Ecuador Birding Tour Trip Report Summary
Some trips change how you see a place. Others change how you see birding itself. Our September 2025 Ecuador journey did both.
Over ten unforgettable days, we explored Ecuador’s Andean spine—from windswept páramo and misty cloud forest to lush foothills and Chocó rainforest—immersing ourselves in one of the most biologically rich regions on Earth. The result? 327 bird species, jaw-dropping scenery, meaningful cultural connections, and a deep sense that this was something far more than a checklist tour.
Join us in 2026 with an added extension to the Amazon!
A country where variety reigns
Few places on the planet offer such dramatic ecological change in such a short distance. In the span of a single morning, we found ourselves watching Andean Condors soaring over high volcanic landscapes, then descending into forests alive with tanagers, hummingbirds, and antpittas. From nearly 14,300 feet in the páramo to warm tropical foothills, Ecuador delivered constant surprise.
Want the full trip report and species list? Below you can download the complete Trip Report PDF that includes detailed daily itinerary and birding highlights
Plate-billed Mountain Toucan
Golden-headed Quetzal
Guests enjoying a presentation about Tsa'chila cultural heritage
Trip Highlights & Memorable Moments
Some moments simply don’t translate into numbers—though the numbers were impressive. Highlights included:
-
Andean Cock-of-the-Rock at multiple leks on both sides of the Andes
-
Close, unforgettable encounters with Giant Antpitta, Ochre-breasted Antpitta, and Equatorial Antpitta
-
Spectacular hummingbirds like Sword-billed Hummingbird, Wire-crested Thorntail, Velvet-purple Coronet, and Great Sapphirewing
-
Rare and range-restricted species including Brown Rail, Club-winged Manakin, and Chocó Toucan
-
Reforestation activities with Valle Quijos Birdwatchers
-
Tsa’chila cultural presentation and medicinal cleansing ceremony
These moments weren’t rushed or distant—they were slow and intentional, allowing for extended observation, photography, and appreciation.
More than birds
What truly set this trip apart was context. We met farmers who are restoring native forests, families who have transformed former cattle land into private reserves, and local guides whose knowledge and pride in their landscapes brought every walk to life. Through birding tourism, we directly supported reforestation projects and conservation-minded livelihoods—proof that travel can be a force for good when done thoughtfully.
Why Ecuador keeps calling us back
Ecuador isn’t just diverse—it’s layered. Every day built on the last, revealing new habitats, new stories, and new species, without ever feeling rushed or overwhelming. It’s the kind of destination that rewards curiosity, patience, and a love of discovery.
Clockwise from upper left: Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager, Saffron-crowned Tanager, Black-capped Tanager, Golden Tanager, and Golden-naped Tanager
Toucan Barbet
Andean Condor
Want the full story?
This post only scratches the surface.
📩 Get the complete Ecuador 2025 Trip Report (PDF)—including detailed highlights, species lists, and behind-the-scenes stories—by entering your email below.
And if this journey sparks something in you, know that we’re already planning our 2026 Ecuador departure. Space will be limited, the pace will remain thoughtful, and the magic? Guaranteed.
Ecuador has a way of staying with you.
