Day 1:  Arrival to Quito

Participants will fly to Quito (most flights arrive in the late
evening).  No matter your flight plans, we will have a
representative meet you outside of customs gate and
take you to the local hotel.

Day 2:  Antisana Reserve and Pappalachta Pass

On this first morning of birding, we will have a brief
orientation at breakfast before getting a get a good start
early for the western entrance of Antisana Ecological
Reserve for a great day of bird watching.  

Birdlife International categorizes Antisana as an Important
Bird Area and the area is part of The Nature
Conservancy's Condor Bioreserve.  A mix of elfin forest
below and grassland páramo above makes for a
productive mix of new trip birds. The former yields many
high elevation cloud-forest and treeline species such as
Shining Sunbeam, Pearled Treerunner, White-throated
Tyrannulet, Tufted Tit-tyrant, Unicolored (Blackish)
Tapaculo, Plain-colored Seedeater, Cinereous Conebill
among others. Beyond and above, the páramo proper
yields Bar-winged Cinclodes, Stout-billed Cinclodes, Black-
billed Shrike-Tyrant, Páramo Pipit and Plumbeous Sierra-
Finch. Here we also see Ecuadorian Hillstar feeding on
the orange thistle-shrubs (Chuquiraga) while Many-
striped Canasteros and Andean Tit-Spinetails skulk in the
bushes. Tawny Antpittas call all around.

Higher up on the plateau, we scan for Andean Lapwings,
Páramo Ground-Tyrant.  We should find the local
specialty, the Black-faced Ibis. This isolated population is
at the northern extreme of the species range and is
considered endangered in Ecuador. Black-winged
Ground-Dove is abundant in flocks along with Eared
Dove. Streak-backed Canasteros haunt the drier areas.  
Carunculated Caracaras are seen in large numbers often
walking and scratching in the fields. Puna Hawks are also
commonly seen soaring along the ridges and hovering.

Given good visibility, we have a good chance of seeing
Andean Condor, one of the largest populations found in
Ecuador as well as Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle. With
more luck we might see the rare Cinereous Harrier and
Aplomado Falcon (subspecies pichinchae).

Also, large mammals which are notoriously shy in the
tropics are often seen at the reserve such as the South
American Fox and White-tailed Deer.

At some point as we drive to our lodge for the night, we
will find time for a productive stop at Like Mica (elevation
at over 12,500 fee).  We will likely find Andean Gulls and
will scan the lake and look for Andean Coots, Andean
Teal, Andean Ruddy Ducks, and Yellow-billed Pintails.
This is also the best place in Ecuador to observe closely
the Silvery Grebe.

After much productive birding, we head to a beautiful high
altitude with hot springs to wrap up the day.  

We will try to stop early so that we can have a good
supper and take time for a complete trip orientation.

Day 3:  Pappalachta Hot Spring, Guango Reserve
and Baeza-Cosanga Road

Day 3 starts early, as we will look around the forested-
area surrounding the Pappalachta Hots Springs lodge for
Red-crested Cotinga, Spectacled Whitestart, Brown-
bellied Swallow, Cinereous Conebill, Blue-backed
Conebill, Black Flowerpiercer, Plain-collared Seedeater,
Plumbeous Sierra-Finch, and Hooded Siskin.  We may
also get better looks at Pearled Treerunner, White-
crested Elaenia, White-banded Tyrannulet, Tufted Tit-
Tyrant, Spot-billed Ground-Tyrant, Turquoise Jay,
Mountain Wren, Citrine Warbler, Mountain Cacique, and
Superciliaried Hemispingus.  

As time allows (and if we missed anything the day before),
we will explore other areas around Papallacta Pass. The
pass is the  highest easily accessible point in Ecuador,
and links Quito and the eastern lowlands. This area has
an excellent selection of montane species. As we travel
around and over the pass, we can access tundra-like
páramo and scattered patches of Polylepis woodland.
Lower down, elfin forest and montane cloudforest occur.
These areas support interesting species, including Blue-
and-yellow Tanager, Band-tailed Seedeater, Ash-
breasted Sierra-Finch, Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant, Curve-
billed Tinamou, Caranculated Caracara, Black-chested
Eagle, Puna Hawk, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Plain-
breasted Hawk, Rufous-naped Brush-Finch, Brown-
backed Chat-Tyrant, Andean Condor, Giant Conebill,
Black-backed Bush-Tanager, Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe,
Ecuadorian Hillstar, Andean Tit-Spinetail and others.

Before the end of the day, we will have the opportunity to
bird the feeders at Guango Lodge. The hummingbird
feeders can be seen at anytime and include some world
famous looks at Swordbill Hummingbird, Long-tailed
Sylph, Tourmaline Sunangel, Glowing Puffleg, and
Mountain Avocetbill.  We may also find Mountain
Velvetbreast, and Tyrian Metaltail hummingbirds in the
area.  We may take time to enjoy additional birding there.

Once finished with Guango Lodge, we will try a few spots
with great potential east of Guango as we head towards
San Isidro lodge along the Baeza-Cosanga road. This
busy road links Papallacta to the main birding areas of
Alder forest,  Polylepis and premontane cloudforest. The
whole road has birding potential with stops anywhere
between Papallacta and Cosanga being fruitful.  On the
2007 trip, we found Blue-and-Black Tanager, Inca Jay
and Olivaceous Siskin and then found a huge flock of 20
plus species, including Streaked Xenops, Golden-eared
Tanager, Orange-eared Tanager, and Fulvous-breated
Flatbill.  

Day 4:  San Isidro and Surrounding Areas

Most of the fourth day will be spent at San Isidro.

The montane cloudforest around this lodge supports
similar species to the Cordillera de Huacamayos and the
lodge is an ideal base from which to explore the area.  
Several features make the area attractive to birders
immediately.  Everyone will enjoy the hummingbird
feeders and will likely add Bronzy Inca, adding  to our
burgeoning list of over hummingbirds. Another birding
extra are opportunities to see several species of Antpitta,
including stunning views of Chestnut-crowned Antpitta
and White-bellied Antpitta.

Birding the reserve often results in view of the stunning
Highland Motmot and Andean Solitaire. Other potential
trip birds likely to be added in the morning at San Isidro
include White-capped Parrot, Powerful Woodpecker,
Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher, Pale-edged Flycatcher,
Smoky Bush-Tyrant, Inca Jay, Black-billed Peppershrike,
Saffron-crowned Tanager and hundreds of other
species.   

A short walk from the cabins, the forest awaits, where
mixed understory and canopy flocks seemingly drip from
the foliage.  One of our tip Ecuadorian bird guides will be
along to help find Masked Trogon, Black-billed Mountain-
Toucan, Streak-capped Treehunter, Striped Treehunter,
Long-tailed Antbird, and Barred Antthrush. Marble-faced
Bristle Tyrant, Variegated Bristle-Tyrants and Sulphur-
bellied Tyrannulet are a few of the list of varied tyrannids
to be found in the mixed species flocks.  Also be on the
look out for Black-chested Fruiteater, Dusky Piha, Pale-
footed Swallow, Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonia, and
Golden-collared Honeycreeper.  Also a wonderful
selection of colorful tanager species can be found,
including Red-hooded Tanager and White-capped
Tanager. Also, the gregarious Northern Mountain
Cacique and Subtropical Cacique should be found. All of
these species, among many others, are residents here
and are frequently seen by visiting birders.

San Isidro birds include a few rarities, which may be
found, including Highland Tinamou, Greater Scythebill,
Bicolored Antvireo, Peruvian Antpitta, Giant Antpitta,
White-rimmed Brush-Finch, and maybe the White-faced
Nunbird. A few more hummingbirds may also be added to
the trip list including Bronzy Inca, Buff-tailed Coronet,
Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Long-tailed Sylph, Gorgeted
Woodstar and likely a few more species.  

You will also have an opportunity for some great night
birding at San Isidro where Andean Potoo (though rare) is
sometimes staked-out and where Rufous-bellied
Nighthawk is often found, along with Rufous-banded Owl,
and Mottled Owls.  In recent years, a large and beautiful
species of owl (though similar in appearance to the Black-
banded Owl, may be new to science) emerges in the early
evening and then hunts right next to the cabins on a
nightly basis.


Day 5:  Loreto Road:  San Isidro to Wild Sumaco

After a delicious breakfast at San Isidro, we will begin a
fantastic day of birding along the Loreto Road. The
Loreto Road is famous for its birding opportunities. Many
Ecuadorian birds are found in relatively narrow altitudinal
zones on one or both sides of the Andes, because of the
dramatic changes in vegetation with altitude. The Loreto
Road transects most of these altitudinal zones. Roadsides
are excellent for birding along most of the road, so hiking
is not necessary other than walking along the shoulder of
the road.

We will start in the morning birding the upper Loreto Road
which traverses temperate forest and provides access to
the Guacamayos Ridge trail.  Notable target birds here
include Dark-breasted Spinetail, Ash-browed Spinetail,
Montane Foliage-gleaner, Lined Antshrike, Foothill
Antwren, Olivaceous Greenlet, Yellow-whiskered Bush-
Tanager, and Bronze-green Euphonia.

The lower Loreto Road begins in the subtropical zone and
descends into the tropical lowlands. Notable birds in the
subtropical zone include Lafresnaye's Piculet, Lemon-
browed Flycatcher, Olivaceous Siskin, Magpie Tanager,
Orange-eared Tanager, Paradise Tanager, Yellow-bellied
Tanager, and Yellow-browed Sparrow. With good fortune,
we will see an Amazonian Umbrellabird fly across and
many other surprises.

We will spend the night at a beautiful (and fairly new) eco-
resort just outside the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve.

Day 6:  Birding Sumaco Biosphere Reserve

We will spend a day birding at Wild Sumaco and
surrounding areas. The Piha and FACE trails are a terrific
birding walk and experience and one of the two will start
the day. On Piha, we hope to find Gray-tailed Piha, Buff-
fronted Tody-tyrant, Chestnut-crowned Gnateater, Black-
streaked Puffbird, and Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail. Up
to seventeen (17) species of hummingbird have been
seen at the feeders at the end of the trail. Other trails in
the area also offer additional birding.  I personally hope
for peaks and super skulkers like Plain-backed Antpitta
and Rufous-breasted Anttrhush.

We will also likely find time for the FACE trail. There we
will look for Short-tailed Antthrush, White-tipped Sicklebill
and White-capped Manakin. Other fantastic birds here
Andean Laniisoma, Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater, Fiery-
throated Fruiteater, and Yellow-throated Spadebill. At
night, we will try for Bland-bellied Owl, Black-banded Owl,
and Foothill Screech-owl.

Other birds we ought to see here include Gould´s
Jewelfront, Many-spotted HummingbirdChannel-billed
Toucan, White Hawk, Wire-crested Thorntail, Northern
White-crowned Tapaculo, White-backed Fire-eye,
Musician Wren, Olive-chested Flycatcher, Ecuadorian
Tyrannulet and Rufous-naped Greenlet. Other birds we
can hope for include Red-billed Tyrannulet, Andean
Laniisoma, Coppery-chested Jacamar, Sharp-tailed
Streamcreeper, Ochre-breasted Antpitta, Military Macaw,
and Blue-rumped Manakin.

Day 7 to 10:  Sani Lodge in Amazonia Basin

After additional morning birding at Wild Sumaco at the
start of the seventh day, we will arrive at Coco for a boat
trip down the river to Sani Lodge.

The lodge represents the best of ecotourism, as it is
owned and run by the local Sani people and offers access
to additional great birding. Arranging for one of the very
good lodge-based guides will support your efforts in
finding another 50 to 100 species for the trip.

We will find some new species on the canoe trip down the
river and get in some birding that day.

Over the next two full days, we will have numerous options
for bird watching together.

  • We will hope to see Cinereous Tinamou, Striated
    Heron, Cocoi Heron, Slate-colored Hawk, Slaty-
    backed Forest-Falcon, Black Caracara, Speckled
    Chachalaca, Marbled Wood-Quail, Chestnut-
    headed Crake, Cobalt-winged Parakeet, Black-
    headed Parrot, Dusky-headed Parakeet, Hoatzin,
    Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl, and Long-tailed Potoo.
  • Additional hummingbirds included White-bearded
    Hermit, Straight-billed Hermit, Golden-tailed
    Sapphire, and Fork-tailed Woodnymph.
  • Additional trogan species included Black-tailed
    Trogon, Amazonian White-tailed Trogon, and
    Amazonian Violaceous Trogon.
  • Additional Toucans and related species included
    Golden-collared Toucanet, Many-banded Aracari,
    Ivory-billed Aracari, and White-throated Toucan.
  • Past groups also saw Brown Jacamar, Purplish
    Jacamar, Scarlet-crowned Barbet, Gilded Barbet,
    Pied Puffbird, Black-fronted Nunbird, Dark-breasted
    Spinetail, Chestnut-winged Hookbill, Cinnamon-
    rumped Foliage-gleaner, Castelnau’s Antshrike,
    Cinereous Antshrike, Plumbeous Antbird, White-
    plumed Antbird, Lunulated Antbird, Black-faced
    Antthrush, Rusty-belted Tapaculo, Screaming Piha,
    and Piratic Flycatcher.
  • Additional rain forest species included Pink-
    throated Becard, Purple-throated Cotinga, Plum-
    throated Cotinga, Spangled Cotinga, Wire-tailed
    Manakin, Orange-crested Manakin, Musician Wren,
    Black-capped Donacobius, Red-capped Cardinal,
    Casqued Oropendola, and Orange-backed
    Troupial.
  • The group also saw another dozen tanager species
    including Paradise Tanager, Opal-rumped
    Tanager, Paradise Tanager, Green-and-gold
    Tanager, Turquoise Tanager, Masked
    CrimsonTanager, and Flame-crested Tanager

On Day 10:  Transition Day

We will start are journey home, but only after a little bird
watching.  After breakfast at the lodge, we will finalize our
packing.We should have enough time for a little birding,
before taking the boat back to Coca (usually about 10:30
AM)

Flight Departing Coca at 12:00 PM and arriving Quito at
12:30 PM.The rest of the day will be spend resting up in
Quito and completing final packing for the trip home.
Flights can be taken home after 5 PM that night (and
most overnight flights leave later) or you can spend the
night in Quito (a hotel has been arranged), and fly back
the next morning.
Detailed Itinerary
Photo by Murray Cooper
Photo by John Drummond
Photo by Murray Cooper
Photo by Murray Cooper
Photo by John Drummond
Photo by Murray Cooper
Photo by Murray Cooper
Photo by Murray Cooper
Photo by Murray Cooper
The Best of Eastern Ecuador
Eastern Ecuador
Pappalachta Pass, Antisana Reserve, Guango Reserve, Sani Isidro, Loretto Road, Wild Sumaco and More
Trip includes Sani Lodge and Amazonian Basin
Other Extensions:  Galapagos Islands and/or Few Days in Mindo
Photo by Murray Cooper
Photo by Murray Cooper
Photo by Murray Cooper
Photo by John Drummond
Photo by Murray Cooper
Photo by John Drummond
Photo by John Drummond
Photo by John Drummond
Photo by Murray Cooper
Photo by John Drummond
Photo by Murray Cooper
For more information or to sign up for one of our trips,
call Charles at 888-203-7464 or Charles directly at
720-320-1974 or by email at
info@PIBird.com.