Ecuador | Birding the Amazon Rainforest

The Andes' Eastern Foothills is one of the finest and most threatened areas for bird watching in Ecuador. About 500 bird species have been seen within the Wildsumaco Wildlife Sanctuary and neighboring areas. This area stretches from Loreto Road (where the main highway crosses Rio Pucuno, elevation 3,800 ft) up to the border of Gran Sumaco National Park (5,200 ft). The road passing through the reserve offers great road birding, and this is one of many areas from which to see flocks. Possibilities here include Blue-browed Tanager, Yellow-breasted Antwren, and Coppery-chested Jacamar. Many colorful species of tanager may be accompanied by Ecuadorian Tyrannulet, the recently described Foothill Elaenia, and sometimes Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater joins in. We'll also see North American migrants and over 30 species of hummingbird. At night Band-bellied Owl, Rufescent Screech-Owl and Foothill Screech-Owl often call from near-by.

Early breakfast, followed by birding on the trails. From Wildsumaco's trails, you may see Gray-tailed Piha, Blue-rumped Manakin, and Chestnut-crowned Gnateater. The very rare Yellow-throated Spadebill has territories along several of the trails, and at any time the endangered Military Macaw or rare Spot-winged Parrotlet might fly by, or Black Hawk-Eagle soar overhead. Lunch at the lodge. This afternoon enjoy viewing an Antpitta feeding session then continue birding around the grounds before dinner. This evening seek out nocturnal creatures with your guide.

After breakfast, depart early this morning for Coca. Head to Francisco de Orellana port. Board a canoe for the two hour ride down the Napo River to La Selva Amazon Ecolodge, which sits on the border of the famous Yasuní National Park. After getting settled, explore the Matapalo Trail, whose name comes from the Spanish for strangler fig (Ficus sp), one of the many remarkable trees that you can find on this short walk. Mahogany trees over 400 years old can also be seen, and your guides will share their knowledge of the flora and fauna.

Begin the day with a walk to the observation tower. From the 115 foot high platform, you can enjoy an up in the branches view of the forest canopy. Your naturalist and native guides will help you spot the colorful birds of the Amazon, and maybe even certain primates. On the way back from the tower, you have the option of taking the Tucaneta Trail, where your native guide can show you some of the medicinal plants still in use today, and your naturalist guide will provide you with interesting info on the ecology and natural history of the Amazon. There is also the option of visiting the beautiful lagoon of Mandi Cocha. An hour's hike takes you to the lagoon, where you can see an example of an igapó forest, a type of ecosystem where the forest is temporarily flooded by black water. Different species of birds and even giant otters can be seen here. After lunch hike the Charapa Trail, which begins at the lodge and ends by the edge of the lagoon. It is a great loop where different monkeys, birds, and other wildlife can be seen and a great place to witness an Amazonian sunset. With the help of a spotlight, your guides will take you around the lagoon via canoe looking for nocturnal wildlife. Return to the lodge for dinner this evening.

Today you will make your way back to the Napo River and take a motorized canoe ride to the clay licks. Hundreds of parrots and parakeets gather here to eat the mineral rich soil, an important part of their diet. Binoculars are essential to really capture the moment. After the clay licks, you'll have a unique opportunity to learn about the local Indigenous culture during a visit to an Amazonian Kichua community center. Here, you'll be welcomed by community members and learn more about their daily way of life. After lunch explore the beautiful Garzacocha Lagoon and Ceiba Trail. Look for monkeys and birds; sometimes, families of squirrel monkeys will join the capuchin monkeys in looking for food. The tremendous calls of the howler monkeys can be heard in the afternoon, and the smallest monkey in the world, the pygmy marmoset, can be seen here too. Plenty of birds like the unusual looking Hoatzin, colorful toucans, and majestic macaws can also be seen flying overhead. After dark, set out on a walk for the chance to enjoy the creatures and sounds of the Amazon jungle at night. Sometimes we can see amazing things during this activity. Make sure you bring a flashlight for this fantastic experience.

Depart from the lodge early in the morning after breakfast. Take the canoe (2 hours approx.) to Puerto Francisco de Orellana where you will board a plane back to Quito (30 min flight). Once in Quito, transfer to your hotel.

Transfer to the airport for your flight back home. Hotel check-out by noon.