2012 Ecuador Andes Birding Tour

TOUR OVERVIEW

Our 14-day birding tour of northern Ecuador covers both western and eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains. Many Ecuadorian birds are restricted to narrow altitudinal zones, some on both western and eastern slopes and others on only one slope or the other. By birding both slopes we'll see more species than is otherwise possible. Tour highlights include an Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek, several species of rare antpittas conditioned to come into the open for food, perhaps 60 species of hummingbirds, 60 species of tanagers, Choco endemics of the western Andes, a chance of seeing Andean Condor above Papallacta Pass, the mysterious "San Isidro" Owl that may be new to science, and many subtropical specialties at Wild Sumaco. We'll stay in first rate hotels and ecolodges while enjoying excellent meals throughout the tour.

PHOTOS OF SOME POSSIBLE SPECIES ON TOUR

TOUR ITINERARY

DATE	ACTIVITY	MEALS	ACCOMMODATIONS
1-Sun 11/25	Arrive in Quito.	None	Hotel Sebastian
2-Mon 11/26	Transfer and bird Tandayapa Reserve.	BLD	Tandayapa Bird Lodge
3-Tue 11/27	Bird Tandayapa Reserve. Visit Oilbird site. Transfer to Septimo Paraiso.	BLD	Hosteria Septimo Paraiso
4-Wed 11/28	Bird Rio Silanche Sanctuary.	BLD	Hosteria Septimo Paraiso
5-Thu 11/29	Bird Milpe Sanctuary and Bellavista Reserve.	BLD	Bellavista Lodge
6-Fri 11/30	Bird Refugio Paz.	BLD	Hotel Sebastian
7-Sat 12/01	Bird Papallacta Pass and Guango Reserve.	BLD	Guango Lodge
8-Sun 12/02	Bird Guango Reserve. Transfer to San Isidro.	BLD	Cabanas San Isidro
9-Mon 12/03	Bird San Isidro Reserve.	BLD	Cabanas San Isidro
10-Tue 12/04	Morning bird Loreto Road. Afternoon bird Wild Sumaco Reserve.	BLD	Wild Sumaco Lodge
11-Wed 12/05	Bird Wild Sumaco Reserve.	BLD	Wild Sumaco Lodge
12-Thu 12/06	Morning bird Wild Sumaco Reserve. Afternoon transfer & bird Santa Lucia-Bermejo Road.	BLD	Guango Lodge
13-Fri 12/07	Bird Papallacta Water Plant Road. Transfer to Quito.	BLD	Hotel Sebastian
14-Sat 12/08	International flights home.	B	None

TOUR MAP

TOUR DESCRIPTION

DAY 1 - QUITO

International flights arrive by evening. Everyone meets at the Hotel Sebastian, reached by taxi from the airport. Those arriving a day early have free time to explore the city. Night in Quito.

DAY 2 - TANDAYAPA BIRD LODGE

Depart early for Tandayapa Bird Lodge in the Tandayapa Valley on the western slope of the Andes, arriving around lunch. En route bird the Old Nono-Mindo Road, concentrating on specialties of the higher elevation scrub not likely found in the valley below. Tandayapa Bird Lodge is perhaps the best place in the world to see hummingbirds, and we'll spend mid-day watching them come to feeders outside the dining area. Some 22 species have been recorded there and around 15 can be seen on a single visit. Remainder of afternoon birding a trail near the lodge. Night at Tandayapa Bird Lodge.   Show Possible Species

DAY 3 - TANDAYAPA & OILBIRD SITE

Morning bird trails on lodge property. The best trails are the Potoo Trail that circles the ravine below the lodge and the Antpitta Trail that goes up the ridgeline. A primary target bird is the Choco endemic Beautiful Jay, which is unlikely to be seen anywhere else. After early lunch, depart for a known Oilbird site, located about 45 minutes from Nanegalito on a side road off the main highway. In addition to looking for roosting Oilbirds, bird the road through forest en route. Mid-afternoon transfer to our lodge near Mindo, a short drive drive from Nanegalito downslope. Night at Septimo Paraiso.   Show Key Species

DAY 4 - RIO SILANCHE BIRD SANCTUARY & MIRADOR RIO BLANCO

Very early breakfast. Bird Mindo Junction near the lodge at dawn. Insects drawn to the streetlights bring in a nice collection of birds there. Then drive downslope to Rio Silanche Bird Sanctuary where specialty birds not present in the Mindo Valley can be found. All morning birding the fairly level, easy trails through the remnant forest protected by the reserve. Box lunch in the reserve. Mid-afternoon return to the lodge. View hummingbirds visiting feeders. Night at Septimo Paraiso.   Show Possible Species

DAY 5 - MILPE BIRD SANCTUARY & BELLAVISTA CLOUD FOREST

Morning birding in nearby Milpe Bird Sanctuary, a site somewhat higher in elevation than Rio Silanche. Trails along the forest edge and through the forest are easy walking. After lunch transfer to Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve, about an hour and a half drive from Los Bancos. Bellavista is located on a ridgeline between the Mindo and Tandayapa Valleys, and its higher elevation attracts several species absent from the valleys below. Afternoon view hummingbirds around the feeders and watch birds from the veranda overlooking the forest next to the restaurant. Night at Bellavista.   Show Possible Species

DAY 6 - REFUGIO PAZ

Very early morning visit to Refugio Paz to view Andean Cocks-of-the-Rock displaying on a lek in the understory. We must be there by first light so as not to disturb the birds. Then view several species of very rare antpittas its now famed owner, Angel Paz, has conditioned to come onto the trail for food. Then bird a trail through the forest, arriving at the top of the ridge for a mid-morning breakfast and hummingbird viewing. Return to Bellavista to relax. Mid-afternoon transfer to Quito, arriving before dark. Night at Hotel Sebastian in Quito.   Show Possible Species

DAY 7 - PAPALLACTA PASS

Depart for the eastern Andes, birding an altitudinal transect over Papallacta Pass. Stop in the Tumbaco Valley, a suburban area outside Quito, to look for Scrub Tanager. Continue up the pass, birding various sites along the main road and on side roads. At the crest of the pass drive up a gravel access road to the radio towers overlooking Quito. The adjoining Cayambe-Coca Reserve has been a good place to see Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe and a possible place to see Andean Condor, which sometimes soars over the valley. Arrive at Guango Lodge for late lunch. Afternoon view hummingbirds outside dining room. Night at Guango Lodge.   Show Possible Species

DAY 8 - GUANGO RESERVE & SAN ISIDRO

Easy morning birding walk around the lodge grounds, which consist of gardens, forest edge, and a nearby whitewater river. Guango is at an elevation of 9000 ft and features high elevation specialties we won't see lower down. Plenty of birds will be there to keep us occupied. After lunch transfer to San Isidro, birding en route. Bird around the lodge grounds after arrival. After dinner look for the mysterious "San Isidro" Owl, a bird intermediate in plumage between Black-and-white Owl and Black-banded Owl. No one quite knows what this owl is. It may be a separate species or sub-species new to science. The owl is usually present and easily seen around the lodge walkways. Night at Cabanas San Isidro.   Show Possible Species

DAY 9 - SAN ISIDRO RESERVE

Our morning begins before first light, when we'll look for Rufous-bellied Nighthawks hawking insects around the parking lot lights. Next on the agenda are Chestnut-crowned and White-bellied Antpittas, which the local guides have conditioned to come into the open for food. Remainder of morning bird along roads and trails through the lodge's large private forest reserve. At mid-day view hummingbirds around feeders. Afternoon bird trails through forest reserve looking for Crested Quetzal, antbirds, and other species. Early evening optional excursion back upslope to a road cut where Lyre-tailed Nightjar often perch on the ledges. Night at Cabanas San Isidro.   Show Possible Species:

DAY 11 - WILD SUMACO RESERVE

All day birding private reserve around the lodge. The forested trails are the best place in Ecuador for several otherwise difficult birds to see including Golden-collared Toucanet, Black-mandibled Toucan, Red-billed Tyrannulet, Gray-tailed Piha, and Wing-banded Wren.. The habitat is subtropical and temperatures are generally quite warm by mid day. Hence, we'll bird trails early morning and late afternoon. During mid-day view hummingbirds at feeders and relax. Night at Wild Sumaco Lodge.   Show Possible Species

DAY 12 - WILD SUMACO RESERVE & TRANSFER

Morning birding around Wild Sumaco reserve. After lunch depart for Papallacta and the resort hotel there. En route bird the Bermejo River Road through a rural area with small farms and forest patches. This is an excellent place to look for guans, Powerful Woodpecker, and other temperate forest birds. Arrive before dark. Night at Guango Lodge.   Show Possible Species:

DAY 13 - PAPALLACTA WATER PLANT ROAD & TRANSFER

The Papallacta Water Plant property provides some excellent birding along the road. The road is closed to the public but we can gain access by making arrangements in advance. It passes through high elevation scrub habitat where it's possible to see a number of specialty birds. We'll spend the morning birding there before transferring back to Quito. En route back we'll look for any birds we may have missed earlier in Papallacta Pass. Night at Hotel Sebastian in Quito.   Show Possible Species

DAY 14 - END OF TOUR

Tour ends with breakfast at the hotel. International flights home.

TOUR INFORMATION

The below information is provided to inform people of what to expect if they participate in this tour and to advise participants on how to prepare for the tour. We try to provide accurate information but conditions and travel requirements can change over time.

Entering Ecuador

Persons entering Ecuador require a valid passport with an expiration date more than 6 months after their planned departure from the country. Immigration officials may deny a person entry if their passport is not in good condition. US citizens do not require a visa to enter Ecuador. They must fill out a tourist card provided by the airline en route to the the country. Non-US citizens should check with the Ecuador embassy to find out about entry requirements.

Leaving Ecuador

A departure tax of $40.80 is assessed when leaving Ecuador.

Time Zone

Ecuador is on Eastern Standard Time.

Immunizations & Health

Please contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding health issues and immunization requirements when traveling in Ecuador. See your travel doctor for specific recommendations at least 4-6 weeks prior to departure. The CDC recommends malaria preventatives below 4900 ft elevation, particularly in the eastern lowlands. There is active mosquito abatement programs in the Napo River region and malaria occurrences there are infrequent. The CDC also recommends vaccinations/boosters for hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG, typhoid, yellow fever, tetanus-diptheria, and measles. Ecuadorian authorities often require proof of yellow fever immunizations for anyone traveling to the eastern lowlands by air. Biting insects are for the most part not a problem.

Medical Facilities

Good medical care is available in major cities but not necessarily in smaller towns. Pharmacies are available in most towns as well as cities.

Insurance

We recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance, which will reimburse you for any non-refundable payments you would otherwise lose if you must cancel your participation in the tour for some unforeseen reason. Trip cancellation insurance must normally be purchased within a short time after you register for the tour. Travel medical insurance is advisable, especially for those with chronic or known medical conditions.

Altitude

Most sites we visit in Ecuador are at middle or higher elevations. The elevation in Quito is about 9000 ft, while Mindo is around 5500 ft. We reach elevations as high as 13,000 ft above Papallacta Pass for brief periods.

Climate

The climate in Ecuador is pleasant to cool with chilly nights at higher elevation locales such as Quito and Guango Lodge. Temperatures generally range from about 65F at night to 75F during the day. Rain or fog is possible, especially in afternoons. Rainy seasons differ on western and eastern slopes of the Andes. Rainy season is generally from December-May in the western Andes and July-November in the eastern Andes. November is a transitional month on both slopes and is an excellent time for birding as birds are active on both sides of the Andes.

Pace

Birding tours are conducted at an easy to moderate pace. Photo tours are conducted at a slower pace than birding tours to allow ample time for photography. Birding and photography are best in early morning and late afternoon, so days begin shortly after first light around 6:00-6:30 am. Breakfasts are typically early, around 5:00-6:00 am. Because we awake early, participants typically retire to their rooms immediately after we complete dinner and checklists for the day.

We do some road-side birding, especially going up Papallacta Pass. The trails we walk are for the most part level, wide, and easy walking. Some "trails" are actually dirt roads with little or no vehicular traffic. We also spend some time in gardens where we walk on grass or view hummingbirds at feeders. The trail to the antpitta and cock-of-the-rock sites at Refugio Angel Paz is very steep and can be muddy. There are steps and handrails on the steepest parts, but this trail requires people to be in reasonably good shape without significant foot or ankle problems.

Accommodations

We stay in a comfortable hotel used by most birding tours groups while in Quito. At other times we stay in comfortable eco-lodges throughout the tour. These are at sufficient altitude that air-conditioning is not needed. Electricity for re-charging batteries is always available. Further details can be found on the Accommodations link on the sidebar.

Food

Meals at the lodges vary from very good to excellent, with a wide variety of meat, chicken, and fish available along with vegetables, wonderful soups, fresh fruit juices, and salads. The food at Cabanas San Isidro is of gourmet quality. While in Quito we have a choice of eating a la carte in the hotel restaurant or dining at one of several very good nearby restaurants.

Transportation

We travel by comfortable, air-conditioned 16-passenger van with ample room for participants and gear on our Ecuador tours. Bottled water will always be available. Bathroom stops will be made as soon as possible upon request during transfers.

Registration & Payment

Registration can be done by mailing us a completed registration form, which can be printed from the TOUR INFO menu above. Please note that our Ecuador tours require a deposit of $600 upon registration. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Please refer to our Registration procedure accessible from the TOUR INFO menu above for payment procedures and refund policies. Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended as refunds are only possible to the extent we are refunded deposits required by lodges in Ecuador.

Additional Information

General information about the tour, including where to meet the group and contact information, will be sent by email or US mail prior to departure. Checklists will be provided at the beginning of the tour. Additional information about our policies can be found on the Tour Info menu above. Please feel free to call us at 877-247-3371 or email us with any questions you may have.

Information last updated April, 2012.

ACCOMMODATIONS DURING TOUR

HOTEL SEBASTIAN

Hotel Sebastian is an elegant hotel located in the heart of New Town in Quito just 15 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes from Colonial Quito. It offers a warm and cozy atmosphere where guests can relax and enjoy their stay. The Bar Cafe offers informal dining while the Mistral Restaurant on the premises offers exquisite Ecuadorian and international cuisine. Rooms are nicely decorated, roomy, and full of light. They feature queen or twin beds, cable TV, and private bath with hot water showers.

TANDAYAPA BIRD LODGE

Tandayapa Bird Lodge claims to be the only hotel in the world designed by birders, owned by birders, and run by birders for birders. It was built in a pasture at the top of a steep driveway in the Tandayapa Valley. Plantings since the lodge was built in 1999 have converted much of the pasture back into forest. The lodge owns the best remnant tract of forest remaining in the Tandayapa Valley. It operates several hummingbird feeders around the veranda which attract 18-25 species of hummingbirds. It is probably the best place in the world to see hummingbirds, and for that reason it is visited by bird photo groups as well as birders. Trails above the lodge and around the ravine below the lodge offer spectacular birding. The lodge itself is quite comfortable and consists of a main dining area and 12 bedrooms with spacious balconies. A separate building below the main building has several additional rooms. All rooms feature hot water, electricity, and private bathroom. Most rooms have 2 double beds and a private balcony.

HOSTERIA SEPTIMO PARAISO

Hosteria Septimo Paraiso is conveniently located near the village of Mindo on the western slope of the Andes in Ecuador. The grounds include a private forested 340 hectare nature reserve that is available for exclusive use by its guests. The lodge is environmentally oriented and very comfortable, with paneled walls and polished wood floors. It offers a relaxing atmosphere and fine home-cooked meals in a dining area on the ground floor. Rooms are spacious and comfortable. They feature double or twin beds, views of the nearby forest and gardens, private bath, and hot water showers. Some rooms are in the main lodge while others are in private cabins located not far from the lodge via covered walkways.

BELLAVISTA CLOUD FOREST LODGE

Bellavista Cloud Forest is a private nature reserve and lodge located on a ridge between the Mindo and Tandayapa Valleys on the western slope of the Andes. The lodge is a 4-story geodesic dome that affords guests a view of the forest canopy from above as well as a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountain peaks. Meals are superb and feature vegetarian meals, chicken, and trout. Each double room in the dome features private baths and private balconies overlooking the forest. Additional rooms have been newly constructed along the entrance onto the property.

GUANGO LODGE

Guango Lodge is a relatively new lodge developed by the owners of Cabanas San Isidro. It is located near the town of Papallacta at an elevation of about 9000 ft. on the east slope of the Andes. The food is very good and unique. On cloudy (and rainy) days and at night, it can get cold, so it's a good idea to bring warm clothing and rain gear. Verandas offer very nice views. The dining room area features a sitting room with a fire place where visitors can sit and relax. Hummingbird feeders attract a wonderful variety of higher elevation species typical of the high Andes. Rooms are very charming and feature the original and typical arquitecture of the area. Walls are made out of stone while round roofs are made of wood. All rooms have 2 double beds and hot water showers.

WILD SUMACO

Wild Sumaco Lodge is a new lodge built by birders for birders. It is located in a subtropical area on the Sumaco Road, a side road off the lower Loreto Road not far south from the turnoff to Archidona. It has become well known among birders for some of the otherwise hard to see species that can be found on the property. The lodge features a guest area where visitors can relax at the end of the day and a dining room that serves good food, wine, beer, and mixed drinks. Rooms offer comfortable accommodations with two twin beds, private bath, and hotwater showers.

CABANAS SAN ISIDRO

Cabanas San Isidro is the best birding lodge on the east slope of the Andes. The hacienda-style ranch was purchased over 31 years ago by a family concerned with preserving the region, and the property has remained uncultivated and forested as a result. The accommodations are extremely comfortable and feature a very pleasant and relaxing lounge that overlooks the cloud forest canopy and surrounding hills. An additional living room area is a wonderful place to socialize after each day of birding. Excellent Ecuadorian and international cuisine is served in the dining room accompanied by warm, friendly hospitality.

Rooms are well appointed and in immaculate condition. Windows look out onto the gardens surrounding the lodge. They feature hardwood floors and comfortable double beds with private bathrooms and hot showers. TOP

LAURA FELLOWS

Laura L Fellows is co-founder of Exotic Birding LLC with Jim Wittenberger and conducts most of our tours as leader and tour coordinator. She has worked as a professional photographer since 1983. Laura's vision as a bird photographer is to portray birds and other animals as they live and behave in their natural environments. She published her vision of such "Environmental Portraits" in the December 2007 issue of Nature Photography magazine. Her photos have been used in biology textbooks and on professional websites. Before embarking on her current venture with Exotic Birding, Laura had 16 years professional experience as a commercial photographer and advertising studio manager for an internationally recognized studio in Atlanta. In that capacity she organized, coordinated and executed major photography assignments for numerous national advertising campaigns on location in the Caribbean, South America, Europe, and many states in the US. She founded and directed a photography workshop program in the Tuscany region of Italy, where she lived for 3 years. Through her efforts the workshop attracted many internationally renowned photographers as guest instructors. She speaks fluent Italian and is now gaining familiarity with Spanish. She has lectured as an invited speaker in the art department at the University of Georgia and many photo clubs, has exhibited her photographs in galleries, and has curated 5 photography exhibitions in the USA and Italy. Laura has enjoyed a life-long love and fascination for birds and nature. Some of her many photographs can be seen throughout our website.

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