wings of ecuador: capture the colorful
beauty of the andes & amazon
Explore Ecuador’s rich biodiversity on this birding photography tour, capturing stunning images of colorful toucans, dazzling hummingbirds, and elusive Andean condors. From the cloud forests to the high-altitude paramos and Amazonian lowlands, expert guides lead you to prime locations for photographing rare and exotic species. With diverse landscapes and incredible bird diversity, this tour offers an unforgettable experience for photographers eager to document Ecuador’s avian wonders.
Birds of ecuador
Dates: March 7-19, 2026
Location: Quito, ecuador
Price: $7940 USD*
Fitness Level: LEVEL TWO - GENTLE ADVENTURE
Group Size: 8 participants + group leader; Minimum 6 to go
*Price per person, based on double occupancy accommodations. Single supplement available for an additional fee, please inquire.
Tour Highlights:
Unparalleled Bird Photography in Diverse Ecosystems - Including Chocó Endemic Corridor (Western Slope), Andean Highlands, Cloud Forests, Tropical Lowland Forests, Guacamayos Valley.
Capture rare and colorful species found only in this globally significant biodiversity hotspot.
Stunning landscapes and unique bird species, including the Andean Condor, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Giant Hummingbird, Cock-of-the-rock, Toucan Barbets, Plate-billed Mountain Toucans, rare parrots, tanagers, and woodpeckers.
Led by professional birding and photography guides who will help you capture fast-moving subjects in various light conditions.
Enjoy comfortable accommodations at remote eco-lodges in prime birding areas, surrounded by nature.
Learn about ongoing efforts to protect Ecuador’s incredible avian biodiversity.
Embark on an unforgettable bird photography expedition through Ecuador’s most diverse and bird-rich ecosystems, from the Chocó Endemic Corridor’s lush western slopes to the misty cloud forests, high-altitude Andes, and tropical rainforests of the Guacamayos Valley. This expertly guided tour offers unparalleled opportunities to capture rare and vibrant species, including Andean Condors, Long-wattled Umbrellabirds, Plate-billed Mountain-Toucans, and over 130 species of hummingbirds. Explore exclusive private reserves, photographic hides, and canopy trails, ensuring close encounters with Ecuador’s most sought-after avian treasures. With early morning golden light sessions, nocturnal bird walks, and immersive conservation experiences, this tour is designed for passionate photographers seeking breathtaking images and deep connections with nature. Stay in eco-lodges nestled in prime birding habitats, enjoy expert-led workshops, and experience Ecuador’s stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity like never before.
What’s Included:
Accommodations
Hotel/Airport Transfers
3 Meals per Day
Lodge-to-Lodge Transfers
Entrance Fee to All Reserves
Specialized English-Speaking Bird Photography Guide
Full Multi-Flash Equipment
Tips/gratuities for all local guides/staff
What’s Not Included:
Airfare to/from Quito
Photography/personal Gear
This tour begins and ends at Quito International Airport. Please make travel arrangements based on the itinerary below, or Contact Us for travel assistance.
All Images Used Courtesy of Julie Roggow
Daily itinerary
Day 1
Hotel/Airport Pick-up and transfer to San Jorge Eco-lodge Quito.
Overnight: San Jorge Eco-lodge Quito.
Day 2
Bird Photo Antpitta feeding Station & San Jorge Eco-lodge Quito
Overnight: San Jorge Eco-lodge Quito.
Hummingbirds: Sword-billed Hummingbird, Black-tailed Trainbearer, Green-tailed Trainbearer, Tyrian Metaltail, Great Sapphirewing, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, White-bellied Woodstar, Shining Sunbeam, Sparkling Violetear.
Other Target Birds: Tawny Antpitta, Rufous Antpitta, Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager, Black-chested Mountain Tanager, Masked Flowerpiercer, Andean Guan, Barred Fruiteater.
Day 3
Bird Photo San Jorge Eco-lodge Tandayapa
Overnight: San Jorge Eco-lodge Tandayapa.
Hummingbirds: Violet-tailed Sylph, Andean Emerald, Booted Racket-tail, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Buff-tailed Coronet, Purple-throated Woodstar, Purple-bibbed Whitetip
Other Target Birds: Beryl-spangled Tanager, Blue-winged Mountain Tanager, Golden Tanager, Golden-naped Tanager, Red-headed Barbet- Flame-face Tanager, Glistening-green Tanager, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Toucan Barbet, Golden-headed Quetzal.
Day 4
Bird Photo Andean Cock-of-the-rock LEK (crimson color) & Upper Tandayapa
Overnight: San Jorge Eco-lodge Tandayapa.
Hummingbirds: Empress Brilliant, Velvet-purple Coronet, White-throated Daggerbill, Brown Inca, Gorgeted Sunangel.
Other Target Birds: Andean Cock-of-the Rock, Giant Antpitta, Yellow-breasted Antpitta, Ochre-breasted Antpitta, Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, Moustached Antpitta, Rufous-breasted Antthrush, Dark-backed Woodquail.
Day 5
Bird Photo San Jorge Eco-lodge Milpe.
Overnight: San Jorge Eco-lodge Milpe.
Hummingbirds: White-necked Jacobin, White-whiskered Hermit, Green-crowned Woodnymph, Green-crowned Brilliant, Green-fronted Lancebill, Green Thorntail, Purple-crowned Fairy.
Other Target Birds: Choco Toucan, Chestnut-mandibled Toucan, Pale-mandibled Aracari, Silver-throated Tanager, Violaceous Trogon, Choco Trogon, Golden-winged Manakin, Club-winged Manakin, Emerald Tanager.
Day 6
Bird Photo Nanegalito Bird & Hummingbird Reserve
Overnight: San Jorge Eco-lodge Milpe.
Hummingbirds: Empress Brilliant, Velvet-purple Coronet, Speckled Hummingbird, Brown Inca, Hoary Puffleg.
Other Target Birds: Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Sickled-winged Guan, Blue-capped Tanager, Dusky Bush-Tanager, Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager, Beryl-spangled Tanager.
Day 7
Bird Photo Long-wattled Umbrellabird
Overnight: San Jorge Eco-lodge Quito.
Hummingbirds: Green-fronted Lancebill, Green Thorntail, Purple-crowned Fairy, Green-throated Mango, Purple-chested Hummingbird.
Target Bird: Long-wattled Umbrellabird, Gartered Trogon, Golden-headed Qietzal, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Smpky-brown Woodpecker, Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Toucan Barbet, Black-cheeked Woodpecker, Golden-olive Woodpecker, Blue-capped Tanager, Dusky Bush-Tanager.
Day 8
Bird Photo Antisana Andean Condor Reserve
Overnight: San Jorge Eco-lodge Quito
Hummingbirds: Giant Hummingbird, Ecuadorian Hillstar, Great Sapphirewing.
Other Target Birds: Andean Condor, Many-striped Canastero, Andean Tit-Spinetail, Carunculated Caracara, Variable Hawk, Andean Lapwhing, Black-faced Ibis, Andean Ruddy Duck, Andean Coot, Silvery Grebe.
Day 9
Bird Photo Papallacta Pass & Cuyuja River (very high chance of rainbow-bearded thornbill)
Overnight: San Jorge Eco-lodge Guacamayos
Hummingbirds: Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Blue-mantled Thornbill, Viridian Metaltail, Mountain Avocetbill, Tourmaline Sunangel, Glowing Puffleg,
Other Target Birds: Torrent Duck, Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, Pearled Treerunner, Masked-Mountain Tanager, Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager, Black-backed Bush-Tanager, White-chinned Thistletail, Turquise Jay, Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant.
Day 10-11
Bird Photo San Jorge Guacamayos & Andean Cock-of-the Rock Lek (Orange color)
Overnight: San Jorge Eco-lodge Guacamayos
Hummingbirds: Rufous-booted Racket-tail, Long-tailed Sylph, Gorgeted Woodstar, Tawny-bellied Hermit, Bronzy Inca, White-tailed Hillstart, Violet-fronted Brilliant, Collred Inca.
Other Target Birds: Inca Jay, Golden-eared Tanager, Torrent Duck, Andean Cock-of-the-rock (eastern race), Vermillion Tanager, Orange-eared Tanager, Deep-blue Flowerpiercer, Yellow-throated Tanager, Powerfull Woodpecker, Saffron-crowned Tanager, White-capped Tanager.
Day 12
Bird Photo Hummingbird Reserve in Guacamayos Valley
Overnight: N/A - End of services. 3:00PM transfer back to any hotel in Quito or to Quito airport (approx. 2.5-hour drive).
Hummingbirds: Wire-crested Thorntail, Blue-tailed Emerald, Napo Sabrewing, Black-throated Brilliant, Blue-fronted Lancebill, Gorgeted Woodstar, Many-spotted Hummingbird, Spangled Coquette, Gould’s Jewelfront, Violet-headed Hummingbird
Other Target Birds: Red-crested Finch, Silvery-beaked Tanager, Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail, Lafresnaye’s Piculet, Blue Dacnis, Coppery-chested Jacamar, Military Macaw, Orange-breasted Falcon.
Tour Leader: Dee Webb
Dee Webb is a passionate photography guide and adventurer with a deep love for nature and a commitment to protecting our planet for future generations. Originally from the wild and beautiful landscapes of Australia, Dee has spent her life exploring some of the world’s most stunning ecosystems, from growing up in Australia's outback to her current life split between the biodiverse rainforests of Costa Rica and beautiful and pristine Rocky Mountains.
With an adventurous spirit and an insatiable curiosity, Dee has turned her love of travel into a career that blends her artistic vision with her dedication to conservation. Her photography captures the beauty and fragility of the natural world, inspiring others to connect with nature and understand its importance.
Dee’s tours are more than just photography workshops—they’re immersive experiences that celebrate the wonder of wildlife and the joy of exploration. Whether trekking through rainforests, hiking mountain trails, or kayaking serene waters, Dee’s approach combines adventure with a deep respect for the environment.
Her philosophy is simple: Living my best life camera in hand. For Dee, every journey is an opportunity to learn, grow, and inspire others to cherish and protect our planet.
Join Dee on an unforgettable adventure where photography meets purpose, and let her help you capture the beauty of the world while creating memories that last a lifetime.