Amazon Birding Tours in Ecuador
Napo Wildlife Center: Amazon Birding and Yasuni's Parrot Clay Licks
✅Possible +500 Birds – including Rufous-headed Woodpecker, Blue and Yellow Macaws, Scarlet Macaws, Hoatzin, White-throated Toucan, Wire-tailed Manakin and others.
✅Parrot Clay Licks – Observe 8 Types of Parrots and Macaws in 2 different Clay Licks.
✅Biodiversity Hotspot – Explore the incredibly diverse wildlife in Yasuni National Park like Giant Otters, Red-Howler Monkey, Golden-mantled Tamarin, Three-toed Sloth, Brown-headed Spider Monkey and others.
✅Paddle Canoe Excursions – Birding in Anangu river creeks and lagoon guided by top birding guides
✅Observation Towers – three observation towers located in different parts of the lodge
✅Eco-Lodging & Cultural Experience – Stay in sustainable accommodations run by the Kichwa Añangu community.
Napo Wildlife Center Birding Tour
- Flight Quito-Coca Included. Transfer by motorboat to Napo Wildlife Center
- Parrot Clay Licks & Paddle Canoe
- Observation Towers & Paddle Canoe
- Transfer to Coca. Flight to Quito Included.
- Transfer Out to the Airport
Itinerary
Day 1
TRANSFER TO QUITO AIRPORT, FLIGHT TO COCA CITY, PADDLE CANOE ANANGU CREEK
- After a rewarding 30-minute flight over the eastern Andean mountain range to reach the city of Puerto Francisco Orellana "El Coca," our transfer will take you to Coca Dock to start your journey to the amazon. Here, you will have the opportunity to take a break, use the restrooms, enjoy a refreshing drink, and receive a boxed lunch for the journey. Motorcanoe for 2-hours along Napo River towards the welcome area of the Napo WildlifeCenter. At this location, you will switch to a paddle canoe to go birding in the serene waters of Anangu Creek.
- Upon arriving in the afternoon at the Napo Wildlife Center Lodge, we will be greeted with an impressive view of the Añangucocha lagoon. Welcome Drink and snacks, followed by a brief talk from your guide and plan the activities for the next days. Night walk and excursion for insects, amphibians and reptiles or Night Caiman Spotting from the canoe.
- Targets: Greater Ani, Smooth billed Ani, Limpkin, Hoatzin, Anhinga, Rufescent-Tiger Heron, Snowy Egret, Cocoi Heron, Snail Kite, Cream-coloured Woodpecker, Crested Owl, Speckled Chachalaca, Blue-throated Piping Guan, Squirrel Cuckoo, Green-backed Trogon, Amazonian Trogon, Green and Rufous Kingfisher, Gilded Barbet, Channel-billed Toucan, Cinnamon Attila, Wattled Jacana, Striated Heron, Common Potoo, Crested Oropendola and others.
- Meals: Box Lunch and Welcome Dinner
- Overnight Napo Wildlife Center, Standard or Panoramic Suite Cabins



Birding Photos: American Pigmy Kingfisher, Paddle Canoe Group, and Lemon-throated Barbet by Neil Wiken and Craig Hedlund.
Day 2
AMAZONIAN UMBRELLABIRD FOREST, PARROT AND MACAWS CLAY LICKS, PADDLE CANOE
- Early morning, we’ll set off by paddle canoe along the Napo River, heading toward the Amazonian Umbrellabird Forest. From there, we’ll continue to the renowned Napo River Parrot Wall Lick, where up to five species of parrots and parakeets can be seen, including the Mealy Amazon and Blue-headed Parrot. Next, we’ll walk a short, well-maintained forest trail to reach the Scarlet Macaw Clay Lick, while observing the Red Howler Monkeys and the Brown-headed Spider Monkey along the way.
- Lunch will be served at the Interpretation Center, followed by an afternoon of birding from Napo's Observation Towers, where mixed flocks of oropendolas, aracaris, tanagers, euphonias, and macaws are commonly seen. We’ll return to the lodge in the late afternoon by paddle canoe, with possible sightings of Giant River Otters, Green and Black Anacondas, and Black Caimans along the way.
- Targets: Blue-headed Parrot, Mealy Amazon, Yellow-crowned Amazon, Dusky-headed Parakeet, White-eyed Parakeet, Blue and Yellow Macaw, Scarlet Macaw, Orange-cheeked Parrot, Maroon-tailed Parakeet, Chestnut-fronted Macaw, Red-bellied Macaw, Black-headed Parrot, Cobalt-winged Parakeet, Crimson-crested Woodpecker, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Lettered Aracari, Many-banded Aracari, Scarlet Tanager, Plum-throated Cotinga, Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, Rufous-headed Woodpecker, Spot-breasted Woodpecker, Giant Otters, Red-Howler Monkey, Brown-headed Spider Monkey, Squirrel Monkey and others.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Overnight Napo Wildlife Center, Standard or Panoramic Suite Cabins



Birding Photos: Scarlet Macaws, Scaly-breasted Woodpecker, Napo River Wall Lick by Diego Cruz and Craig Hedlund.
Day 3
OBSERVATION TOWER, TERRA-FIRME FOREST AND PADDLE CANOE
- We begin the morning with birding at the Tree Observation Tower, where you’ll witness a breathtaking Amazon sunrise and spot wildlife high above the canopy. Early hours offer great opportunities to observe macaws, hawks, sloths, monkeys, and kites.
- Afterwards, continue exploring the main trails of the reserve, where the flooded river forest is home to manakins, antbirds, woodcreepers, and woodpeckers. In the afternoon, paddle through the creeks around Añangu Lagoon in search of shorebirds and other heron species. Night observation of Black Caimans, Agami Heron, Nocturnal Owls and others.
- Targets: King Vulture, Wire-tailed Manakin, Dward Tyrant-Manakin, Golden-headed Manakin, Blue-crowned Manakin, Purplish Jacamar, Great Jacamar, White-throated Toucan, Amazonian Motmot, Sooty Antbird, Moustached Antwren, Peruvian-warbling Antbird, Black-necked Red-Cotinga, Bare-necked Fruitcrow, Yellow-rumped Cacique and others.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Overnight Napo Wildlife Center, Standard or Panoramic Suite Cabins



Birding Photos: Chestnut-eared Acarari, Black-capped Donacobious and Wire-tailed Manakin by Craig Hedlund and Diego Cruz.
Day 4
TRANSFER TO COCA AIRPORT, FLIGHT TO QUITO, FREE NIGHT JIMENITA LODGE
- On your final day, enjoy one last scenic canoe ride along the Napo River with great opportunities to spot Giant Otters, Hoatzins, and other Amazon wildlife. You'll return to Coca City for your included flight back to Quito. Upon arrival, you'll be picked up at the airport and transferred privately to our Jimenita Lodge, just 15 minutes away. Leisure afternoon exploring the trails of our birding reserve, visiting the hummingbird feeders and observation deck, or simply unwinding in one of our comfortable chairs while observing the sunset in the Andes.
- Targets: Western Emerald, White-bellied Woodstar, Black-tailed trainbearer, Blue and Grey Tanager, Blue and Yellow Tanager, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Giant Hummingbird, Golden Grossbeak and others.
- Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
- FREE NIGHT: Overnight Jimenita Birding Lodge, King Room with Chimney



Birding Photos: Spot-breasted Woodpecker, Paddle Canoe in Anangu Creek, Anangu Lagoon by Craig Hedlund and Diego Cruz.
Day 5
TRANSFER OUT TO THE AIRPORT
- 24/7 Transfer Out to the Airport after having a delicious breakfast in our Jimenita Restaurant. In case you have an early flight we will arrange a Boxed Breakfast. Thanks for choosing Ecuador Birds Tours.
- Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
Please request special pricing for your PRIVATE Birding Tour.
| Departures | Availability | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|
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All year round Private Tours |
Private Tour |
Request Price | Book Tour |
Tour Inclusions
Included
✔ Welcome Drink
✔ 24/7 Private Airport Transfers Airport-Hotel-Airport
✔ Excellent Accommodations either Standard or Suite Cabin
✔ Entrance Fees to Reserves, Hides, Feeders, Observation Towers
✔ Delicious and Healthy Meals as described in itinerary
✔ Private English-speaking Birding Guide
✔ Private Canoe in all activities within the lodge
✔ Roundtrip Local Flights Quito-Coca-Quito
✔ Ebird Online Birding Report
✔ Quality Services
Not Included
✘ Personal Expenses
✘ Soft and Alcoholic Drinks
✘ Other Entrance Fees or Services
✘ Tips
Activities
- Paddle Canoe
- Napo River Parrots Wall Lick
- Napo Wildlife Parrots and Macaws Clay Lick
- Terra-firme Manakin Trails
- Giant Otter Observation
- 3 Observation Towers
- Night Excursions
Testimonials
2025 – Birding Report Ecuador: BRILLIANT BIRDING!
"We enjoyed a wonderful three week trip to Ecuador, experiencing over 500 species as we travelled from Quito to the Mindo area and then east through a variety of elevations and forests until seeing the Napo river region of the Amazon. Fantastic birds and Harpy Eagle! An awesome enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides, Miguel, Carlos, and Marcelo. Looking forward already to return to enjoy great birding. The lodges were all excellent and great food." Ken from Australia
2025 – Birding Report Ecuador: An extraordinary memorable experience
"I participated in a 3 week experience organized with Diego and Ecuador Birding Tours. The trip was well planned and I loved the Condor lookout where there have identified 48 perching sites and we counted six birds flying. I liked how they partnered with other local residents to see their hummingbirds and ant wrens, toucons etc and the choice of hotels was first class. Diego is committed to reforestation and protecting the environment. It was a memorable trip thanks to Diego and Birding Ecuador" Diane from Australia
2025 – Birding Report Ecuador: Andean Cock of the Rock Tour!
"Fantastic day trip on the Cock-of-the-Rock tour. Saw lots of birds, including the cock-of-the-rock lek, multiple antpitta species, and quetzals. Guide was extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and the included meals were delicious." Stuart Masson from USA
2025 – Birding Report Ecuador: Wonderful birding trip! 204 bird species photographed in 7 days!!
"Such a great experience. Our personal guide loves his work and was very resourceful at getting us and the birds together. He has 20+ years experience. Plus - he's a knowledgeable photographer and knows about lighting, angles, and other necessary details! Diego went above and beyond what was required. Thank you Diego and Ecuadorbirdstours.com!" Bobby and family from USA
2025 – Birding Report Ecuador: Amazing Hummingbird Tour
"Amazing trip set up by Diego, I did four days of "Hummingbirding" and saw 38 species of hummers. The food was delicious with good sized portions at the lodges and at the restaurants we stopped at for lunch along the way. Overall a great experience with Ecuador Birds tours and I'm already booking my next trip to return only 7 weeks after I left Ecuador on the first trip. I highly recommend Ecuador Birds Tours! Thank you Diego and Miguel!! Chris Drakis from USA
2025 – Birding Report Ecuador: Antisana Condor Tower Highly Recommended!
"Excellent couple of day tours booked prior to a trip to the Galapagos. Can not say enough good things about Ecuador Birds Tours. Communication pre, during and post trip with Diego was fantastic. Miguel was an excellent guide and kept an ebird list for the group, allowing us to focus more on the birds and behavior. I cannot wait to return to Ecuador and book a longer tour" Nick Hammil group from USA
2025 – Birding Report Ecuador: Beautiful Ecuador with Ecuador Bird Tours, wonderful!!!
"We experienced an amazing Birdwatching Tour seeing over 250 species including all of the iconic species including Condor, 'Andean Cock of the Rock', Torrent Duck, Trogons, Antpitas and so much more, thanks to our excellent guides Jorge and Daniel. We even saw Spectacled Bear and Mountain Tapir!!!" Steve Akers from UK
2025 – Birding Report Ecuador: Ecuador amazing experience!
"Our trip for 8 days was arranged by Diego Cruz, the owner of Ecuador Birds Tours. We spent 3 days in the Amazon forest , a day in Quito visiting historic sites, a day in the cloud forest and a day up in the Andean highlands on the slopes of the Antisana Volcano. Highlights included seeing an anaconda, black caimans, giant river otters, sloths feeding, parrots at clay licks, several monkey species, Andean cock-of-the-rock, antpittas, Andean Condors, Andean fox and many amazing birds". Sukumar from USA
2025 – Birding Report Ecuador: Amazing from start to finish!
"Ecuador Birds Tours helped organize, plan, and implement a perfect short birding trip for me. They helped pick out the best locations to find my targets and Miguel was an amazing guide. Everything was coordinated smoothly from start to finish including transport between the lodge and the airport. The food was amazing and the birds were incredible! I hope to visit again!" Ben Zerante from USA
2025 – Birding Report Ecuador: Best Birding with Ecuador Birds Tours
"For birding in Ecuador, these are the guys to go to. Why? 1. Years of experience with a focus solely on Ecuador. 2. Outstanding guides who can lead you to the rare birds. 3. Beautiful host hotel in close proximity to the airport and with outstanding birding 4. Most reasonable pricing I’ve found in Ecuador. Thanks Diego from Ecuador Birds Tours for arranging this amazing birding photography tour". Randall Finley from USA