Step into the breathtaking landscapes of northern Ecuador, where misty cloud forests, remote Chocó valleys, and dramatic Andean slopes reveal an extraordinary world of biodiversity and endemic birds. This fascinating birding and photography expedition is designed for travelers seeking unforgettable moments of observation, stunning scenery, and exceptional photographic opportunities in one of the planet’s most captivating natural regions.
Throughout our journeys across the diverse ecosystems of northern Ecuador, you will be constantly surprised by an extraordinary diversity of bird species. As the scenery changes from misty forests to remote Andean valleys and Chocó wilderness, every stop offers fresh photographic opportunities and moments of genuine wonder. This fascinating birding expedition invites you to slow down, observe carefully, and connect with the remarkable colors, behaviors, and endemic species that make northern Ecuador such a unique destination for birdwatchers and nature photographers.
With more than 25 years of experience organizing birding and wildlife journeys in Ecuador, Exploraves will guide you through the most remarkable ecosystems of the north with the support of specialized local guides and deep knowledge of the region’s birds and habitats. Our goal is not only to help you observe endemic and iconic species, but also to create a fascinating and well-organized experience where every trail, every forest, and every photographic opportunity becomes part of an unforgettable expedition.
What makes this expedition unique?
Emblematic Species
Search for Chocó and Andean endemic and emblematic species that make northern Ecuador one of the world’s most fascinating destinations for birdwatching and photography.
Photography Focus
Capture the colors, behaviors, and atmosphere of Ecuador’s cloud forests, Andes, and Amazon in a journey designed with photographers in mind.
Wild lanscapes
Experience the changing scenery of northern Ecuador, from misty forests and remote Chocó valleys to dramatic Andean ridges and lush Amazon foothills.
The experience
Beyond the birds themselves, this expedition is about the atmosphere of the journey: the first calls at dawn, the mist rising through the forest, the excitement of finding a long-awaited species, and the quiet moments shared in some of Ecuador’s most beautiful natural settings. Every day is designed to combine observation, photography, learning, and the simple pleasure of being surrounded by extraordinary wildlife.
Featured Species
- Long-wattled Umbrellabird
- Plate-billed Mountain Toucan
- Toucan Barbet
- Sword-billed Hummingbird
- Andean Cock-of-the-rock
- Chocó endemics
- Amazon foothill specialties
A fascinating journey through the cloud forests, Chocó wilderness, and Andean landscapes of northern Ecuador.
Exploraves Birding & Photography Expeditions
Expedition Summary 10 days
Arrival Quito 1 night before.
Nights 1–3 · Sachatamia Lodge (3 nights)
Days 1–4: Full exploration of the western slope and Chocó region, including Yanacocha, ZuroLoma, Alambi, Ángel Paz, Punto Ornitológico / Tuti Frutti, Milpe / San Tadeo, Sachatamia for the Long-wattled Umbrellabird, and Amagusa on the final day.
Night 4 · Puembo Hotel (1 night)
Transition evening after descending from Amagusa, allowing a comfortable overnight stay near Quito before the early departure to Antisana.
Night 5 · Guango Lodge (1 night)
Day 5: Antisana in the morning and Papallacta antennas in the afternoon, combining high-Andean specialties with excellent photographic opportunities.
Nights 6–8 · Wildsumaco Lodge (3 nights)
Days 6–8: Complete immersion in the eastern slope and Amazon foothills, focusing on mixed flocks, hummingbirds, tanagers, antbirds, and the rich biodiversity of the upper Amazon region.
Night 9 · Guango Lodge (1 night)
Day 9: Gradual return ascent through the eastern Andes, with additional birding opportunities along the cloud-forest corridor.
Night 10 · Puembo / Airport Area (1 night)
Day 10: Return from Guango to Puembo / Quito for a final overnight stay before international flights.
Thank you for considering this fascinating expedition through the cloud forests, Chocó wilderness, Andean landscapes, and Amazon foothills of northern Ecuador.
At Exploraves, we would be delighted to share with you more than 25 years of experience guiding birdwatchers, photographers, and nature travelers across some of Ecuador’s most extraordinary habitats. We warmly invite you to join this journey and discover the remarkable biodiversity, endemic birds, and unforgettable photographic opportunities that make northern Ecuador such a unique destination. For travelers wishing to extend their adventure, we can also arrange specialized birding and photography extensions to the Southern Ecuador Endemic Route and the Galápagos Islands, creating a complete Ecuador wildlife experience from the Chocó to the Andes, the Amazon, and the Pacific Ocean.
We look forward to welcoming you on this unforgettable expedition.
Exploraves Birding & Photography Tours Ecuador