Explore the magic of the Ecuadorian Andes, a region that offers what some have called the finest birding in South America. Hummingbirds, condors, toucans, tanagers, and antpittas adorn this tour, replete with misty mountains, orchids, hot springs, and genuine interactions with locals. This is the perfect tour for the "relaxed birder." We will provide every opportunity to find and photograph your target birds while also baking in time for you to relax or explore areas on your own. Meet local birding guides and landowners who are passionate about protecting important habitats and hear their stories. It's not often you'll travel like this: get ready to be awed by magnificent landscapes and colorful creatures while sampling new culture and cuisine. Learn about Ecuador from Ecuadorians themselves and return to the States with new perspectives.   

Birding Man Adventures (BMA) is passionate about supporting conservation through sustainable travel. Having spent two years in Ecuador as a Peace Corps volunteer, BMA founder and guide Ryan Dibala has remained in close contact with several different communities in Ecuador. One of these communities, San Francisco de Borja, has spearheaded reforestation and birdwatching efforts as an alternative to unsustainable agriculture. By collaborating with Sandra Morocho, an activist, birder, and guide from San Francisco de Borja, BMA aims to dissolve language and cultural barriers through common ties and interests in nature. You can feel great about your dollars directly supporting a group of humble, landholding Ecuadorians who are working to preserve some of Ecuador's most treasured wildlife.     

The lodging used on this trip has been hand-picked for quality and uniqueness. In Quito, we will stay in what has been called an oasis of calm at Puembo Birding Garden only a half hour from the airport. We will transfer to the eastern Andean cloud forests in what is regularly referred to as a birdwatcher's paradise. There, we will stay at the beautiful Rio Quijos Eco Lodge , using this as a home base to explore several farms and reserves in the area. From there, we will transfer to the beautiful Papallacta hot springs, where we will stay at Hosteria Pampallacta.  Later, we will cross over to the western side of the Andes and stay at the beautiful Casa de Vista Alta. Finally, we will come full circle and spend our last night at a comfortable hotel close to the airport. At each location, we will eat great food prepared with care while enjoying first class service and unrivaled natural beauty.