Birding Tour Southern Ecuador June 2026

Starting from Santa Rosa Airport (Flight Quito – Santa Rosa, early morning)

Day 1 – Buenaventura Reserve (Chocó Region)

Arrival at Santa Rosa Airport and transfer to Buenaventura Reserve.
Birding along foothill forest (500–1300 m / 1,640–4,265 ft).

Target species: Long-wattled Umbrellabird, El Oro Parakeet.
Overnight at Umbrellabird Lodge (3 nights).

Day 2 – Buenaventura Reserve

Full day birding in Buenaventura Reserve.
Explore different elevations and forest types in search of Chocó endemics.

Overnight at Umbrellabird Lodge.

Day 3 – Buenaventura Reserve

Another full day exploring this exceptional reserve, focusing on key species and bird photography opportunities.

Overnight at Umbrellabird Lodge.

Day 4 – Cerro de Arcos & transfer to Saraguro

Early departure to Cerro de Arcos (páramo habitat, 3600 m / 11,811 ft).

Target species: Blue-throated Hillstar.

Afternoon transfer to Saraguro.
Overnight in Saraguro (1 night).

Day 5 – Acacana Reserve & Tapichalaca

Morning birding in Acacana Reserve (2400–3200 m / up to 11,154 ft).

Target species: Crescent-faced Antpitta.

Continue to Tapichalaca Reserve (2,500 m / 8,200 ft).

Target species: Jocotoco Antpitta.

Overnight at Casa Simpson Lodge (1 night).

Day 6 – Tapichalaca & Copalinga (Podocarpus National Park)

Morning birding in Tapichalaca.
Then transfer to Copalinga Reserve (Podocarpus National Park).

Target species: Spangled Coquette, Coppery-chested Jacamar, Andean Cock-of-the-rock.

Overnight at Copalinga (2 nights).

Day 7 – Copalinga Reserve

Full day birding in the foothills of Podocarpus National Park.
Excellent opportunities for photography and mixed flocks.

Overnight at Copalinga.

Day 8 – Copalinga & Return flight

Morning birding around the reserve.
Transfer to Lthe city of Loja, and to the %Catamayo Airport in the afternoon flight to Quito (approx. 5:00 pm).