Tour Itinerary & Costs

The itinerary for each tour can vary depending on bird activity, weather  time of year, the make up of the group, new birding reserves we have discovered  and  other factors.  Bird activity is not static, so we design each tour to provide the best and most diverse birding experience for each group.  Here is a sample itinerary.

Day 0 – Arrival in Quito
Arrival in Quito and transfer to our comfortable hotel or eco-lodge in the Tumbaco Valley, just 20 minutes from the airport. Time to relax and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Hotel: Zaysant Ecolodge or similar
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Day 1 – Into the Chocó Andino
After breakfast, introductions, and some birding on the lodge grounds, we begin our journey toward the legendary Chocó Andino region—one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
We’ll make brief stops near the airport wetlands and the dry forest of the Equator line before heading into the western Andes. Birding begins in earnest at private reserves such as Armadillo and Alambi, where hummingbirds, tanagers, and other colorful species abound.
Overnight in a beautiful lodge in the Pacto or Mindo area.
Hotel: Peripe Lodge or similar
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Day 2 – Mashpi and Choco Endemics
Morning birding on the lodge trails and then on to explore the Mashpi region, one of the last remaining foothill forests of the área.  Birding along the road and at Amagusa Mashpi Reserve offers chances to see numerous Chocó endemics, including Rose-faced Parrot, Glistening-green Tanager, Moss-backed Tanager, and Indigo Flowerpiercer.
Later, we visit Sacha Guatusa Reserve for additional low-elevation species.
Hotel: Peripe Lodge or similar
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Day 3 – Oil Bird Caves and Birding in Mindo.
Early morning birding around the lodge trails. We then set out in search of one of South America’s most fascinating species—the Oilbird—visiting family-run conservation projects in the Mashpi Valley.
We continue on to Mindo where we will spend the afternoon birding at several of the hotposts close to the town.  In the evening we will search for Owls and Potoos.
Hotel: Sisakuna Lodge or similar
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Day 4 – Las Cotingas Moth Trap and Trails and on to lower elevations.
Early morning visit to the hide/Moth trap of Las Cotingas reserve, where we can find many of the elusive forest species coming for their breakfast.  Breakfast at the feeder station and a hike through the forest.trails.
We continue to lower elevations near Pedro Vicente Maldonado, including a visit to a private birding sanctuary created by a local farmer. In the afternoon, we explore Silanche Road, one of the best lowland birding areas on the western slope.
Hotel: Sisakuna Lodge or similar
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Day 5 – Paz de las Aves & Return to the Highlands
Early risers can visit the famous Paz de las Aves Reserve, where Angel and Rodrigo Paz offer unforgettable encounters with Antpittas, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, and more.
Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed morning in Mindo with optional activities such as a chocolate tour, butterfly farm, or visiting other birding spots in town..
We then head back to the highlands, stopping at Maraksacha Reserve and birding along the scenic Old Mindo Road before arriving in the village of Nono.
Hotel: Villa Doris or similar
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Day 6 – High Andes to Eastern Slope
We ascend above the Nono Valley to Zuroloma Reserve in search of high-altitude specialties such as Sword-billed Hummingbird and Antpittas.
We then cross to the eastern slope of the Andes, stopping near Papallacta for páramo species, birding a remote trail at  Cuyuja before descending to our lodge in the lush Quijos Valley.
Hotel: Rio Quijos Lodge or similar.
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Day 7 – Eastern Slope Birding
Before breakfast, we visit a nearby river in search of the Torrent Duck.
The day is spent exploring bird-rich areas such as Baeza, El Chaco, and Concierto de las Aves, with chances to see Quetzals, Inca Jays, Wire-crested Thorntails, and more.
Hotel: Rio Quijos Lodge or similar.
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Day 8 – Into the Amazon Basin
We descend into the Amazon, birding along the spectacular Guacamayos Ridge and Loreto Road. Stops include Pachakutik (for owls) and the Hollín Waterfall for lunch.
By afternoon, we arrive at our lodge along the Napo River and visit Paikawe Lagoon to see Hoatzin and other iconic Amazon species.
Hotel: Rio Napo Lodge or similar
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Day 9 – Amazon Rivers & Fiery Topaz
An early start takes us to the Arajuno River, where we explore by canoe at dawn—one of the most magical birding experiences of the trip.
We bird along riverbanks and islands before returning for lunch. In the afternoon, we visit a special site to search for the dazzling Fiery Topaz hummingbird.
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Day 10 – Return to the Andes
Optional pre-breakfast birding near the lodge. After breakfast, we begin our ascent back into the Andes, stopping at key birding sites such as Aguayacu reserve and Guango Lodge.
Hotel: Zaysant Ecolodge or similar________________________________________
Day 11 – Antisana Highlands & Departure
Our final day takes us to the dramatic Antisana region. We visit Antisanilla Reserve and La Mica Lake, searching for Andean Condors, Ecuadorian Hillstar, Black-faced Ibis, and other high-altitude species.
After a final lunch and birding at Tambo Condor, the tour concludes in the afternoon.
 

 

Tour Pricing, 2025, 2026, 2027:

$2500 p.p. based on double occupancy.

Add $300 for single supplement​​​

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June 2 - 12, 2026-full

November 3-13, 2026-full

November 10-20, 2026

January 8-18, 2027

June 4-14, 2027​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

November 10-20, 2027

 

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What is included:

1.  Pick up and transport to hotel. Return transport to Quito airport.

2. 11 nights of lodging in our comfortable hotels and lodges

3. Breakfast and lunch

4. Transportation in a comfortable roomy bus

5. Expert birding guide on the tour, with additional birding guides at certain spots.

6. Additional Bilingual guide and tour facilitator

7. Entrance fees to all the reserves

8. Birding checklist to help you with identification.

9. Daily ebird lists and post trip list of birds sighted and photos.

 

What is not included:

1. Airfare to and from Ecuador

2. Tips for guide and driver

3. Dinner and snacks.We have left dinner open in order to provide flexibility and options for travelers.

4. Personal expenses.

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This is a sample itinerary which may vary due to weather, bird activity, group input and factors outside of our control.