BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR SOUTHERN ECUADOR
Tailored for Bird Photographers and Birdwatchers from China.
BIRDWATCHING PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR SOUTHERN ECUADOR.
We have crafted a special birding and photography program in southern Ecuador, focusing on the most fascinatings and photogenic locations..
Santa Rosa, Arenillas Reserve, puerto jeli and surroundings.
level, host a rich diversity of coastal birds — from elegant shorebirds and striking grebes to majestic herons and unique mangrove specialists.
These coastal wetlands are perfect for bird photography, offering excellent light, calm scenery, and great access to birds in their natural environments.
The itinerary begins with your arrival in Ecuador, most commonly via the capital Quito. From there, we arrange a short domestic flight (50 minutes) to the southern coastal city of Santa Rosa, either in the morning or afternoon, depending on your international arrival time.
Alternatively, if your flight arrives in Guayaquil, we will travel overland to Santa Rosa, which takes just a few hours by car. Both routes are designed to make your arrival as smooth and comfortable as possible
Buenaventura Reserve, Choco Region
Our adventure then ascends into the lush foothill forests of Buenaventura Reserve, ranging from 400 to 1,300 meters above sea level. Here, the landscape transforms dramatically into a lush tropical rainforest that forms part of the Chocó bioregion. You’ll be amazed by the sheer number of species, especially hummingbirds, flycatchers, and colorful tanagers. We’ll search for iconic birds of the region, such as the impressive Long-wattled Umbrellabird and the rare and endangered El Oro Parakeet, among many other highlights.
Remote Forest, Cerro de Arcos, Paramo.
SARAGURO, ACACANA MOUNTAIN.
In Saraguro, we’ll visit Acacana Mountain, a high-altitude cloud forest that rises to nearly 3,000 meters above sea level. This pristine and misty forest is home to a number of rare and localized bird species. Among our top targets here is the elusive and charming Crescent-faced Antpitta, a highland specialty that requires patience and luck to observe. We’ll also search for other rarities such as the enigmatic Chestnut-bellied Cotinga, a species rarely seen due to its discreet behavior and limited range.
TAPICHALACA RESERVE CLOUD FOREST.
Tapichalaca holds a special place in the history of bird conservation in Ecuador. It was the first private reserve established specifically to protect a newly discovered and critically endangered species: the Jocotoco Antpitta (Grallaria ridgelyi). Since its discovery, this bird has become a symbol of conservation in the Andes — and photographing or observing it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
In addition to the Jocotoco Antpitta, the reserve is also home to other high-priority species such as the striking Golden-plumed Parakeet, along with an impressive variety of mountain tanagers, foliage-gleaners, and other cloud forest specialists. The trails, feeders, and protected forest here offer some of the best opportunities for close and respectful wildlife photography.
COPALINGA RESERVE, TROPICAL FOREST, PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK.
After enjoying the breathtaking highland scenery and mountain birds, we will make several strategic stops along the way to search for species found in transitional habitats — including the stunning Elegant Crescentchest, among other sought-after birds.
We’ll then cross through the peaceful and charming city of Loja, and soon arrive at Zamora, the gateway to the Amazon foothills. Just minutes away lies the beautiful Copalinga Reserve and Lodge, situated at 900 meters above sea level. This lush tropical forest offers an incredible abundance of birdlife, especially dazzling tanagers such as the Paradise Tanager, Green-and-gold Tanager, Yellow-bellied Tanager, and the magnificent Orange-eared Tanager. Depending on the season, many of these species can be photographed up close at the reserve’s feeders — or observed within the nearby Podocarpus National Park.
The area is also excellent for hummingbird photography, with many species frequenting the gardens and forest edges. Target birds here include the spectacular Coppery-chested Jacamar, the unmistakable Andean Cock-of-the-rock, the rare White-necked Parakeet, and the extraordinary Amazonian Umbrellabird. One of the regional jewels not to be missed is the dazzling Spangled Coquette — a true photographer’s dream.
This itinerary is a core program covering the most important birding and photography hotspots in southern Ecuador. Depending on your interests and available time, it can be customized from 8 to 10 days, or extended further to explore remote locations such as Paquisha, El Zarza Reserve, or even the spectacular Maycú Reserve along the Nangaritza River, where the mythical Orange-throated Tanager awaits.
