Difficulty
A RELAXED & EASY TOUR
Northern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza
Experience the color, movement, and magic of Ecuador’s Andean cloud forests, where the air hums with the wings of hummingbirds and the songs of tanagers. This relaxed journey across the western and eastern slopes of the Andes offers unmatched opportunities to observe—and photograph—up to 60 hummingbird and 40 tanager species amid lush gardens, misty ridges, and vibrant feeding stations. With comfortable lodges, leisurely mornings, and breathtaking scenery, this tour celebrates Ecuador’s dazzling diversity in the most enjoyable and easy-paced way possible.
Tour Overview
Ecuador, one of the world’s most biologically rich countries, holds an extraordinary concentration of color and life—none more captivating than its hummingbirds and tanagers. This special Relaxed & Easy tour traces a gentle route through the Andean highlands, cloud forests, and Amazonian foothills, allowing ample time to enjoy and photograph the birds that define the Neotropics.
Our journey begins in Quito, the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, before ascending into the highlands and descending the mist-cloaked western slope toward the Mindo Valley. Here, nectar feeders at reserves such as Yanacocha, Bellavista, and Séptimo Paraíso attract an astounding array of species including Sword-billed Hummingbird, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, Velvet-purple Coronet, and Violet-tailed Sylph, alongside brilliantly colored mountain-tanagers. In the Milpe and Río Silanche reserves, dazzling Chocó endemics appear in a blur of green, gold, and turquoise.
Crossing to the eastern slope, we visit Guango Lodge, Wildsumaco, and Cabañas San Isidro, each with its own parade of shimmering wings. Watch Giant Hummingbird and Andean Hillstar hover over alpine páramo, Wire-crested Thorntail and Gould’s Jewelfront glitter in foothill forests, and Paradise and Golden-eared Tanagers light up the canopy. Evenings bring comfort and warmth, with fine Andean cuisine and time to relax before the next morning’s spectacle.
Throughout, easy walking trails, welcoming lodges, and Ecuador’s remarkable biodiversity combine for a serene yet unforgettable immersion into the most colorful world imaginable.
Ecosystems Experienced
A transect across Andean páramo, cloud forests, and Amazonian foothills, offering an unparalleled cross-section of tropical montane habitats rich in nectar and fruiting trees.
Expected Climate
Temperature
Expect cool mornings (50–60 °F / 10–16 °C) in highlands and mild afternoons (70–80 °F / 21–27 °C) at lower elevations. Evenings are cool and comfortable.
Rainfall
Light showers are common in the western Andes, with generally drier conditions on the eastern slope. Mist and cloud are frequent companions in the highlands.
Seasons
Held during Ecuador’s mild late-wet season, when flowers bloom and bird activity peaks at feeders and forest edges.
Key Species
Sword-billed Hummingbird
Shining Sunbeam
Collared Inca
Violet-tailed Sylph
Hooded Mountain Tanager
Glistening-green Tanager
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, nestled high in the Andes at 9,000 feet.
Transfer to Hotel Quito, Quito and settle in with time to acclimate or explore the city’s colonial center.
Gather in the evening for introductions and a welcome dinner.
Day 2
Spend the morning birding the Yanacocha Reserve, a high-elevation haven for Sword-billed Hummingbird, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, and Shining Sunbeam.
Continue along the Paseo del Quinde EcoRoute, stopping at Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge for close views of Collared Inca, White-booted Racket-tail, and Gorgeted Sunangel.
Take an afternoon drive down into the Mindo Valley, where misty forest and lush gardens welcome your arrival.
Relax and unwind during the evening at the Séptimo Paraíso Lodge, Mindo.
Day 3
Spend the day exploring the “Greater Mindo Area,” one of the most biodiverse birding regions in the world.
Visit Milpe Bird Sanctuary, Río Silanche, and local feeding stations alive with Velvet-purple Coronet, Green Thorntail, and Golden-naped Tanager.
Relax at the Séptimo Paraíso Lodge’s gardens, where White-whiskered Hermit and Crowned Woodnymph flash among orchids and heliconias.
Enjoy optional short walks or simply watch the spectacle unfold from the deck.
Day 4
Spend the day exploring the “Greater Mindo Area,” one of the most biodiverse birding regions in the world.
Visit Milpe Bird Sanctuary, Río Silanche, and local feeding stations alive with Velvet-purple Coronet, Green Thorntail, and Golden-naped Tanager.
Relax at the Séptimo Paraíso Lodge’s gardens, where White-whiskered Hermit and Crowned Woodnymph flash among orchids and heliconias.
Enjoy optional short walks or simply watch the spectacle unfold from the deck.
Day 5
Spend the morning birding at Amagusa-Mashpi Reserve for Glistening-green, Rufous-throated, and Moss-backed Tanagers.
Visit the Alambi Cloud Forest Reserve, whose fruit and nectar feeders host Violet-tailed Sylph, Purple-throated Woodstar, and Crimson-rumped Toucanet.
Take an afternoon drive to Puembo, just outside Quito, and enjoy a relaxed evening at San José de Puembo, Puembo.
Day 6
Spend the morning birding the Antisana Reserve for Giant Hummingbird, Andean Hillstar, and the majestic Andean Condor.
Travel through the tundra-like Papallacta Pass, scanning for Viridian Metaltail and Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanager.
Take an afternoon drive down the eastern slope to the lush forests surrounding Wildsumaco Lodge.
Day 7
Spend the day among the rich foothill forests at Wildsumaco, a true paradise for hummingbirds and tanagers.
Watch for Wire-crested Thorntail, Gould’s Jewelfront, and Many-spotted Hummingbird at feeders just steps from the lodge deck.
Explore nearby trails for Orange-eared, Paradise, and Silver-beaked Tanagers, and listen for Antpittas in the understory.
Unwind back at the Wildsumaco Lodge, Sumaco for the evening.
Day 8
Spend the morning birding around Wildsumaco Lodge for last looks at Glittering-throated Emerald and Rufous-vented Whitetip.
Take an afternoon drive upslope toward Cabañas San Isidro, with birding stops en route for Powerful Woodpecker, Turquoise Jay, and Spectacled Whitestart.
Tuck-in for the night at the Cabañas San Isidro, Cosanga.
Day 9
Spend the morning birding the Cabañas San Isidro’s gardens and forest edge, watching Bronzy Inca, White-bellied Antpitta, and Inca Jay.
Take an afternoon drive back to Quito, stopping at scenic Andean viewpoints and small reserves for final sightings.
Check back into San José de Puembo and celebrate the journey with a farewell dinner overlooking the capital.
Day 10
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before transferring to Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport for your flights home.
What’s Included
Accomodations & 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
Similar Trips
Loading calendar...