2012 Ecuador Andes Bird Photo Tour

TOUR OVERVIEW

Ecuador is one of the truly spectacular places on Earth to see and photograph birds. This very safe country is about the size of Michigan but hosts twice as many bird species as all of North America excluding Mexico. During our week-long photo tour to both slopes of the Andes, we'll visit several of the best places in Ecuador to photograph birds. On the west slope we'll visit Tandayapa Bird Lodge where hummingbirds abound, Milpe and Rio Silanche Bird Sanctuaries to photograph lower elevation forest birds, and a unique private refuge near Mindo where the owner has conditioned extremely rare and secretive antpittas to come into the open for food and has a blind where we can photograph the beautiful Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. On the east slope we'll traverse Papallacta Pass where we can photograph the rare Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, visit Guango Lodge to photograph beautiful hummingbirds including the spectacular Sword-billed Hummingbirds along with a variety of other higher elevation birds, and spend a day at wonderful Cabanas San Isidro to photograph additional species of rare antpittas as well as possibly 2 species of Quetzals. We'll stay at fine eco-lodges and enjoy excellent meals throughout the tour.

PHOTOS OF SOME POSSIBLE SPECIES ON TOUR

TOUR ITINERARY

DATE	ACTIVITY	MEALS	ACCOMMODATIONS
1-Fri 11/16	Arrive in Quito.	None	Hotel Sebastian
2-Sat 11/17	Photograph birds in Papallacta Pass and at Guango Reserve.	BLD	Guango Lodge
3-Sun 11/18	All day photograph hummingbirds at feeders and birds in Guango Reserve.	BLD	Guango Lodge
4-Mon 11/19	Morning photograph birds in Guango Reserve. Mid-day transfer to San Isidro. Afternoon photography in private reserve at San Isidro.	BLD	Cabanas San Isidro
5-Tue 11/20	Morning photograph antpittas and other birds at San Isidro. Afternoon transfer to Quito.	BLD	Hotel Sebastian
6-Wed 11/21	Transfer to Tandayapa Valley. Photograph hummingbirds on veranda and forest birds on trails.	BLD	Tandayapa Bird Lodge
7-Thu 11/22	Most of day at Tandayapa Bird Lodge. Mid-afternoon transfer to Mindo.	BLD	Septimo Paraiso Lodge
8-Fri 11/23	Early morning photograph birds at Mindo Junction. Rest of morning photography in Milpe Bird Sanctuary. Afternoon photography at Rio Silanche Bird Sanctuary.	BLD	Septimo Paraiso Lodge
9-Sat 11/24	Morning photograph Cocks-of-the-Rock and antpittas at Refugio Paz. Afternoon photograph birds at Bellavista. Return to Quito.	BLD	Hotel Sebastian
10-Sun 11/25	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 - PAPALLACTA PASS

Depart early for the eastern Andes, stopping at selected sites as we ascend the pass. We usually find and photograph several higher elevation hummingbirds as well as ovenbirds that inhabitat the scrub habitat along the road. At the top of the pass drive up a gravel road to the radio towers where Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe is often found nearby. It's possible to see Andean Condor soaring above the valley from this vantage point, though sightings are quite rare. Arrive at Guango Lodge mid-day. After lunch photograph hummingbirds at lodge feeders and birds in the garden around the lodge. Night at Guango Lodge.   Show Possible Species

DAY 3 - GUANGO RESERVE

The grounds around Guango Lodge consist of gardens, forest edge, and a nearby whitewater river. During an easy morning walk, photograph whatever birds we can find. The trail along the river is best place to photograph the unusual Torrent Duck. Mid-day photograph hummingbirds staging near feeders. Afternoon photograph birds in the gardens. Night at Guango Lodge.   Show Possible Species

DAY 4 - GUANGO RESERVE

Morning photograph birds in the gardens around the lodge. After lunch depart for San Isidro. Remainder of afternoon photograph birds on the lodge grounds. Night at Cabanas San Isidro.

for Quito, stopping in Papallacta Pass to look once again for Andean Condor and photograph any species we may have missed coming in. Arrive in Quito before dark. Night at Hotel Sebastian in Quito.

Early morning photograph Chestnut-crowned Antpitta and White-bellied Antpitta conditioned to come out on the trail for food. Rest of morning photograph birds within the extensive reserve around the lodge, including perhaps Golden-headed Quetzal and Crested Quetzal as well as Masked Trogon and various tanagers. Mid-afternoon transfer to Quito, arriving before dark. Night at Hotel Sebastian.   Show Possible Species

DAY 6 - TANDAYAPA BIRD LODGE

Depart early for Tandayapa Valley on the west slope of the Andes, arriving by about 8:00 AM. Remainder of morning and afternoon photograph hummingbirds and fruit-eating birds coming to feeders. Tandayapa Bird Lodge is perhaps the best place in the world to see and photograph hummingbirds, and we'll take full advantage. Those with the inclination can spend part of the morning and afternoon walking the forest trails near the lodge with our guide to photograph birds in the forest. Night at Tandayapa Bird Lodge.   Show Likely Species

DAY 7 - TANDAYAPA & MINDO

Optional early visit to a hide near the lodge. A number of secretive birds sometimes visit a composting area behind the hide where they can be photographed. Then walk a trail through the forest and around the ravine below the lodge. Mid-day photograph hummingbirds and other species around the veranda. Mid afternoon transfer to our lodge outside Mindo, arriving late afternoon. Night at Septimo Paraiso Lodge.   Show Possible Species

DAY 8 - MILPE AND RIO SILANCHE

Very early breakfast. Photograph birds at nearby Mindo Junction where many birds are attracted by insects drawn in by the street lights. Then drive downslope about 45 minutes to Milpe Bird Sanctuary to photograph motmots, trogons, tanagers, and many other forest birds. Lunch at Mirador Rio Blanco, a pleasant place with opportunities to photograph hummingbirds and tanagers at the feeders. Afternoon photograph birds in lower elevation forest at Rio Silanche Bird Sanctuary. Walk some easy trails and visit an observation tower in the forest.ýNight at Septimo Paraiso Lodge   Show Possible Species

DAY 9 - REFUGIO PAZ & BELLAVISTA

Extremely early departure for half hour drive to Refugio Paz, where the owner has conditioned several species of antpittas to come out on the trail for food. Following a 20-minute hike down a somewhat steep trail, we'll reach a blind where we can observe male Andean Cocks-of-the-Rock displaying in the understory. We must be there by first light so as not to disturb the birds. Despite the low light, it's possible to photograph these beautiful birds using slow shutter speeds. Later Angel will treat us to close-up views of extremely rare and locally distributed antpittas. Remainder of morning photographing birds along forest trails on the property and hummingbirds visiting feeders. Late morning transfer to Bellavista Reserve, a somewhat higher elevation site.

Afternoon relax and photograph birds around Bellavista Lodge including hummingbirds at feeders. Of particular interest are Toucan Barbet, Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, and Green-and-black Fruiteater. Late afternoon transfer to Quito, arriving before dark.ýNight at Hotel Sebastian   Show Possible Species

DAY 10 - 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.

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.

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.

BIRDING GUIDE

We'll be using a well-trained, qualified birding guide who lives in country and works through lodges where we stay or free-lances with international tour operators. Our guides are adept at finding even very secretive species and are experts at identifying birds by calls and songs as well as visual field marks. We may use two guides when a single guide has sufficient expertise for only a portion of the entire tour itinerary.