Ecuador: Birds, Landscapes, and Culture
Trip Overview
Stretching from the misty highlands to the equatorial lowlands, Ecuador is a compact yet astonishingly diverse birding paradise, where cloud forests, rushing Andean rivers, and lush reserves teem with life. Hummingbirds zip through flower-laden canopies, tanagers flash brilliant colors among the trees, and the iconic Andean cock-of-the-rock performs its spectacular courtship display amid the clouds. Above volcanic peaks, Andean condors soar with effortless grace, a reminder of the grandeur and wildness of these mountains.
From the renowned Refugio Paz de las Aves to the orchid-filled trails of Pahuma, the vibrant butterfly gardens of Mindo, and the equatorial wonders of Mitad del Mundo, each day offers a new adventure. Walk cloud forest trails alive with wildlife, watch iconic tropical birds up close, and savor chocolate crafted from Ecuador’s world-famous cacao, all while learning about the conservation efforts that protect this extraordinary land.
Join Front Range Birding & Optics and Reefs to Rockies on this small-group journey through the Andean highlands and cloud forests, and experience the breathtaking scenery, remarkable wildlife, and rich cultural tapestry of one of South America’s most spectacular countries.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival in Quito
Welcome to Ecuador! Upon arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), you’ll be met and transferred to your charming hotel, just a few minutes from the airport, yet nestled within a wildlife reserve with beautiful gardens. Take some time to settle in and relax after your journey.
Accommodations: Hacienda La Jimenita
Meals: None
Day 2 | Quito to the Cloud Forest
Today we drive a few hours from Quito to the renowned Refugio Paz de las Aves. Here, an immersive cloud forest experience awaits, with easy walks along well-marked trails guided by your private guide. Keep an eye out for iconic birds such as antpittas and toucanets, and learn about the refuge’s conservation efforts while soaking in the sights and sounds of the forest. After lunch, we continue for about an hour to our comfortable lodge, where we’ll settle in, enjoy dinner, and take a night walk for a chance to encounter nocturnal wildlife.
Accommodations: Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3 | Cock-of-the-Rock
Today features an excursion to observe the Andean cock-of-the-rock, one of the most iconic birds of the Andes. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk along the trails near our lodge, immersing yourself in the rich biodiversity of the cloud forest.
Accommodations: Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4 | Full Day in Mindo
After breakfast, we visit the Pahuma Orchid Reserve for a short walk to admire waterfalls and stunning orchid displays.
Next, we explore Mindo’s interactive butterfly garden, observing the four stages of a butterfly’s life and having the chance to feed one or more of the 25 possible species in a vibrant setting.
We then visit a local chocolate factory to see the chocolate-making process and sample fine Ecuadorian cocoa.
After lunch, we head to Alambi Reserve to watch hummingbirds before returning to our lodge for the evening.
Accommodations: Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 5 | Bellavista – Mitad del Mundo – Papallacta
This morning we drive northwest to the Mitad del Mundo area at the equatorial line. Here, we walk along the rim of the extinct Pululahua volcanic crater and visit the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo complex, including the Ethnographic Museum and the Intiñan Museum. After lunch, we continue to Papallacta for the evening.
Accommodations: Termas de Papallacta
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 6 | Andean Condors
We depart early from Papallacta to the Antisana Reserve, where we can observe Andean condors. These enormous birds, the largest flying birds on the planet, soar through the sky in a truly unforgettable display. We’ll also make a short stop at Los Farallones del Isco, a rock wall where condors are often seen. We return to our hotel by evening.
Accommodations: Termas de Papallacta
Meals: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, and Dinner
Day 7 | Visit to Cosanga & Farewell Dinner
This morning, we drive to the small Andean town of Cosanga about an hour and a half away from our hotel. Nestled among cloud forests and mountains, Cosanga offers excellent birding opportunities, with hummingbirds, toucans, and tanagers charismatic residents. You’ll also have the chance to experience local Andean rural life and cuisine. Mid-afternoon return to Papallacta with time to relax and pack before our Farewell Dinner at the hotel. We’ll return to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in time for our overnight flights home.
Accommodations: Termas de Papallacta – Your room will be available until we transfer to the airport after dinner this evening. Most flights back to the US depart very early the morning of October 24.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
About Your Expedition Leader
Antonio Jaramillo is excited to share his passion for Ecuador’s wildlife and culture. Born and raised on a small banana farm on the coast of Ecuador, he moved with his family to Quito to continue his studies. Since then, he has dedicated himself to leading visitors through the country’s rich biodiversity, working as a naturalist, birding guide, and photography guide. Antonio loves inspiring guests to explore Ecuador’s diverse ecosystems and connect with nature in meaningful ways.
Details
Price: $3795* per person based on double occupancy accommodations (two people sharing a room). If you prefer private accommodations on single occupancy basis, add $665**.
Includes: accommodations; airport transfers on arrival and departure days; in-country ground transportation; local professional bilingual birding and wildlife guide; meals starting with breakfast on Day 2 through dinner on Day 8; and activities and entrance fees as listed. A conservation donation will be made on behalf of all participants.
Excludes: flights (Reefs to Rockies will assist with flight arrangements); passport/visa fees; room upgrades; travel insurance; optional activities; alcoholic drinks; pre- and post- hotel stays; personal expenses; and gratuities.
*Price is based on payment by check or ACH. Credit card fees, if applicable, will be assessed at time of payment based on card used.
**If you are a solo traveler hoping to share accommodations, we’ll do our best to pair you. If we’re not able to find you a suitable roommate, the private room supplement will apply.
Group Size: Min 6, Max 9 + FRB&O Host + Local Expert Guide
Level of Difficulty – Moderate: Participants should be comfortable walking on unpaved or dirt trails at a relaxed pace, sometimes with gradients or uneven footing. Daily walks are generally slow paced to allow for birding and wildlife observation, though activity may feel more strenuous at certain sites reaching elevations up to 12,000 feet.