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Ecuador is located on the most diverse land mass in the World, South America, which is known as the “Bird Continent,” by virtue of its bird list of nearly 3500 species—more than 30% percent of the world’s birds. Some bird groups are very conspicuous here, and very well represented, with perhaps none more so than the hummingbirds! Forty percent of the world’s hummingbirds, no less than 135 species can be found here! This NEW! journey strategically combines hummingbird-rich areas on both sides of the Andes at different elevations. The different altitudinal locations are dramatic and this allows us to easily find different species all over the country—from highlands at high altitude paramo downward to the tropics on both slopes of the Andes.
Ecuador is a small country, akin to the size of Colorado with a good road network, and a wonderful system of birding lodges; we’ve chosen some of our favorites for this hummingbird tour. Of course where there are hummingbirds there are myriad other species. In short, hummingbirds are our magnet species, they are extremely accessible in Ecuador and seeing 50-60 species of these winged gems is entirely possible!
We start with a focus on the Northwest slope of the Andes, and the Choco bioregion of Ecuador’s west slope. Some of the impressive hummingbird species on offer in the west include Sword-billed Hummingbird and White-booted Racket-tail, and Choco specialties such as spectacular Velvet-purple Coronet, Violet-tailed Sylph, Gorgeted Sunangel, and Purple-bibbed Whitetip, Green Thorntail and many others. We then return to Quito, go up and over the Andes, and on the final leg of the tour we focus on the Eastern slopes and foothills where we find Peruvian Racket-tail, Tourmaline Sunangel, Black-thoated Brilliant, Napo Sabrewing, Wire-crested Thorntail, Gould’s Jewelfront, Gorgeted Woodstar and more.
The hummingbirds are the star of this tour, as we find and learn about a large number of them, including some rare and local ones. We also see plentiful other birds in this remarkably diverse tropical country. Other colorful and charismatic species we are likely to see are cock-of-the-rocks, toucans, motmots, woodpeckers, a profusion of parrots, and potentially more than 40 tanager species. We may also find several species of monkeys, agouti, and even Spectacled Bear.
This tour has a strong conservation element, empowering local reserves and ecotourism as a part of rural economies. Join us to visit private reserves and national parks that reinforce conservation of bird species and habitats, another great value of this tour.
Tour Highlights
- Find 50-60 species of hummingbirds and take time to learn, admire and if you wish, photograph them
- Visit some of the finest birding gardens in Ecuador, where species are close and easy to see
- Sample Ecuadorian food, from luscious Sancocho soup to avocado dishes, roasted meats, llapingachos (potato pancakes), Bolon de Verde (plantain dumplings) and to robust, organic chocolates
- Stay at two very different hotels in Quito, a vibrant modern city hotel and a century-old hacienda
- Cross a high pass of the Andes and witness odd looking plants and possible Spectacled Bear
- Discover species richness visiting east and west sides of the Andes from highlands to foothills
- At your final stop, soak in a natural hot spring before that final species checklist tally
Trip Itinerary
Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.
Wed., Aug. 5 Welcome to Quito!
Arrive in Quito, Ecuador’s vibrant capital city. A representative from our local company meets you at the airport and takes you into the city, where we kick off this tour at a fun, modern, and well-situated hotel. The GO Quito is a top quality hotel with Ecuadorian art and furnishings and great food, as well as an unbeatable view of the city. Some may wish to arrive early to explore this historic city. Our first event is the welcome dinner tonight. Meet your guides and fellow traveling companions and toast to a grand adventure.
Accommodations at GO Quito Hotel (D)
Thurs., Aug. 6 Zuro Loma Reserve | Mirador Guaycapi | Alambi Reserve
We have an early breakfast and depart in time to avoid traffic, driving to Northwest Andean forest, where at a stunning pass at 10,000 feet we reach Zuro Loma, a private reserve in the perfect location on the side of Pinchicha Volcano to host numerous species. Friendly staff greet us with hot coffee or hot chocolate but we are quickly distracted by activity at well-distributed feeders at several levels. This is a great spot to see the amazing Sword-billed Hummingbird with a bill longer than its body! At this readily accessible highland location we also find Collared Inca, Sapphire-vented Puffleg, Mountain Velvetbreast, Shining Sunbeam, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, among others; here we do have a chance to observe Chestnut-naped Antpitta, Chestnut-crowned Antpitta and Ecuadorian Antpitta at secretive feeding stations, and to see Hooded Mountain Tanager and other tanagers as well. What a way to kickstart our adventures!
We then drive from the Nona area downwards towards Tandayapa in the foothills and cloud forest with views of lush landscapes kept wild by an encouraging number of protected areas. We enjoy a nice lunch at Mirador Guaycapi with more distractions—they have a long line of feeders off a deck that attract hummingbirds such as Purple-throated Woodstar, Fawn-breasted Brillant, Andean Emerald, and a few tanagers like Black-capped and Golden-naped, Metallic Green and Bay-headed. Lunch is hearty as we sample a favorite Ecuadorian soup ahead of our entrée. One of our previous groups here were thrilled when a pair of Golden-headed Quetzal came through!
After lunch we spend time at another amazing hummingbird garden with feeders at Alambi Reserve. This is a private property dedicated to conservation and we know we’ll have to pry you away … it has such a warm welcome as well as terrific species. We are at lower elevation now, in cloud forest and we may find White-necked Jacobin, Brown Violetear, White-booted Racket-tail, Crowned Woodnymph and more.
At the end of the afternoon we reach our spectacularly-located lodge and are warmly greeted. Watch the clouds move through the peaks and valleys of the Andes from the veranda here; beautiful vistas change by the minute with amazing photo opportunities. Guaycapi Lodge has the best view of the cloud forest in the western Andes. Small and family-run, we look forward to meals here each day.
Accommodations at Guaycapi Lodge (B,L,D)
Fri., Aug. 7 Choco Region: Hummingbirds & More!
Open your doors to sounds of the Andes—we are immersed in nature with wonders close at hand. Enjoy coffee and breakfast, where we’re dazzled by the view of the valley and clouds and mountains from the veranda of the lodge. Soak in a visual sense of the meaning of cloud forest, and have your cameras ready, the feeders should be abuzz with Golden Tanager, Blue- winged Mountain Tanager, and hummingbirds like White-booted Racket-tail, White-bellied Woodstar and more. After breakfast, stretch your legs with a walk on the property, then continue with a great day of birding by vehicle as we visit other areas like Bellavista Lodge and local feeders and gardens. We look for Gorgeted Sunangel, Velvet-purple Coronet and more. Nothing is far away, yet numerous species, including Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan abound. We return for lunch and a break, then continue to enjoy birding hotspots nearby.
Each evening we traditionally do a species check list together (optional). If we have a clear night, the stars here are amazing.
Accommodations at Guaycapi Lodge (B,L,D)
Sat., Aug. 8 Refugio Angel Paz de los Aves | Mindo Area Hummingbird Gardens
This morning we push out early to visit one of the most iconic places on the route, a place loved by birders around the globe. Angel Paz and his brother pioneered the techniques of inviting secretive antpittas in through daily feeding. They were the first farmers to embrace birding tourism two decades ago. The refuge has been secured financially, expanded and it only gets better, now with a small restaurant and gift shop as well as several trails and viewing areas. During this visit we are able to look for Giant, Yellow–bellied and Ochre-breasted Antpittas, real skulkers that the Paz family knows as individuals across several antpitta generations. Approaching the blind and hearing the calls of Andean Cock-of-the-rock on the lek, then watching the males "dance" for a female is an unforgettable experience. And what a treat it is to watch Angel and his brother Rodrigo put out meal worms and call for the antpittas by name—"Venga Maria" (Come, Maria!), "Venga, Wilhemina!"
Our guides strategically choose what order we see the specialties in based on current activity. A nice breakfast is served with scrumptious empanadas and very good local coffee (or hot chocolate, Ecuador makes this beverage oh so well!).
The Mindo area is a hub for conservation, and you see this in local signage, murals and street names—people are embracing birds and healthy bird environments everywhere! Each garden has a slightly different mix so we choose by what we need to see, taking in the beauty of Violet-tailed Sylph with perhaps a dozen or more at a time. We also find Brown Inca, Brown Violetear and so many others.
At the end of the day we return to the lodge for a rest, enjoy the view from the veranda, attend to our growing checklist and have another delicious dinner.
Accommodations at Guaycapi Lodge (B,L,D)
Sun., Aug. 9 Mashpi Amaguza Reserve | Hummingbird Gardens
After breakfast we drive into Mashpi Amaguza, birding the entry road to a location deep in western forests of the Choco region. This location is fantastic because local people have developed amazing feeders and blinds for some special birds like Velvet-purple Coronet, Tooth- billed Hummingbird, White-tipped Sicklebill and many other lovely birds. We love adding new hummingbirds, but it is impossible not to admire Choco endemics such as Moss-backed Tanager, Glistening-green Tanager, Black-chinned Mountain Tanager, Choco Viero, Black Solitaire and many other species. It can feel like an overdose of birds, what a joy! Guests on past trips have been treated to having a cluster of flowers placed in their hands so that hummers swarm to feed right in front of you!
We have lunch with a fine view at Mashpi Wuasi, the private reserve of the owner of our Ecuadorian partner company, a nice place to relax and see some other birds like Golden–naped Tanager, and possible Tayra, a secretive mammal.
In the afternoon we can visit the Andean Cock-of-the-rock lek at Santa Elena again in case we were not lucky with our first try, and watch for more hummingbirds in a hedgerow of vervain. We then return to Guaycapi Lodge for a restful evening.
Accommodations at Guaycapi Lodge (B,L,D)
Mon., Aug. 10 Frutti Tour | Mindo Chocolate | Return to Quito
After breakfast we drive to lower elevation, stopping at a place known as Frutti Tour. This property has a young forest, having been recently converted to fruit trees and for some of the acreage, in the process of returning to a wild landscape. This is a small location with feeders, at an altitude of about 2,700 feet, putting it in a different birding zone. In Ecuador just a few hundred feet lower or higher makes a big difference in the plant and bird life! Here we hope to see Purple-crowned Fairy, White-whiskered Hermit, Black-throated Mango, Green-crowned Brilliant and Bronzy Hermit, some of the iconic hummingbirds at this elevation, and the star-attraction, the Long-billed Starthroat. Well-stocked banana feeders attract other species such as Black-cheeked Woodpecker, Yellow-rumped Cacique, Golden-olive Woodpecker and many others. With luck, a Squirrel Cuckoo may fly through. We have quite a few choices for our remaining time today near Mindo where we can see some amazing birds and if we have time we can enjoy local chocolate, learning how it is made at a delightful garden.
This afternoon we return to Quito to overnight at the rural, colonial-style San Jose de Puembo, a nice rural hotel with lovely gardens where we may find Green-tailed Trainbearer and other species. Dinner is a treat in the courtyard of this historic hacienda.
Accommodations at the San Jose de Puembo Hotel, Quito (B,L,D)
Tues., Aug. 11 Antisana Volcano National Park | Papallacta Pass | San Isidro
We enjoy an early breakfast at the hacienda, again we want to avoid traffic going out of the city. We head east this time, driving up the dramatic grade of the East Slope of the Andes, up and over Papallacta Pass, which offers a different suite of birds, including a number of different hummingbirds. This route, and tomorrow’s, are likely to provide the scenic highlights of the tour, with spectacular vistas on clear days that consists active, snow-capped volcanos in view. En route we bird some High Andes sites between 11,480-14,000 feet (only a very short time is spent at the latter elevation).
Even at these lofty altitudes, there are hummingbirds eking out a living, and some of these are spectacular indeed. We survey burnt-orange Chuquiragua flowers, known as the “flowers of the Andes” or the “national flower of mountain climbers,” for one of the star high elevation hummingbirds, the Ecuadorian Hillstar. While at a local café we enjoy the feeders that often attract another celebrity hummingbird, the largest of them all—the Giant Hummingbird! We stay vigilant. Other hummingbirds occur here as well, including Shining Sunbeam and Sparkling Violetear.
The morning is spent in the shadow of Antisana Volcano, standing at an impressive, snow topped mountain that is 18,874 feet high! Here, we may also see massive Andean Condor gliding on 12-fot wide wings, or Andean Ibis foraging with Carunculated Caracaras and Andean Gull in high alpine meadows in the paramo grasslands. After a morning near Antisana, we head further east, taking the main highway that links Quito with the Amazon, and crossing Papallacta Pass, the highest point, then drive towards San Isidro Lodge our next lovely and cozy location.
Accommodations at San Isidro Lodge (B,L,D)
Wed., Aug. 12 Exploring San Isidro Lodge and Surrounds
San Isidro is a very bird-rich lodge to wake up to … listen to the chorus as you awaken. Having spent the best part of two days in the High Andes and the cool temperate cloud forest, we drive partway downhill into the considerably warmer, and more humid Andean foothills. We pass here again tomorrow, but stops abound so we spread them out. There are some good new hummingbirds to search for along the route. At our first site, La Brisa, we are on the lookout for Bronzy Inca, Violet-fronted Brilliant, Gorgeted Woodstar, Green-backed Hillstar and Peruvian Racket-tail. Other stops may yield Black-throated Mango or Glittering-throated Emerald, and we may pick up a burnt-red Cliff Flycatcher along the way too. Scenery is grand, and we may encounter mixed flocks, trogons, tanagers and jays.
At the end of the day we return to our cozy and fantastic birding lodge, with more new hummingbirds right on the doorstep. We enjoy lodge birding time here on the grounds ahead of nightfall.
Accommodations at San Isidro Lodge (B,L,D)
Thurs., Aug. 13 & Fri., Aug. 14 Exploring at Wild Sumaco Lodge
We pack up from San Isidro, and having made stops yesterday, we head down to the foothills. It is a notable change to feel the heat and humidity of the Andean foothills of the eastern slope, which brings a swathe of new hummingbirds and others in this rich birding area. We arrive in time for lunch, settle in and then spend the afternoon and all of tomorrow around our wonderful lodge, of course focusing on the new hummingbirds on offer, as well as a visit to an antpitta feeding station. We also keep an eye out for mixed flocks as a vivid variety of brightly colored tanagers occur here.
In terms of hummingbirds, the verbena stands in the lodge garden are convenient places to look for Violet-headed Hummingbird and punky Wire-crested Thorntail, while the feeders play host to plenty of new species for us, like Golden-tailed Sapphire, Napo Sabrewing, Black-throated Brilliant, Many-spotted Hummingbird and Green Hermit. We need to work the forest nearby for the scarcer Blue-fronted Lancebill and Ecuadorian Piedtail, which are regular though far from guaranteed! There are plenty of other species, including plentiful tanagers, the prize perhaps the smashing Paradise Tanager and an array of toucans, barbets, antbirds and antpittas. A feeding station may yield Plain-backed or Ochre-breasted Antpitta, and night time forays may produce Band-bellied or Tropical Screech Owls.
Wild Sumaco is a charming and pleasant lodge located at 3,000 feet, and we enjoy the warmth and sunshine. This lodge was built with birders in mind and we love the cozy fireplace, volcano views, scenery and dining.
Accommodations for two nights at Wild Sumaco Lodge (B,L,D)
Sat., Aug. 15 Wild Sumaco Lodge | Papallacta Pass | Hot Springs!
After breakfast we pack up, drive the scenic route back up the Andean slope, and return to a great place, Termas de Papallacta, a cozy spa lodge with natural hot springs. On the way we can make a few stops, perhaps zeroing in on a few last hummingbirds or other specialties we may not have seen such as Torrent Duck or Coppery-chested Jacamar. We plan on lunch at Termas with time to relax with an afternoon at leisure for those who wish, or for our super enthusiasts, a short walk at the edge of the Cayambe Coca Reserve to try to tally some birds there.
This is the time to pack and organize for your flights home tomorrow. We also celebrate the highlights of our trip as we do the final checklist and enjoy our farewell dinner.
Accommodations at Termas de Pappallacta (B,L,D)
Sun., Aug. 16 Morning Birding | Return to Quito
At this elevation, close to 11,000 feet, even on a final morning we can get some hummingbirds that can be new and not easy like Purple-backed Thornbill, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill and Shining Sunbeam and tanagers like Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager, Plain-breasted Hawk, Andean Condor, Andean Pygmy Owl and others. We have lunch at the lodge, and then start our way back to the Quito Airport and to connect with international flights home. Many flights go out near midnight, but the Quito Airport has expanded and has a number of restaurants for dinner tonight after your late-afternoon drop-off. If you fly out tomorrow morning, we can recommend a hotel right at the airport.
It's time for our flock to disperse, but oh what a great trip with jewels of Ecuador! (B,L)
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Green Thorntail, courtesy Neblina Forest
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Andean Emerald by Jim Adamthwaite
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San Isidro Lodge, courtesy sanisidrolodge.com
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White-necked Jacobin by Jim Adamthwaite
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Glistening-green Tanager by Ruth Guillemette
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Red-headed Barbet by Ruth Guillemette
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Andes Scenic by Janine Alice
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Turquoise Jay by Ruth Guillemette
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Naturalist Journeys Group by Rick Weiman
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Shining Sunbeam by Philip Downey
Cost of the Journey
The cost of the tour is per person based on occupancy: $6290 DBL / $6990 SGL, from Quito, Ecuador.
Tour price includes: 11 nights’ accommodations, airport transfers, and professional guide services. It also includes land transportation within Ecuador, park and reserve entrance fees, pre-departure information and services, miscellaneous program expenses, accommodation and meals at all lodges, private transport, and private bilingual bird/naturalist guide.
NEW! all tips other than your NJ guide (optional) and local guide are included (this includes tips for your driver, lodge and staff, day activities, meals and other services).
Tour price does NOT include your international flights to and from Quito or items of a personal nature such as beverages from the bar, laundry, phone calls, or gift items.
Travel Details
Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.
Arrival and Departure Airport: Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), Quito Ecuador
Arrival Details: Plan flights to arrive August 5, 2026 at your leisure. Please plan to arrive by 5 PM if you wish to join the group for dinner.
Departure Details: Plan flights to depart August 16, 2026 after 8 PM.
Travel Tip: If you would like to arrive early you can book an early night at our first night tour hotel, the GO Hotel Quito. This is a modern hotel located in the downtown area of Quito, approximately 45 minutes from the airport (pending traffic). There are many shops, restaurants, and attractions in this area.
There are also plenty of things to see in Quito! A visit to El Panecillo, a small volcanic hill located on the south side of Old Town, is worth it for the views of Quito and nearby volcanos on a clear day. Calle La Ronda, a cobbled pedestrian street in Old Town, is lined with galleries, traditional shops, and cafes. The Basilica del Voto Nacional is the largest neo-Gothic basilica in the Americas and one of many churches in Quito with stunning architecture. These sites and many others are a short taxi ride from the downtown area or walkable from the Old Town area. If staying downtown sounds appealing, we would recommend: La Casona de La Ronda Mercure Alameda Quito.
Entry Requirements: See "Essential Information" section under the "Know Before You Go" tab.
Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.
Ecuador
- November 2017
- November 2018
- November 2019
- November 2022
- January 2023
- November 2023 (Birds & Mammals)
- December 2023 (Christmas Tour)
- March 2024
- November 2024 (Birds & Mammals)
- December 2024 (Christmas Tour)
- March 2025
- October 2025 (Choco Galore)
- November 2025 (Birds & Mammals)
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Andrea Molina
Andrea is an Ecuadorian bird guide who has been guiding since 2006. She started as a local guide at the Bellavista Reserve cloud forest in Ecuador and then was recruited by Neblina Forest as a guide in 2010. Since then, Andrea has trained in Brazil, Peru, and other locations in Ecuador. Her good energy and kind touch with clients, as well as her good ears and great eye for birds, ensures her groups have an excellent experience. Andrea lives in Ecuador with her family.
Guest Quote: *I’m writing to tell you how excellent our guide, Andrea Molina, was. She has an outstanding blend of knowledge, interpersonal skills, and professionalism, and is overall a cool person who is fun to be around. She really made the trip special.*Other trips with Andrea Molina
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Photo credits: Banners: Green Thorntail by Jim Adamthwaite, Hooded Mountain Tanager by Philip Downey, Coati by Rick Weiman, Sapphire-vented Puffleg by Philip Downey, Spectacled Bear courtesy Neblina Forest. Thumbnails: Sparkling Violetear by Peg Abbott; Violet-tailed Sylph by Jim Adamthwaite; Fawn-breasted Brilliant by Jim Adamthwaite; Group at San Jose del Puembo by Carol Beidleman; Birding Ecuador by Woody Wheeler; Group by Francisco Javier; Green-crowned Brilliant by Jim Adamthwaite