Ecuador Herping Tour – Choco
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About the Tour
The Ecuadorian Chocó is a region of great herpetological diversity, with an astonishing variety of amphibians and reptiles. Dozens of species of reptiles and amphibians inhabit this beautiful territory, coexisting with other iconic animals, such as the brown-headed spider monkey (Ateles fusciceps fusciceps), creating a unique ecosystem in Ecuador.
Our herping tour in Ecuador gives you the opportunity to dive into a visual and auditory feast in the Chocó’s rainforests, home to a large number of endemic species (found only here). We will put our enthusiasm and cameras to the fullest to capture macro photography opportunities while searching for and learning about the ecology of these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
Date
All year
Activity level
Easy - Medium
Available spaces
Since 1 person
Itinerary
Day 1 | Journey to the Choco
Our tour begins very early in the morning. We will depart from the Puembo Valley, near the Mariscal Sucre International Airport, northeast of Ecuador’s capital, Quito. The drive takes approximately 5–6 hours to reach our destination: a beautiful lodge at the edge of the Choco rainforest. This is one of the last well-preserved refuges for herpetology on Ecuador’s coast.
After settling into our rooms, we will have lunch and rest while enjoying forest views, with the hope of spotting the critically endangered Brown-headed Spider Monkey (Ateles fusciceps fusciceps). After dinner, we will prepare our gear to explore this unique ecosystem. We will aim to find the emblematic Pygmy Boa (Tropidophis boulengeri), amphibians like the Palm Treefrog (Boana pellucens), the Sunburst Glass Frog (Hyalinobatrachium aureoguttatum), and two of the most beautiful frogs of the Choco: the Chachi Treefrog (Boana picturata) and the Gliding Treefrog (Agalychnis spurrelli). Additionally, the Choco is home to Pristimantis frogs, the world’s most diverse vertebrates. With a good rainstorm, we may also spot caecilians and salamanders.
Day 2–4 | Searching for Species
These three days will be dedicated to exploring the forest on foot in search of Anolis lizards and snakes during the day. The lodge’s surroundings host a population of the Harlequin Poison Frog (Oophaga sylvatica), and we will put in the effort to find one of these stunning orange specimens. However, the daytime is also an opportunity to enjoy birds and the breathtaking landscape while saving energy for the night, when most reptile and amphibian species become active.
After dinner, we will continue our quest for species. We may encounter species like the Blunt-headed Tree Snake (Imantodes cenchoa), Vine Snakes (Oxybelis brevirostris), Cat-eyed Snakes (Leptodeira ornata), and coral snakes like the Redtail Coral (Micrurus mipartitus) and Dumeril’s Coral (Micrurus dumerilii). Furthermore, vipers such as the Coastal Fer-de-Lance (Bothrops asper), Eyelash Viper (Bothriechis schlegelii), Hognose Viper (Porthidium nasutum), Spotted Pitviper (Bothrops punctatus), and the Choco Bushmaster (Lachesis acrochorda) also inhabit these forests.
Day 5 | Return to Quito
After breakfast, we will head back to the capital. The journey takes us from the lowlands of the Choco back to the highlands of Quito, at approximately 2800 meters above sea level. After a short stop for lunch, we will visit the Jambatu Center for Amphibian Research and Conservation to learn firsthand about the projects involving Ecuador’s threatened species.
Finally, we will travel to the hotel with a heartfelt “see you soon,” hoping to share a new adventure together in the future.
Please verify your flight times.
Note: Please let us know if you need accommodations before or after the trip.
Featured sightings
USD
Included
- Accommodation.
- All meals listed in the itinerary.
- Expert herpetologist guide.
- Private ground transportation.
- Entry fees to reserves.
- Single room supplement applies.
Not included
- Domestic and international flights, as well as airport taxes.
- Additional nights.
- Alcoholic drinks, snacks, and beverages not included in meals.
- Laundry services.
- Personal expenses.
- Travel insurance (we recommend obtaining one).
- Tips.
- Any other services not specified in this document.
General tips
To ensure the best experience, it’s important to consider some key factors that will make your stay in Ecuador more enjoyable:
- If you enjoy bringing souvenirs home, we advise you to bring extra cash for purchasing souvenirs in the various locations we’ll visit (Ecuador’s currency is the U.S. dollar). It’s recommended to carry small bills or coins, as most places do not accept $50 or $100 bills.
- In tropical areas, mosquitoes are present, so mosquito repellent is essential.
- Sunscreen.
- A hat or cap.
- A flashlight (preferably a headlamp).
- A fabric bag to store wet clothes.
- A water bottle.
Photographic equipment
As photographers, we know how challenging it can be to decide how much equipment to bring on trips, as we always want to pack everything to maximize the experience. Below are our recommendations for what type of gear to bring:
- Macro lens.
- Wide-angle macro lens (15mm or 24mm).
- Rain gear for equipment.
- Tripod.
- Flashes.
- Diffusers.
- Batteries.
- Battery chargers.
- Cleaning equipment.
- Plug adapter in case you’re using international chargers.
Clothing
The Choco region, also known as the Coastal Forest, has a warm and humid climate. We recommend bringing long pants, long-sleeved shirts or t-shirts made of lightweight, breathable materials to help with ventilation and to avoid mosquito bites, which can be quite bothersome, as the region is located between 100 and 800 meters above sea level.
tour leader
At Photo Wildlife Tours, we make sure to work with the best local guides—experts in wildlife, photography, and exceptional service. Our guides are carefully selected for their extensive knowledge and experience, ensuring a unique and educational experience. We also promote a strong ethic of respect and care toward animals, making sure all our tours are conducted responsibly and mindfully.
With us, you can trust that you’ll be accompanied by professionals who are fully committed to quality, conservation, and the enjoyment of nature.
