Ecuador - Cloud Forest and Amazon | Photo Wildlife Tours

Ecuador – Cloud Forest and Amazon

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About the Tour

Embark on a unique 12-day bird photography tour in Ecuador, exploring the country’s most biodiverse landscapes — from magical cloud forests to the lush Amazon rainforest. Capture stunning images of hummingbirds, tanagers, and the iconic Andean cock-of-the-rock as you immerse yourself in nature with expert bird photography guides. Experience unforgettable moments in strategic hides, scenic viewpoints, and alongside local communities.

Don’t miss the chance to witness and photograph Ecuador’s incredible wildlife like never before. Book your spot now and join this unforgettable bird photography expedition in Ecuador!

Date

All year

Activity level

Easy - Medium

Available spaces

Since 1 person

Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival to Ecuador

Today you will arrive at our hotel located in the valley of Puembo, near to Mariscal Sucre International Airport and the capital city, Quito.

In the evening we will have a welcome dinner where we will meet all the participants, we will introduce ourselves and we will have a short meeting in which we will inform about the activities of the following days.

Hotel: San Jose de Puembo

Day 2 | Cloud Forest (Highlands)

Early in the morning (6am) we will embark on our trip to the high cloud forest area.

We will make our first stop in the parish of Nono, where we will seek, within a hide, to photograph the emblematic antpitta birds, among which are Chestnut-naped antpitta (Grallaria nuchalis), Ecuatorial antpitta (Grallaria saturata). Then we will looking for an owl that lives inside the forest, White-throated screech owl (Megascops albogularis). And of course, the air dancers, the hummingbirds, among which we have: the famous Sword-billed hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera), Mountain Velvetbreast (Lafresnaya lafresnayi, Black-tailed trainbearer (Lesbia victoriae), Sapphire-vented puffleg (Eriocnemis luciani), and around 10 more species.

If we are lucky, sometimes the Barred fruiteater (Pipreola arcuata) usually arrives.

After lunch, we will descend to the Nanegalito zone, as we will be stopping at a place with a very high diversity of hummingbirds (up to 23 species have been counted). Here, we can get very beautiful pictures of hummingbirds perched, among which we have, Purple-throated woodstar (Philodice mitchellii), Fawn-breasted brilliant (Heliodoxa rubinoides), Andean emerald (Uranomitra franciae), Sparkling violetear (Colibri coruscans), Green-crowned Woodnymph (Crowned Woodnymph), among others.

Sometimes oropendola, saltators, woodpeckers and tanagers usually arrive at the feeders. Here, our goal will be the Blue-necked tanager (Stilpnia cyanicollis), which is a spectacle of colors.

Hotel: Sachatamia Lodge

Day 3: Cloud Forest

In the morning we will go to a hiding place or “hide”, where we will look to make images of the Masked Trogon (Trogon personatus), Turquoise Jay (Cyanolyca turcosa), Differents woodcreeper.

After breakfast we will go to a reserve to photograph the colorful Plate-billed mountain toucan (Andigena laminirostris), Toucan barbet (Semnornis ramphastinus).

Additionally, this reserve is excellent for tanagers, among which we can photograph:

Flame-faced tanager (Tangara parzudakii), Golden tanager (Tangara arthus), Blue-capped tanager (Sporathraupis cyanocephala), Black-capped tanager (Stilpnia heinei), Golden-naped tanager (Chalcothraupis ruficervix), Blue-winged mountain tanager (Anisognathus somptuosus), among others.

As in the entire cloud forest, hummingbirds also have their role, here we will focus on: Empress brilliant (Heliodoxa imperatrix), Green Violet-ears (Colibri thalassinus), Gorgeted sunangel (Heliangelus strophianus). Around 7-9 species of hummingbirds can be found here.

In the afternoon, we will go to another reserve looking for the Metallic-green tanager (Tangara labradorides), Beryl-spangled tanager (Tangara nigroviridis) and the Ocellated Tapaculo (Acropternis orthonyx).

Hotel: Sachatamia Lodge

Day 4: Near Choco

After breakfast we will go to a transition zone between the Cloud Forest with the biodiverse Chocó Forest (1,700 to 750 meters above sea level), where we will look for birds such as the Glistening-greed Tanager (Chlorochrysa phoenicotis), Moss-backed tanager (Bangsia edwardsi), Black-chinned mountain tanager (Anisognathus notabilis), Orange-breasted fruiteater (Pipreola jucunda), Golden-collared Honeycreeper (Iridophanes pulcherrimus), Crimson-rumped toucanet (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus), Rose-faced Parrot (Pyrilia pulchra), among others

After lunch we will looking for one of the most iconic birds of the cloud forest and the world, the Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruviana). The males concentrate in places called „Lek”, where, in a duel of songs and dances, they court the females.

Hotel: Sachatamia Lodge

Day 5: Hide Sachatamia and Fruty tour

In the morning we will go to a hiding place or “hide”, where we will look to make images of the Masked Trogon (Trogon personatus), Rufous motmot (Baryphthengus martii), sometimes it usually comes the female of famous Long-wattled umbrellabird (cephalopterus penduliger).

Another option is do multiflash. Thanks to its different colors, sizes and shapes; Hummingbirds have become one of the most appreciated bird species by wildlife photographers, these air acrobats are able to move their wings at a speed of between 55 and 70 times per second and back off in flight.

Using the multi-flash technique we can achieve amazing and creative images of these winged dancers.After breakfast we will go to a reserve to photograph two species of wood peckers, Black-cheeked Woodpecker (Melanerpes pucherani), Golden-olive woodpecker (Colaptes rubiginosus), other tanagers, lowland hummingbirds like Violet-bellied hummingbird (Chlorestes julie), black-throated mango (Anthracothorax nigricollis), and one of the most special, long-billed starthroat (Heliomaster longirostris)

Hotel: Sachatamia Lodge

Day 6 | Tucans and Quito

After breakfast, we will go to another place where we will take our last photographs of the Cloud Forest and its beautiful species, we will be able to observe the Pale-mandibled Aracari (Pteroglossus erythropygius), Choco toucan (Ramphastos brevis), Yellow-throated Toucan (Ramphastos ambiguous), Green honeycreeper (Chlorophanes spiza), Red-headed barbet (Eubucco bourcierii).

Once we finish our photos, we will start our trip to the capital of the country, Quito.

*On the way we will make a stop to photograph white-bellied woodstar (Chaetocercus mulsant)

Hotel: San Jose de Puembo

Day 7 | Andes

We start the day from Quito to the Antisana Ecological Reserve.

Already in the heart of the park, our objective will be to photograph the Carunculated Caracara (Phalcoboenus carunculatus), nice raptors with colorful faces and mottled vest. Also the Bandurrias or Black-faced Ibis (Theristicus melanopis), very long-beaked birds that, unlike Caracara, are not as friendly to humans.

In this area is the Giant Hummingbird (Patagona gigas), the largest in the world! Also the Black-tailed Trainbearer (Lesbia victoriae), Sparkling Violetear (Colibrí coruscans), among others.

If we are lucky, we can see the Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) flying over the valleys.

And if the season is ok, Ecuadorian Hillstar (Orotrochirus chiborazo)

Once this tour is over, we will come back to Quito.

Hotel: San José de Puembo

Day 8 | To Amazon Rainforest

We will fly for about 45 minutes from Quito to Coca (Francisco de Orellana), piercing through the oriental Andean mountain range.

In Coca, we will board on comfortable covered canoes. We will navigate for about two and a half hours, admiring the beautiful view and occasional animals of the basin of the Napo river, as well as enjoying a delicious snack. Later, we will disembark from our motorized canoes and board quillas, which are smaller canoes made from tree trunks and skillfully maneuvered by our local guides. Rowing prevents us from scaring the animals, and therefore we will be able to appreciate them up close.

Once we arrive to the majestic Añangucocha lake, our lodge will finally be visible. After we disembark, our hosts will welcome us with refreshing drinks and then guide us to the comfort of our cabins.

In the afternoon we will go to the observation tower to photograph the sunset, in addition to some species of toucans, like White-throated Toucan (Ramphastos tucanus), Black-faced dacnis (Dacnis lineata), Turquoise tanager (Tangara mexicana), Many-banded araçari (Pteroglossus pluricinctus), among others.

Hotel: Napo Cultural Center

Day 9 and 10 | Amazon Rainforest

With the sun rising on the horizon, we will get ready to travel towards the parrot clay lick; a place where our cameras will witness one of the most beautifully colorful natural performances of the Amazon. With silence and patience we will await for dozens of parrots of varying species to descend upon the ground for the first meal of the day.

In these strategic spots we will be able to observe about 11 species of parrots and parakeets and, during certain seasons, we may even identify Scarlet macaw (Ara macao).

In the afternoon, we will look for birds along the flooded channel. Additionally, with a little luck, we can see giant otters and black caiman.

At the end of the day we will be able to appreciate the spectacular view of the sunset from the hotel tower.

Hotel: Napo Cultural Center

Day 11 | Back to Quito

We will depart from the hotel early in the morning, navigating through the black river until we arrive to the junction with the Napo river. On our returning journey, there is a possibility we may encounter otters, monkeys and exotic birds. When we arrive to the port, we recommend using the restroom before embarking on our canoe, since our trip will be two hours long.

Our return flight from Coca to Quito will be announced according to the itinerary arranged by the airline.

Hotel: San José de Puembo

Day 12 | Back to Home

Eleven fascinating and amusing days will be saved in photographs. These will serve as evidence of our time together in a place where biodiversity has no limits.

It is time to say, “see you soon.” We trust that we will be able to share another adventure together.

After a comfortable rest and a delicious breakfast we are ready to return to our homes.

Featured sightings

Birds

Hummingbirds

USD

Included

All meals tour (start with breakfast of day 2, and end with breakfast, of day 12)
Expert photography guide
Double accommodation to share
Private vehicle
Reserves fees (around 10)
Multi-flash Equipment
Fluvial transport
Private canoe
Air ticket Quito – Coca – Quito

Not included

Additional nights
Day 1, meals in San José de Puembo
International air tickets
Alcoholic beverages, bottled water and snacks
Laundry service
Personal expenses
Any other service not specified in the document
Tips

General tips

To ensure a better experience, it’s important to keep in mind some key factors that will make your stay in Ecuador more enjoyable:

If you like bringing back souvenirs, we recommend carrying extra money to purchase items in the various locations we will visit (Ecuador’s currency is the US dollar). It’s advisable to carry small bills or coins, as most places do not accept $50 or $100 bills.
In tropical areas, there are mosquitoes, so insect repellent is essential.
Sunscreen.
Hat or cap.
Flashlight (preferably a headlamp).
Fabric bag to store wet clothes.
Water bottle.

Photographic equipment

As photographers, we know how challenging it can be to decide what gear to bring on trips—we always want to pack everything to make the most of the experience. Below are our recommendations for what equipment to bring:

Long lens (range 200 – 600 mm).
Rain cover for your equipment.
Tripod.
Diffusers.
Batteries.
Battery charger.
Cleaning kit.
Plug adapter for international chargers (Ecuador uses Type A and Type B plugs with 110V).

Clothing

Mindo Cloud Forest

Mindo, located between 1,200 and 1,800 meters (3,900–5,900 feet) above sea level, has a cool and humid climate. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), with a high probability of rain, especially in the afternoons. Bring waterproof clothing or a good poncho, along with comfortable, non-slip shoes for walking on slippery trails. A light jacket may also be useful for cool mornings and evenings.

Amazon Region

The Amazon region is warm and humid, with temperatures ranging between 23°C and 30°C (73°F to 86°F). We recommend bringing long pants, long-sleeved shirts or lightweight tops that help with breathability while keeping pesky mosquitoes at bay.

Expert Photo/Birding Guide

tour leader

At Photo Wildlife Tours, we ensure that we work with the best local guides—experts in species identification, photography, and customer service. Our guides are carefully selected for their extensive knowledge and experience, guaranteeing a unique, educational, and memorable experience.

We also promote an ethic of respect and kindness toward animals, ensuring that all our tours are conducted responsibly and with environmental awareness.

With us, you can trust that you will be accompanied by professionals committed to quality, conservation, and the full enjoyment of nature.

Do you need more information?

"One amazing experience, Jaime and Daniel are exceptional teachers, they take care of all details and make the time so enjoyable.  I was travel from another country and even when was my responsibility before the workshop all the logistic, Daniel took care of recommendations and all information worthy for the staying.  They create this immediate atmosphere of friendship that I appreciate a lot.  The places they choose where to show us, are awesome, the people they work with stick to their mission of conservation, teaching and sustainable development.  I can’t wait to take another adventure with them."

Ana Loáiciga Costa Rica

"I first met Jaime when he guided my group in the Amazon in 2015. The experience and the amount we learned was phenomenal. Jaime’s knowledge and enthusiasm when it comes to conservation shows in every part of the experience. He is able to display the perfect balance between education and adventure. I would recommend his services and I hope to be able to experience his unique way of showing you South America again."

Blake Freeman Canada

"While co-leading a personalized trip to Yasuni, Jaime was extremely friendly and enthusiastic, enhancing the trip with his attitude almost as much as by all the snakes (and occasional caimans) he found for me, despite less than ideal weather. We’ve remained friends for the three years, and I’m keen to join Jaime on future adventures and take even more advantage of his knowledge of Ecuador’s species and his skills as a photography teacher, as the Yasuni trip allowed me to take some of the best reptile and amphibian photos I’d obtained in over a decade as both a herpetologist and a photographer."

Phil Bowles England

"Jaime you were the best field guide we could ever have asked for and you made the experience very memorable, comedic and insightful. We learned many things about the reptiles and amphibians of the jungle. You were great!! "

Gioby Suero USA

"Photo wildlife tours transformed my trip to Ecuador from a cool trip to an unforgettable photography experience. I spent my first few days in Ecuador with various other tour guides and companies, and while I got good pictures with them, it was not until meant Daniel for my photo wildlife tour that I realized how incredible his tours were. I was able to get up close and personal with birds and other animals in ways that I could have only dreamed of previously. I was no longer shooting through tree canopy’s for washed out pictures of birds, instead I was taking the most gorgeous pictures I have taken in my entire life! The accommodations were well above my expectations, and the food was fantastic! I do not think I will ever book a photography trip with any other company if possible. Daniel not only helped me improve my wildlife photography technique, but he spotted for me so I never missed a shot, and helped me gain a better understanding of how to capture the best pictures possible. I cannot recommend his tours enough. He was able to tailor my experience to exactly what I wanted out of my time in Ecuador."

David Baydush USA

"Daniel from Photo Wildlife Tours plans the perfect trips, with incredible attention to detail offering the best services available. Searching for the top local guides for maximizing the opportunities of great photos, as well as offering the best lodging and meal options. The trip couldn’t have been better, if you’re an avid photographer searching for intense days packed with activity this is your best choice (bring plenty of storage 😂)"

Lior Berman Costa Rica

"Amazing with amazing people. I love this trip, everything was wonderful."

Sebastian Valverde Ecuador

"Very enjoyable trip photographing stunning birds in Colombia. Our guide Daniel was superb. He made great efforts to get me in the right place to get the pictures I wanted. He 'focussed' on me, not his own photography.He was also very helpful with my wife who is not a photographer. I am sure that I will travel with him again. 5star!"

Philip Marazzi UK

"This trip was amazing. So much wildlife and a extremely knowledgeable and fun loving guide! Can't wait to book our next tour with Jaime!"

Matthew Kirby USA

"I had a good time. The lodging was great as well as all of the food provided. Javier was knowledgeable and very helpful. He was able to provide us with plenty of locations to photograph a great number of birds. I would recommend this trip for anyone interested in bird photography."

Ona G USA

"We were very happy to work with Carlos as our guide. He is a highly competent guide and adapted to our needs, helping us get the best possible photos. We truly appreciate his willingness to adjust the plan to suit us, and I would certainly be happy to work with him again. The driver, Louis, is excellent — he prioritizes safety and drives very carefully on difficult roads. We never had any incidents. Carlos and Louis make a great team, and we had a lot of fun at the end of the day."

Teng Ma China

"Overall it was a great trip and we all got some great photos at the end and also learnt a lot from the trip, that will make our next trip better."

Junan Chen USA

"Very knowledgeable tour guide and great driver too. We saw everything we wanted including watching the condors from above which was awesome."

Xu Liqing USA

"Overall, the tour met the stated goals of finding and photographing birds, reptiles, and mammals in Ecuador. Our guide, Daniel, is an expert on Ecuadorian wildlife and knew the answers to any questions we asked. He is also very knowledgeable about the photographic aspect of the tour, including equipment, setup, and preparing guests for animal behavior, angles, and settings to achieve the best shots. My main desire was to create beautiful images, not just documentary photos, and Daniel proved to be an excellent teacher with great personal talent. He is also a very nice person with a great personality, sense of humor, and deep knowledge of his subjects. Safety was always paramount throughout the tour, whether photographing a viper or standing on a cliff to photograph the condor. Daniel did an excellent job tying together all the elements of a great photographic wildlife tour, and I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a wildlife photography adventure in Ecuador."

Carl Waxman USA

"If it is a very memorable trip to shoot birds in Ecuador, I hope the next arrangement will be better! The bird guide Carlos is very professional and patient, thank you very much!"

Yuying Zhu China

"Very knowledgeable tour guide and great driver too. We saw everything we wanted including watching the condors from above which was awesome."

Wang Jun China

"Sebas really taught me a lot about photographing animals. It was very obvious from the beginning that he knew he wanted me to get better at shooting in full manual mode and he was very good at explaining the different aspects of photography. As a teacher myself I was very impressed with how he didn’t just tell me what to do to improve my photos, he guided me to figure it out for myself how to get more impressive photos."

Bert Austin UK

"I was on a 12 nights herping tour with herpetologist Jaime Culebras. I enjoyed every single part of the trip. Ecuador is an amazing biodiverse country. Jaime was a very respectful guide for both me and all the reptiles and amphibians we found. The food was so tasty. I visited Yasuni NP, Mindo and Canandé Reserve - all of this places were beyond my expectations. After that tour I can highly recommend Photo Wildlife Tours. I booked a new tour already. Can‘t wait to go…"

Daniel Doll Germany

"I traveled to Ecuador and saw more birds than I expected with photowildlifetours and Diche Mideros. Highly recommended."

Lenny Ferguson USA

"I had a wonderful photography tour to Chile and Brazil organized by Photo Wildlife Tours, led by Daniel Mideros. Every aspect of the trip was very thoughtfully planned and executed to optimize my time there. Daniel worked extra hard to ensure that I got the best sighting and great photographic opportunities. He also gives immense support on the field on both technical side of photography as well as post processing and presentation. I got a lot out of this tour, which will help me in my own journey of photography."

Kriti Waila Dubái