL TO ECUADOR.  

• Private Transfer in to our Birding Lodge, Hacienda Jimenita, located 15 minutes from the airport. No meals included. 

Birding Photos: Black-tailed Trainbearer, Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager and Vermillion Flycatcher by Diego Cruz. 

Day 2

PENAS BLANCAS RAINBOW-BEARDED THORNBILL ROAD & JIMENITA BIRDING TRAILS 

• Morning birding at Penas Blancas Birding Road near Papallacta Pass, a special location for High Andean Species and Hummingbirds. Other specialties like the elusive Spectacled Bear can be observed. In the afternoon visit Jimenita Reserve to explore the main feeders and viewing point for local specialities. Rest of the afternoon relax in our natural paradise.  
• Targets: Black-tailed Trainbearer, Sparkling Violetear, Western Emerald, Saffron Finch, Vermillion Flycatcher, Hooded Siskin, White-bellied Woodstar, Great Thrush, Rufous-collared Sparrow, Rusty Flowerpiercer, Harris Hawk, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Blue-mantled Thornbill, Giant Conebill, Pearled Treerunner, Tawny Antpitta and others. 
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Welcome Dinner 
• Overnight Hacienda Jimenita, King Suite with chimney

Birding Photos: Red-crested Cotinga, Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe and Tawny Antpitta by Diego Cruz. 

Day 3

ANTISANA CONDOR OBSERVATORY & WILDLIFE RESERVE 

• Pick up from our lodge at 6:30 am and drive towards the Upper Andean Valleys near Antisana Volcano. The Antisana Condor Observatory is the most impressive Andean Mount near Quito and Sanctuary of Wild Andean Condor. Upon arrival to the reserve we will observe the Condors from our Tower and other Hawks, Flowerpiercers, and Hummingbirds with an splendid view to the Waterfall. Continue to Antisana National Park making strategic stops to observe different bird species. We will have lunch viewing Secas Lagoon. After lunch, return to our Lodge surrounded with nature and birding reserve. 
• Targets: Andean Condor, Shining Sunbeam, Red-Crested Cotinga, Spectacled Redstart, Ecuadorian Hillstar, Caranculated Cara-Cara, Black-chested Buzzard Eagle, Variable Hawk, Black Flowerpiercer, Andean Ibis, Andean Lapwing, Many-striped Canastero, Tawny Antpitta, Giant Hummingbird, Tyrian Metaltail, Andean Duck and others. 
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 
• Overnight Hacienda Jimenita, King Suite with chimney

Birding Photos: Andean Condor, Andean Ibises and Spectacled Bear by Diego Cruz and Chris Nenov.  

DAY 4

ZURO LOMA ANTPITTAS, OLD-NONO MINDO ROAD and ALAMBI HUMMINGBIRD PARADISE

• Early pick up at 530am from our lodge. Drive towards Zuro Loma located in the Pichincha Foothills. We will visit the Antpitta Hides and Sword-billed Hummingbird in Zuro Loma Feeders. Continue birding in Old-Nono Mindo Road towards Tandayapa Valley and lunch at Alambi Hummingbird Paradise. Late afternoon arrival to our lodge in Upper Tandayapa Valley for Toucan Feeders. 
• Targets: Sword-billed Hummingbird, Equatorial Antpitta, Chestnut-naped Antpitta, Ocellated Tapaculo, Golden-breasted Puffleg, Great Sapphirewing, Blue-backed Conebill, Burrowing Owl, White-throated Screech Owl, Cloud-Forest Pigmy Owl, Black-chested Mountain Tanager, Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager, Plate-billed Mountain Toucan and others.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
• Overnight Guaycapi Lodge, Double Room with Balcony

Birding Photos: Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Yanacocha Reserve and Shining Sunbeam by Diego Cruz and Neil Wiken. 

Day 5

ANGEL PAZ ANDEAN COCK OF THE ROCK LEK AND TOUCAN HIDES

• Early morning pick up around 530am to visit the Andean Cock of the Rock Lek and photography hides of Antpittas, Tanagers, Toucan-Barbets, Quails, Hawks, and other exotic choco endemic bird species. Continue for Lunch and afternoon explore the Choco Toucan Hides. Afternoon return to our lodge in Mindo Valley. 
• Possible Olinguito and Kinkajou Night activity. 
• Targets: Andean Cock of the Rock, Masked Trogon, Dark-backed Wood-Quail, Violet-tailed Sylph, Velvet-Purple Coronet, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Red-billed Parrot, Bronze-winged Parrot, Moustached Antpitta, Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, Yellow-breasted Antpitta, Ochre breasted Antpitta, Scaled Antpitta, Golden Tanager, Golden-naped Tanager, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Flame-faced Tanager, Toucan Barbet, Sunbittern, Beryl-spangled Tanager and others.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Overnight Sachatamia Lodge, Double Room Cabin

Birding Photos: Andean Cock of the Rock, Chestnut-crowned Antpitta and Toucan Barbet by Diego Cruz. 

Day 6

LONG-WATTLED UMBRELLABIRD LEK, LOWLANDS AND MINDO VALLEY

• Morning birding in Umbrellabird Reserve in the Choco Lowlands, we will aim to observe the males at the lek and choco toucans. Continue to Fruty Trail with woodpecker and tanager feeders. Then in the afternoon visit Mindo Valley for possible Sunbittern, Hummingbirds and Aracaris. 
• Night Tour Reptiles and Insects in Sachatamia Reserve
• Targets: Double-banded Graytail, Long-wattled Umbrellabird, Scarlet-breasted Dacnis, Scarlet-and-white Tanager, Blue-whiskered Tanager, Plumbeous Hawk, Masked Tityra, Blue-necked Tanager, Green Honeycreeper, Orange-breasted Barbet, Choco Toucan, Scarlet-browed Tanager, Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher, Double-toothed Kite and others. 
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Overnight Sachatamia Lodge, Double Room Cabin

Day 7

AMAGUSA MASHPI RESERVE & OIL BIRDS CAVE

• Pick up at 6:00 am for a full-day birding adventure at Amagusa Mashpi Reserve, one of the world’s premier hotspots for biodiversity. This reserve protects one of the last remaining foothill forests seamlessly connected to the lower subtropical western forests of Ecuador, making it an essential destination for birders seeking Chocó endemics. After lunch continue to El Chontal to visit the Oilbird Caves, where these nocturnal frugivores can be observed in their roosting sites. In the afternoon, return to Quito.
• Targets: Glistening-green tanager, Moss-backed Tanager, Black-chinned Mountain Tanager, Orange-breasted Fruiteater, Choco Vireo, Empress Brilliant, Green Thorntail, Rose-faced Parrot, Spinetails, Chlorophonias, Rufous- throated Tanager, Broad-billed Motmot, Indigo Flowerpiercer, Oil Birds and others. 
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
• Overnight Hacienda Jimenita, King Suite with chimney 

Birding Photos: Rufous-throated Tanager, Empress Brilliant and Yellow-throated Toucan by Diego Cruz. 

Day 8

ANDEAN MOTMOT RESERVE, CONCIERTO DE AVES FEEDERS AND SAN ISIDRO OWL OBSERVATION

• We’ll start the morning with birding around Río Quijos Lodge, exploring nearby trails before breakfast. Continue birding at the main trails for Andean Motmots, Torrent Duck and other mixed flocks. After lunch, continue to Concierto de Aves in Borja Valley for other Hummingbird Specialties and possible Andean Cock of the Rock - East Subspecie. Continue to San Isidro Reserve, surrounded by lush cloud forest and vibrant mixed-species flocks. 
• Night Owl Observation and possible Mountain Tapir.  
• Targets: Andean Motmot, Andean Cock of the Rock, Montane and Olive-backed Woodcreepers, Golden-crowned Flycatcher, Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher, Black-billed Peppershrike, Inca Jay, Subtropical Cacique, White-bellied Antpitta, Long-tailed Antbirds, Plain-tailed Wrens and Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonias, Andean Potoo and Black-banded Owl. 
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Overnight at Cabanas San Isidro Lodge, Double Room 

Birding Photos: Black-banded Owl, Tawny-bellied Hermit and Andean Motmot by Diego Cruz.

Day 9

WHITE-BELLIED ANTPITTA FEEDER, MOTH FEEDERS, GUANGO RESERVE AND RETURN TO QUITO.

Early morning birding in San Isidro Moth Feeders and White-bellied Antpitta Photography Hide. Then continue to Guango Reserve in the East Cloud Forest and explore the main trails of the reserve. Possible to observe the Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan and Mountain Tapir. There are also hummingbird feeders and and torrent duck river. Return to our Lodge and along the way possible Spectacled Bear. Farewell Dinner. 

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner 
• Overnight Jimenita Lodge, King with chimney   

Birding Photos: Photo taken by Craig Hedlund.

Day 10

GALAPAGOS ISLAND HOPPING, SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS AND PUERTO AYORA

• Transfer to Quito Airport. Flight to Baltra. After arriving at Baltra Airport, our guide will pick you up and transfer you to Itabaca Channel to cross by shared-ferry to Santa Cruz Island. Continue with private transportation to the highlands of Santa Cruz to observe Giant tortoises in their natural habitat. These majestic creatures roam freely across private ranches bordering the Galápagos National Park. You'll also explore fascinating lava tunnels, formed by ancient volcanic activity, offering a glimpse into the island’s geological history.
• In the afternoon, continue to Puerto Ayora, where you can explore at your leisure. Visit La Ratonera Beach for a relaxing coastal experience or discover the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation efforts in the Galápagos. In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants in town.
• Possible Fauna: Giant Tortoises, Sea Lions, Bird Species: Smooth billed Ani, Common Gallinule, Cattle Egret, Galapagos Flycatcher, Galapagos Mockingbird, Yellow Warbler, Green-warbler Finch, Woodpecker Finch, Small Tree-finch, Small Ground-finch, Medium Ground-finch, White-cheeked Pintail, Galapagos Rail, Barn Owl, Comb Duck, Galapagos Hawk, Striated Heron, Great Blue Heron and others.
• Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
• Overnight: Select Hotel
• Guide: Private Naturalist Guide

Wildlife Photos: Giant Tortoise, La Ratonera Beach Puerto Ayora, and Land Iguana by Diego Cruz. 

Day 11

FULL DAY NORTH SEYMOUR AND SNORKEL BACHAS BEACH

• Pick up from your hotel and continue to Itabaca Channel, where we will board the Galaxy Daily. After arriving in North Seymour, we will have a dry landing and immediately start hiking on a 2.5 km trail where we can go clockwise along the coast or head inland first to visit the colony of blue-footed boobies. Get ready to spot land iguanas and marine iguanas; also, a colony of sea lions, lava lizards, frigates, and pelicans! Lunch on-board and afternoon snorkelling in Bachas Beach.