The Santa Elena Peninsula west of Guayaquil has rather recently become a worthwhile destination for birders interested in seeing a few specialties of the more arid habitat of southwestern Ecuador. The most important of these is the vulnerable population of the Esmeraldas Woodstar, the primary reason for the extension. We have a good chance of seeing this species, but only during its breeding season from December-March. A number of other specialties are also featured, notably some Tumbesian near-endemics shared with northwestern Peru plus a variety of arid country birds we'll miss during our usual southern Ecuador tour itinerary.

Our 4-day extension begins with an early departure from Guayaquil. We'll bird our way west through arid scrublands, home to the Esmeraldas Woodstar to the coast, where we'll stop for some birding around the saltpans at Salinas and the beaches near Santa Elena. After lunch there, we'll continue north to Ayampe for a two-night stay. We'll spend the rest of our time birding the recently established Ayampe Reserve and nearby coastal woodlands.

Tour Considerations

PACE - The pace of this tour is easy.

DIFFICULTY - Birding is along roadsides and mostly nearly flat forest trails. The optional trail following the river entails crossing the river several times so rubber boots are beneficial there.

CLIMATE - The climate is warm and rainy during December-April when the Esmeraldas Woodstar occurs in the reserve. It rains about half of all days during January-March. The wettest month is February, which averages around 6 inches of rainfall. Temperatures can be quite warm, around 85 degrees fahrenheit. The months from June to November are drier and cooler.

BIRD ACTIVITY - Birding is at its best from January-March when the Esmeraldas Woodstar is breeding in the reserve.

PHOTOGRAPHY - Bird photography is opportunistic and can be challenging along forest trails.

 

 

 

 

 

• Photos from Past Tours
• Travel Information

BIRDING LOCALES
FOR THIS TOUR

• Ayampe Reserve
• Santa Elena Peninsula