DAY 1 | Arrival in Quito – Transfer to Lodge

Upon arrival in Quito (2,850 m / 9,350 ft), Ecuador’s capital set beneath the Pichincha volcano, you will be welcomed and transferred to a tranquil eco-lodge in the Puembo area (Jimenita Eco Lodge or Zaysant Lodge).

The lodge gardens and surrounding forest patches offer an excellent introduction to Andean birdlife, with opportunities to photograph species such as Sparkling Violetear, Black-tailed Trainbearer, Vermilion Flycatcher, and Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet.

For early arrivals, an optional walk along the lodge trails may reveal Rufous-collared Sparrow, Blue-and-yellow Tanager, and the striking Scrub Tanager—an ideal way to ease into the journey, test equipment, and adapt to altitude. A brief orientation may be offered in the evening, depending on arrival times.

🍴 Meals: Not included

DAY 2 | Yanacocha Reserve – Nono–Mindo Eco Road – Sachatamia Lodge

An early departure takes you to Yanacocha Reserve (3,400 m / 11,200 ft), an elfin forest on the western slopes of the Andes renowned for its moss-covered trees and high-altitude birdlife. This is one of the few places in the world where the critically endangered Black-breasted Puffleg, Ecuador’s national bird, may be found.

Along the scenic trails, mixed flocks may reveal White-throated and White-banded Tyrannulets, Superciliaried Hemispingus, Pearled Treerunner, and colorful mountain tanagers such as Scarlet-bellied, Black-chested, and Hooded. Yanacocha is also exceptional for hummingbird photography, with species including Sword-billed Hummingbird, Great Sapphirewing, Shining Sunbeam, Tyrian Metaltail, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, and Golden-breasted Puffleg. The Trocha Inca Trail offers excellent light for both bird and landscape photography.

After lunch at the reserve, continue descending the biodiverse Nono–Mindo Eco Road, with photographic stops and short walks at key viewpoints such as Mirador Giaycapi, where Plate-billed Mountain–Toucan, Masked Trogon, and occasionally the elusive White-faced Nunbird may be seen.

By late afternoon, arrive in the lush cloud forests of Mindo and settle into Sachatamia Lodge. Its feeders attract vibrant hummingbirds including Empress Brilliant, Velvet-purple Coronet, Booted Racket-tail, Violet-tailed Sylph, and Brown Violetear.

🛌 Overnight: Sachatamia Lodge
🍴 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 3 | Amagusa Reserve – Sacha Guatusa – Sachatamia Lodge

This morning, explore Amagusa Reserve, located near Mashpi within the heart of the Chocó–Andean biodiversity corridor. Designed with photographers and birders in mind, the reserve features well-maintained trails, shaded observation decks, and hummingbird feeders attracting an exceptional diversity of species.

Key targets include Chocó endemics such as Glistening-green Tanager, Moss-backed Tanager, Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager, Orange-breasted Fruiteater, Indigo Flowerpiercer, and Golden-collared Honeycreeper. Feeders and forest edges also host vibrant hummingbirds including Velvet-purple Coronet, Booted Racket-tail, Violet-tailed Sylph, and Empress Brilliant, while mixed flocks frequently move through the area, offering dynamic photographic opportunities.

After a flexible lunch, continue to Sacha Guatusa, a quiet private reserve known for its excellent feeder setups. This intimate setting is ideal for close-up photography of Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Fawn-breasted Tanager, Green-crowned Brilliant, and Brown Inca, with additional chances to spot White-shouldered Tanager, Golden-naped Tanager, and Rufous-tailed Hummingbird.

Return to Sachatamia Lodge in the late afternoon, with time to relax, enjoy casual birding around the lodge, or review the day’s photographs.

🛌 Overnight: Sachatamia Lodge
🍴 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 4 | Sachatamia Hide – Giaycapi or Punto Ornitológico – Sachatamia Lodge

This morning is dedicated to a focused photography session at the Sachatamia hide, an intimate and shaded setup designed for optimal light and natural perches. Regular subjects include Green-crowned Brilliant, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, White-whiskered Hermit, Brown Violetear, and the iridescent Velvet-purple Coronet, along with tanagers, flowerpiercers, and occasional motmots.

After breakfast at the lodge, continue to one of the following destinations, selected with your guide to maximize photographic opportunities:

Option 1: Giaycapi Lodge
Set at mid-elevation in the Mindo Valley, this reserve is renowned for photography of the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan. Other possible sightings include Golden-headed Quetzal, Masked Trogon, and Strong-billed Woodcreeper, while feeders attract Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, Flame-faced Tanager, and Black-capped Tanager. Open spaces and vertical light gaps make this an excellent location for telephoto work.

Option 2: Punto Ornitológico (Alcíbar Zaragozín)
A quiet riverside site ideal for capturing riparian specialists such as Sunbittern, White-capped Dipper, and Torrent Tyrannulet. Trails may also reveal Crested Guan, Barred Hawk, and occasionally Cloud-forest Pygmy-Owl, making this option perfect for behavioral and habitat-focused photography.

Return to Sachatamia Lodge in the late afternoon. Time permitting, enjoy casual birding, relax on the observation decks, or review the day’s photographs as the cloud forest settles into evening.

🛌 Overnight: Sachatamia Lodge
🍴 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 4 | Sachatamia Hide – Giaycapi or Punto Ornitológico – Sachatamia Lodge

This morning is dedicated to a focused photography session at the Sachatamia hide, an intimate and shaded setup designed for optimal light and natural perches. Regular subjects include Green-crowned Brilliant, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, White-whiskered Hermit, Brown Violetear, and the iridescent Velvet-purple Coronet, along with tanagers, flowerpiercers, and occasional motmots.

After breakfast at the lodge, continue to one of the following destinations, selected with your guide to maximize photographic opportunities:

Option 1: Giaycapi Lodge
Set at mid-elevation in the Mindo Valley, this reserve is renowned for photography of the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan. Other possible sightings include Golden-headed Quetzal, Masked Trogon, and Strong-billed Woodcreeper, while feeders attract Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, Flame-faced Tanager, and Black-capped Tanager. Open spaces and vertical light gaps make this an excellent location for telephoto work.

Option 2: Punto Ornitológico (Alcíbar Zaragozín)
A quiet riverside site ideal for capturing riparian specialists such as Sunbittern, White-capped Dipper, and Torrent Tyrannulet. Trails may also reveal Crested Guan, Barred Hawk, and occasionally Cloud-forest Pygmy-Owl, making this option perfect for behavioral and habitat-focused photography.

Return to Sachatamia Lodge in the late afternoon. Time permitting, enjoy casual birding, relax on the observation decks, or review the day’s photographs as the cloud forest settles into evening.

Overnight: Sachatamia Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 4 | Sachatamia Hide – Giaycapi or Punto Ornitológico – Sachatamia Lodge

This morning is dedicated to a focused photography session at the Sachatamia hide, an intimate and shaded setup designed for optimal light and natural perches. Regular subjects include Green-crowned Brilliant, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, White-whiskered Hermit, Brown Violetear, and the iridescent Velvet-purple Coronet, along with tanagers, flowerpiercers, and occasional motmots.

After breakfast at the lodge, continue to one of the following destinations, selected with your guide to maximize photographic opportunities:

Option 1: Giaycapi Lodge
Set at mid-elevation in the Mindo Valley, this reserve is renowned for photography of the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan. Other possible sightings include Golden-headed Quetzal, Masked Trogon, and Strong-billed Woodcreeper, while feeders attract Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, Flame-faced Tanager, and Black-capped Tanager. Open spaces and vertical light gaps make this an excellent location for telephoto work.

Option 2: Punto Ornitológico (Alcíbar Zaragozín)
A quiet riverside site ideal for capturing riparian specialists such as Sunbittern, White-capped Dipper, and Torrent Tyrannulet. Trails may also reveal Crested Guan, Barred Hawk, and occasionally Cloud-forest Pygmy-Owl, making this option perfect for behavioral and habitat-focused photography.

Return to Sachatamia Lodge in the late afternoon. Time permitting, enjoy casual birding, relax on the observation decks, or review the day’s photographs as the cloud forest settles into evening.

Overnight: Sachatamia Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 4 | Sachatamia Hide – Giaycapi or Punto Ornitológico – Sachatamia Lodge

This morning is dedicated to a focused photography session at the Sachatamia hide, an intimate and shaded setup designed for optimal light and natural perches. Regular subjects include Green-crowned Brilliant, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, White-whiskered Hermit, Brown Violetear, and the iridescent Velvet-purple Coronet, along with tanagers, flowerpiercers, and occasional motmots.

After breakfast at the lodge, continue to one of the following destinations, selected with your guide to maximize photographic opportunities:

Option 1: Giaycapi Lodge
Set at mid-elevation in the Mindo Valley, this reserve is renowned for photography of the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan. Other possible sightings include Golden-headed Quetzal, Masked Trogon, and Strong-billed Woodcreeper, while feeders attract Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, Flame-faced Tanager, and Black-capped Tanager. Open spaces and vertical light gaps make this an excellent location for telephoto work.

Option 2: Punto Ornitológico (Alcíbar Zaragozín)
A quiet riverside site ideal for capturing riparian specialists such as Sunbittern, White-capped Dipper, and Torrent Tyrannulet. Trails may also reveal Crested Guan, Barred Hawk, and occasionally Cloud-forest Pygmy-Owl, making this option perfect for behavioral and habitat-focused photography.

Return to Sachatamia Lodge in the late afternoon. Time permitting, enjoy casual birding, relax on the observation decks, or review the day’s photographs as the cloud forest settles into evening.

Overnight: Sachatamia Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 4 | Sachatamia Hide – Giaycapi or Punto Ornitológico – Sachatamia Lodge

This morning is dedicated to a focused photography session at the Sachatamia hide, an intimate and shaded setup designed for optimal light and natural perches. Regular subjects include Green-crowned Brilliant, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, White-whiskered Hermit, Brown Violetear, and the iridescent Velvet-purple Coronet, along with tanagers, flowerpiercers, and occasional motmots.

After breakfast at the lodge, continue to one of the following destinations, selected with your guide to maximize photographic opportunities:

Option 1: Giaycapi Lodge
Set at mid-elevation in the Mindo Valley, this reserve is renowned for photography of the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan. Other possible sightings include Golden-headed Quetzal, Masked Trogon, and Strong-billed Woodcreeper, while feeders attract Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, Flame-faced Tanager, and Black-capped Tanager. Open spaces and vertical light gaps make this an excellent location for telephoto work.

Option 2: Punto Ornitológico (Alcíbar Zaragozín)
A quiet riverside site ideal for capturing riparian specialists such as Sunbittern, White-capped Dipper, and Torrent Tyrannulet. Trails may also reveal Crested Guan, Barred Hawk, and occasionally Cloud-forest Pygmy-Owl, making this option perfect for behavioral and habitat-focused photography.

Return to Sachatamia Lodge in the late afternoon. Time permitting, enjoy casual birding, relax on the observation decks, or review the day’s photographs as the cloud forest settles into evening.

Overnight: Sachatamia Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 4 | Sachatamia Hide – Giaycapi or Punto Ornitológico – Sachatamia Lodge

This morning is dedicated to a focused photography session at the Sachatamia hide, an intimate and shaded setup designed for optimal light and natural perches. Regular subjects include Green-crowned Brilliant, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, White-whiskered Hermit, Brown Violetear, and the iridescent Velvet-purple Coronet, along with tanagers, flowerpiercers, and occasional motmots.

After breakfast at the lodge, continue to one of the following destinations, selected with your guide to maximize photographic opportunities:

Option 1: Giaycapi Lodge
Set at mid-elevation in the Mindo Valley, this reserve is renowned for photography of the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan. Other possible sightings include Golden-headed Quetzal, Masked Trogon, and Strong-billed Woodcreeper, while feeders attract Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, Flame-faced Tanager, and Black-capped Tanager. Open spaces and vertical light gaps make this an excellent location for telephoto work.

Option 2: Punto Ornitológico (Alcíbar Zaragozín)
A quiet riverside site ideal for capturing riparian specialists such as Sunbittern, White-capped Dipper, and Torrent Tyrannulet. Trails may also reveal Crested Guan, Barred Hawk, and occasionally Cloud-forest Pygmy-Owl, making this option perfect for behavioral and habitat-focused photography.

Return to Sachatamia Lodge in the late afternoon. Time permitting, enjoy casual birding, relax on the observation decks, or review the day’s photographs as the cloud forest settles into evening.

Overnight: Sachatamia Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 4 | Sachatamia Hide – Giaycapi or Punto Ornitológico – Sachatamia Lodge

This morning is dedicated to a focused photography session at the Sachatamia hide, an intimate and shaded setup designed for optimal light and natural perches. Regular subjects include Green-crowned Brilliant, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, White-whiskered Hermit, Brown Violetear, and the iridescent Velvet-purple Coronet, along with tanagers, flowerpiercers, and occasional motmots.

After breakfast at the lodge, continue to one of the following destinations, selected with your guide to maximize photographic opportunities:

Option 1: Giaycapi Lodge
Set at mid-elevation in the Mindo Valley, this reserve is renowned for photography of the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan. Other possible sightings include Golden-headed Quetzal, Masked Trogon, and Strong-billed Woodcreeper, while feeders attract Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, Flame-faced Tanager, and Black-capped Tanager. Open spaces and vertical light gaps make this an excellent location for telephoto work.

Option 2: Punto Ornitológico (Alcíbar Zaragozín)
A quiet riverside site ideal for capturing riparian specialists such as Sunbittern, White-capped Dipper, and Torrent Tyrannulet. Trails may also reveal Crested Guan, Barred Hawk, and occasionally Cloud-forest Pygmy-Owl, making this option perfect for behavioral and habitat-focused photography.

Return to Sachatamia Lodge in the late afternoon. Time permitting, enjoy casual birding, relax on the observation decks, or review the day’s photographs as the cloud forest settles into evening.

Overnight: Sachatamia Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 4 | Sachatamia Hide – Giaycapi or Punto Ornitológico – Sachatamia Lodge

This morning is dedicated to a focused photography session at the Sachatamia hide, an intimate and shaded setup designed for optimal light and natural perches. Regular subjects include Green-crowned Brilliant, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, White-whiskered Hermit, Brown Violetear, and the iridescent Velvet-purple Coronet, along with tanagers, flowerpiercers, and occasional motmots.

After breakfast at the lodge, continue to one of the following destinations, selected with your guide to maximize photographic opportunities:

Option 1: Giaycapi Lodge
Set at mid-elevation in the Mindo Valley, this reserve is renowned for photography of the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan. Other possible sightings include Golden-headed Quetzal, Masked Trogon, and Strong-billed Woodcreeper, while feeders attract Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, Flame-faced Tanager, and Black-capped Tanager. Open spaces and vertical light gaps make this an excellent location for telephoto work.

Option 2: Punto Ornitológico (Alcíbar Zaragozín)
A quiet riverside site ideal for capturing riparian specialists such as Sunbittern, White-capped Dipper, and Torrent Tyrannulet. Trails may also reveal Crested Guan, Barred Hawk, and occasionally Cloud-forest Pygmy-Owl, making this option perfect for behavioral and habitat-focused photography.

Return to Sachatamia Lodge in the late afternoon. Time permitting, enjoy casual birding, relax on the observation decks, or review the day’s photographs as the cloud forest settles into evening.

Overnight: Sachatamia Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 4 | Sachatamia Hide – Giaycapi or Punto Ornitológico – Sachatamia Lodge

This morning is dedicated to a focused photography session at the Sachatamia hide, an intimate and shaded setup designed for optimal light and natural perches. Regular subjects include Green-crowned Brilliant, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, White-whiskered Hermit, Brown Violetear, and the iridescent Velvet-purple Coronet, along with tanagers, flowerpiercers, and occasional motmots.

After breakfast at the lodge, continue to one of the following destinations, selected with your guide to maximize photographic opportunities:

Option 1: Giaycapi Lodge
Set at mid-elevation in the Mindo Valley, this reserve is renowned for photography of the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan. Other possible sightings include Golden-headed Quetzal, Masked Trogon, and Strong-billed Woodcreeper, while feeders attract Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, Flame-faced Tanager, and Black-capped Tanager. Open spaces and vertical light gaps make this an excellent location for telephoto work.

Option 2: Punto Ornitológico (Alcíbar Zaragozín)
A quiet riverside site ideal for capturing riparian specialists such as Sunbittern, White-capped Dipper, and Torrent Tyrannulet. Trails may also reveal Crested Guan, Barred Hawk, and occasionally Cloud-forest Pygmy-Owl, making this option perfect for behavioral and habitat-focused photography.

Return to Sachatamia Lodge in the late afternoon. Time permitting, enjoy casual birding, relax on the observation decks, or review the day’s photographs as the cloud forest settles into evening.

Overnight: Sachatamia Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 4 | Sachatamia Hide – Giaycapi or Punto Ornitológico – Sachatamia Lodge

This morning is dedicated to a focused photography session at the Sachatamia hide, an intimate and shaded setup designed for optimal light and natural perches. Regular subjects include Green-crowned Brilliant, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, White-whiskered Hermit, Brown Violetear, and the iridescent Velvet-purple Coronet, along with tanagers, flowerpiercers, and occasional motmots.

After breakfast at the lodge, continue to one of the following destinations, selected with your guide to maximize photographic opportunities:

Option 1: Giaycapi Lodge
Set at mid-elevation in the Mindo Valley, this reserve is renowned for photography of the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan. Other possible sightings include Golden-headed Quetzal, Masked Trogon, and Strong-billed Woodcreeper, while feeders attract Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, Flame-faced Tanager, and Black-capped Tanager. Open spaces and vertical light gaps make this an excellent location for telephoto work.

Option 2: Punto Ornitológico (Alcíbar Zaragozín)
A quiet riverside site ideal for capturing riparian specialists such as Sunbittern, White-capped Dipper, and Torrent Tyrannulet. Trails may also reveal Crested Guan, Barred Hawk, and occasionally Cloud-forest Pygmy-Owl, making this option perfect for behavioral and habitat-focused photography.

Return to Sachatamia Lodge in the late afternoon. Time permitting, enjoy casual birding, relax on the observation decks, or review the day’s photographs as the cloud forest settles into evening.

Overnight: Sachatamia Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 4 | Sachatamia Hide – Giaycapi or Punto Ornitológico – Sachatamia Lodge

This morning is dedicated to a focused photography session at the Sachatamia hide, an intimate and shaded setup designed for optimal light and natural perches. Regular subjects include Green-crowned Brilliant, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, White-whiskered Hermit, Brown Violetear, and the iridescent Velvet-purple Coronet, along with tanagers, flowerpiercers, and occasional motmots.

After breakfast at the lodge, continue to one of the following destinations, selected with your guide to maximize photographic opportunities:

Option 1: Giaycapi Lodge
Set at mid-elevation in the Mindo Valley, this reserve is renowned for photography of the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan. Other possible sightings include Golden-headed Quetzal, Masked Trogon, and Strong-billed Woodcreeper, while feeders attract Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, Flame-faced Tanager, and Black-capped Tanager. Open spaces and vertical light gaps make this an excellent location for telephoto work.

Option 2: Punto Ornitológico (Alcíbar Zaragozín)
A quiet riverside site ideal for capturing riparian specialists such as Sunbittern, White-capped Dipper, and Torrent Tyrannulet. Trails may also reveal Crested Guan, Barred Hawk, and occasionally Cloud-forest Pygmy-Owl, making this option perfect for behavioral and habitat-focused photography.

Return to Sachatamia Lodge in the late afternoon. Time permitting, enjoy casual birding, relax on the observation decks, or review the day’s photographs as the cloud forest settles into evening.

Overnight: Sachatamia Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 4 | Sachatamia Hide – Giaycapi or Punto Ornitológico – Sachatamia Lodge

This morning is dedicated to a focused photography session at the Sachatamia hide, an intimate and shaded setup designed for optimal light and natural perches. Regular subjects include Green-crowned Brilliant, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, White-whiskered Hermit, Brown Violetear, and the iridescent Velvet-purple Coronet, along with tanagers, flowerpiercers, and occasional motmots.

After breakfast at the lodge, continue to one of the following destinations, selected with your guide to maximize photographic opportunities:

Option 1: Giaycapi Lodge
Set at mid-elevation in the Mindo Valley, this reserve is renowned for photography of the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan. Other possible sightings include Golden-headed Quetzal, Masked Trogon, and Strong-billed Woodcreeper, while feeders attract Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, Flame-faced Tanager, and Black-capped Tanager. Open spaces and vertical light gaps make this an excellent location for telephoto work.

Option 2: Punto Ornitológico (Alcíbar Zaragozín)
A quiet riverside site ideal for capturing riparian specialists such as Sunbittern, White-capped Dipper, and Torrent Tyrannulet. Trails may also reveal Crested Guan, Barred Hawk, and occasionally Cloud-forest Pygmy-Owl, making this option perfect for behavioral and habitat-focused photography.

Return to Sachatamia Lodge in the late afternoon. Time permitting, enjoy casual birding, relax on the observation decks, or review the day’s photographs as the cloud forest settles into evening.

Overnight: Sachatamia Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner