Amazon Birding Tour

Explore the Ecuadorian Amazon—one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth—on a carefully designed birding journey that moves from the eastern foothills of the Andes into the heart of lowland rainforest. This immersive Amazon birding tour prioritizes habitat diversity, unhurried pacing, and extended time in some of the country’s most productive birding areas.

Designed for birders and nature travelers who value depth over speed, this small-group tour follows an elevation and habitat gradient that maximizes species diversity while allowing time to fully experience the rhythms of the rainforest.

This Amazon birding tour is paced around peak wildlife activity, with early mornings dedicated to birding followed by flexible mid-day breaks and late-afternoon exploration. River travel, canopy access, and forest walks are balanced to prevent fatigue while maximizing time in productive habitats.

Walking is generally slow and observational rather than strenuous, with frequent stops for birds, photography, and interpretation. Most trails are flat, though conditions may be muddy or humid, as expected in a rainforest environment.

Small group size allows for personalized guiding, extended viewing opportunities, and adaptability to weather, bird movement, and group interests. Interpretation emphasizes bird behavior, rainforest ecology, and habitat relationships.

Days 1 & 2 – Andean foothills and Eastern Slopes (Wild Sumaco)

Days 3 & 4: Lowland Terra Firme Forest (Yachana)

Days 5 – 8: Amazon Lowlands & Yasuni (Sani)

The Ecuadorian Amazon is defined by its connectivity—from Andean foothills to vast lowland forests and flooded river systems. This tour follows that ecological gradient intentionally, beginning at mid-elevation foothill forest and descending gradually toward the Napo River and Yasuní National Park.

Rather than remaining in a single location, the itinerary links three strategically located lodges, each offering access to distinct habitats and bird communities. This approach dramatically increases species diversity while providing meaningful time in each area.

The tour partners with conservation-focused lodges and reserves, many of which protect large tracts of primary forest and support long-term habitat preservation. Birding tourism here plays a direct role in maintaining intact rainforest ecosystems and supporting local livelihoods.

Birding highlights may include macaws and parrots at clay licks, toucans and aracaris in the canopy, manakins and antbirds in the understory, trogons, jacamars, puffbirds, and a wide diversity of tanagers and flycatchers. Encounters emphasize extended observation, behavior, and ecological context rather than brief sightings.

Wildlife encounters may also include monkeys, river mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and rich nocturnal soundscapes that define the Amazon experience.

Dates: November 15 – 22, 2026

Duration: 8 days, 7 nights

Description: Venture into the Amazon rainforest, the most biodiverse region on Earth, where you’ll stay at three world-renowned lodges: Wild Sumaco, Yachana Lodge, and Sani Lodge. These lodges are strategically located at different elevations, increasing the diversity of bird species and overall wildlife encounters. The lodges are surrounded by the pristine forests of Sumaco and Yasuní National Parks; Yachana an Sani are located along the banks of the majestic Napo River, one of the principal tributaries of the Amazon River.

This tour will be led by local bilingual, knowledgeable and experienced naturalist guides. You will stay in full-service lodges complete with a wide array of amenities and easy access to world class birding, committed to making sure you enjoy the best Ecuador has to offer.

“This Ecuador birding expedition was one of the most extraordinary and satisfying trips we’ve ever taken. Ryan’s expert guiding—by sight and sound—ensured that everyone in our small group had meaningful, unhurried views, while the tour delivered remarkable diversity across the Andes. What truly set the experience apart, however, was Ryan and Sandra’s deep commitment to conservation and community partnership. Traveling alongside exceptional local guides and supporting reforestation efforts added purpose and meaning to the journey. The experience went far beyond birding alone, leaving us inspired by Ecuador’s nature, culture, and the thoughtful way this tour was run. We would enthusiastically travel with Birding Man Wildlife Tours again.”

-Harle T. and Minda B., Ecuador 2025