Ecuador - Northern (Choco Cloud Forest & Eastern Andes): The Wildlife Society 2026

13 Jun 2026 - 26 Jun 2026 (14 days)

USD6,950 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Dušan Brinkhuizen

Pricing notes : By joining this tour, you’re also supporting the vital work of The Wildlife Society (TWS). A contribution of US$500 per booking will be donated directly to TWS to help advance their mission of promoting wildlife stewardship through science and education.

Tour price (Per person): USD6,950 * GBP5,116 * EUR5,903 * AUD10,529

Single Supplement: USD690 * GBP508 * EUR586 * AUD1,045

This unforgettable journey through Ecuador’s cloud forests, Andean slopes, and Amazonian lowlands is designed for nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, photographers, and curious travellers alike. While birding remains a central focus, the tour offers much more—dramatic landscapes, rich biodiversity, vibrant plant life, and immersive cultural encounters that make this region one of the most captivating corners of the planet.

We begin in the lush Chocó Cloud Forests northwest of Quito, a region renowned for its astonishing variety of wildlife and high levels of endemism. Staying in the scenic Tandayapa and Mindo valleys, we’ll explore an array of spectacular private reserves that support important conservation efforts. This is a haven not just for birders, but for anyone enchanted by nature’s beauty—from sparkling waterfalls and misty forests to dazzling butterflies, vibrant orchids, and the sounds of life echoing through the trees.

In these magical forests, we may encounter charismatic mammals like tayras, coatis, or even a shy olinguito, while watching toucans and tanagers from the comfort of a forest lodge balcony. Photography opportunities abound, especially at well-maintained feeders and along quiet trails—ideal for capturing colourful birds, rare orchids, moss-draped trees, and other forest wonders.

We then venture east into the majestic Andes, descending from snow-capped volcanoes into pristine montane cloud forests and lush foothills. Each elevation brings a new tapestry of species, scenery, and sensory experiences—from windswept páramo landscapes and highland lakes to rushing mountain rivers and dense, bird-filled woodlands. This region is a hotspot for hummingbirds, orchids, butterflies, and rare Andean wildlife. Highlights include the iconic Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Velvet-purple Coronet, Giant Antpitta, Quetzals, and perhaps even the elusive Spectacled Bear.

A dedicated extension takes us deep into the heart of the Amazon Basin, where the tropical foothills of the eastern Andes meet the lowland rainforest in one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Together, these ecosystems form the Upper Amazonian biome—arguably the most species-rich area in the world. We’ll explore two incredible sites—Wildsumaco Wildlife Sanctuary and the renowned Sani Lodge—each offering extraordinary birding in vastly different micro-habitats. Wildsumaco alone boasts a bird list exceeding 500 species, while Sani Lodge’s list is fast approaching 600! From terra firme forest to varzea, oxbow lakes, and canopy towers, we’ll search for a dazzling range of Amazonian specialities including the legendary Harpy Eagle, prehistoric Hoatzin, American Pygmy and Amazon Kingfishers, Golden-headed and Orange-crowned Manakins, Fiery-throated Fruiteater, Bare-necked Fruitcrow, Plum-throated & Spangled Cotingas, and dozens of striking antbird species!

This immersive experience across Ecuador’s most iconic ecosystems promises unforgettable moments, superb wildlife encounters, and a deep connection with some of the richest natural environments on the planet.

*This tour is available exclusively to members of The Wildlife Society (TWS). If you're not yet a member, your trip registration automatically includes a complimentary 1-year TWS membership, valued at $94. This membership provides access to a range of valuable benefits, including a bi-monthly magazine featuring the latest wildlife research and conservation insights, full access to online journals, the eWildlifer newsletter for timely updates, networking opportunities with fellow wildlife professionals, and exclusive member discounts on TWS events, training, and resources.

Top Birds

Andean Condor; Carunulated Caracara; Torrent Duck; Black-faced Ibis; Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe; Dark-backed Wood Quail; Indigo-crowned Quail-Dove; Pacific Parrotlet; White-capped & Rose-faced Parrots; Cloud-forest Pygmy Owl; Ecuadorian Hillstar; Giant, Sword-billed & Purple-chested Hummingbird; Viridian Metaltail; Golden-breasted Puffleg; Purple-bibbed Whitetip; Tourmaline Sunangel; Empress Brilliant; Brown Inca; Chestnut-breasted & Velvet-purple Coronets; White-booted Racket-tail; White-bellied Woodstar; Long-tailed & Violet-tailed Sylphs; Rainbow-bearded & Blue-mantled Thronbills; Andean Potoo; Crested & Golden-headed Quetzal; Masked & Chocó Trogons; Barred Puffbird; White-whiskered Puffbird; White-faced Nunbird; Orange-fronted & Toucan Barbets; Pale-mandibled Aracari; Grey-breasted Mountain, Black-billed Mountain, Plate-billed Mountain & Chocó Toucans; Olivaceous Piculet; Crimson-mantled, Cinnamon & Guayaquil Woodpeckers; Pacific Tuftedcheek; Black-crowned Antshrike; Checker-throated & Pacific Antwrens; Chestnut-backed Antbird; Black-headed & Rufous-breasted Antthrushes; Tawny, White-bellied, Peruvian, Slaty-crowned, Crescent-faced, Giant, Moustached, Yellow-breasted & Ochre-breasted Antpittas; Nariño & Ocellated Tapaculos; Chocó Tyrannulet; Black-capped Pygmy Tyrant; Andean Cock-of-the-rock; Orange-breasted & Scaled Fruiteaters; Golden-winged, White-bearded & Club-winged Manakins; Beautiful Jay; Black Solitaire; White-capped Dipper; Chocó Warbler; Yellow-tufted, Scarlet-thighed & Scarlet-breasted Dacnises; Indigo Flowerpiercer; Yellow-collared Chlorophonia; Grass-green, Golden-crowned, White-capped, Flame-faced, Glistening-green, Moss-backed, Grey-and-gold, Rufous-throated, Blue-whiskered, Black-chinned Mountain, Scarlet-browed & Ochre-breasted Tanagers.

Top Mammals

White-tailed Dear; Andean Fox; Olingito; Tayra; White-fronted Capuchin; Spectacled Bear (rare); Mountain Tapir (rare)

Habitats Covered

temperate tree line forest, subtropical cloud-forest, tropical foothill forest and tropical lowland forest all in the Chocó bioregion

Expected Climate

chilly to hot and humid (very pleasant temperatures on most days)

Max Group Size

11 with 1 Rockjumper leader & local birding leader

Tour Pace & Walking

MODERATE TO CHALLENGING: This tour requires a good level of fitness, stamina, and overall health. It’s best suited for experienced birders who are comfortable with a more active itinerary. Please note that it may not be ideal for avid photographers, new birders, or those with mobility or health concerns.

easy/moderate pace

Accommodation

comfortable lodges

Ease of Birding

easy birding with some tricky skulkers

Number of Species Expected

350 - 400

Photographic Opportunities

excellent at sites with feeders

What our clients say about us

Dušan Brinkhuizen
JK, Ecuador 2018

Dušan Brinkhuizen is an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable, patient, never got tired and made sure everyone got the bird. You are fortunate to have a guide like Dušan.

Dušan Brinkhuizen
TN, Ecuador - Galapagos 2018

I really enjoyed this trip, it's probably the best one I've been on! I loved the knowledge and personalities of both our guides, Andrés Trujillo & Dušan Brinkhuizen, as well as the naturalist guides and the boat crews.

Dušan Brinkhuizen
CM, Ecuador 2018

The tour was very good and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Dušan Brinkhuizen is an excellent guide, a superb birder whose enthusiasm is infectious. We had members of our group with differing levels of birding skills, fitness and expectations. Dušan showed a high level of professionalism and went out of his way to meet everyone's expectations of the trip.

Dušan Brinkhuizen
AG, Ecuador 2019

An excellent tour with an excellent guide. Dušan's knowledge of all the vocalizations is exceptional and he made sure I saw almost all the birds the group managed to see.

Dušan Brinkhuizen
ES & JS, Ecuador 2018

Dušan Brinkhuizen is a wonderfully skilled birder and he readily shares his enthusiasm for birds and their environments. He is also skilled in Spanish and knowledgeable about the country.

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Route Map

Tour Route Map