Ecuador - The Andes & Amazon

Tour Code: ECU08

A 15-day birdwatching tour of the threatened western cloudforests, the spectacular high páramo and the Amazon Basin.

15 days from
£5,895 (Inc flights)
Land only price from
£4,995
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

Ecuador offers a mouthwatering variety of habitats within a small area. We visit the best of these during this tour, with a detailed look at the tanager and hummingbird-rich cloudforests of the Mindo area, the high Andean birdlife of the Papallacta pass, and the Ecuadorian Amazon during a 4-night stay at the world-renowned Sacha Lodge. At this wonderful lodge we’ll watch cotingas, tanagers and toucans from canopy towers and walkways, photograph the bizarre Hoatzin as we explore tranquil oxbow lakes by dug-out canoe, and search for antbirds, foliage-gleaners and woodcreepers in the understorey. Six primate species are also common at Sacha, while night walks may reveal some of the rainforest’s best kept wildlife secrets.

  • Experience the Amazon rainforest during 5 days at Sacha Lodge
  • Visit Angel Paz's famous Antpitta reserve at Mindo
  • Superlative Neotropical birding. Tanagers & hummingbirds galore!
  • Wonderful cloudforest & mountain scenery
  • High altitude birds at Papallacta include Seedsnipe & Andean Condor
  • Expertly guided by one of our outstanding Ecuadorian ornithologists
  • Extend your holiday with a visit to the Galapagos Islands

Grading

Easy day walks only, although some over steep terrain.

Biologically, South America is the richest of the Earth’s continents. Its Amazon Basin holds the largest and most diverse tract of tropical rainforest on the planet, while its major mountain range, the Andes, harbours an astonishing variety of ecosystems that range from the tundralike páramo and epiphyte-laden cloudforest to rain-shadow valleys and deciduous deserts. To sample these riches there is no better country in which to start than Ecuador. In this small country an astonishing diversity of birdlife may be found (the greatest for its size in South America), and with a welcoming people, relatively short travel distances and good accommodation, birdwatching here is truly a delight.

We begin our holiday with a thorough exploration of the western slope of the Andes, focusing first on the well-known and spectacular Nono-Mindo road. This long, winding road heads west from the outskirts of Quito at the base of Volcán Pichincha. We pass through near-páramo habitat before working our way down the western Pacific slope via the undisturbed temperate forest at Yanacocha. Highlights here may include Andean Guan, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Black-chested Mountain-tanager and a whole kaleidoscope of hummingbirds at the spectacular hummingbird feeding station, including Sword-billed Hummingbird. Moving down in altitude, we pass through subtropical forest, looking for such species as Plate-billed Mountain Toucan, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Toucan Barbet, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Booted Racket-tail and more. During the afternoon we will arrive at a comfortable birders’ lodge in a valley of pristine cloudforest just outside Mindo, our accommodation for the next three nights. It is a delight to lie back in one of the hammocks and watch up to 12 species feeding on the sugar-water from one of the feeders. Mindo is a small town surrounded by hillside after hillside of lush verdant cloudforest. Many of the western endemic birds may be found here. One of many highlights during this leg of our holiday will be a morning spent at Refugio Paz de las Aves. A Cock-of-the-rock lek at dawn, five species of habituated antpittas (Giant, Moustached, Ochre-breasted, Chestnut-crowned and Yellow-breasted), plus Dark-backed Wood-quail and Rufous-breasted Antthrush, make this one of South America’s most unforgettable birding experiences. If that is not enough, later in the morning we will walk to a feeding station where Toucan Barbets and Black-chinned Mountain Tanagers are confiding enough to take bananas from the hand!

The next leg of our journey takes us on a short flight over the Andes and down to the Amazonian lowlands. Here we will travel down the mighty Napo River by motorised canoe for an exciting 4-night stay at the exceptional Sacha Lodge. The lodge itself enjoys a wonderful location by the side of a secluded and peaceful oxbow lake, deep within virgin rainforest. One of the many highlights of our stay here will be the 50-metre-high canopy walkway that gives us splendid access to the forest canopy. An early morning spent here is an unforgettable experience offering the chance to enjoy some superb mixedspecies feeding flocks of tanagers, toucans, parrots, macaws, euphonias, flycatchers and birds of prey. On other excursions we will paddle through beautiful flooded creeks in traditional dugout canoes. For those preferring a temporary break from the birding, a morning spent in the company of one of the local indigenous guides is fascinating. Their knowledge of medicinal plants, local tools and weapons and their overall jungle craft is remarkable. Mammals in the rainforest are notoriously difficult to spot but at Sacha there is an excellent chance of seeing up to six species of monkey. Sloths, deer, anteaters and even wild cats can be seen with some luck, while Spectacled Caiman and Side-necked Turtles are common in the surrounding blackwater lagoons.

Next we drive over the Amazonian floodplain and up the eastern slopes of the Andes to Cabañas San Isidro, a lodge that is well known for its warm hospitality and busy flocks of multi-coloured tanagers. Moving higher still, the windswept grassy páramo on the Papallacta Pass holds many interesting high-elevation birds (including Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe and Red-rumped Bush-tyrant), plus the endearing Andean Bear. There is no better way to end a day’s birding than with a bottle of wine, fresh locally caught trout and a long soak in the hot thermal springs beneath the equatorial stars!

Finally, before our flight home, we will explore the dramatic landscapes of the beautiful Antisana Volcano (dormant since 1802), its 5,704-metre peak towering above us. This is a reliable site for Andean Condor, and this scenically stunning site will make for a fitting finale to a bird-filled tour packed with avian and other highlights.

 

 

DETAILED INFORMATION
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Fly Quito
Day 2/4
Mindo
Day 6/9
Sacha Lodge
Day 10/11
Cabañas San Isidro
Day 12/13
Papallacta, High Andes
Day 14
Antisana and Depart Quito
Day 15
Arrive London
cloud_downloadDownload Full Itinerary
What's Included

What's Included?

  • Flights
  • Accommodation: Comfortable lodges and hotels with private facilities.
  • Food: All included in the price except main meals in Quito.
Reviews
Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Wed 5th Feb – Wed 19th Feb FULL £5,895
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£595
Sat 2nd Aug – Sat 16th Aug SPACES £6,395
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£595
Sun 9th Nov – Sun 23rd Nov SPACES £5,895
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£595

2026

Departures Availability Cost
Wed 4th Feb – Wed 18th Feb SPACES £5,895
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£595
Sun 2nd Aug – Sun 16th Aug SPACES £6,395
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£595
Mon 9th Nov – Mon 23rd Nov SPACES £5,895
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£595
Thu 19th Nov – Thu 3rd Dec SPACES £5,895
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£4,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£595 
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Birding Tours Led by Expert Naturalists


The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.


Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours


We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.


The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.

Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:



Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection


Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.


 




Our specialist recommends...






"Try Coto Doñana & Extremadura for an excellent introduction to Europe's wetland and steppe birds. I would recommend our bargain holiday, 'Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour' for those interested in Siberian rarities and Ibisbill, while Costa Rica offers a chance to search for arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal."

Byron Palacios - Tour Leader




  


 


All Birdwatching Tours

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Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!