Wildlife Holidays in Ecuador

Few countries can match Ecuador for the sheer concentration of wildlife found within such a compact area. Straddling the equator on South America's Pacific coast, this remarkably diverse nation encompasses snow-capped volcanoes, mist-laden cloudforests, Amazon rainforest and wildlife-rich coastal habitats, all within surprisingly short travelling distances. The result is one of the greatest biodiversity hotspots on Earth and an outstanding destination for naturalists and wildlife enthusiasts, so it is no surprise that Ecuador is one of our most popular destinations! It is a country in which we have a particular wealth of expertise; it was here that our Managing Director, Andy Tucker, lived whilst guiding in Ecuador prior to joining Naturetrek in 1998. We have also been funding the 'Naturetrek Reserves in Ecuador' here since 2007, setting aside funds for every flight that we book to purchase critically endangered cloudforest high in the Ecuadorian Andes. These reserves now cover some 2,181 acres, creating an invaluable wildlife corridor between two national parks. They are rich in Andean species such as Spectacled Bear and Cock-of-the-Rock, together with a very rich flora and a wealth of rare amphibians and reptiles, amongst the latter several orchid and frog species new to science.

Despite being one of South America's smaller countries, Ecuador supports an extraordinary range of ecosystems. Rising from sea level to Andean peaks exceeding 6,000 metres, the country is divided into three distinct natural regions: the Pacific lowlands, the Andes and the Amazon Basin. Each supports a unique combination of climates, habitats and wildlife, creating remarkable ecological diversity within a relatively small geographical area. More than 1,600 bird species have been recorded on the mainland, representing around 15% of all known bird species despite the country's modest size. The country's botanical wealth is equally impressive; more than 16,000 plant species have been recorded, including one of the world's richest orchid floras. Bromeliads, heliconias, passionflowers and countless flowering plants support extraordinary numbers of butterflies, moths, dragonflies and other invertebrates, forming complex ecosystems of exceptional colour and diversity. The Andes form the backbone of Ecuador and harbour some of the richest cloudforests on the planet. Cloaked in orchids, bromeliads, mosses and ferns, these forests are renowned for their spectacular birdlife. It is here that we might witness displaying Andean Cocks-of-the-Rock; a quintessential Andean birding experience. The brilliantly scarlet, Jackdaw-sized birds display communally at a lek, where they bow and flutter and make a bizarre call that sounds like a cross between a squawk and a caw.

Another highlight of any visit to the Andes is the suite of tame antpittas that come to feeding stations at Refugio Paz de las Aves, together with a scintillating cast of dozens of hummingbirds such as Sword-billed, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Shining Sunbeam and Ecuadorian Hillstar. Among many other favourites are Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Giant Conebill, Toucan Barbet, White-capped Dipper, Barred Fruiteater and many gaudy tanagers with evocative names, such as Lachrymose Mountain-Tanager and Beryl-spangled Tanager.

Whilst viewing mammals in the rainforest will always be trickier than the birds, our dedicated 'Ecuador's Mammals' tour targets Mountain Tapir, Spectacled Bear and Olinguito, plus a wide variety of other Neotropical mammals, from Giant River Otter and armadillos, to anteaters, monkeys and sloths. Of course, when mammal-watching is quiet, as it will be at times, we will take time to enjoy Ecuador’s rich birdlife and other natural history!

To the west, the Pacific lowlands provide a striking contrast. Dry forests, mangroves, wetlands and coastal woodland support a distinctive wildlife community adapted to seasonal conditions. Species such as Pacific Pygmy Owl, Grey-backed Hawk and the endemic White-tailed Jay occur alongside reptiles, amphibians and a rich array of migratory birds. The coastal region further enhances Ecuador's extraordinary ecological variety and contributes significantly to its impressive biodiversity.

Meanwhile, offshore, the Galápagos Islands, need no introduction! Ancient seafarers called them the Enchanted Isles, recognising their unique landscape and extraordinary fauna, but it was Charles Darwin who drew them to the world’s attention. By observing the fascinating changes and adaptations made in the birds and reptiles through thousands of years of isolation on these predator-free islands, Darwin was able to formulate his theory of evolution. These islands form a large archipelago straddling the equator some 960 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador, comprising of volcanic peaks, strange lava fields, beautiful sandy bays, and clear seas, perfect for snorkelling in the sheltered coves. Their natural history is outstanding — so much of it endemic. 28 bird species, from the Small Ground Finch to the magnificent Waved Albatross, occur nowhere else in the world. There are giant tortoises, prehistoric-looking Land and Marine Iguanas, colourful crabs such as the Sally Lightfoot, and even a Galápagos Snake. Most appealing of all is the tame and obliging nature of this extraordinary wildlife; it is a photographer’s paradise — a telephoto lens is usually unnecessary!

Throughout the country, Ecuador's wildlife is complemented by a rich cultural heritage. Quito, its attractive capital, is one of Latin America's finest colonial cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while indigenous markets, traditional Andean villages and welcoming local communities provide fascinating insights into the country's diverse cultures. Good accommodation and exceptional hospitality and guiding, along with relatively short travel distances, make Ecuador a near perfect wildlife holiday destination.

What's Special About Ecuador's Wildlife?

Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth relative to its size. Its position on the equator, combined with dramatic altitudinal gradients from Pacific coast to Andean peaks and Amazon lowlands, has created an exceptional variety of habitats, each supporting its own distinctive wildlife.

This diversity is perhaps most evident in the country's birdlife. More than 1,600 mainland bird species have been recorded, including highlights such as Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Giant Antpitta, Harpy Eagle, Toucan Barbet and dozens of spectacular hummingbirds. Ecuador boasts more bird species per unit area than any other country in South America, making it one of the world's foremost birdwatching destinations.

The country is equally rich in plants and other wildlife, supporting over 16,000 plant species, thousands of orchids, hundreds of mammal species and an extraordinary variety of butterflies, amphibians and reptiles. From cloudforest hummingbirds and Chocó endemics to Amazonian macaws and Giant Otters, few destinations offer such a wealth of wildlife within such a compact area.

Although the Galápagos Islands are rightly famous, mainland Ecuador is every bit as rewarding for naturalists. Its cloudforests, Amazon rainforests and Andean landscapes create one of the world's most diverse, accessible and exciting wildlife destinations.