10 Days Birding Photo tour from Andes to Amazon of Ecuador

Imagine spending nearly two weeks exploring Ecuador’s extraordinary biodiversity, capturing stunning bird photographs, and experiencing some of the most visually diverse landscapes in South America. That’s exactly what this 10-day birding and photography tour promises, taking you from the cloud forests of the Andes to the lush Amazon basin. Organized by Mirlo Tours, this private adventure is tailored for nature lovers and photographers eager to document endemic species in their natural habitats.

What immediately excites us about this tour is the carefully curated itinerary that balances wildlife encounters, scenic drives, and cultural touches like the Equator visit. Plus, it’s led by knowledgeable naturalist guides who are passionate about both birds and photography, helping you get the best shot each day. The potential downside? The tour involves quite a lot of early mornings and walking, so it’s best suited for those with moderate physical fitness and a genuine interest in birding.

This experience is ideal for bird enthusiasts, nature photographers, and travelers eager to combine wildlife with adventure. If you’re looking for a comprehensive, well-organized trip that offers a deep dive into Ecuador’s top birding hotspots, then this tour might be perfect. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace or less intensive outdoor activity, it might feel a bit full-on.

• Expert guides enhance the experience with their knowledge and ability to spot elusive species.
• Diverse habitats from cloud forests to Amazon lakes provide ample photography opportunities.
• The tour includes admission to multiple reserves and parks, adding value to your trip.
• Pre-arranged accommodation and transportation make logistics smooth.
• The itinerary allows for close-up encounters with endemic species like the Andean cock of the rock and various tanagers.
• The tour is priced at $4,000 per person, reflecting the all-inclusive approach with guided services, park fees, and accommodations.

Day 1-2: From Cloud Forests to Biodiversity Hotspots

Your adventure kicks off in the cloud forests of the Ecuadorian Andes, where the morning begins with the Zuroloma Birding Tour de Aves. We loved the way this set the tone—expect to see iconic species such as the Sword-billed Hummingbird, Rufous Antpitta, and the Golden-breasted Puffleg. The scenery is lush, with mist-laden trees providing perfect backdrops for bird photography. The guides are clearly well-versed in spotting shy or elusive species, which is vital in such dense habitats.

Next, a visit to Alambi Reserve offers a more relaxed pace, focusing on hummingbird photography. Its garden setting is ideal for capturing birds in motion, a real highlight for photographers wanting to get those crisp images of fast-flying hummingbirds. We also appreciated the chance to photograph the Andean cock of the rock up close at Nanegalito, a species renowned for its striking orange plumage and dramatic display.

Day 2 shifts gears into the Mashpi Amagusa Reserve—a jewel for biodiversity lovers. The reserve’s strategic location makes it one of the top spots for endemic and rare bird sightings like the Glistening-green Tanager and Choco Vireo. The guides’ expertise here shines through, as they point out species that might otherwise go unnoticed. The day can be intense, with lots of birding and walking, but the reward is a rich collection of photos and memories.

Day 3-4: Lowland to Highland Transitions

On day 3, the focus is on Milpe Bird Sanctuary, famous for its Umbrella Bird Lek, one of the last accessible forest remnants in the Choco lowlands. This stop is a favorite among reviewers, who mention the “packed flocks of regional endemics” and the chance to see Toucans, Hummingbirds, and Hawks. The mixed-foraging flocks provide an incredible opportunity for both birdwatching and photography.

In the afternoon, the optional macro photography session at Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve is an excellent addition for those wanting to capture insects and amphibians in sharp detail. It’s a quieter, more focused area that adds diversity to your shots.

Day 4 is dedicated to Refugio Paz De Las Aves, a renowned bird-watching site where elusive species like antpittas are often seen close-up. Reviewers mention “excellent opportunities to photograph shy birds,” which is a testament to the guides’ ability to get close and position you for the best shots. The day concludes with a trip to the Intinan Equator Museum, giving a fun cultural twist and a chance to stand at the world’s middle.

Days 5-6: Highland to Amazon Transitions

The highlands beckon on day 5 with a visit to Antisana Ecological Reserve, where the Andean condor soars majestically overhead—truly a bucket-list bird. The altitude and open terrain offer chances to photograph these giants in flight, along with other highland species. Reviewers praise the experience here, with one noting the “stunning views and incredible bird sightings.”

Next, the journey moves east to Papallacta and Guango Lodge, famed for their high-altitude species like rainbow-bearded thornbills and torrent ducks. The guides’ expertise in detecting these birds amid the cloud forest’s tricky terrain is particularly valuable.

Days 7-10: Amazonian Exploration

Starting at Rio Quijos Eco Lodge, the transition from mountain to jungle is smooth, with the chance to see the impressive Andean cock of the rock and other rainforest species. The overnight stay at San Isidro Lodge offers opportunities to photograph birds along trails and capture nocturnal species such as owls. The lodge’s feeders are often praised for attracting a variety of colorful Amazonian birds.

The Wayra Reserve and WildSumaco Lodge provide more feeders and the chance to photograph species unique to the upper Amazon cloud forest. Reviewers especially appreciated the knowledgeable guides, as they pointed out rare birds like the gray breasted mountain toucan and the torrent duck.

The final days focus on Limoncocha National Biological Reserve, a hotspot for endemic Amazonian birds. The boat trip on Limoncocha Lake is a highlight—offering close-up shots of herons, jacamars, kingfishers, and even the elusive zigzag heron. The opportunity to photograph these species in their natural environment makes this part of the trip particularly rewarding.

Day 11: Wrap-up at the Airport

The tour concludes with a transfer to Francisco de Orellana Airport. Reviewers mention this as a straightforward end to an extensive adventure, with options to extend your stay in Ecuador’s Amazon or visit Yasuni National Park if time permits.

At $4,000, this tour provides a comprehensive package: all park fees, accommodations, transportation, and guided birding and photography expertise. The value is evident in the access to renowned reserves like Mashpi, Milpe, Paz De Las Aves, and Limoncocha—each offering unique species and habitats. The guides’ deep knowledge significantly enhances the chances of capturing memorable images and spotting rare birds, which is often the main goal for participants.

Transport is by air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort during long drives across diverse terrain. Staying in carefully selected lodges—such as San Isidro and WildSumaco—adds convenience and a chance to experience authentic Amazon rainforest hospitality. The tour is designed with photographers in mind, balancing wildlife viewing and scenic moments, though it does require some physical effort in terms of walking and early mornings.

While the tour does not include international flights or tips, it covers an extensive list of activities, making it a good investment for serious birders and wildlife photographers wanting to explore Ecuador’s most biodiverse regions in a single trip.

This tour is best suited for bird enthusiasts and photographers with a moderate fitness level who want a structured, guided experience to maximize bird sightings and capture high-quality images. It’s ideal for those who enjoy being outdoors and are eager to explore varied habitats—cloud forests, highlands, and Amazon basin alike.

Travelers looking for a comprehensive, all-inclusive package that covers Ecuador’s top birding hotspots will find great value here. If you’re a solo traveler or part of a small group seeking expert guidance, this organized tour offers both convenience and expert insight. However, those seeking a more relaxed pace or minimal physical activity may find the schedule a bit packed.

This 10-day birding and photography tour from Andes to Amazon offers an authentic, immersive experience into Ecuador’s incredible biodiversity. The itinerary covers some of the best birding spots in the country, providing ample opportunities to photograph endemic and elusive species in their natural habitats.

The experienced guides are a major asset, often going out of their way to help travelers get that perfect shot or spot shy species. The variety of landscapes—from misty cloud forests to lush Amazon lakes—ensures a diversity of photo opportunities that will appeal to both amateur and professional photographers.

While the schedule is intensive—early mornings and extensive walking—the effort pays off with unforgettable views and rare bird encounters. Plus, the all-inclusive nature of the tour simplifies logistics, enabling you to focus on the birds and your camera.

Ultimately, this tour is a fantastic choice for those deeply passionate about birding, keen on improving their photography skills, and eager to explore Ecuador’s natural treasures in a guided, supportive setting.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
While the tour is geared toward birding enthusiasts and photographers, a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to walking and early mornings. Beginners with some birding experience and interest in photography will enjoy the trip.

What is included in the price?
The $4,000 fee covers guided transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, all park and reserve entrance fees, accommodations, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), and the services of a naturalist photographer guide.

Are there opportunities for macro photography?
Yes, on day 3 at Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve, there’s an optional activity focused on macro photography of amphibians and insects, which adds variety to your portfolio.

Will I see the iconic Andean condor?
Absolutely. Day 5 at Antisana Ecological Reserve is one of the best places in Ecuador to photograph the majestic Andean condor in flight.

Are the accommodations comfortable?
The tour includes stays at carefully selected lodges like San Isidro and WildSumaco, known for their proximity to birding sites and comfortable amenities suitable for nature travelers.

How much walking is involved?
Expect some walking at each reserve, often on uneven terrain or trails, so a moderate fitness level is recommended. The guides will help you navigate for optimal bird viewing.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
While not specified, considering the diversity of species and habitats, the tour is likely suitable year-round, but early in the dry season might improve chances for sightings.

This well-rounded Ecuadorian adventure offers an excellent mix of biodiversity, scenery, and expert guidance — perfect for those looking to add unforgettable bird and wildlife photos to their collection.