Central and South America

Ecuador | Birding the Eastern Slopes and Amazon Rainforest

with Mecklenburg Audubon Society
Date:
Sep 25 - Oct 5, 2025
Duration:
11 Days
Price:
From $4,795
Interests:
Birding
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Coppery-chested Jacamar
Birding by boat in the Amazon
Andean Cock-of-the-rock
White-throated Toucan at Sacha Lodge
Canopy Walkway at Sacha Lodge
Chestnut-eared Aracari
Giant River Otter
Paradise Tanager
Black-mantled Tamarin at Wild Sumaco Wildlife Sanctuary
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About this trip

An extraordinary abundance of bird life inhabits the forests of northern Ecuador and the Ecuadorian Amazon. Amid cloud forest, rainforest, páramo, and the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains, you’ll seek out as many of the country’s 1,640-plus species as possible with assistance from your expert guide. Explore the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, before descending into the primary forests of a private ecological reserve in the heart of the Amazon Basin. Seek out a variety of neotropical resident and migrant avian species, plus mammals, amphibians, insects, and more.

Highlights

  • Explore northern Ecuador across a variety of protected areas, including Antisana Ecological Reserve, San Isidro Lodge and lush cloud reserve, Sacha Lodge’s 5,000-acre private ecological reserve, and others.
  • Search for a mix of high- and low-elevation species, including the Blue-browed Tanager, Yellow-breasted Antwren, Coppery-chested Jacamar, over 30 species of hummingbirds, and the Andean Cock-of-the-rock.
  • Take a canopy walk high in the treetops and observe birds such as Scarlet and Red-bellied Macaws, Many-banded Aracari, Magpie Tanager, Gilded Barbet, and Yellow-rumped Cacique.
  • Canoe through the flooded Amazon forest while watching for birds, monkeys, sloths, caimans, river otters, and other wildlife.
  • Trek through trails of pristine terra firme forest, orchids, bromeliads, palm trees, and 150-foot kapok trees.
Land Cost

$4,795

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $680

What makes us different

Scopes

All of our birding guides carry scopes to improve your chances of spotting even the most hard to find species

Rich content

All of our programs include experiences that are enriching and engaging to facilitate a genuine connection between our travelers and their destinations

Wildlife up-close

Enjoy up-close observation of the behaviors and interactions of wildlife in their native habitats

Service anytime

Enjoy worry-free travel — our emergency line is monitored 24/7/365 so we can assist you if any problems arise while you’re traveling with us

Top birding guides

Our in-country birding guides are experts in bird identification and behavior, providing rewarding experiences for everyone from novice birders to ornithologists

Unique Itineraries

Our unique birding itineraries are designed to help strengthen and support tourism in bird hot-spots and support conservation and local economic development.

AND MORE!

See all the reasons why you should travel with Holbrook

What makes us different

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
Puembo
Upon arrival at the Quito airport, you'll be met outside the secured area of the airport and transferred to the hotel. Most flights arrive in the evening. No meals are included on this day. Quito's elevation ranges from 9,223 to 9,883 feet but the elevation at Puembo is about 7,500. To minimize your chances of experiencing altitude sickness, try to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, consume high-carbohydrate foods, avoid alcohol and fatty foods, and avoid strenuous exercise at high elevations. Check in starts at 2 p.m.
Rincon de Puembo
Cosanga
After breakfast and a Welcome Orientation, spend a full morning birding along the trails at the privately owned Antisana Ecological Reserve (11,500 feet), whose varied ecological zones range from páramo to lowland rainforest. More than 70 bird species can be found here, including the Andean Condor, Giant Hummingbird, Carunculated Caracara, Black-faced Ibis, Speckled Teal, Andean Duck, Silvery Grebe, Slate-colored Coot, Andean Gull, Andean Lapwing, and Aplomado Falcon. At 18,900 feet, the snow-capped Antisana Volcano is the fourth highest peak in Ecuador, adding to the breathtaking Andean scenery that can be enjoyed along the lower elevation trails. In the afternoon, continue to San Isidro Lodge. The lodge's private reserve forms an important bridge between the Antisana and Gran Sumaco Reserves, and the area boasts a bird list of about 330 species, many of which are more easily found here than anywhere else in the country. Before dinner, there will be an evening briefing and birding checklist review.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
San Isidro Lodge
Cosanga
The cloud forest reserve at San Isidro Lodge encompasses nearly 3,000 acres on the eastern slope of the Andes at an elevational range of 6,069 to 7,874 feet, making this an ideal base to observe Andean birds from the lower reaches of the temperate zone down into the heart of the subtropical zone. Nearly 500 species have been recorded in the area, and several-such as the mysterious "San Isidro" Owl and Peruvian Antpitta-are extremely local and rare. Birds regularly encountered include Wattled and Sickle-winged Guans, Golden-headed and Crested Quetzals, Masked Trogon, Andean Motmot, Southern Emerald-Toucanet, Powerful and Crimson-mantled Woodpeckers, Speckle-faced Parrot, Chestnut-crowned and White-bellied Antpittas, the beautiful Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher, Black-billed Peppershrike, Green (Inca) Jay, Saffron-crowned Tanager, and Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonia. Before dinner, there will be an evening briefing and birding checklist review.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
San Isidro Lodge
Sumaco
Continue birding this morning. Later, depart downslope for WildSumaco Lodge, birding en route. Before dinner, there will be an evening briefing and birding checklist review.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Wild Sumaco Lodge
Sumaco
The eastern foothills of the Andes is one of the finest and most threatened areas for birding in Ecuador. About 500 bird species have been seen within the WildSumaco Wildlife Sanctuary and neighboring areas, including the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. 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 mixed 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 and the recently described Foothill Elaenia; sometimes the Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater makes an appearance. 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 nearby. Before dinner, there will be an evening briefing and birding checklist review.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Wild Sumaco Lodge
Amazon
Depart this morning and head downslope to Coca, birding en route. From Coca, board a motorized canoe down the Napo River, take a short rainforest hike, and a small canoe crossing of Lake Pilchicocha to Sacha Lodge (a 2.5 hour journey). Of the incredible 1,600 bird species recorded in Ecuador, 600 (37 percent) have been seen at Sacha Lodge. That's almost 7 percent of the species found in the entire world! Enjoy observing birds at the mini tower and the butterfly house before dinner at the lodge. Species that are likely to be spotted in the Sacha Reserve include the prehistoric looking Hoatzin, Crested Owl, Red-bellied Macaw, Cinnamon Atilla, Crane Hawk, and American Pygmy Kingfisher. Before dinner, there will be an evening briefing and birding checklist review. After dinner, accompany your naturalist guide on a walk through the rainforest to view some of the hundreds of different species of animals that can only be found at night. (The order of activities is subject to change due to weather conditions and current wildlife sightings.)
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Sacha Lodge
Amazon
Begin the day on the Liana Chica Trail to arrive at the canopy walk for spectacular views of the rainforest and the many different species of birds, such as Scarlet and Red-bellied Macaws, Many-banded Aracari, Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl, Common Potoo, Ladder-tailed Nightjar, Magpie Tanager, Gilded Barbet, and Yellow-rumped Cacique. The canopy walk is designed to be a self-standing rigid suspension and is one of only a few in the world. Located within Sacha's private reserve, two miles from the shores of the Rio Napo and one mile from the lodge, the bird walk gives you the opportunity for an up-close view of the rainforest canopy. After the canopy walk, take the Liana Grande Trail through terra firma and igapo forest habitats where native guides will explain different species of medicinal plants that have been used in their culture for hundreds of years. Liana Grande will turn into the Higueron Trail, which will take you through pristine primary forest with huge kapok and fig trees towering hundreds of feet above your head. After lunch, choose to take a leisurely hike along the Rio Napo where you may spot the Rufescent Tiger-Heron, or the more challenging hike on the Leoncillo Trail where you may see the elusive dusky titi monkey. The trails will lead you back to the main boardwalk for your final hike and canoe ride to the lodge. Before dinner, there will be an evening briefing and birding checklist review.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Sacha Lodge
Amazon
Depart from the lodge after breakfast, and begin the hike on Lagartococha Trail. This trail offers the chance to learn more about the indigenous communities of the region and their relationship with the forest. After arriving at Lake Lagartococha, take a tranquil canoe ride through a natural swamp, which is home to anacondas, caimans, and capybaras. After the canoe ride, a walk on the other side of Largatococha provides the opportunity to spot capuchin or squirrel monkeys playfully jumping through the trees. Return from the walk and head back to the lodge for a refreshing dip in the lake, or a nice relaxing nap in your personal hammock on your private balcony. After lunch, if desired, your local guide will teach you how to fish for the infamous razor toothed piranha. In the afternoon, embark on a silent canoe ride through the flooded Amazonian forest to spot the shy and elusive Giant River Otter, as well as the incredibly well camouflaged three toed sloth. After a ride through the flooded forest, arrive at Sacha's 135-foot wooden tower built around an ancient Kapok tree. View many bird species, such as Cream-colored Woodpecker, Opal-crowned Tanager, Green-backed Trogon, and Chestnut-eared Aracari. A canoe ride back through the flooded forest at night makes for a different sensory experience; listen to the symphony of frogs, insects, and nocturnal birds calling, see the glowing eyes of the caimans, and watch for the several species of bats flying overhead. Arrive back at Lake Pilchicocha to the welcoming lights of Sacha Lodge. Before dinner, there will be an evening briefing and birding checklist review.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Sacha Lodge
Amazon
Begin the day at the Yasuni National Park Parrot Lick and learn about the life and habits of the local parrot population. The parrot lick is an exposed clay bank where several different species, including Blue-headed Parrot, Cobalt-winged Parakeet, and Dusky-headed Parakeet, gather in the morning hours. When weather conditions are ideal (sunny and dry), the parrots can often be seen perching on and eating the exposed clay. This activity is strictly weather-dependent since the parrots do not appear when it rains. In case of rain, we will try to visit the lick the next day and activities will be substituted accordingly. In the afternoon, hike along the Liana Chica Trail, arriving at the canopy walk for spectacular views of the rainforest and many species of birds, such as Purplish Jacamar, Plum-throated Cotinga, Turquoise Tanager, and more. Designed to be a self-standing rigid suspension, the canopy walk is one of only a few in the world! Located within the private Sacha Reserve, two miles from the shores of the Río Napo and one mile from the lodge, the bird walk gives visitors the opportunity to get an up-close and personal view of the rainforest canopy and its inhabitants. Before dinner, there will be an evening briefing and birding checklist review.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Sacha Lodge
Puembo
Rise early for breakfast and check-out, and then return to Coca for your flight to Quito. You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Lunch and the afternoon are on own until gathering together for a final evening briefing and birding checklist review followed by a festive Farewell Dinner at your hotel. Should you have an evening flight out tonight, you will be transferred to the Quito International Airport for your flight(s) home at the appropriate time.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Rincon de Puembo
This morning you will be transferred to the Quito International Airport for your flight(s) home. Checkout time is 12:00pm.
Land Cost

$4,795

Per person

About this price

Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.

Single room supplement $680

What's Included
  • Accommodations with private bathrooms
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • Full time expert birding guide for duration of program
  • All Tips except Guide and Driver
  • Arrival and departure transfers based on individual flight schedules
  • Non alcoholic beverage with meals
  • Carbon Offset
What's Not Included
  • International airfare
  • Items of personal nature
  • Tips for guide and driver
  • Travel Insurance
Pricing Details
Cost is based on a minimum of 8 participants in double occupancy.

A $350 per person deposit is due to hold your space on this trip. 120 or more days before departure: $100 cancellation fee; remaining balance is refunded. 119 - 96 days before departure: full deposit of $350 is forfeited. 95 - 0 days before departure: 100% of program price is forfeited.

Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider.

Single room supplement $680


Final payment due date: June 22, 2025

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Ecuador. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of entry.

For visits fewer than 90 days, visas will be issued upon arrival in Ecuador. Tourists may be required to provide evidence of return or onwards travel.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Embassy of Ecuador for the requirements based on your nationality.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Ecuador (unless you have spent more than 10 days in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, or Peru immediately prior to arrival, or are arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Uganda, in which case proof of yellow fever vaccine is required; the vaccine must have been administered at least 10 days before arrival, and is valid for life).

Though vaccination is not required for most travelers, yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Ecuador, especially east of the Andes at elevations below 7,550 feet. In addition to protecting against mosquitos, the CDC recommends the yellow fever vaccine for travelers visiting these areas.

The CDC also recommends inoculation against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to Ecuador.

Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

The CDC warns that malaria is a risk in certain parts of Ecuador, primarily at elevations below 5,000 feet. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. In some areas of Ecuador (particularly in parts of the Ecuadorian Amazon), the CDC recommends the use of anti-malarial drugs combined with mosquito avoidance; in other regions, the CDC recommends mosquito avoidance only.

If you are visiting areas where malaria is present and choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your doctor for a prescription.

To protect against mosquitos, the CDC recommends that you cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent, ideally 20 minutes later.

Be careful when applying products containing DEET, as it can damage or dissolve certain synthetic fabrics as well as plastic, rubber, vinyl, or elastic materials, such as those used in camera equipment, binoculars, phone cases, sunglasses, or watches. Additionally, some research suggests that when DEET and picaridin enter local waterways, they can be harmful to amphibians and other wildlife. When selecting a repellent, it is ultimately up to each traveler to weigh the risks and benefits of different options, keeping in mind both environmental factors and the importance of protecting against illness.

Dengue Fever & other insect-borne illnesses

The CDC warns that dengue fever is a potential risk in Ecuador. In addition, locally transmitted cases of Zika virus, chikungunya, and other insect-borne illnesses have previously been reported. The CDC recommends that travelers to Ecuador protect themselves against mosquito bites. As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Upon arrival at locations of high elevation, shortness of breath and a pounding heart are normal responses to the lack of oxygen in the air. However, for some visitors, these symptoms can deteriorate into altitude sickness. Headache, extreme tiredness, dizziness, nausea, and loss of appetite are standard symptoms. Staying hydrated and well rested is important to adjust to the altitude. Avoiding heavy, fatty foods and alcohol in the days before arriving to altitude can help. Over-the-counter medications are also available to help prevent or alleviate symptoms. It’s advisable to avoid sleep medications, as they can slow breathing and respiration, which aid in getting the blood oxygenated while sleeping. Participants who take blood pressure medications should discuss this with their doctor as the medication can drop pressure too low at times.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Respiratory Illness Protocols

Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.

Resources

Print Resources

Packing Recommendations

Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.

You may find many of the items below in our Gear Store.

CLOTHING

Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities. You may wish to bring a slightly nicer outfit or two if your itinerary includes dinners out or more formal activities.

Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, note that many hotels offer laundry services at additional cost. If you plan to hand-wash items, remember that humidity may delay drying time.

Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day. The rainy season in the Ecuadorian Amazon is October to May, but it can rain at any time. Clothing that wicks away moisture and dries quickly is recommended.

At higher elevations, warm clothing is strongly recommended. Temperatures can get quite chilly, especially at night and early in the morning. Consider packing a warm underlayer, as well as a warm, protective outer layer.

  • A combination of short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts, suitable for layering; lightweight, long-sleeved shirts are recommended for sun and insect protection in the Amazon, and warmer long-sleeved shirts are recommended for the highlands
  • Shorts
  • Lightweight, quick-drying long pants for sun and mosquito protection; heavier weight pants or trousers for higher elevations
  • Undergarments
  • Sleepwear
  • Jacket, fleece, or sweater/sweatshirt
  • 1-2 bathing suit(s)
  • Socks – Bring extra pairs.
  • Shoes – You’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes or boots suitable for forest hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual flip-flops or sandals for around your accommodations. You may also want a pair of aqua socks, reef walkers, or water shoes.
  • Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
  • Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat
  • Bandana, scarf, or neck gaiter

Personal Toiletries

Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits. Below are just a few recommendations to keep in mind.

  • Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant , etc. – If possible, avoid strong fragrances if you are sensitive to insect bites and in consideration of your fellow travelers.
  • Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – Washcloths are not standard in all hotels. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Razor
  • Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Insect repellent (also see note below about treating clothing with permethrin)
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
  • Aloe vera gel
  • A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed

In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

Days before you leave home, you may wish to consider spraying any clothing, socks, and shoes that will be worn in lowland, tropical sites with permethrin, an anti-parasite medication, to repel irritating pests and prevent the spread of disease. A recommended brand is Sawyer. Carefully read all instructions before use. Please note permethrin is highly toxic to cats and fish, and some aerosol products may be harmful to birds. Side effects may include minor itching, burning, or redness. You may want to use a laundry marker to label and keep track of which socks are permethrinized. Only one application per item is necessary; permethrin on treated clothes remains effective through several washings. Permethrin should NOT be applied directly to skin.

Miscellaneous

Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.

  • Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
  • Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
  • Money – ATM/credit card, and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
  • Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
  • Yellow fever certificate (if required; only if arriving from Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Uganda)
  • Sunglasses with strap
  • Small day pack for hikes and excursions
  • Flashlight and/or head lamp
  • Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
  • A pocket calculator or phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
  • Binoculars with lens cleaner
  • Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool – Pack in your checked luggage.
  • Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics
  • Notepad or travel journal and pen
  • Music or reading material for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
  • Collapsible walking stick with rubber tip – Pack in your checked luggage.
  • A small quantity of laundry detergent if you’ll be washing clothing by hand
  • Money belt
  • Chargers for electronics
I had a fantastic time and loved experiencing Ecuador and learning about the country and the natural history. The birding experience was beyond my wildest dreams. Such a diversity of wonderful and colorful birds!
- Paulette E.
Ecuador , 2022
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eBird Trip Reports: Ecuador
Want to know which species other Holbrook travelers have seen on their birding trips to Ecuador? Check out these eBird trip reports shared by past groups to see their checklists and get an idea of wha
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