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BRILLIANT BIRDS OF THE ANDES
Southern Ecuador Hummingbird & Tanager Extravaganza
Southern Ecuador offers one of the richest mosaics of hummingbird and tanager habitats on Earth, and this brilliantly paced journey showcases that diversity in full. From high Andean páramo to Amazonian foothills and lush cloud forests, each day unfolds with dazzling color and movement. Guests explore national parks, private reserves, and Jocotoco Foundation sanctuaries renowned for conservation success and remarkable species density. With up to 60 hummingbirds and 50 tanagers possible, plus antpittas, fruiteaters, umbrellabirds, and countless forest gems, this is a photographer’s dream and a birder’s paradise. Thoughtfully paced, rich in biodiversity, and crafted for maximum viewing and enjoyment.
Starting At
$5,695 per person
12 Days
12 Days
8 Guests
Pace
Tour Overview
Aug 16–Aug 27, 2026
Aug 15–Aug 26, 2027
Southern Ecuador is a living gallery of color — a region where glittering hummingbirds and radiant tanagers move through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Andes. Designed as the perfect complement to the northern tour, this itinerary traces a dramatic elevational journey from El Cajas National Park’s sweeping páramo to the Amazonian foothills near Zamora, the lush temperate forests of Tapichalaca, and the tropical slopes of Buenaventura. Along the way, guests encounter a spectacular list of species that exemplify the Neotropics’ unmatched brilliance.
We begin in the Andean highlands around Cuenca, where wind-shaped shrubs and paamo woodland and grasslands shelter a suite of elegant mountain specialists. At these elevations, feeders and flowering shrubs attract a procession of iconic hummingbirds — Violet-throated Metaltail, Shining Sunbeam, Great Sapphirewing, Ecuadorian Hillstar — while mixed flocks carry Tit-like Dacnis, Hooded and Scarlet-bellied mountain-tanagers through the moss-laden forest canopy.
From there, a dramatic descent into the Amazonian foothills brings us to the wildlife-rich forests of Copalinga and Podocarpus National Park. This region is famed for its overwhelming diversity; feeders and a diversity of flowering trees and shrubs pulse with spectacular hummingbird activity, and forest trails reveal a kaleidoscope of tanagers, Coppery-chested Jacamar, antbirds, Amazonian Umbrellabirds, manakins, and surprises at every turn.
Higher elevations return as we journey to Tapichalaca Reserve, home of the legendary Jocotoco Antpitta and a lineup of temperate-zone hummingbirds glowing among the flowers: Glowing Puffleg, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Collared Inca, and more. Finally, the lush Pacific slope at Buenaventura brings yet another palette of species — barbthroats, coronets, brilliants, thorntails, sylphs, woodnymphs — alongside chances for trogons, toucans, fruiteaters and the charismatic Long-wattled Umbrellabird.
Beautiful scenery, excellent reserves, and rich photographic opportunities make this tour one of Ecuador’s most unforgettable birding experiences.
Ecosystems Experienced
A sweeping transect of Andean and foothill habitats — windswept páramo at 12,500 feet, mist-softened elfin forest, exuberant Amazonian foothill rainforest, temperate cloud forests dripping with moss and orchids, and lush Pacific-slope woodlands alive with fruiting trees and cascading streams. Every elevation holds a distinct soundtrack and palette: the thin, crisp air of high ridges; the earthy scent of cloud forest humus; the warm, green humidity of the eastern slopes. This journey reveals Ecuador’s ecological heartbeat across mountains, valleys, and rainforest edges.
Expected Climate
Temperature
Expect cool mornings in the high Andean páramo, with crisp air and sweeping mountain light. Mid-elevations offer pleasant spring-like days, while the Amazonian foothills bring warm, humid afternoons that feel lush and full of life. Evenings cool comfortably across most sites, especially in temperate cloud forest zones.
Rainfall
Moist air rising from the Amazon and Pacific shapes these forests. Light mist, short cloudbursts, and soft drizzle are all part of the rhythm — refreshing the landscape, brightening hummingbird activity around feeders, and intensifying the rich, earthy scent of the forest. Periods of sun frequently break through between showers.
Seasons
Early summer in southern Ecuador brings vibrant bird activity: hummingbirds working flowering shrubs at all elevations, tanager flocks moving energetically through fruiting trees, and cloud forests pulsing with sound. This transition period between wet and dry seasons is ideal for photography, observation, and experiencing the Andes in full ecological expression.
Previous Field Reports
Key Species
Grass-green Tanager
Violet-bellied Hummingbird
Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager
Glowing Puffleg
Golden Tanager
Rainbow Starfrontlet
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
Southern Ecuador 2026
Day 1
Travel to and arrive in Quito where you'll meet your leaders in Puembo, surrounded by Andean gardens full of flowerpiercers and hummingbirds.
Settle in and enjoy dinner while reviewing plans for the journey ahead.
Optional short walk for a first look at Andean highland birds.
Day 2
Fly south into the high Andes and drive into El Cajas National Park paramo with its mosaic of highland lakes, exploring Laguna de Llaviucu and its beautiful temperate-zone forest.
Watch mixed flocks sweep through Polylepis stands as shimmering hummingbirds work flowering shrubs bordering the open meadows.
Search for Blue-mantled Thornbill, Andean Hillstar, and the local endemic Violet-throated Metaltail.
Settle into the lovely Hosteria Dos Chorreras.
Scan high ridgeline vegetation, Polylepis woodland, and cushion plants for cinclodes, ground-tyrants, tit-spinetails, Giant Conebill, Tit-like Dacnis, and specialized páramo wildlife.
Day 3
Begin the morning with pre-breakfast birding around Dos Chorreras, watching for Mouse-colored Thistletail, Turquoise Jay, and Grass-green Tanager.
Travel south through spectacular valleys toward Loja, stopping at scenic overlooks and forest edges for additional highland species.
Descend into the lush Amazonian foothills, where the first lowland tanagers and hummingbirds signal your arrival at Copalinga.
Day 4
Immerse yourself in the lively flowering shrubs and feeders at Copalinga, where White-tipped Sicklebill, Spangled Coquettes, Wire-crested Thorntail, hermits, brilliants, and Green-and-gold and Golden-eared tanagers come in for close-up views.
Explore the Bombuscaro entrance of Podocarpus, walking trails adorned with orchids, bromeliads, and a breathtaking density of foothill birds.
Watch for Coppery-chested Jacamar, Andean Motmot, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Amazonian Umbrellabird, White-necked Parakeet, and tanager-packed mixed-species flocks moving like living rivers through the canopy.
A visit to a forest 'feeding station' for the rare and secretive Gray Tinamou will close out the afternoon.
Day 5
Spend a second morning following the rhythm of foothill birding, from any of several manakins to a woodnymph gleaming in the forest's filtered light.
Return to Bombuscaro for additional roadside and forest exploration, targeting tanagers, a jacamar or umbrellabird, and anything we may have missed previously.
This afternoon we explore more open habitats on the edge of Zamora for a whole new 'subset' of Amazonian lowland and foothill species.
Day 6
Begin with farewell birding at Copalinga before climbing the eastern Andean slope along the scenic and bird-rich Las Fragancias Road.
Stop along the Cajanuma entrance of Podocarpus National Park to explore temperate forest as we seek out Bearded Guan, Black-and-chestnut Eagle, Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Barred Fruiteater, mountain-tanagers, an antpitta or two, and high-elevation hummingbirds.
Continue south to Tapichalaca Reserve, where cool mists, moss-draped trees, and vibrant feeders hint at the treasures awaiting tomorrow.
Day 7
Seek temperate-zone specialties along trails rich with ferns, bromeliads, and orchids, where antpittas, tanagers, and sunangels keep the forest alive.
Optional walk to the famous Jocotoco Antpitta feeding station, a conservation success story and unforgettable experience.
Explore areas around the villages of Valladolid and Palanda, where lower-elevation habitats harbor additional foothill and Marañón Valley specialists.
Day 8
Drive west toward the Pacific slope, descending through the scenic Catamayo Valley and drier Tumbesian habitats rich in regional endemics.
Watch shifting habitats unfold — dry forest, humid foothills, and finally the lush tropical greenery of Buenaventura Reserve.
Arrive at the reserve in time for afternoon birding among brilliant hummingbirds and fruiting forest edges.
Day 9
Spend the morning at nectar feeders shimmering with Green Thorntail, Emerald-bellied (Crowned) Woodnymph, Violet-bellied Hummingbird, and other Pacific-slope jewels.
Explore forest trails where toucanets, trogons, and manakins enliven the canopy and understory.
Optional afternoon walk targeting Long-wattled Umbrellabird and mixed-species foraging flocks with antbirds, furnariids, flycatchers, fruiteaters, and tanagers, of course!
Day 10
Return to key areas at peak morning activity for a fresh wave of hummingbirds, tanagers, and forest specialties.
Venture deeper into the reserve to explore shaded ravines and mature forest alive with new movement and song.
Enjoy an unhurried afternoon for photography, feeder watching, or optional target-species walks.
Day 11
Start the morning with final Pacific-slope birding before descending to the mangroves and mudflats of Puerto Jelí for coastal species.
Celebrate the diversity of the journey over a final checklist session and farewell dinner at San Jose de Puembo before international departures.
Day 12
Enjoy a relaxed final morning before airport transfers and international flights home.
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
Similar Trips
Limited Space Available
Online booking is now closed for this departure, but space may still be available. Please call our office at 512-328-5221 so we may assist you directly.
Departure Dates No Longer Available Online
- Aug 16–Aug 27, 2026
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