The itineraries we offer are flexible and can be adapted to suit, both the time available to you and your preferences for the type of bird you would like to see.
Overview: Condensed Birding Itinerary – Amazon to Andes (17 Days)
A day-by-day summary of key birding locations, target species, and accommodations.
Day 1: Arrival in the Amazon
Flight Quito → Coca
Scenic boat ride to Sani Lodge
Overnight at Sani Lodge
Days 2–3: Amazon Rainforest (Sani Lodge)
Canopy tower birding
Canoe excursions & forest walks
Visit clay lick (parrots/macaws)
Nocturnal wildlife walks
Overnights at Sani Lodge
Day 4: Transfer to Wildsumaco Lodge
Early boat back to Coca
Roadside birding en route to Wildsumaco
Overnight at Wildsumaco Lodge
Day 5: Wildsumaco Lodge
Target hummingbirds, antpittas, toucanets, woodpeckers
Night walk for mammals
Overnight at Wildsumaco Lodge
Day 6: Guacamayos Ridge → San Isidro Lodge
Bird Guacamayos Ridge (tanagers, owls, antpittas)
Overnight at San Isidro Lodge
Day 7: San Isidro Lodge
Full day birding (eagles, quetzals, owls, antpittas)
Possible mammal sightings (Tapir, Anteater)
Overnight at San Isidro Lodge
Day 8: San Isidro → Guango Lodge
Hummingbirds, Torrent Duck, Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan
Overnight at Guango Lodge
Day 9: Papallacta Pass
High-elevation species (Giant Conebill, Seedsnipe, Potoo)
Spectacled Bear chances
Overnight at Guango Lodge
Day 10: Antisana Reserve → Bellavista Lodge
Bird high-altitude páramo (Andean Condor, Hillstar)
Overnight at Bellavista Lodge
Day 11: Bellavista Lodge
Cloud forest birding (Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Jays, Woodcreepers)
Overnight at Bellavista Lodge
Day 12: Refugio Paz de Las Aves → Tandayapa
Visit Cock-of-the-rock lek & antpittas
Afternoon birding Tandayapa Valley
Overnight at Septimo Paraiso Lodge
Day 13: Río Silanche & Milpe Bird Sanctuaries
Trogons, manakins, tanagers, puffbirds
Overnight at Septimo Paraiso Lodge
Day 14: Guayabillas Road
Tanagers, Shrike-Vireo, Cotinga
Overnight at Septimo Paraiso Lodge
Day 15: 23 de Junio → Guaycapi Lodge
Long-wattled Umbrellabird lek
Overnight at Guaycapi Lodge
Day 16: Amagusa Reserve
Chocó endemics (Fruiteaters, Moss-backed & Glistening-green Tanagers)
Overnight at Guaycapi Lodge
Day 17: Zuroloma & Yanacocha → Return to Quito
High-elevation species (Antpittas, Metaltails, Tapaculo)
Farewell option with Birding Explore team
For more detailed information, please refer to the full itinerary PDF.
TOUR INCLUDES:
- Private transportation on and professional driver throughout the entire tour, from the first to the final day.
- Expert bilingual birding guide from Day 4 to Day 10, offering in-depth knowledge and personalized support.
- Private bilingual naturalist guide at Sani Lodge from Day 1 to Day 4, specializing in Amazonian flora and fauna.
- Comfortable accommodation at carefully selected lodges and hotels throughout the tour.
- Domestic flight from Quito to Coca, providing swift and scenic travel into the Amazon.
- All applicable VAT taxes included.
TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Accommodation in Quito on the first night. (We are happy to assist with bookings once you select your preferred hotel).
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Tips for guides, drivers, and lodge staff.
- Private bilingual birding guide at Sani Lodge. (Available upon request; please let us know if you'd like to include this service).
- Personal expenses, such as laundry, souvenirs, or additional snacks.
- Dinner on the final day.
Species you could observe
- Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail
- Blackish Rail
- Scaled Pigeon
- Ocellated Tapaculo
- Handsome Flycatcher
- Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle
Comfortable and Safe Accommodation
Bilingual Bird Guide
Food (3 Daily Meals)
Transfer to the Different Destinations
Transfer from Airport to Hotel & back
