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: Vermillion Flycatcher, View of Quito, Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager 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: Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Spectacled Bear and Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe 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, Giant Hummingbird and Red-crested Cotinga by Chuck Carney and Diego Cruz. 

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 and possible Plate-billed Mountain Toucans at the 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: Sword-billed Hummingbird, Chestnut-naped Antpitta, Scarlet-breasted Mountain Tanager by Diego Cruz. 

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 in our Lodge and afternoon explore the Choco Toucan Hides. Afternoon continue to our lodge.
• 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 Guaycapi Lodge, Double Room Cabin

Birding Photos: Andean Cock of the Rock, Plate-billed Mountan Toucan, and Crested Quetzal by Diego Cruz. 

Day 6

LONG-WATTLED UMBRELLABIRD LEK, WOODPECKER FEEDERS AND SUNBITTERN RESERVE 

• In the morning, we will visit the 23 de Junio Community in the Chocó Lowlands, a prime location for spotting the elusive Long-wattled Umbrellabird. We’ll then continue to Fruty Trail, where we aim to observe an array of woodpeckers, oropendolas, and hummingbirds, providing excellent opportunities for bird photography. After lunch, we will return to Mindo Valley to explore the Sunbittern Reserve, a diverse habitat that offers chances to observe toucans, aracaris, colorful tanagers, and the iconic Sunbittern.
• Night Tour Reptiles and Insects in Sachatamia Reserve
• Targets: Long-wattled Umbrellabird, Choco Toucan, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Sickle-winged Guan, White-throated Quail Dove,  Golden-headed Quetzal, Green and Black fruiteater, Andean Solitaire, Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush, Powerful Woodpecker, White-sided Flowerpiercer, Blue-necked Tanager, Green Honeycreeper and others.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Overnight in Sachatamia Lodge, Double Room Cabin 

Birding Photos: Long-wattled Umbrella Bird, Pale-mandibled Aracari and Scaled Fruiteater by Diego Cruz. 

Day 7

RIO SILANCHE TOWER LOWLANDS & MILPE TOUCAN BIRDING ROAD AND NIGHT OLINGUITO

• Birding cant get any better at the Rio Silanche Observation Tower that offers a spectacular vantage point to observe mixed-species flocks moving through the lush Chocó lowland canopy. This prime location provides opportunities to spot Toucans, Tanagers and Flycatchers among others.  In the afternoon explore Milpe Birding Road and return to Sachatamia Lodge. 
• Night visit to Olinguito and Kinkajou Feeder in Mindo Valley.
• Targets: Double-banded Graytail, 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

Birding Photos: Plumbeous Hawk,Yellow-throated Toucan and Beryl-spangled Tanager by Neil Wiken and Diego Cruz. 

Day 8

AMAGUSA MASHPI RESERVE & OIL BIRDS CAVE

• Pick up at 5:30 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: Glistening-green Tanager, Oil Bird and Tyra by Diego Cruz and Neil Wiken. 

Day 9

PAPALLACTA PASS-CUYUJA ROAD AND GUANGO TORRENT DUCK RESERVE

• Pick up at 7:00 am for the East Slope Cloud Forest, passing through dry valleys, agricultural lands, and native polylepis forests before ascending into the high páramo, where we may spot a Spectacled Bear. At Papallacta Pass, a key transition zone, we’ll search for mixed flocks and high-altitude hummingbirds if the weather permits. Continuing to Guango Reserve, we’ll explore temperate forest trails and possible Torrent Duck and Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan. After lunch, we continue to Río Quijos Lodge, arriving by late afternoon and birding in the surroundings.  
• Targets: Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, Gray-hooded Bush-Tanager, Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant, Giant Conebill, Black-capped and Black-eared Hemispingus, Slaty and Pale-naped Brush-Finch, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Buff-tailed Coronet, Collared Inca, Hooded Mountain Tanager, Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan, Mountain Cacique, Inca Jay, Torrent Duck, Turquoise Jay and others.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
• Overnight Rio Quijos Lodge, Double Room 

Birding Photos: Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan, Turquoise Jay and Torrent Duck by Chris Nenov and Diego Cruz.

Day 10

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: Andean Motmot, Black-banded Owl and Gorgeted Sunangel by Diego Cruz.

Day 11

WHITE-BELLIED ANTPITTA FEEDER, MOTH FEEDERS AND SAN ISIDRO RESERVE

• Morning birding at the Moth Feeders and White-bellied Antpitta Feeder. San Isidro Reserve is nestled in the heart of Ecuador’s lush cloud forest, offering exceptional birding opportunities. The reserve’s diverse habitats, from moss-covered forests to high-altitude ridges, attract vibrant mixed-species flocks, making it a paradise for birders and photographers alike. It’s also a prime location for spotting the elusive Mountain Tapir and various nocturnal species. We will explore the main trails of the reserve during the day. 
• Night Owl Observation and possible Mountain Tapir.  
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
• Targets: Southern Emerald Toucanet, Yellow-throated Tanager, Grass-green Tanager, Marble-faced Bristle-Tyrant, Black-billed Peppershrike, Masked Trogon, Golden-headed Quetzal, Long-tailed Sylph, Bronzy Inca, White-tailed Antpitta, Azara's Spinetail, Inca Jay, Spotted Barbtail, Speckled-faced Parrot and others. 
• Overnight at Cabanas San Isidro Lodge, Double Room 

Birding Photos: Inca Jay, Mountain Tapir and Golden headed Quetzals by Diego Cruz.

Day 12

WAYRA QUAIL FEEDERS, OLLIN WATERFALL AND SUMACO BIRDING ROAD

• In the morning birding at Wayra Quail Feeders located in the Upper Amazon Basin, a prime birding location with several hides for Quails, Monkeys, Parrots and Hummingbird Feeders. After lunch continue to Ollin Waterfall for other Hummingbird species and Parrots. Continue to Wild Sumaco Birding Road, for other lowland and foothill birds, making it a perfect spot for birding and photography.
• Possible Night Owl in the surroundings of the lodge
• Targets: Green-and-black Fruiteater, Handsome Flycatcher, Rufous Wren, Grass-greenTanager, Northern Mountain-Cacique, Greater Scythebill, Dusky Piha, Cliff flycatcher, Southern Mealy Amazon, Bay-headed Tanager, Black-faced Dacnis, Collared Trogon, Dusky-headed Parakeet, Black-billed Mountain-Toucan, Magpie Tanager and others.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
• Overnight Wild Sumaco Lodge, Double Room 

Birding Photos: Collared Trogon, White-tailed Hillstar and Yellow-tufted Woodpecker by Diego Cruz.

Day 13 

WILD SUMACO RESERVE 

• Wild Sumaco Reserve is a birding paradise located in the foothills of the eastern Andes, offering access to a remarkable diversity of ecosystems. This reserve is renowned for its incredible birdlife, including both Amazonian lowland species and Andean foothill specialties. The mix of cloud forest, subtropical habitats, and nearby lowland rainforest makes Wild Sumaco a prime destination for spotting trogons, tanagers, antpittas, antwrens, owls and other elusive birds. We wull explore the different trails in the reserve, hummingbird and jacamar feeders, antpitta hides and toucanet trails. 
• Possible Night Owl in the surroundings of the lodge
• Targets: Linated Woodpecker, Many-banded Aracari, White-tipped Sicklebill, Green Hermit, Wire-crested Thorntail, Goulds Jewelfront, Grey-headed Kite, Green-backed Trogon, Coppery-chested Jacamar, Channel-billed Toucan, Yellow-throated Toucan, Lined Antshrike, Blue-headed Parrot, White-backed Fire-eye, Peruvian-warbling Antbird, Musician Wren, Golden-collared Toucanet, Amazonia Motmot and others. 
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
• Overnight Wild Sumaco Lodge, Double Room 

Birding Photos: Golden-collared Toucanet, Lined Antshrike and Thrush-like Antpitta by Neil Wiken and Craig Hedlund. 

Day 14

AMARUPAKCHA COCK OF THE ROCK LEK AND LIMONCOCHA LAGOON

• Early morning transfer to Amarupakcha Reserve for Andean Cock of the Rock Lek - Eastern Subspecie and other lowland specialties. Boxed Lunch along the way and arrival to Limoncocha Biological Reserve and its lagoon that are the best birding paradise in the Lower Amazon Basin. Limoncocha is located in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, this protected area is teeming with biodiversity, offering a haven for a wide range of species, including rare and endemic birds like the new registered Eastern Meadowlark that was spotted January 2025 by our guide Miguel Hipo. The Limoncocha Lagoon, with its serene waters and lush surroundings, is a prime spot for observing Amazonian wildlife. The reserve’s diverse habitats, including wetlands, flooded forests, and tropical rainforest, provide excellent birding opportunities and photography from our private canoe.
• Targets: Yellow-breasted Crake, Purple Gallinule, Zigzag Heron, Straited Heron, Tiny Hawk, Southern Lapwing, Swallow-tailed Kite, Snail Kite, Squirrel Cuckoo, Yellow-rumped Cacique, Striped Owl, Red-capped Cardinal, Common Potoo, Greater Ani, White-eared Jacamar, Limpkin, Cocoi Heron, Purple Gallinule, Cobalt-winged Parakeet, Plain-brown woodcreeper, Wattled Jacana, Crested Owl, Guilded Barbet, White-throated Toucan, Eastern Meadowlark, Harpy Eagle and others.  
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
• Overnight Grand Hotel Lago Shushufindi, Double Room 

Birding Photos: Hoatzins, Andean Cock of the Rock Peruvian Subspecie and Harpy Eagle by Diego Cruz. 

Day 15

LIMONCOCHA; WHITE-LORED ANTPITTA FEEDER, CEIBO FOREST TRAIL, AND AFTERNOON PRIVATE CANOE LIMONCOCHA LAGOON 

• Morning transfer to Limoncocha to start birding at the White-lored Antpitta Feeder, then continue to Ceibo Trail for Amazonian Specialties and afternoon Private Canoe in Limoncocha Lagoon.
• Targets: Striated Heron, Boat-billed Heron, Green Ibis, Red-throated Cara Cara, White-lored Antpitta, Yellow-headed Cara Cara, Black-banded Crake, Red and Green Macaw, Chestnut-fronted Macaw, Red-bellied Macaw, Tawny-bellied Screetch Owl, Crested Owl, Striped Owl, Tropical Screetch Owl, Spectacled Owl, Amazonian Kingfisher, Ringed Kingfisher, White-eared Jacamar and others. 
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
• Overnight Hotel el Auca Coca, Double Room 

Birding Photos: Cream-coloured Woodpecker, Biding in Limoncocha Lagoon and Blue and Yellow Macaws by Diego Cruz. 

Day 16, 17, 18 

LUXURY AMAZON LODGE EXPERIENCE IN NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER OR SACHA LODGE 

• After breakfast, transfer to Coca Dock, where your adventure into Yasuní National Park begins. From there, embark on a scenic motorized boat ride along the Napo River, arriving at the Amazon Lodge Interpretation Center. Your private birding tour includes a personalized canoe excursion with a local expert English-speaking birding guide, exploring the lodge surroundings, the reserve, the canopy tower, and more. With over 550 recorded bird species, this area offers incredible opportunities to spot Amazonian specialties. Activities will vary depending on the lodge you choose, ensuring a unique and immersive birding experience.
• Sacha Lodge: Canopy Bridge, Kapok Observation Tower, Danta Tower, Crane Lift, Paddle Canoe, Butterfly Farm, Lake Pool, Terra-firme Forest, River Parrot Clay Lick, and Pirahna Fishing.
• Napo Wildlife Center: Observation Towers, Paddle Canoe, Terra-firme forest, Napo Parrot Clay Lick, Scarlet Macaws NWC Parrot Clay Lick, Paddle Canoe, Terra-firme forest.
• Bird Targets: Hoatzin, Crane Hawk, White-throated Toucan, Orange-crowned Manakin, Gilded Barbet, Green Kingfisher, Tufted Woodpecker, Plum-throated Cotinga, Sungrebe, Flame-crested Tanager, Ivory-billed Aracari, Dot-backed Antbird, Wire-tailed Manakin, Green and Gold Tanager, Agami Heron, Leterred Aracari, Yellow-bellied Dacnis, Blue and Yellow Macaw, Scarlet Macaw, Red and Green Macaw, Chestnut fronted Macaw, Dusky-headed Parakeet, Cobalt-winged Parakeet, Scarlet-shouldered Parrotlet,  Black-headed Parrot, Orange-cheeked Parrot, Blue-headed Parrot, Yellow-crowned Amazon, and others.
• Mammal Target: Two and Three-toed Sloth, Pygmy Marmoset, Red-mantled Sadle-back Tamarin, Golden-mantled Tamarin, White-fronted Capuchin, Ecuadorian Squirrel Monkey, Noisy Night Monkey, Red-crowned Titi, Napo Saki, Red-howler Monkey, Spider Monkey, Woolly Monkey, Black Agouti, Capybara, Jaguar, Giant Otter, Collared Peccary, Caiman, Caiman-Lizard and others
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
• Overnight Napo Wildlife Center or Sacha Lodge, Double Room  

Photos: Paradise Tanager, Green and Gold Tanager, Giant Otter,Three-toed Sloth, Red Howler Monkey and Canopy Bridge in Sacha Lodge by Diego Cruz and Neil Wiken.  

Day 19

RETURN TO QUITO. LOCAL FLIGHT INCLUDED. LEISURE AFTERNOON IN JIMENITA RESERVE.  

Early morning transfer by shared motor boat to Coca and continue by flight to Quito. Arrival and transfer to our lodge. Leisure afternoon in our Birding Reserve.

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

Day 20

TRANSFER OUT TO QUITO AIRPORT 

24/7 Transfer out to Quito Airport after breakfast. End of Services or request an EXTENSION to Galapagos Islands either Galapagos Cruises or Galapagos Island Hopping.