
Ecuador Birds Tours & Galapagos
Andes to Galapagos: 14 Days from Cloud Forest to Penguins
✅ Possible 300 - 400 Bird Species
✅ Tailor-Made Focus at your own pace and flexible!
✅ Visit the Andes, Choco Andino, Mindo Valley, East Slope Cloud Forest, Galapagos Islands including North Seymour and Bartolome!
✅ Expert Bilingual Guides: over 25 years of birding experience
✅ Observe specialties like Condors, Andea Cock of the Rock, Galapagos Penguin, Galapagos Hawks, Marine Iguanas, Land Iguanas, Galapagos Seals.
✅ Top Birding Reserve – Includes iconic locations like Antisana Condor Observatory, Mindo Cloud Forest, and North Seymour Island with snorkeling opportunities
✅ Top Logistics – Includes Airport Transfers, Private transportation, Meals, Entrance Fees, Top Birding Guides, Lodges, and more!
✅ 24/7 Customer Support – We will ensure your trip goes smoothly and can be reached anytime via whatsapp at +593 99 373 2879.
Our Birding Map
- HJ. Hacienda Jimenita
- W1. Sachatamia Lodge
- E1. San Isidro Lodge
- G1. Puerto Ayora Hotels

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.
- Possible Fauna: Lava Lizards, Green Sea Turtles, Rays, Galapagos Penguin, Sooty Shearwater, Magnificent Frigatebird, Great Frigatebird, Blue-footed Booby, Nazca Booby, Red-footed Booby, American Flamingo, Brown Noody, Galapagos Petrel, Common Cactus Finch, Red-billed Tropicbird, Black-bellied Plover, Red-necked Phalarope, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, Brujo Flycatcher, Galapagos Hawk.
- Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch on board
- Overnight: Select Hotel
- Guide: Shared Naturalist Guide aboard Galaxy Daily
Wildlife Photos: Galaxy Daily Yatch, Blue-footed Booby, Magnifecent Great Frigatebird by Diego Cruz
Day 12
FULL DAY BARTOLOME PENGUINS AND SNORKEL SULLIBAY BAY
- This island, with its iconic pinnacle, is located northwest of Santa Cruz. Upon arriving at Bartolome, we will have a dry landing. Then, we will begin the walk along a path that will take us to the top of the island, through its 395 steps that will end with a spectacular panoramic view of the island and its pinnacle. During the walk, we will observe small lava tunnels that are the product of the last eruption and where endemic vegetation grow, such as lava cacti and tiquilla plants, generally surrounded by Darwin’s finches. Afternoon snorkelling near Bartolome Island for possible Sea Turtles and Galapagos Penguins.
- Possible Fauna: Galapagos Penguin, Blue-footed Booby, Galapagos Hawk, American Oystercatcher, Lava Gull, Magnificent Frigatebird, Great Blue Heron, Striated Heron, Laughing Gull, Galapagos Dove, Swallow-tailed Gull, Galapagos Petrel, Franklins Gull, Least Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, Red Phalarope, Large-Tree Finch and White-tipped Shark, Rays, Sea Turtles.
- Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch on board
- Overnight: Select Hotel
- Guide: Shared Naturalist Guide aboard Galaxy Daily
Wildlife Photos: Galapagos Penguin, Meal aboard Galaxy Daily, South Plazas Islands by Diego Cruz
Day 13
TRANSFER OUT TO BALTRA AIRPORT, FLIGHT TO QUITO, LEISURE AFTERNOON
- After breakfast, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the airport. Upon arrival to Quito, private transfer in to our Jimenita Birding Lodge and leisure afternoon.
- FREE OVERNIGHT with Airport transfers and Dinner Included!
- Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 14
TRANSFER OUT TO QUITO AIRPORT
- 24/7 Transfer out to Quito Airport after breakfast. End of Services.
Our Birding Lodges
We will overnight in the following lodges:
Dates & Prices
Please request special pricing for your PRIVATE Birding Tour.
Departures | Availability | Price per Person | |
---|---|---|---|
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
✔ Specialized English-speaking Birding Guide
✔ Entrance Fees to Reserves, Hides, Feeders, Observation Towers
✔ Delicious and Healthy Meals
✔ Ebird Online Birding Report
✔ Ingala Card Pre-registration*
✔ Lobito Bus Balta-Itabaca Channel
✔ Ferry to Santa Cruz
✔ Private and Shared Naturalist Guide
✔ Transportation
✔ 2 Full Days aboard Galaxy Daily or similar
✔ Mask and Fins
✔ Quality Services
✔ Souvenir Ecuador Birds Tours Cup and Buff
Not Included
✘ Personal Expenses
✘ Alcoholic and Soft Drinks
✘ Meals not listed in the itinerary
✘ Airport Assistance
✘ Ingala Card $20 per person
✘ Local Flights $500.00 per person
✘ Other meals not listed in itinerary
✘ Personal Expenses
✘ Other activities
✘ Laundry
✘ Travel Insurance
✘ Tips
Activities
- Birding and Wildlife
- Hiking
- Antpitta Photography Hides
- Observation Tower Spectacled Bear Viewing Point
- Waterfall Landscapes
- Hiking Trails
- Snorkelling
- Dry and Wet Landing
- Birding and Photography
- Wildlife Observation
- Leisure time in Puerto Ayora
Trip Reports
2025 - Birding Report Ecuador: 9 Days Andes, West, East Report - 290 Birds!
2025 - Birding Report Ecuador: 9 Days Andes, West, East Report - 313 Birds!
2025 - Birding Report Ecuador: 9 Days Andes, West, East Report - 261 Birds!
2025 - Birding Report Ecuador: 8 Days Andes, West, East Report - 260 Birds!
2024 - Birding Report Ecuador: 9 Days Andes, West, East Report - 338 Birds!
2023 - Birding Report Ecuador: 9 Days Andes, West, East Report - 286 Birds!
2023 - Birding Report Ecuador: 9 Days Andes, West, East Report - 226 Birds!
Testimonials

2024 – Birding Review Ecuador: Birding Tour
Organization of our trip by Ecuador Bird Tours was excellent. Miguel, our bird guide, was a very perceptive and competent bird expert, and due to him we saw a lot of species which we couldn’t discern visually nor hear. And we experience great hospitality in Hacienda Jimenita, being the main base of our trip and belonging to the owners of Ecuador Birds Tours agency. - Tomasz, Poland

2025 – Birding Report Ecuador: Fantastic 15-Day Birding Adventure in Ecuador
"My wife and I had a wonderful time on this 15-day bird private tour with Ecuador Birds Tours (EBT). Diego was wonderful tailoring our trip to our desires, and answering all of our pre-trip questions. All the logistics during our trip were smooth as can be. The lodges were great and much nicer than what I had expected. The food provided by the lodges was wonderful and we felt very spoiled! The staffs at the lodges were very friendly and eager to please and help. We highly recommend Ecuador Birds Tours for folks who want to be immersed in discovering the wonderful bird life of Ecuador. Not having to worry about driving, safety, safe food/water, or the best spots to find birds made this a stressless adventure. This is a professional, well-run operation and we are super happy we went with Ecuador Birds Tours!" - Mike and Amedee Long from USA

2025 – Birding Report Ecuador: Excellent guide, amazing birds
"I saw over 100 birds with Ecuador Birds Tours! They know all there is to know about birds and can identify them from a fleeting glance or a very far off call. Everywhere we went was full of birds and Ivan knows just where to look and how to call them out so you can see them. His knowledge of birds, and enthusiasm for finding them is unparalleled. Highly recommended! - Suzanne from Australia

2025 – Birding Report Ecuador: Worth more than five stars really
"Did a 14 day trip with my own guide. Everything ran smoothly from being collected at the airport to being returned there. My guide had excellent skills and knowledge and worked really hard to maximise the number of birds we could find. 500 birds and eleven mammals including spectacled bear says it all. The company clearly has very good relationships with the lodges and local guide so we were treated well. If I can return in the future to go further down into the Amazon Basin I will use them again". - David Jones, United Kingdom

2025 – Birding Report Ecuador: Super Birding Company

2025 – Birding Report Ecuador: Terrific Birding and Superb Trip Organization

2025 – Birding Report Ecuador: 10 day tailored tour with Ecuador Bird Tours

2025 – Birding Report Ecuador: Fantastic tour with great guides and lodging

2025 – Birding Report Ecuador: Ecuador Birds Tours deserves all the stars!

2025 – Birding Report Ecuador: 400 Lifes in Southern Ecuador!
"Jorge really knows his birds! He has a fantastic ear as well! The birds don’t seem to care if it is raining. We probably missed a few forest ground birds, but we did see almost 400 different species and a whole lot of them for the first time. The lodges were all wonderful, well equipped, friendly staff and great local food. We were over fed everywhere.We did miss one lodge due to road closure, but we felt lucky that we got to all the others! The last lodge ,at 11,500 feet, was spectacular!! With piles of wonderful food and postres and a room with an incredible view! We will highly recommend Ecuador Birds Tours if anyone asks!! - Sally Fellows, USA