Ecuador Womens Birding
Birding Ecuador: Exploring Highlands and Cloud Forests
Ecuador’s birdlife spans multiple ecosystems, from the towering Andes to lush cloud forests. This bird-rich itinerary focuses on birding the eastern and western slopes of the Ecuadorean Andes and the central highlands. The chosen locations are included based on the conservation efforts in place, especially where these involve restoration and reforestation projects led by community-based organizations. Your trip contributes to a continued transition into more sustainable economic activities that allow the protection of the forest and the birds and wildlife that live there.
The entire tour is led by knowledgeable and experienced local women and an international woman tour leader who will ensure that you enjoy some of the best birding in the Americas while contributing to preserving the fragile cloud forest ecosystems we will visit.
Highlight and Target Birds
- Páramo specialities such as Silvery Grebe, Black-faced Ibis, and Chimborazo Hillstar
- Over 35 hummingbird species, including Sword-billed Hummingbird and Rainbow-bearded Thornbill
- We’ll sample many tanagers from up in the cloud forests, including some sought-after Mountain Tanager species, down to a taste of Chocó specialties
- Iconic Andean species such as Andean Condor, Torrent Duck, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, and multiple antpittas
KEY LOCATIONS
Antisana Reserve, Guango Lodge, Papallacta Pass, Refugio Paz de las Aves, Milpe Bird Sanctuary
EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
- Birdwatch in one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, with the Andes as your backdrop.
- Witness the unique Cock-of-the-Rock display up close.
- Relax in eco-friendly lodges situated in remote, serene landscapes.
- Experience Ecuadorian culture with visits to local farmers engaged in reforestation and sustainable agriculture.
- Enjoy delicious local cuisine and stay in conservation-friendly accommodations.
More Details
Accommodations
Puembo Birding Garden (3 nights), Guango Lodge (2 nights), Rio Quijos Ecolodge (2 nights), Tandayapa Lodge (2 nights), airport hotel (1 night)
Weather and climate
November in Ecuador’s highlands brings cool, crisp mornings and mild days. In the páramo, expect daytime temperatures around 45-55°F (7-13°C), while the cloud forests are more temperate, ranging from 55-70°F (13-21°C). Rainfall is common, particularly in the cloud forests, so be prepared for occasional showers and cooler evenings.
Tour Details
Price: From $3,966 per person, double occupancy
Single Supplement: $250
Included: In-country accommodations, ground transportation, meals from dinner on first day to breakfast on last day, English speaking guide and entrance fees.
Not Included: International airfare, personal items such as alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, gift shop, laundry, tips, etc. are not included.
From: Quito (UIO)
Minimum Participants: 6
Participant Limit: 10
Activity Level: Moderate
Deposit: 30% per-person deposit is required to hold your spot on this tour (with your registration form)
Tour Leaders: Amy Kearns and Sandra Morocho
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Natural Selections Tours thanks Zeiss Optics in partnering with us to advance birding, ecotourism, and conservation. Zeiss Optics is a world leader in quality optics products and service, and we are proud to work together making our world a better place by seeing beyond, together!