Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands Birding Tour

After breakfast, you’ll be driven from Quito to the cloud forests of Mindo, known for its incredible biodiversity. The 2-hour drive takes you through beautiful Andean scenery into lush forest.

In Mindo, you’ll visit a reserve with over 370 stunning orchid species. Admire these exotic blooms up close along the trails. At the interactive butterfly garden, hundreds of colourful butterflies flutter about as you observe their life stages. Feed a few of the 25 species by hand for a truly memorable experience.

The orchid garden contains 35-60 species in bloom, some viewed under magnifying glasses to appreciate their intricate beauty. Then it’s time for bird photography! With your expert guide’s help, photograph spectacular hummingbirds and cloud forest species like toucans, tanagers, and more.

Where you will be staying: El Monte Sustainable Lodge

In the morning, you’ll be birding around the beautiful gardens of El Monte, where 300+ bird species can be seen here! Dedicated to protecting the endangered Mindo-Nambillo Cloud Forest, El Monte isn’t just a place to stay but an immersive natural experience.

In the afternoon, you’ll go on a 2-hour exploration along the River Mindo and into the forest looking for target species such as Plate-billed Mountain Toucan and the elusive Giant Antpitta.

We’ll return to the lodge by dusk to review sightings with your guide before dinner. You’ll fall asleep to the sounds of the cloud forest.

Where you will be staying: El Monte Sustainable Lodge

We’ll start the day early with a visit to a lek of Andean Cock-of-the-rock. Watching these brilliant red-plumed birds congregate and display is a premier wildlife spectacle.

After a hearty breakfast back at the lodge, our guide will lead us on a walk through the stunning San Lorenzo Mountain Range. Weather permitting, we’ll search for elusive species like Golden-headed Quetzal, Choco Toucan, Crimson Rumped Toucanet, among others. Your guide will position you perfectly to capture these dazzling birds within the mossy cloud forest.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit Tony’s House, aptly called Hummingbird Paradise, to photograph over 24 hummingbird species attracted to his numerous feeders. With Tony’s expert help identifying the birds, you’ll get shots of some of the rarest hummingbirds like the Booted Racket-tail, Empress Brilliant, and Velvet Purple Coronet. Set up near his house or venture into the forest for a diversity of backgrounds.

Later, enjoy reminiscing over your favourite birds of the day with your guide and fellow birders. The magic of Mindo continues tomorrow!

Where you will be staying: El Monte Sustainable Lodge

After an early breakfast, we’ll transfer by private vehicle from the Mindo cloud forest to the Quito airport for a 30 minute flight over the Andes to Coca. Upon arrival, a short 5 minute drive takes us to the Coca port to board our comfortable covered motorboat.

We’ll enjoy boxed lunches while cruising 2 hours down the Napo River, spotting birds like macaws, kingfishers and hoatzins along the way. Reaching the Napo Wildlife Center’s welcome area, we’ll switch to dugout canoes for a peaceful 2 hour paddle down the narrow, motor-free Añangu creek. Gliding through flooded forest, we’ll have our first encounters with Amazonian birds like sungrebes, tiger-herons and green-and-rufous kingfishers.

Arriving at the remote lodge by late afternoon, our local guide will provide an orientation of the facilities while settling in. Later, reconvene to share excitement about the world-class Amazon bird photography to come!

Where you will be staying:  La Casona de la Ronda

During our stay at Napo Wildlife Center, we’ll have access to a diversity of habitats teeming with Amazonian species. The sturdy canopy tower offers a vantage point to spot tanagers, euphonias, cotingas, parrots, and more. Forest trails provide encounters with antbirds, tinamous, woodcreepers, and the vocally impressive screaming piha.

Several clay licks on the property draw in hundreds of Dusky-headed Parrots which is an incredible spectacle. The river-edge forest hosts species like Rufous-headed Woodpeckers and Swallow-winged Puffbirds. Canoe rides on the lake and creeks allow us to get shots of birds like the Zigzag Heron and Long-billed Woodcreeper.

With your guide’s expert help spotting and identifying species, you’ll be ready to capture incredible images. Make sure to keep cameras, lenses, and memory cards prepped and at the ready! The diversity is astonishing, from songbirds to raptors to toucans. We’ll also watch for monkeys, Giant River Otters, and bird-rich islands in the Napo River with specialty species found nowhere else.

With access to a range of habitats, you’ll come away with a portfolio of world-class images capturing Ecuador’s avian treasures. Our time here will fly by as we immerse in one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth!

Where you will be staying: Napo Wildlife Center

After an early breakfast, we’ll take the canoes back out of the Amazon the same way we arrived – paddling to the dock area then boarding a motorised boat to Coca.

Once reaching Coca, we’ll catch our return flight over the Andes back to Quito. At Quito Mariscal Sucre Airport, your private driver will transfer you to your hotel with English-speaking assistance. Enjoy a seamless and comfortable journey to relax and reflect on your incredible Amazon adventure.

Take the remainder of the day to rest up and refresh in preparation for tomorrow!

Where you will be staying: Casa de Hacienda La Jimenita

Today, our Galapagos adventure begins as we land on Baltra Island, the gateway to this unique archipelago. Initially a military base during World War II, Baltra now hosts the main airport of the Galapagos, recognised as the world’s first ecological airport. With advanced environmental techniques, it prioritises emissions reduction and energy efficiency.

Upon arrival, our journey continues with a special VIP lounge entrance at the airport. Here, you can change clothes, apply sunscreen, and enjoy a refreshing drink before transferring to the Itabaca Channel for the crossing to Santa Cruz Island. The skies around Baltra are already teeming with birdlife, offering sightings of the Great Frigatebird, Blue-footed Booby, Darwin’s Finches, and the Galápagos Mockingbird. Snacks will be provided for your comfort.

En route to the lodge, we’ll make a brief visit to the Gemelos Craters, known for their geological marvels and a habitat supporting various bird species. Keep an eye out for the Woodpecker Finch, Vegetarian Finch, Galápagos Flycatcher, and more.

After a delicious lunch, we’ll head to the El Chato area, where additional targets may be spotted, including the elusive Galápagos Rail and the Large Ground Finch. Check-in at the Highlands Lodge follows, accompanied by an introductory meeting to address any queries and review the upcoming itinerary.

Later in the day, we drive to the Camp exclusive reserve situated on a hillside overlooking the ocean. Surrounded by the sounds of nature, this location provides opportunities to observe the Galápagos Dove, Short-eared Owl, Barn Owl, Small Tree Finch, and more. As the day concludes, we’ll witness a vibrant sunset from Magic’s western perch, setting the stage for an evening of exquisite three-course dinners prepared by skilled chefs in the open-air kitchen of the main lodge.

Where you will be staying: Galapagos Magic Camp

As you explore the Cerro Mesa Reserve and Garrapatero area on Santa Cruz Island, you’ll encounter a diverse avian habitat. Cerro Mesa Reserve, known for its lush forests and volcanic craters, offers stunning vistas. Your guide will lead you along designated trails, identifying various bird species adapted to this environment. Among them are the Yellow Warbler, Galapagos Rail and the Galápagos Flycatcher.

With binoculars at the ready, immerse yourself in the unique birdlife thriving amidst the diverse vegetation and volcanic landscapes.

Where you will be staying: Galapagos Magic Camp

Embarking on an early morning speedboat to Isabela Island, our Galapagos adventure continues. After checking into the hotel, we head to the Tintoreras Islets, a group of small islands near Puerto Villamil.

Named after the white-tipped ‘Tintoreras’ reef sharks that inhabit its calm waters, these islets offer a glimpse of the archipelago’s iconic wildlife. Prepare to encounter white-tipped reef sharks, sea lions, turtles, rays, penguins, pelicans, and Blue-footed Boobies – a Galápagos in miniature!

Approaching Tintoreras Islet, keep an eye on seabirds and shorebirds in flight or perched on rocky outcrops. Your guide will share insights into the island’s significance as a nesting and roosting site for various bird species, such as the Blue-footed Booby and the American Oystercatcher.

Disembarking onto the rocky shores, you’ll explore the islet’s lava formations, tidal pools, and mangrove forests. Your guide will lead you along marked trails, pointing out nesting sites, feeding behaviors, and interesting birding observations. Look out for the Lava Gull, Brown Noddy, Red-billed Tropicbird, Galapagos Petrel, and the Green Warbler-Finch.

A panga ride will allow for a more extensive exploration, with chances to spot Blue-footed Boobies, Galápagos Penguins, and Lava Herons. Keep your binoculars ready to catch a glimpse of the elusive Galápagos Hawk soaring above in search of prey.

In the afternoon, we’ll embark on a biking excursion through the Wetlands Trail. This habitat is crucial for the four native Galápagos Mangrove species, playing a vital role in preserving the coastline. The wetlands are home to a variety of bird species, including Flamenco, Gallareta Pico Rojo, Whimbrel, Brown Noddy, Blue-winged Teal, and the Osprey.

Where you will be staying: Isamar Hotel Galápagos

Following breakfast, we’ll rendezvous with our transportation for a journey to the Highlands of Isabela. The diverse weather conditions in this area have fostered a rich environment for flora and fauna, with birds playing a prominent role.

Upon reaching the vicinity of the Sierra Negra Volcano, our hiking adventure commences. Sierra Negra is among the largest active volcanoes globally, and the hike typically takes about 4-6 hours round trip, depending on the pace and any additional stops.

As you traverse the highland forests and scrublands surrounding Sierra Negra, we’ll keep an eye out for Darwin’s Finch, Galápagos Mockingbird, Galápagos Hawk, along with Galápagos Petrel, Short-eared Owl, Galápagos Martin, and the Small Ground-Finch.

Where you will be staying: Galapagos Magic Camp

After 12 incredible days photographing Costa Rica’s spectacular birds, today our bird photography tour comes to an end. We’ll have one last early morning session capturing final shots and favorites before departing Quetzal Paradise Lodge.

Your guide will then transport you back to the San Jose International Airport, reminiscing along the way about all the amazing species encountered over the past two weeks. You’ll arrive with plenty of time to check in for homebound flights.

With memory cards and camera bags full of incredible Costa Rican bird images, you’ll head home with awe-inspiring photos, new knowledge thanks to your expert guide, and memories that will last a lifetime. We hope this tour provided you with the quintessential bird photography experience. Safe travels and we hope to see you on a future birding adventure!