Remote Birding Tour Southern Ecuador – Amazon Foothills & Podocarpus (8 Days)
Southern Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, offering an exceptional variety of habitats within a relatively small area. This 8-day birding tour explores the remote forests of the Amazon foothills, including the renowned Podocarpus National Park and the unique Nangaritza Valley.
The tour is designed to target a wide range of Andean and Amazonian species, including several endemics and highly sought-after birds. With access to pristine habitats and less-visited locations, this itinerary provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching and photography in one of Ecuador’s richest regions.
Highlights
- Remote birding in El Zarza Reserve, Paquisha.
- Remote birding in Nangaritza Valley
- Maycu Reserve & tropical rainforest habitats
- Podocarpus National Park (Bombuscaro)
- Excellent for Antbirds, Antshrikes, Trogons, and Tanagers
- Low visitor pressure / less crowded
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival & Transfer to Copalinga
Arrival at Catamayo Airport (Loja) after a short 50-minute flight from Quito. The Catamayo Valley is characterized by Tumbesian dry forest, dominated by species such as Ceiba trichistandra. This unique ecosystem supports a distinctive assemblage of bird species typical of southwestern Ecuador and northwestern Peru.
If time allows, we will explore nearby dry forest and scrub habitats, where possible species include Peruvian Pygmy-Owl, Long-tailed Mockingbird, Loja Hummingbird, Pacific Parrotlet, Golden-olive Woodpecker, Elegant Crescentchest.
Following this initial birding session, we continue to Copalinga Reserve, located near the entrance of Podocarpus National Park. Depending on arrival time, additional birding opportunities may be possible along the route or around the lodge grounds.
Day 2 – Copalinga & Podocarpus National Park (Bombuscaro)
We begin the day with birding around the lodge grounds at Copalinga Reserve, where a variety of foothill species can be observed.
Later, we head to Podocarpus National Park, exploring trails along the Bombuscaro River. This area offers excellent opportunities for a wide range of species, including tanagers, flycatchers, and mixed flocks moving through the forest.
Possible highlights include Spangled Coquette, Golden-eared Tanager, and Lanceolated Monklet.
The combination of well-preserved habitat and active birdlife makes this one of the most productive birding areas in southern Ecuador.
Day 3 – Copalinga & Transfer to Los Encuentros
We start the morning with birding around Copalinga Reserve, focusing on species that may have been missed the previous day. The area continues to offer excellent opportunities in foothill forest, with chances for mixed flocks and understory species.
After the morning session, we head towards the Los Encuentros area, making stops along the way depending on activity and time. This transition zone can produce additional species as we gradually move into slightly different habitats.
Day 4 – El Zarza Reserve & Transfer to Nangaritza Valley
After an early start, we head to El Zarza Reserve, where we search for a number of subtropical forest species, including the elusive Subtropical Pygmy-Owl and other local specialties.
Later, we continue towards the Paquisha area, making brief stops depending on bird activity. From here, we descend into the remote Nangaritza Valley, heading to Yankuam and the surrounding river area.
If time allows, we may make a short visit to Maycu Reserve upon arrival.
Overnight: Yankuam Cabins (3 nights)
Day 5 – Maycu Reserve & Nangaritza Valley
Today we dedicate the day to birding in Maycu Reserve and the surrounding forests of the Nangaritza Valley. This remote lowland and foothill habitat offers excellent opportunities to search for a variety of understory and mid-level species, including antshrikes, antbirds, antwrens, and trogons.
Particular attention will be given to locating more elusive species, with the Orange-throated Tanager being one of the main targets of the day.
Birding activity in this region can be highly rewarding, with chances to encounter mixed flocks and a diversity of tropical forest specialists.
Day 6 – Nangaritza River & Maycu Reserve
Today we explore the Nangaritza River by boat, offering a different perspective of this remote and pristine region. River-based birding can provide opportunities to observe species along the forest edge, riverbanks, and adjacent habitats.
After the river excursion, we continue birding in Maycu Reserve, focusing again on tropical forest species and any targets that may have been missed the previous day.
This combination of river and forest birding adds diversity to the experience and increases the chances of encountering a wider range of species.
Day 7 – Morning in Nangaritza & Return to Copalinga
We begin the day with a final morning of birding in the Nangaritza Valley, taking advantage of any remaining opportunities to observe species in this remote region. Early activity can still produce interesting records before departure.
After the morning session, we head back towards Copalinga Reserve, with optional birding stops along the way depending on time and activity.
Upon arrival, there may be time for light birding around the lodge or to relax after the journey.
Overnight: Copalinga Reserve (1 night)
Day 8 – Final Birding & Departure
We spend the morning birding around Copalinga Reserve, taking advantage of the rich foothill habitat and any remaining opportunities to observe species in the area.
Around midday, we return to Loja and continue to Catamayo Airport for the afternoon flight back to Quito.
Included
- Accommodation
- Meals (as specified in the itinerary)
- Private transportation
- Professional birding guide.
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MORE INFORMATION
Please contact us for detailed pricing and availability based on group size and travel dates.
We look forward to sharing the incredible birdlife of southern Ecuador with you.
whatsapp: +593981286507
07 – 2582434
avearatinga@yahoo.es
info@exploraves.com