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Ecuador

Birding in the Ecuadorian Andes

Program No. 21607RJ
Go off the beaten path to explore the pristine environments of the Ecuadorian Andes, where you’ll join experts to spot a wealth of rare birds, including the stunning Cock-of-the-Rock!

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Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Jan 25 - Feb 4, 2025
Starting at
3,599
Mar 8 - Mar 18, 2025
Starting at
3,599
Apr 5 - Apr 15, 2025
Starting at
3,599
Sep 20 - Sep 30, 2025
Starting at
3,599
Nov 3 - Nov 13, 2025
Starting at
3,599
Sep 19 - Sep 29, 2026
Starting at
3,599
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Jan 25 - Feb 4, 2025
Starting at
4,139
Filling Fast!
Mar 8 - Mar 18, 2025
Starting at
4,139
Filling Fast!
Apr 5 - Apr 15, 2025
Starting at
4,139
Filling Fast!
Sep 20 - Sep 30, 2025
Starting at
4,139
Filling Fast!
Nov 3 - Nov 13, 2025
Starting at
4,139
Filling Fast!
Sep 19 - Sep 29, 2026
Starting at
4,139
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!

At a Glance

Journey to one of the greatest birding locales in the world — the Ecuadorian Andes. Join ornithologists and local experts to explore avian-rich national parks, private reserves and protected areas in search of unique highland species. Highlights include the brilliantly colored Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, as well as antpittas, unique hummingbirds and tanagers.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Walking up to three hours daily on irregular forest trails in varying weather conditions. Daily early morning birding activities and standing for long periods. Elevations up to 12,800 ft.
Micro Group
Micro Group
These adventures feature our smallest group size, with 12 participants or fewer.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • View an amazing variety of bird species across Ecuador’s different climatic zones and altitude ranges.
  • Enjoy lectures by experts who are part of the Ecuadorian Association of Ornithology, Aves & Conservación and the Mindo Cloudforest Foundation.
  • Meet with members of local birdwatching clubs to learn how they are preserving the birding habitats.

General Notes

All Road Scholar birding programs have a maximum participant-to-instructor ratio of 14:1 in the field. We adhere to the American Birding Association’s Code of Ethics. Learn more at http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
11 days
10 nights
What's Included
28 meals ( 10B, 9L, 9D )
1 expert-led lecture
14 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
An experienced Group Leader
10 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Elevations in Quito range from 9,223 ft - 9,883 ft. To minimize your chances of experiencing altitude sickness, try to get plenty of rest before you travel, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and fatty foods, eat high carbohydrate foods, and avoid strenuous exercise at high elevations. See your program’s "Getting There" section regarding transfers.
Evening:
At leisure. After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, settle in and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 5 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking up to 1 mile; undulating and unpaved trail conditions at leisurely pace to acclimate to high elevation in Quito and the Andes. The air-conditioned Road Scholar bus does not have a bathroom on board, but we will have rest stops that help to break up travel times. Elevations from 9,223 to 9,883 feet.
Breakfast:
6:00 a.m. at the hotel with our Group Leader.
Morning:
Orientation: 6:30 a.m. at the hotel. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We'll review the up-to-date program schedule & any changes, discuss roles & responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, & answer questions. Our Group Leader is a trained birding expert who will lead field trips & give educational presentations. Meals on our program feature local cuisine. Unless otherwise specified, transportation during your program will be provided by air-conditioned bus. Our buses do not include onboard toilets, so we've scheduled stops during drives for bathroom breaks. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Please note that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we'll alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Then we'll board a bus with our Group Leader & ride to Parque de Guápulo, known for its high volume & diversity of bird species. Some of the species typically seen here include the Eared Dove, Great Thrush, Sparkling Violetear, Rufous-collared Sparrow, Blue and White Swallow, Tufted Tit-Tyrant, & Black-tailed Trainbearer. During our field trip, we'll also have an opportunity to enjoy views of Quito’s surrounding valleys. Next, we'll ride to the city center for a walking field trip to become familiar with Ecuador's capital. The architecture found in Quito’s historical center is a great example of the Baroque style that is a fusion of Spanish, Moorish, Flemish, & Indigenous art. We'll begin at La Basilica Church & continue to Independence Square, site of the Presidential House, the Bishop’s Palace, & the Cathedral. We'll explore the beautiful La Compañía Church to view its lavish, gold-covered interior. We’ll also stop at the San Francisco Church & convent, one of Quito’s oldest churches built on the site of a pre-Hispanic trading center.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Next, we’ll ride to the home of Ecuador’s prominent ornithologist and bird illustrator, Juan Manuel Carrion, in the Cumbaya Valley. Mr. Carron will give us a presentation on the birds of Ecuador and then let us explore his gardens and visit his atelier. We’ll then ride back to the hotel. Before dinner, we'll gather together for our first review of our birding checklist and have a briefing on tomorrow’s schedule.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for early morning check-out and transfer tomorrow morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; about 81 miles, approximately 3.5 to 4 hours riding time. Walking up to 1.5 mile at Yanacocha; mostly flat but undulating and unpaved trail conditions at some places; elevation 10,500 to 11,500 ft. with average temperature 55F.
Breakfast:
6:00 a.m. at the hotel.
Morning:
Early this morning (6:45 a.m.), we will check out of the hotel, board a bus, and ride from Quito to Mindo via the Yanacocha and Quinde Eco-route for birding. This is one of Ecuador’s most important birding routes because of its varied ecosystems and microclimates (elevation range 10,500 to 11,500 feet). Yanacocha’s moss-clad temperate forest and polylepis woodland are located on the side of the Pichincha Volcano. This is the last refuge of the critically endangered Black-breasted Puffleg. An en route stop in the Yanacocha Reserve will give us an opportunity to walk along the main trail to reach the hummingbird garden feeders. Species commonly found at this location include the Black-chested and Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanagers, the Golden-breasted and Sapphire-vented Pufflegs, the Great Saphirewing and Sword-billed Hummingbird. During our field trip, our Group Leader will talk about the Jocotoco Foundation, one of Ecuador’s most recognized conservation organizations, and their work. In the early 1990’s the land was purchased by the Jocotoco Foundation, and Yanacocha Reserve was established as a protected reserve to combat the habitat loss driving the endangered Black-breasted Puffleg to extinction.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in the Yanacocha Reserve.
Afternoon:
We will continue our ride through the Eco-route with birding stops along the way. Look for Toucan Barbets, Plate-billed Mountain Toucans, and Beautiful Jays. As we head into lower elevations, we will begin to enter subtropical forests where we might see Blue-winged Mountain Tanagers and White-winged Brush Finches. Upon arrival in Mindo, we will check in to our hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; about 22 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking about 1 mile; mostly flat, unpaved road. Elevations at Mashpi Forest 2,300-5,000 feet.
Breakfast:
6:00 a.m. at the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll set out early this morning (6:30 a.m) by bus and ride to the Mashpi - Amagusa Reserve. There, our Group Leader will take us on a birding field trip, walking along the unpaved main access road through the forest in search of target species. Mashpi was recently declared a protected area and is among one of the best sites in Ecuador to see Choco Endemic birds. Among the species often seen in this area are the Dark-backed Wood-Quail, the Rose-faced Parrot, the Banded Ground-Cuckoo, the Purple-bibbed Whitetip, the Empress Brilliant, the Toucan Barbet, the Brown Inca, and the Indigo Flowerpiercer. At the reserve we will also visit the tanager and hummingbird miradors.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in the reserve.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue our birding field trip in the Chocó-Andean Foothills. With numerous habitats that are home to hundreds of species, the Choco lowlands are among the country’s best for birding. A number of these species are endemic to the sloping lowlands. We will ride back to the hotel at the end of our field trip.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 50 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Walking up to 2 miles; mostly flat terrain, paved and unpaved surfaces, potentially muddy trail conditions. Ascending/descending steps at observation tower; about 45-feet tall. Average elevation 1,000 feet.
Breakfast:
Boxed breakfast en route.
Morning:
We’ll board the bus at 5 a.m. with our Group Leader and ride to Pedro Vicente Maldonado for a full day of birding in the Rio Silanche Reserve. The reserve protects one of the region’s last accessible stretches of hilly lowland forest. At elevations from 984 to 1,148 feet, this is a prime birding locale. Here it should be possible to view many important Chocó regional endemics as well as bird species that can normally be found in some hard-to-reach areas such as the Esmeraldas province or in neighboring Colombia. We will look for Purple-chested Hummingbirds, Chocó Trogons, Double-banded Graytails, Griscom’s Antwrens, Stub-tailed Antbirds, Black-tipped Cotingas, Slate-throated Gnatcatchers, Scarlet-breasted Dacnis, Scarlet-and-white Tanagers, and Blue-whiskered Tanagers.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant and mirador in the San Miguel de los Bancos area.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue birding around the fruit and nectar feeders at Mirador Rio Blanco. Popular species often spotted at the feeders include Silver-throated and Golden Tanagers, Orange-billed Sparrows, Rufous-tailed Hummingbirds, Green-crowned Brilliants, Rufous Motmots, Black-cheeked Woodpecker and more. Once we are done birding, we’ll board the bus and ride back to the hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Make it an early night to prepare for tomorrow's early morning birding activities. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning. As the departure will be very early in the morning, please settle your account (if needed) with the lodge this evening.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 136 miles, approximately 4.5 hours riding time. Walking up to 1 mile; unpaved secondary roads, undulating and potentially muddy trail conditions. Elevation at Paz de las Aves & San Isidro 6,500 feet. Driving through Continental Divide elevations ranging from 3,870 to 13,500 feet.
Breakfast:
4:30 a.m. at the hotel, coffee, assorted pastries and fruit. Full breakfast will be later in the morning at Paz de las Aves.
Morning:
We will check out and begin our journey at 5 a.m. to Paz de las Aves Reserve near Nanegalito. Our Group Leader will take us on a birding field trip through the reserve that will include a visit to the cock-of-the-rock lek. Paz de las Aves was founded by Angel Paz, a local resident who decided to convert his property into an antpitta and cock-of-the-rock sanctuary. The reserve has slowly gained fame among birding circles since it is a great place in which to spot at least three species of antipittas including the Great, Yellow-breasted, and Moustached Antpitta. Other notable birds spotted in the sanctuary include Crested and Golden-headed Quetzals, Dark-backed Wood Quails, Cloud-forest Pygmy Owls, Black-chinned Mountain Tanagers, Crymson-rumped Toucanets, and Empress Brilliants. Next, we will ride through the Mindo-Nambillo Protected Forest. Approximately 400 species have been recorded in this region including Sunbitterns and Spotted Woodcreepers. Stops en route will give us opportunities to search for birds along secondary roads.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant and mirador. Fruit and nectar feeders situated beyond the dining area regularly attract hummingbirds, euphonias, tanagers, and more.
Afternoon:
We will reboard the bus and continue our ride to the Quijos Valley driving through the Continental Divide. We will go through the Simon Bolivar Avenue, then connect with the Via Interoceanica to Pifo. From there, the road will climb steadily up to the continental divide before it makes a dramatic descent, passing through the small towns of Papallacta and Cuyuja. Our scenic journey will continue through Baeza and Cosanga until we reach our lodge in the San Isidro Reserve. Once we arrive at the lodge, we’ll check in and settle in to our rooms.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure. Spend time with fellow Road Scholars or just relax.
Activity Note
Walking up to 2.5 miles; irregular terrain, some inclines, potentially muddy trail conditions. Elevations 6,100 to 7,900 feet.
Breakfast:
At the lodge.
Morning:
We’ll set out walking with our Group Leader for full day of birding activities in the San Isidro Reserve and depart our lodge at 8:45 a.m. The reserve serves as an important biological bridge between the Antisana and Gran Sumaco Reserves. Forest trails lead through different elevations and habitats ranging from lower temperate to subtropical zones. Regularly seen species include the Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant, Rufous-headed Pygmy Tyrant, Green-and-black Fruiteater, Rufous Wren, Grass-green Tanager, and Hooded Mountain Tanager. Some exciting species we will hope to encounter include Crested Quetzal, Black-billed Mountain Toucan, Emerald-bellied Puffleg, Barred Antthrush, Greater Scythebill (rare), White-faced Nunbird (very rare), Dusky Piha, and White-rimmed Brush-Finch. Regular visitors to the reserve’s hummingbird feeders include Sparkling Violetears, Speckled Hummingbirds, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Fawn-breasted Brilliants, and Long-tailed Sylphs.
Lunch:
At the lodge.
Afternoon:
Our birding field trip in the San Isidro Reserve will continue. We’ll then take part in a local reforestation project, helping to plant indigenous trees such as the lucuma that are in danger of extinction. Lucuma trees are native to the Andean highlands of Peru, Chile, Ecuador, and Colombia and the fruit they produce are used widely in local desserts. Once we are done digging and preparing the soil, we’ll plant the trees and affix metal identification tags to each plant. This will make it easier to document what has been planted and monitor plant growth over time. If we ever return, we’ll be able to check on the progress of the trees we planted. We’ll return to the hotel after our field trip.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 80 miles, approximately 2.5 hours riding time. Walking about 2.5 miles; irregular terrain, gradual inclines, potentially slippery trail conditions. Elevations at Narupa Reserve 3,200 - 5,200 feet.
Breakfast:
5:30 a.m. at the lodge.
Morning:
Early in the morning we’ll drive through the Guacamayos mountain range to reach the Cocodrilos Community to explore the Narupa Reserve. This is the nonbreeding ground for migratory birds such as the Cerulean Warbler, Canada Warbler and the Swainson's Thrush. At the bird feeders we'll be able to observe several species of tanagers, flycatchers, and hummingbirds. Narupa reserve was established in 2006 by Jocotoco Foundation with the aim of protecting the lower montane evergreen forest that are threatened by deforestation for agricultural purposes. The long-term goal of the foundation is to establish connectivity with the Sumaco-Napo Galeras National Park and the Antisana Ecological Reserve by expanding the reserve. This connectivity plan would help conserve the habitat of globally threatened species such as: Harpy Eagle, Black Tinamou, Cerulean Warbler, Foothill Elaenia, Military Macaw, Coppery-chested Jacamar & the Orange-breasted Falcon. The only known nesting site for the endangered Orange-breasted Falcon in Ecuador was on a cliff adjacent to the reserve. We will continue to Rio Hollin Mirador where we'll have the chance to spot Golden-tailed Sapphires, Black-throated Brilliants, Gould’s Jewelfronts, Wire-crested Thorntails, White-tailed Hillstars among other species. We’ll return to the lodge after our field trip.
Lunch:
At the lodge.
Afternoon:
Next, we’ll ride to the Baeza Bypass and make intermittent birding stops along the way. We will look for species such as the Black-billed Thrush, Red-breasted Blackbird, Blue-necked Tanager, Yellow-browed Sparrow, Russet-backed Oropendola, and Marble-faced Bristle Tyrant, then, return to the lodge.
Dinner:
At the lodge.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer tomorrow.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 66 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking about 1/2 mile; garden paths, undulating terrain, rocky riverbank, potentially muddy trails. Elevation 8,900 feet.
Breakfast:
6 a.m. at the lodge.
Morning:
After checking out, we’ll board the bus and begin our transfer to Guango Lodge located at Ecuador’s eastern slope. This zone of humid temperate forest is home to a large variety of hummingbirds including Long-tailed Sylphs, Mountain Velvetbreasts, Collared Incas, White-bellied Woodstars, Sword-billed and Speckled Hummingbirds, Tourmaline Sunangels, Buff-tailed Coronets, Glowing Pufflegs, Green Violetears, and Tyrian Metaltails. Be on the lookout for Monked, Glossy, and White-sided Flowerpiercers that commonly frequent the area. Other birds frequently seen at Guango Lodge include the Andean Guan, Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Turquoise Jay, Scarlet-bellied, Lacrimose, Buff-breasted and Hooded Mountain-Tanagers, Gray-hooded Bush-Tanager, Black-headed, Black-capped and Black-eared Hemispingus and Slaty Brushfinch.
Lunch:
At the lodge.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue birding on the lodge grounds, then board the bus for our drive to Puembo/Quito. Upon arrival, we will check in to the hotel with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus; driving about 110 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time. Walking about 1.5 miles; paved roads, undulating grassy trails. Highest elevation reached is 12,850 feet.
Breakfast:
6 a.m. at the hotel.
Morning:
We will board the bus and ride to Antisana Ecological Reserve for a bird-watching field trip. The privately-owned Antisana Ecological Reserve lies between the eastern border of the Andes and the Amazon lowlands; sandwiched midst the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve and Sumaco Napo Galeras National Park. The reserve’s nearly 30,000 acres are a birdwatcher’s paradise with ecological zones ranging from lowland rainforest to páramo at an elevation of 18,886 feet. Birds typically found at this site include the Andean Condor, Giant Hummingbird, Corunculated Cara Cara, Black-faced Ibis, Speckled Teal, Andean Duck, Silvery Grebe, Slate-colored Coot, Andean Gull, Andean Lapwing, and Aplomado Falcon.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is free. Before dinner, we’ll gather for the last time for our final bird count.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check out and departure in the morning. Participants with international flights departing very late tonight/pre-dawn in the morning will check out of the hotel and transfer to the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO).
Activity Note
Check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s "Getting There" section regarding transfers at the conclusion of the program.
Breakfast:
At the hotel (dependent on flight times). This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
28 Meals
10 Breakfasts
9 Lunches
9 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Low Salt, Low Fat, Gluten Free
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
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Dec 08, 2026 - Dec 18, 2026
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2 nights
Location: Quito
The Sheraton Quito Hotel is located in the capital's financial and commercial zone and also nearby the Colonial Old Town, a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Enjoy the on site restaurants featuring fusion foods and live piano music in the lounge. Relax your soul, mind, and body or workout in the fitness center located on the 11th floor with breathtaking views of the modern Quito.
3 nights
Location: Mindo
The Sachatamia Lodge is part of a private reserve that encompasses 120-hectares of cloud forest habitat next to the protected Mindo-Nambillo forest. The reserve is a prime birding destination and contains one of Ecuador’s two registered umbrellabird leks. The country-style lodge offers a cozy refuge where guests can relax after a full day of outdoor activities.
3 nights
Location: Cosanga
The Cabañas San Isidro is a mountain lodge has its own private cloud forest reserve with miles of forest trails. The reserve forms an important bridge between the Antisana and Gran Sumaco Reserves.
2 nights
Location: Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
2 nights
Location: Quito
The Sheraton Quito Hotel is located in the capital's financial and commercial zone and also nearby the Colonial Old Town, a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Enjoy the on site restaurants featuring fusion foods and live piano music in the lounge. Relax your soul, mind, and body or workout in the fitness center located on the 11th floor with breathtaking views of the modern Quito.
3 nights
Location: Mindo
The Sachatamia Lodge is part of a private reserve that encompasses 120-hectares of cloud forest habitat next to the protected Mindo-Nambillo forest. The reserve is a prime birding destination and contains one of Ecuador’s two registered umbrellabird leks. The country-style lodge offers a cozy refuge where guests can relax after a full day of outdoor activities.
3 nights
Location: Cosanga
The Cabañas San Isidro is a mountain lodge has its own private cloud forest reserve with miles of forest trails. The reserve forms an important bridge between the Antisana and Gran Sumaco Reserves.
2 nights
Location: Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
2 nights
Location: Quito
The Sheraton Quito Hotel is located in the capital's financial and commercial zone and also nearby the Colonial Old Town, a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Enjoy the on site restaurants featuring fusion foods and live piano music in the lounge. Relax your soul, mind, and body or workout in the fitness center located on the 11th floor with breathtaking views of the modern Quito.
3 nights
Location: Mindo
The Sachatamia Lodge is part of a private reserve that encompasses 120-hectares of cloud forest habitat next to the protected Mindo-Nambillo forest. The reserve is a prime birding destination and contains one of Ecuador’s two registered umbrellabird leks. The country-style lodge offers a cozy refuge where guests can relax after a full day of outdoor activities.
3 nights
Location: Cosanga
The Cabañas San Isidro is a mountain lodge has its own private cloud forest reserve with miles of forest trails. The reserve forms an important bridge between the Antisana and Gran Sumaco Reserves.
2 nights
Location: Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
2 nights
Location: Quito
The Sheraton Quito Hotel is located in the capital's financial and commercial zone and also nearby the Colonial Old Town, a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Enjoy the on site restaurants featuring fusion foods and live piano music in the lounge. Relax your soul, mind, and body or workout in the fitness center located on the 11th floor with breathtaking views of the modern Quito.
3 nights
Location: Mindo
The Sachatamia Lodge is part of a private reserve that encompasses 120-hectares of cloud forest habitat next to the protected Mindo-Nambillo forest. The reserve is a prime birding destination and contains one of Ecuador’s two registered umbrellabird leks. The country-style lodge offers a cozy refuge where guests can relax after a full day of outdoor activities.
3 nights
Location: Cosanga
The Cabañas San Isidro is a mountain lodge has its own private cloud forest reserve with miles of forest trails. The reserve forms an important bridge between the Antisana and Gran Sumaco Reserves.
2 nights
Location: Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
2 nights
Location: Quito
The Sheraton Quito Hotel is located in the capital's financial and commercial zone and also nearby the Colonial Old Town, a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Enjoy the on site restaurants featuring fusion foods and live piano music in the lounge. Relax your soul, mind, and body or workout in the fitness center located on the 11th floor with breathtaking views of the modern Quito.
3 nights
Location: Mindo
The Sachatamia Lodge is part of a private reserve that encompasses 120-hectares of cloud forest habitat next to the protected Mindo-Nambillo forest. The reserve is a prime birding destination and contains one of Ecuador’s two registered umbrellabird leks. The country-style lodge offers a cozy refuge where guests can relax after a full day of outdoor activities.
3 nights
Location: Cosanga
The Cabañas San Isidro is a mountain lodge has its own private cloud forest reserve with miles of forest trails. The reserve forms an important bridge between the Antisana and Gran Sumaco Reserves.
2 nights
Location: Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
2 nights
Location: Quito
The Sheraton Quito Hotel is located in the capital's financial and commercial zone and also nearby the Colonial Old Town, a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Enjoy the on site restaurants featuring fusion foods and live piano music in the lounge. Relax your soul, mind, and body or workout in the fitness center located on the 11th floor with breathtaking views of the modern Quito.
3 nights
Location: Mindo
The Sachatamia Lodge is part of a private reserve that encompasses 120-hectares of cloud forest habitat next to the protected Mindo-Nambillo forest. The reserve is a prime birding destination and contains one of Ecuador’s two registered umbrellabird leks. The country-style lodge offers a cozy refuge where guests can relax after a full day of outdoor activities.
3 nights
Location: Cosanga
The Cabañas San Isidro is a mountain lodge has its own private cloud forest reserve with miles of forest trails. The reserve forms an important bridge between the Antisana and Gran Sumaco Reserves.
2 nights
Location: Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
2 nights
Location: Quito
The Sheraton Quito Hotel is located in the capital's financial and commercial zone and also nearby the Colonial Old Town, a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Enjoy the on site restaurants featuring fusion foods and live piano music in the lounge. Relax your soul, mind, and body or workout in the fitness center located on the 11th floor with breathtaking views of the modern Quito.
3 nights
Location: Mindo
The Sachatamia Lodge is part of a private reserve that encompasses 120-hectares of cloud forest habitat next to the protected Mindo-Nambillo forest. The reserve is a prime birding destination and contains one of Ecuador’s two registered umbrellabird leks. The country-style lodge offers a cozy refuge where guests can relax after a full day of outdoor activities.
3 nights
Location: Cosanga
The Cabañas San Isidro is a mountain lodge has its own private cloud forest reserve with miles of forest trails. The reserve forms an important bridge between the Antisana and Gran Sumaco Reserves.
2 nights
Location: Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
2 nights
Location: Quito
The Sheraton Quito Hotel is located in the capital's financial and commercial zone and also nearby the Colonial Old Town, a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Enjoy the on site restaurants featuring fusion foods and live piano music in the lounge. Relax your soul, mind, and body or workout in the fitness center located on the 11th floor with breathtaking views of the modern Quito.
3 nights
Location: Mindo
The Sachatamia Lodge is part of a private reserve that encompasses 120-hectares of cloud forest habitat next to the protected Mindo-Nambillo forest. The reserve is a prime birding destination and contains one of Ecuador’s two registered umbrellabird leks. The country-style lodge offers a cozy refuge where guests can relax after a full day of outdoor activities.
3 nights
Location: Cosanga
The Cabañas San Isidro is a mountain lodge has its own private cloud forest reserve with miles of forest trails. The reserve forms an important bridge between the Antisana and Gran Sumaco Reserves.
2 nights
Location: Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
2 nights
Location: Quito
The Sheraton Quito Hotel is located in the capital's financial and commercial zone and also nearby the Colonial Old Town, a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Enjoy the on site restaurants featuring fusion foods and live piano music in the lounge. Relax your soul, mind, and body or workout in the fitness center located on the 11th floor with breathtaking views of the modern Quito.
3 nights
Location: Mindo
The Sachatamia Lodge is part of a private reserve that encompasses 120-hectares of cloud forest habitat next to the protected Mindo-Nambillo forest. The reserve is a prime birding destination and contains one of Ecuador’s two registered umbrellabird leks. The country-style lodge offers a cozy refuge where guests can relax after a full day of outdoor activities.
3 nights
Location: Cosanga
The Cabañas San Isidro is a mountain lodge has its own private cloud forest reserve with miles of forest trails. The reserve forms an important bridge between the Antisana and Gran Sumaco Reserves.
2 nights
Location: Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
2 nights
Location: Quito
The Sheraton Quito Hotel is located in the capital's financial and commercial zone and also nearby the Colonial Old Town, a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Enjoy the on site restaurants featuring fusion foods and live piano music in the lounge. Relax your soul, mind, and body or workout in the fitness center located on the 11th floor with breathtaking views of the modern Quito.
3 nights
Location: Mindo
The Sachatamia Lodge is part of a private reserve that encompasses 120-hectares of cloud forest habitat next to the protected Mindo-Nambillo forest. The reserve is a prime birding destination and contains one of Ecuador’s two registered umbrellabird leks. The country-style lodge offers a cozy refuge where guests can relax after a full day of outdoor activities.
3 nights
Location: Cosanga
The Cabañas San Isidro is a mountain lodge has its own private cloud forest reserve with miles of forest trails. The reserve forms an important bridge between the Antisana and Gran Sumaco Reserves.
2 nights
Location: Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
2 nights
Location: Quito
The Sheraton Quito Hotel is located in the capital's financial and commercial zone and also nearby the Colonial Old Town, a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Enjoy the on site restaurants featuring fusion foods and live piano music in the lounge. Relax your soul, mind, and body or workout in the fitness center located on the 11th floor with breathtaking views of the modern Quito.
3 nights
Location: Mindo
The Sachatamia Lodge is part of a private reserve that encompasses 120-hectares of cloud forest habitat next to the protected Mindo-Nambillo forest. The reserve is a prime birding destination and contains one of Ecuador’s two registered umbrellabird leks. The country-style lodge offers a cozy refuge where guests can relax after a full day of outdoor activities.
3 nights
Location: Cosanga
The Cabañas San Isidro is a mountain lodge has its own private cloud forest reserve with miles of forest trails. The reserve forms an important bridge between the Antisana and Gran Sumaco Reserves.
2 nights
Location: Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
2 nights
Location: Quito
The Sheraton Quito Hotel is located in the capital's financial and commercial zone and also nearby the Colonial Old Town, a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Enjoy the on site restaurants featuring fusion foods and live piano music in the lounge. Relax your soul, mind, and body or workout in the fitness center located on the 11th floor with breathtaking views of the modern Quito.
3 nights
Location: Mindo
The Sachatamia Lodge is part of a private reserve that encompasses 120-hectares of cloud forest habitat next to the protected Mindo-Nambillo forest. The reserve is a prime birding destination and contains one of Ecuador’s two registered umbrellabird leks. The country-style lodge offers a cozy refuge where guests can relax after a full day of outdoor activities.
3 nights
Location: Cosanga
The Cabañas San Isidro is a mountain lodge has its own private cloud forest reserve with miles of forest trails. The reserve forms an important bridge between the Antisana and Gran Sumaco Reserves.
2 nights
Location: Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
2 nights
Location: Quito
The Sheraton Quito Hotel is located in the capital's financial and commercial zone and also nearby the Colonial Old Town, a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Enjoy the on site restaurants featuring fusion foods and live piano music in the lounge. Relax your soul, mind, and body or workout in the fitness center located on the 11th floor with breathtaking views of the modern Quito.
3 nights
Location: Mindo
The Sachatamia Lodge is part of a private reserve that encompasses 120-hectares of cloud forest habitat next to the protected Mindo-Nambillo forest. The reserve is a prime birding destination and contains one of Ecuador’s two registered umbrellabird leks. The country-style lodge offers a cozy refuge where guests can relax after a full day of outdoor activities.
3 nights
Location: Cosanga
The Cabañas San Isidro is a mountain lodge has its own private cloud forest reserve with miles of forest trails. The reserve forms an important bridge between the Antisana and Gran Sumaco Reserves.
2 nights
Location: Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
2 nights
Location: Quito
The Sheraton Quito Hotel is located in the capital's financial and commercial zone and also nearby the Colonial Old Town, a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Enjoy the on site restaurants featuring fusion foods and live piano music in the lounge. Relax your soul, mind, and body or workout in the fitness center located on the 11th floor with breathtaking views of the modern Quito.
3 nights
Location: Mindo
The Sachatamia Lodge is part of a private reserve that encompasses 120-hectares of cloud forest habitat next to the protected Mindo-Nambillo forest. The reserve is a prime birding destination and contains one of Ecuador’s two registered umbrellabird leks. The country-style lodge offers a cozy refuge where guests can relax after a full day of outdoor activities.
3 nights
Location: Cosanga
The Cabañas San Isidro is a mountain lodge has its own private cloud forest reserve with miles of forest trails. The reserve forms an important bridge between the Antisana and Gran Sumaco Reserves.
2 nights
Location: Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
2 nights
Location: Quito
The Sheraton Quito Hotel is located in the capital's financial and commercial zone and also nearby the Colonial Old Town, a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Enjoy the on site restaurants featuring fusion foods and live piano music in the lounge. Relax your soul, mind, and body or workout in the fitness center located on the 11th floor with breathtaking views of the modern Quito.
3 nights
Location: Mindo
The Sachatamia Lodge is part of a private reserve that encompasses 120-hectares of cloud forest habitat next to the protected Mindo-Nambillo forest. The reserve is a prime birding destination and contains one of Ecuador’s two registered umbrellabird leks. The country-style lodge offers a cozy refuge where guests can relax after a full day of outdoor activities.
3 nights
Location: Cosanga
The Cabañas San Isidro is a mountain lodge has its own private cloud forest reserve with miles of forest trails. The reserve forms an important bridge between the Antisana and Gran Sumaco Reserves.
2 nights
Location: Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
2 nights
Location: Quito
The Sheraton Quito Hotel is located in the capital's financial and commercial zone and also nearby the Colonial Old Town, a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Enjoy the on site restaurants featuring fusion foods and live piano music in the lounge. Relax your soul, mind, and body or workout in the fitness center located on the 11th floor with breathtaking views of the modern Quito.
3 nights
Location: Mindo
The Sachatamia Lodge is part of a private reserve that encompasses 120-hectares of cloud forest habitat next to the protected Mindo-Nambillo forest. The reserve is a prime birding destination and contains one of Ecuador’s two registered umbrellabird leks. The country-style lodge offers a cozy refuge where guests can relax after a full day of outdoor activities.
3 nights
Location: Cosanga
The Cabañas San Isidro is a mountain lodge has its own private cloud forest reserve with miles of forest trails. The reserve forms an important bridge between the Antisana and Gran Sumaco Reserves.
2 nights
Location: Puembo
The hotel is located conveniently near the Quito international airport in the beautiful village of Puembo.
Participant Reviews
4.9
Based on 24 Reviews
Sort By:
Norine | Wayne, ME
This program exceeded my expectations. I only wish it had been longer. Road scholar. Is very fortunate to have the highly accomplished Antonio - who combines birding, photography and management skills,- as a guide leader and.Raul as a driver who does so much more than keep us safe, putting his own Birding and photography skills to work. While we were immersed in the world of birds i learned so much about the ecology and uniqueness of Ecuador.
— Review left November 23, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Carol – Class of 2019 | Loveland, CO
This was my first birding trip with Road Scholar (actually, my first birding trip ever!), and what an amazing time I had. Our small group of 8 was led by Antonio Jaramillo and we were constantly astounded by his ability to spot birds at a distance. We averaged 25 new species a day, and were able to see the Andean Condor, Cock of the Rock, gray-breasted mountain toucan, many rarer species, all the antpittas we could handle, hummingbirds galore and so much more. Antonio was always at the ready to help the photographers in the group and, for us non-photographers, shot some excellent close-ups using his spotting scope and our iPhones. So many great pics! We also saw an endangered mountain tapir, which made nighttime visits to a mineral lick at the San Isidro reserve. What a privilege to see this shy mammal in the wild. Our accommodations were excellent, food incredible, and we were a very companionable group. The only problem I had was my pants were getting a bit tight toward the end of the trip with all the great meals! As a sidenote, I almost cancelled this trip because of a number of concerns (power outages, personal security, etc.) that were popping up in various news stories. I'm so glad I didn't. We were unaffected by power outages, I felt completely safe everywhere we went, and just loved the hospitality of the Ecuadorian people who always had a cup of coffee at the ready. If you are thinking about this trip, sign up already! (Special shout-out to our driver Raoul who tackled mountain and dirt roads with ease, making us all feel very safe!)
— Review left November 13, 2024
Brenda – Class of 2024 | Durango, CO
Excellent trip. Lovely to be immersed in the beauty of the world for 11 days. Excellent birding guide. Beautiful accommodations.
— Review left November 13, 2024
Linda – Class of 2024 | Noblesville, IN
great birding trip with tons of new species. excellent guide and driver. would recommend this trip!!!
— Review left October 27, 2024
Michael – Class of 2019 | Mars Hill, NC
Great birding. Lots of fun and great food.
— Review left October 18, 2024
Briana – Class of 2023 | Linden, MI
This trip was AMAZING. Freddy Perez, and our driver, Kevin Montolvo, are an amazing team and Road Scholar should hire them to do all of these tours because they work so well together. The lodging was excellent. San Isidro Lodge was unbelievable. I didn't want to leave. The food was amazing. We felt completely safe in Ecuador and I'd go back in a heartbeat. We saw 378 species, adding about 350 to our life list. We went in February and the temperature was mild (around 60) the entire time. I brought some cold weather clothing and really didn't need it except up in the mountain one day. Bringing waterproof hiking shoes. It rained a lot so bring rain gear. Most places do not take credit so bring a lot of cash, no bills larger than $20 as it would be hard for them to break it. I highly recommend getting the book, "Fieldbook of the Birds of Ecuador including the Galapagos Islands and common Mammals" by Miles McMullan and Lelis Navarrete. San Isidro lodge carries it but we were already a week into the trip and wished we had seen this book earlier. If you are on the fence about this trip, I'm telling you, book it. It was AMAZING!!!!
— Review left March 26, 2024
Katrina – Class of 2023 | Howell, MI
This was a fantastic trip, our leader, Freddy Perez and driver Kevin Montalvo did an excellent job! The trip was well organized, the food was great and the birds were out of this world! I personally saw about 350 new species. I was very happy with my trip. Lodgings were excellent and the birding locations gave us great opportunities for photography and enjoyment.
— Review left March 7, 2024
This participant did not give a star rating.
Richard | Flushing, MI
The trip was great, Had a great time with Freedy and Kevin bird guide & driver. The lodging and food was perfect.
— Review left February 26, 2024
Lisa – Class of 2017 | Norfolk, VA
Do not hesitate to go birding in Ecuador. The country is beautiful, the people are lovely, and the birds are spectacular. You will not be disappointed.
— Review left January 28, 2024
Cheryl – Class of 2023 | Eugene, OR
A fabulous experience that far exceeded all expectations - hundreds of birds, an exceptional guide who shared his vast knowledge & good humor, a driver who safely transported us to extraordinary places and fun, curious fellow participants!
— Review left December 4, 2023
Jere – Class of 2023 | New Bern, NC
Outstanding birding experience in an outstanding birding country!
— Review left November 11, 2023
Kristine – Class of 2017 | Sparta, WI
This program was well planned and covered a variety of birding habitats in scenic locations. Our guide was very knowledgeable, and introduced us to a great diversity of birds, from the soaring Andean Condor, to over 50 species of hummingbirds. A great experience overall.
— Review left October 6, 2023
Carolyn – Class of 2017 | Greensboro, NC
This is an excellent program for anyone who is in love with birds and birding! Ecuador is beautiful and birding in the Andes was a spectacular experience.
— Review left October 6, 2023
This participant did not give a star rating.
Mary – Class of 2023 | Silver Spring, MD
This was good trip overall- the group was great and I made some new friends who I will stay in touch with. Accommodations and meals were also good in general. I would have preferred more walking/hiking/birding rather than feeder-watches. Guide was very good at finding and identifying birds, but it would have been nice to take some time to discuss birds- behavior, habitat..., and make sure everyone (including the beginners) found the birds, rather than only trying to find more "target" birds. Getting home from Quito was the main problem- 6 AM AA flight (for which we had to be there at 3 AM) was delayed until around noon (or later). THere was lots of standing in lines for rebooking connecting flights, getting breakfast voucher, and another to check bags...Once in Miami, again had to rebook flight. That flight was delayed until the following AM and had to find accommodations locally (and no AA agent to be found to help out or explain what was going on, where the bags were....). It took about 36 hours to get home from time of airport arrival in Quito. It took others longer.
— Review left March 17, 2023
Michael – Class of 2004 | Saint Cloud, MN
It was good.
— Review left March 16, 2023
Raymond – Class of 2022 | Thompson Falls, MT
Any birder would enjoy this great experience. We saw lots of birds, had great meals and accommodations. Highly recommended.
— Review left March 15, 2023
Patricia – Class of 2015 | Sierra Vista, AZ
This trip was a wonderful birding experience! Be prepared for birding from before sunrise until after sundown. We saw hundreds of endemic birds. Enjoyed the amazing scenery of Ecuador. Stayed in delightful eco-lodges and enjoyed tasty Ecuadorian foods.
— Review left January 27, 2023
Jonathon – Class of 2019 | Sierra Vista, AZ
Andreas, our tour leader, and Kevin, our bus driver, were excellent. Andreas was patient and knowledgeable. He not only was an expert in his field but also tried to help us become better identifiers of the birds we saw. If he was not able to identify a bird because the conditions would not allow it, he admitted to it. Kevin, our bus driver was not only an excellent driver with safe driving habits, but he also was an excellent bird spotter and identifier. Both of these men were friendly, approachable, competent, and professional. The program more than met my expectations and Andreas and Kevin were the primary reasons for this.
— Review left January 26, 2023
Susan – Class of 2017 | Bend, OR
Ecuador has the second-most number of bird species in the world. This program made it possible to see over 300 of them. It was a really great birding experience.
— Review left January 23, 2023
This participant did not give a star rating.
Deb – Class of 2017 | McMinnville, OR
This trip did not disappoint for this very amateur birder. We saw 260 different birds including 43 hummingbirds - my favorites. Andreas was an expert spotter. We traveled to a wide variety of habitats. I appreciated staying 3 nights in most lodging. San Isidro was especially lovely. Be prepared for cold nights as Sachatamia and San Isidro lodges did not have heat in the rooms. A wonderful opportunity to see the incredible lush diversity of Ecuadorian Andes area.
— Review left March 14, 2020
Robert – Class of 2020 | Shippensburg, PA
If you're a birder, you would enjoy the dazzling birds of Ecuador with leader Edwin Perez, who knows the history, culture and birds of Ecuador like no one else. I went as a single and made many new friends in this very cohesive group.
— Review left February 1, 2020
Vera – Class of 1991 | Apache Junction, AZ
The leader, Edwin, was extremely knowledgable about the birds and knew where to find them. This is not a trip for experienced birders, as 14 is too many participants and because of the group size, many birds were ignored because it would be too difficult to get that many people, expecially the inexperienced birders, on some birds.
— Review left January 26, 2020
Daniel | Sacramento, CA
This is a great introduction to northern Ecuadorian birds in the Andes region east and west of Quito. The guide, Edwin Perez, is very competent, engaging, and adept at spotting the birds. With the exception of a half-day sightseeing in Quito, it is all about the birds, more intensely than some other Road Scholar birding trips I have taken. Most of the walks were short, none were really arduous. The lodgings and meals were good. Internet access varied. Here is the url of a Flickr album of good and passable photographs of many of the birds we saw: https://www.flickr.com/photos/123247913@N05/albums/72157690431943993.
— Review left March 21, 2019
Shirley | Chapel Hill, NC
Incredible birds in Ecuador and a superb leader.
— Review left January 30, 2019





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