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.

EASTERN SLOPE OF ECUADOR  BIRDING TOUR

 DAY 1: -Quito - Antisana Ecological Reserve- Guango Lodge:

We will pick you up from your hotel in Quito in the morning and head towards the scenic highlands of the Antisana Ecological Reserve. This unique páramo ecosystem offers excellent opportunities to observe a wide variety of Andean bird species. Our birding targets include the majestic Andean Condor, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Cinereous Harrier, Andean Ibis, Carunculated Caracara, and Andean Gull.

As we explore the area, we will also look for highland specialties such as the Giant Hummingbird, Ecuadorian Hillstar, Andean Lapwing, Tawny Antpitta, Many-striped Canastero, Andean Tit-Spinetail, Plumbeous Sierra-Finch, Páramo Pipit, and Blackwinged Ground-Dove, among many others.

After an enriching day of birding, we will continue to Guango Lodge, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by cloud forest beauty and more birding opportunities.

DAY 2: Guango Lodge- Papallacta pass:  

After breakfast at Guango Lodge, we will set out toward the Papallacta Pass, a highaltitude zone rich in birdlife and remarkable Andean scenery. Our main birding targets in this area include the elusive White-chinned Thistletail, Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, Purple-backed Thornbill, Red-crested Cotinga, Giant Conebill, and Variable Hawk.

This open páramo ecosystem, located above the tree line, also offers one of the best chances to spot the Spectacled Bear—a rare and iconic mammal of the Andes. The relatively unobstructed terrain makes sightings more feasible here than in denser cloud forests.

After lunch, we will continue exploring the Papallacta area, focusing on both birding and continued efforts to spot a Spectacled Bear. Additional bird species we will search for include the Andean Pygmy-Owl, Crowned Chat-Tyrant, Crescent-faced Antpitta, Purple-backed Thornbill, and Yellow-billed Pintail, particularly around the picturesque Papallacta Lagoon.

We will return for another overnight stay at Guango Lodge, surrounded by the serenity of the Andean cloud forest.

Day 3:  Guango -Queztal Eco Lodge - San Isidro:   

We will begin the day with a rewarding morning of birding around the Guango Lodge area, renowned for its rich biodiversity and excellent montane forest species. Target birds include the striking Torrent Duck, Andean Guan, and a dazzling variety of hummingbirds.  

Other key species we will look for are the Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Dusky Piha, White-capped Dipper, Blue-backed Conebill, Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanager, Grey-hooded Bush-Tanager, Black-capped Hemispingus, Plushcap, Northern Mountain Cacique, and Pale-naped Brush finch.

After a productive morning, we will check out of Guango Lodge and continue our journey to the beautiful San Isidro Lodge, where we will spend the night surrounded by the lush cloud forest and its incredible birdlife.

Day 4: San Isidro Lodge:  

After breakfast at San Isidro Lodge, we will spend the day exploring the surrounding cloud forest in search of its rich and unique biodiversity. The San Isidro area is known for its excellent birding opportunities, with key target species including the impressive Black-and-chestnut Eagle, Wattled Guan, and the enigmatic Blackbanded (“San Isidro”) Owl, along with Rufous-banded Owl and a second chance to spot the elusive Andean Potoo.

Additional avian highlights include Rufous-bellied Nighthawk, Oilbird, Crested and Golden-headed Quetzals, Masked Trogon, Andean (Highland) Motmot, Crimsonmantled Woodpecker, Powerful Woodpecker, Streak-headed (Long-tailed) Antbird, Chestnut-crowned, White-bellied, and Slate-crowned Antpittas, Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher, Barred Becard, Black-billed Peppershrike, Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonia, Flame-faced Tanager, White-capped Tanager, and Subtropical Cacique.

We will also keep an eye out for notable mammals such as Black Agouti, Kinkajou, and with luck, the Mountain Tapir or even the extremely rare Giant Anteater.

Overnight stay at San Isidro Lodge, immersed in the tranquility and biodiversity of the eastern Andes.

EASTERN_SLOPE_OF_ECUADOR_BIRDING_TOUR.pdf