Difficulty
HIGHLANDS, CLOUD FORESTS & PÁRAMO TRANSECT
Ecuador: Eastern Slope of the Andes
From the humid Amazonian foothills to the windswept heights of the Andean páramo, this tour offers one of the most complete birding transects in South America. Each day reveals a new elevation, habitat, and suite of species—from the dazzling hummingbirds of Wildsumaco to the antpittas and quetzals of Cabanas San Isidro, and the condors, ibises and caracaras of Antisana. With stunning scenery, comfortable lodges, and the world’s richest montane avifauna, Ecuador: Eastern Slope of the Andes is a vivid journey through the heart of Andean biodiversity.
Tour Overview
Jan 24–Feb 3, 2027
No place captures the drama of the Andes like Ecuador’s eastern slope. Rising from the steamy Amazonian foothills to glacier-capped peaks, this region holds an unmatched diversity of birds—many confined to narrow elevation bands that make each stop along the route feel entirely new.
We’ll begin at Wildsumaco Lodge, perched at the edge of the Amazon Basin, where vibrant mixed flocks swirl through the canopy and feeders brim with jeweled hummingbirds like Gould’s Jewelfront, Napo Sabrewing, and Rufous-vented Whitetip. As we climb to Cabañas San Isidro, the forest grows cooler and mistier. Here, Black-billed Mountain-Toucan, Golden-headed and Crested quetzals, antpittas, jays, thrushes, and a dazzling variety of tanagers fill the mornings with sound and color. Evenings may bring sightings of the famous San Isidro “mystery owl.”
Continuing higher, Guango Lodge and Papallacta reveal a mountain world of sword-billed hummingbirds, Torrent Ducks, and mixed flocks alive with conebills, flowerpiercers, and mountain-tanagers. At the lofty Antisana National Park, we’ll stand beneath snowcapped peaks watching Andean Condors, Carunculated Caracaras, and above Papallacta Pass, we'll search for the amazingly camouflaged Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe.
Every lodge sits within prime habitat, providing exceptional access to birds, scenery, and the wonder of the Andes themselves.
Ecosystems Experienced
A breathtaking elevation gradient spanning upper tropical forest, subtropical cloud forest, temperate woodlands, elfin forest, and páramo grasslands—each harboring distinct assemblages of hummingbirds, tanagers, and Andean endemics.
Expected Climate
Temperature
Foothills: warm and humid (mid-70s to 80s °F / 24–27 °C).
Mid-elevations: mild (50s–70s °F / 10–22 °C).
High Andes: cool to cold (40s °F / 4–9 °C) with crisp mornings.
Rainfall
Frequent light mist and occasional rain showers, especially in the cloud forest zone. Clearer skies and drier conditions at higher elevations.
Seasons
Year-round bird activity with peak visibility and easier access during the dry season (January–February).
Previous Field Reports
Key Species
Gould's Jewelfront
Peruvian Racket-tail
Long-tailed Sylph
Golden-bellied Flycatcher
Collared Inca
Turquoise Jay
Leader
Paul Greenfield
Primary Leader
Renowned artist, author, and conservationist whose five decades in Ecuador have shaped global understanding of the country’s birds through art, research, and ecotourism.
Read MoreRemigio Grefa
Remigio “Remi” Grefa grew up in the Kichwa community of Añangu along Ecuador’s Napo River, where his love of birds and the rainforest began. Rising through every role at the Napo Wildlife Center, he gained hands-on experience that shaped him into a skilled birding and naturalist guide. Remi now leads tours with expertise, enthusiasm, and deep connection to the Amazon.
Itinerary
Day 1
Travel and arrive in Quito at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport, gateway to Ecuador’s high Andes.
Transfer to San José de Puembo Hotel, located near the airport, for rest and acclimatization.
Day 2
Fly east over the Andes to Coca, then travel by road into the lush foothills.
En route birding through low montane forest for aracari and toucans, Coppery-chested Jacamar, Macaws, and Parrots.
Arrive at Wildsumaco Lodge in the Wildsumaco Wildlife Sanctuary, set amid the eastern Andean slopes at 4,500 ft, surrounded by pristine forest alive with hummingbirds and tanagers.
Day 3
Explore forest trails and roads for dazzling mixed flocks of Paradise, Spotted, Golden-eared, Golden, and Orange-eared Tanagers.
Watch the feeders for rare hummingbirds like Gould’s Jewelfront, Ecuadorian Piedtail, Black-throated Brilliant, and Napo Sabrewing.
Check the forest moth-light for Black-streaked Puffbird, treehunters, and antbirds. Search the canopy for mixed-species foraging flocks that could include greenlets, barbets, becards, Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater, and Golden-collared Toucanet.
Evenings offer the forest’s twilight chorus and views of macaws flying to roost.
Day 4
Explore forest trails and roads for dazzling mixed flocks of Paradise, Spotted, Golden-eared, Golden, and Orange-eared Tanagers.
Watch the feeders for rare hummingbirds like Gould’s Jewelfront, Ecuadorian Piedtail, Black-throated Brilliant and Napo Sabrewing.
Visit the nearby Amarun Pakcha Reserve for an active Andean Cock-of-the-rock Lek, Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail, Chestnut-headed Crake, White-capped Dipper and more hummingbirds.
Afternoon visit to the forest feeding station for Plain-backed Antpitta, Short-tailed Antthrush, Long-tailed Tapaculo, and other species.
Evenings offer the forest’s twilight chorus and views of macaws flying to roost.
Day 5
Bird along the Wildsumaco Road and Huacamayo Ridge, climbing into the subtropical and temperate forest zones.
Expect new birds at every elevation—Andean Guan, Golden-headed and Crested quetzals, Cliff Flycatcher, Torrent Duck, and colorful Mountain-Tanagers.
Arrive at Cabañas San Isidro (6,600 ft), famed for its dawn “moth light” bird spectacles and fine dining.
Retire for the night at the Cabañas San Isidro, Cosanga.
Day 6
Early mornings bring Inca Jays, Subtropical Caciques, and an array of montane species including Masked Trogon, woodcreepers, flycatchers, wrens, warblers, Black-billed Peppershrike, and Black-eared Hemispingus, among many other possibilities.
Search rich roadside habitat and nearby forest trails for antpittas, quetzals, trogons, toucanets, Black-billed Mountain-Toucan, and Powerful Woodpecker.
Evening spotlighting for the San Isidro “mystery owl.”
Day 7
Early mornings bring Inca Jays, Subtropical Caciques, and an array of montane species, including Masked Trogon, woodcreepers, flycatchers, wrens, warblers, Black-billed Peppershrike, and Black-eared Hemispingus, among many other possibilities.
Explore nearby hotspots for possible Lyre-tailed Nightjar, Rufescent Screech-Owl, Lemon-browed Flycatcher and more.
Evening spotlighting for the San Isidro “mystery owl.”
Day 8
Bird along the Borja Loop, transitioning into cool temperate forest.
At Guango Lodge, feeders offer close looks at Sword-billed Hummingbird, Tourmaline Sunangel, Collared Inca, White-bellied Woodstar, and Glowing Puffleg.
Along the rivers, watch for Torrent Duck and White-capped Dipper.
Relax for the night at Las Termas de Papallacta with their thermal baths, right outside the doors of our cabins!.
Day 9
Explore the elfin forest and páramo above Papallacta, home to Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Great Sapphirewing, and the very special Black-chested and Masked mountain-tanagers, Golden-crowned Tanager, and Black-backed Buch-Tanager.
Visit Papallacta Pass for Tawny Antpitta, Giant Conebill, and the elusive Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe.
Relax in Termas de Papallacta’s natural hot springs at day’s end.
Day 10
Bird the sweeping páramo of Antisana National Park, scanning for Andean Condor, Carunculated Caracara, and Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, among other raptors.
Explore extensive paramo grassland for Andean Ibis, Andean Lapwing, Andean Gull, Cinclodes, and Paramo Pipit; Check out La Mica Lake for Andean Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail, Andean Duck, and if we're lucky - Silvery Grebe.
Return to our hotel near Quito Airport to enjoy a farewell dinner and checklist celebration.
Spend the night at the San José de Puembo.
Day 11
Depart Quito at your leisure.
Dayrooms and airport transfers are available for late flights.
What’s Included
Accommodations & Dining
Settle into comfortable accommodations with modern amenities. Enjoy freshly prepared meals that highlight local flavors and international favorites, with consideration for any dietary needs.
Guided Services & Gratuities
Experience each destination with the help of Leaders who share history, culture, and wildlife insights. Gratuities for crew and local guides are included, ensuring seamless service without extra concerns; tipping for your Leaders is discretionary and not included.
Active Essentials
Every tour includes the core elements that make our field experiences possible so you can stay engaged with a range of activities. All outings include the necessary equipment and full safety support, making it easy to join at your own pace.
Transportation & Logistics
We coordinate every transfer, from airport pickup to port boarding. Whether traveling by bus, boat, or charter, our team ensures smooth connections and stress-free travel.
FAQs
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