Here at San Isidro and its surroundings, we find ourselves in one of the finest sites in the world for birding and wildlife encounters in this rich zone and the possibilities seem endless. At the first hint of dawn, thrushes and Andean Solitaires sing; soon, as it becomes light, the vegetation suddenly comes alive with birds attracted to the lodge lights for insects.

Typically, Inca (Green) Jays, Russet-backed Oropendolas and Subtropical Caciques arrive first. Then tanagers, woodcreepers, flowerpiercers, flycatchers, and other small birds arrive, allowing us remarkably close observation as they forage close at hand. Meanwhile Black Agouti inspect the forest floor for nuts, seeds and other invertebrates.

As the morning progresses, clouds begin to blanket the mountain slopes, bathing the forest in mist. As the clouds appear, the mixed-species flocks around the lodge seem to become most active. Amidst the seemingly endless array of tanagers are such gems as Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Green-and-black Fruiteater, Handsome & Cinnamon Flycatchers, Barred Becard, Black-billed Peppershrike, Black-crested & Russet-crowned Warblers, Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager and Bluish Flowerpiercer.

To experience a big mixed-species foraging flock in the subtropics is one of the supreme joys—or utmost frustrations—of Neotropical birding. At times these flocks are hard to locate, or the light can be poor and the birds move off rapidly. At other times, however, they linger and forage deliberately, providing a spectacular visual feast as one species after another comes into view.

Among the many additional special possibilities in this region are Black-and-chestnut Eagle, Wattled & Sickle-winged Guans, Red-billed Parrot, Golden-headed & Crested Quetzals, Masked Trogon, Andean Motmot, Powerful Woodpecker, Streak-headed Antbird, Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher, and Andean Cock-of-the-rock.

The diversity of hummingbirds here is high. The different species can be spotted zipping around from the understory to the canopy. With such a profusion of flowers to choose from, they are not concentrated and can be frustrating to see at times. However, with the help of very active nectar feeders, we should be able to secure excellent, even point-blank looks at many of the possible species. This includes Tawny-bellied Hermit, Lesser Violetear, Speckled Hummingbird, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Bronzy Inca, Collared Inca, and Long-tailed Sylph.

We will also take one afternoon to return to the nearby Vinillos entrance area, which always produces exciting surprises and more opportunities to encounter Barred Parakeet, Sickle-winged Guan, Crested Quetzal, White-throated (Southern Emerald-) Toucanet, Black-billed Mountain-Toucan, Rusty-winged Barbtail, Sulphur-bellied Tyrannulet, Saffron- crowned Tanager and perhaps Red-breasted Meadowlark (Blackbird).

For current birdlists, check out Ebird.

Two overnights at Cabañas San Isidro.

Experience the rich rainforests of the lower eastern foothills, the filter for Andean waters heading to the great Amazon River.

Wildsumaco Lodge provides a comfortable place to stay in the eastern foothills. It lies off the main road and amidst great habitat at a site chosen and designed by birders and naturalists.

The foothill birds are a unique mix from both the Amazonian tropics and the cooler subtropical regions. Furthermore, this zone has the highest species diversity in the mountains.

It is the heart of “the tanager zone,” where these colorful and entertaining birds reach their greatest diversity. Typically, they roam through the forest and its border in fast-moving, mixed-flocks. Their names only hint at their beauty: Paradise, Golden-eared, Turquoise, Silver-beaked, Orange-eared & Golden, to name a few.

Numerous other species tag along including Red-headed Barbet, Lafresnaye’s Piculet, numerous foliage-gleaners and woodcreepers, and many small flycatchers.

Wildsumaco also offers hiking trails that allow access to the forest interior and observation of its more secretive inhabitants. Additionally, hummingbird feeders attract a surprisingly large number of species, including such rarely-seen foothill specialties as Napo Sabrewing, Ecuadorian Piedtail, Rufous-vented Whitetip and Gould’s Jewelfront.

We also have a chance of spotting such spectacular birds as the Coppery-chested Jacamar, Golden-collared Toucanet, Black-mandibled Toucan and Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater.

Located at a comfortable elevation of 4,900 feet above sea level, Wildsumaco lodge is set on a ridge in the eastern foothills of the Andes. It offers panoramic views reaching across the Rio Pucuno Valley and to the Andes beyond.

The forest reserve ranges from 3,900 to 4,900 feet above sea level. Due to its location on the Equator, the steep Andean foothills, and the close proximity of the Amazon, the Sumaco region hosts one of the richest diversity records in the world. A wonderful mix of cloud forest species, foothill specialties, and typically Amazonian birds share Wildsumaco’s lush subtropical rain forest with a myriad of other animals.

An astonishing 510 bird species have been recorded on this reserve and the immediately surrounding area. Many of these are rare, endangered, or very difficult to see elsewhere.

Two overnights at WildSumaco.

Immerse in the colonial history of Quito.

Cradled in the foothills of the Pichincha volcano,​ Quito hosts the largest and best-preserved colonial center in the Americas. It is also the world’s very first UNESCO World Heritage city.

With its impressive historical sites, ancient baroque art, and impressive museums, Quito is best enjoyed on foot with a morning walking tour.

Depending on your flight schedule, we will do our best to enjoy as many of these options as you like.

We can visit different historical treasures, entering numerous striking monasteries like San Francisco, La Compañia de Jesús (aka “the gold church”) and other cathedrals. We also recommend seeing the emblematic Plaza de la Independencia from where Francisco Orellana’s expedition set forth to navigate the entire length of the Amazon river in 1542.

Other excellent options include a visit the exquisite array of pre-Columbian ceramics at the Casa Alabado or  enjoy the rich collection of native orchids and other species of plants at Quito’s Botanical Garden.

We will enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant and make sure you have time to purchase any last minute gifts or mementos. According to your schedule, we will make sure you arrive at Quito’s International Airport in plenty of time to board your flight.

Thank you for visiting biodiverse Ecuador with us!