Bird Watching Tours

THE MAGIC BIRDING CIRCUIT

Visit 6 San Jorge Lodges and 8 Private Birding Reserves

Discover the Magic Birding Circuit and San Jorge Eco-lodges, Ecuador’s top bird-watching experience! Explore diverse habitats, spot rare and exotic species, and enjoy exclusive access to private reserves. An unforgettable adventure for birding enthusiasts worldwide.

Embark on an unparalleled bird-watching journey with the Magic Birding Circuit and San Jorge Eco-Lodges in Ecuador. This exclusive circuit, the first of its kind in the world!, offers access to eight private reserves and six Eco-lodges, each situated in Ecuador’s most bio diverse regions. From the Andean highlands to the lush cloud forests and tropical rain forests, you’ll have the opportunity to observe and photograph over 1,600 bird species, including 100 hummingbird species.

Our strategically located lodges feature observation decks, bird hides, and feeding stations, ensuring optimal viewing experiences. Guided by local top experts, you’ll explore pristine trails, discover cascading waterfalls, and immerse yourself in the rich flora and fauna of this mega diverse country. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a novice enthusiast, the Magic Birding Circuit promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Ecuador’s natural wonders.

Birding Ecuador

Scheduled Birdwatching Tours

Tours for Top Hardcore to Novice enthusiast birders!

Take the complete scheduled tour or select any day’s long birding tour from our scheduled offerings! Ask information for our private tailor made expeditions.

PRE-SCHEDULED BIRDWATCHING TOURS(18N/19D)

East & West Slopes and Andes Range

Tour Dates:

Day One

Airport transfer to San Jorge Quito Lodge. Day of leisure on own. Overnight San Jorge Quito Lodge, no meals included

Day Two

early am Birding San Jorge Reserve/Quito Birding Center. Continue on to Upper Farm Road & Yanacocha Old Road, Alambi Road & Nono Tandayapa Road (ANDES HIGHLANDS/UPPER CLOUD FOREST) feeders, gardens, and road walking. Feeders at the lodge are visited by the Black-tailed Trainbearer, Green-tailed Trainbearer, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Sparkling Violetear, Tyrian Metaltail, Shining Sunbeam, and, the tiny White-bellied Woodstar. The Trail around the lodge offers possible Tufted Tit-tyrant, Rufous-naped Brush-Finch, Azara’s Spinetail, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager, Blue-and-yellow Tanager, Southern Yellow Grosbeak, Red-crested Cotinga, and the Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant.
Overnight San Jorge Tandayapa Lodge, includes 3 meals (boxed lunch)

Days Three & Four

Birding San Jorge de Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary (CLOUD FOREST) Hummingbird & Tanager feeders, bird walks on pristine trails, Canopy Islands Observation decks, ponds, streams. Multi-colored bird species like the Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, Red-headed Barbet, Three-striped Warbler, White-winged Becard, Metallic-green Tanager, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Pale-mandibled Aracari, Golden-naped Tanager, Golden Tanager, Flame-faced Tanager, Orange-bellied Euphonia, along with the Masked Trogon, Squirell Cuckoo, Slate-throated Whitestar, Streak-capped Treehunter, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Buff-fronted Foliage-Gleaner, Black-chested Tanager, and, with a bit of luck, the Ochre-breasted Antpitta. Additionally, our feeders are visited by abounding hummingbird species including the iconic Booted Racket-tail and the Violet-tailed Sylph. Seasonal visits by the iconic Toucan Barbet, the Plate-billed Mountain Toucan, the Crested Quetzal, and the Golden-headed Quetzal. Overnight San Jorge Tandayapa Lodge, includes 3 meals per day

Day Five

Birding Upper San Jorge Tandayapa, Bellavista & San Tadeo road (CLOUD FOREST/UPPER TROPICAL RAINFOREST) A second chance at the Plate-billed Mountain Toucan and Toucan Barbet along the road of San Tadeo. Afternoon biridng at Rio Blanco zone, adding possibly the scarlet back woodpecker, Stiriated Tiger heron, Little cuckoo ,pacific parrotlet, Pacific antwren and many others! Overnight San Jorge/Milpe Forest Lodge, includes 3 meals

Day Six

Birding San Jorge Milpe Reserve (UPPER TROPICAL RAINFOREST)
BIRDING feeders, trails. Waterfall feeders with picnic lunch Endemic Choco Toucan, Esmeraldas Antbird, Bicolored Antbird, Choco Warbler, Streaked Xenops, Glistening-green Tanager, Blue-tailed Trogon, Black-throated Trogon, Gartered Trogon, Collared Trogon, White-tailed Trogon, Striped Woodhaunter, Black-headed Antthrush, Scaly-throated Foliage-Gleaner, Buffy Tuftedcheek, Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher, Crismon-bellied Woodpecker, Guayaquil Woodpecker, Red-Rumped Woodpecker, Emerald Tanager, Choco Toucan, White-bearded Manakin, Club-winged Manakin, Northern Schiffornis, Golden-winged Manakin, Purple-throated Fruitcrow and with some luck the Lanceolated Monklet, Berlepsch’s Tinamou. Overnight San Jorge/Milpe Cliff Lodge, includes 3 meals (picnic lunch at waterfalls)

Day Seven

Birding Rio Chaguaryacu feeder / trails; exploring Rio Blanco or Masphi area – according to climate. Overnight San Jorge/Milpe Forest Lodge, includes 3 meals

Day Eight

Birding Rio Tatala trails, Milpe road, Forest Lodge observatory & tower. After lunch return to Quito. 3 meals Overnight San Jorge Quito-Lodge,

Day Nine

Old Colonial Quito City Tour with lunch at traditional restaurant. Overnight San Jorge Quito Lodge, includes 3 meals

Day Ten

Birding Antisana National Park by vehicle – Andes Condor Reserve (PARAMO/HIGH BARREN PLAINS) feeders, scenic views. Ecuadorian Hillstar, Andean Teal, Andean Lapwing, Black-faced Ibis, Giant Hummingbird, Andes Condor. Overnight San Jorge/Quito Lodge, includes 3 meals

Day Eleven

Birding Papallacta Pass, Cayambe Coca (PARAMO/EAST ANDES) Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Red-rumped Bush-Tyrant, Bar-bellied Woodpecker, White-chinned Thistletail, White-browed Spinetail, Many-stripped Canastero, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Blue-mantled Thornbill, Viridian Metaltail, Red-rumped Bush-Tyrant, Giant Conebill, Paramo Seedeater, Paramo Tapaculo, and many more.
Overnight new San Jorge/Guacamayos Lodge, includes 3 meals

Day Twelve & Thirteen

Birding at San Jorge de Guacamayos Bird Paradise (EASTERN SUB-TROPICAL CLOUD FOREST). Observation decks, trails, visit our own Cock of the Rock LEK. Possible Blue-headed Hummingbird, Golden-headed Quetzal, Bat Falcon, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Cliff Flycatcher, Bronze Inca, Flame-faced Tanager, Andean Cock of the Rock (m) Rupicola Peruviana, Golden-collared Honeycreeper, Fork-tailed Honeycreeper, Northern-mountain Cacique, Sunbittern, Ochre-breasted Antpitta, White-tailed Hillstar, Slate-crowned Antpitta, Emerald Toucanet, Berryl-spangled Tanager, Black and Chestnut Eagle, Streaked Tuffedcheck, White-capped Tanager, Yellow-throated Tanager,Wire-crested Thorntail, Violet-fronted Brilliant, White-tailed Hillstar, Mountain Velvetbreast, Bronzy Inca, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Tourmaline Sunangel, Emerald-bellied Puffleg, Long-tailed Sylph and Wedge-billed Hummingbird, after lunch on second day birding San Jorge Guacamayos Low area for different species possible Deep blue-flower Piecer, Golden eared Tanager, Paradise Tanager, Amazon Umbrella Bird, Mani-banded Acari.
Overnight new San Jorge Guacamayos Lodge, includes 3 meals per day

Day Fourteen

Hollin Hummingbird station, High Sumaco Road. Feeders, road walking. Overnight new San Jorge Sumaco Bajo Lodge, includes 3 meals

Day Fifteen

San Jorge de Sumaco Bajo Bird Sanctuary (TROPICAL AMAZONIAN RAINFOREST) AM Observation Decks over canopy on the lagoon. Birding at the reserve – trails.
Macaws Boulevard (12 species Parrots & 4 Macaw species) Blue headed Parrot, Chestnut fronted Macaw, Tawny bellied Owl, Dusky headed Parakeet, Hoatzins, Yellow Coloured ,Yellow tufted, Lineated, Crimson Crested, Red Neck, Spot Breasted Woodpeckers, Golden headed Manakin, Bare necked Fruit Crow, White Hawk, Ornate hawk eagle, Thrush like Antpitta, The Yellow Crown, Orange winged, Mealy amazons, Dusky headed Parakeet, Scarlet shouldered Parrotlet, Striolated Manakin, butterfly Coquette, Black bellied Thorntail, Green backed Trogon, White throated Toucan, Golden collared Tucanet, Many banded Aracari, Chestnut eared Aracari, Many Banded Sracari, olive and green oropendolas, great potto, Tropical screetch Owl, Crested Owl, Ferruginosus pygmy Owl, Great yellow headed Vulture, Spangled Cotinga, Turquoise Tanager, Paradise Tanager, Pink Throated Brillant, Black throated Mango, Greater Ani, green, amazonian aand Ring Kingfishers, Red capped Cardinal, Great Antshrike, Sungreebe, Capped Heron, Boat Billed Heron, Common piping Guan, Speckled Chachalaca, Spix Guan, Gray breasted Saberwing,,Fork tailed Woodnymph, Pyratic Flycather,Spot back antbird, Sooty antbird, White shouldered Antbird, Scale backed Antbird, Cinereous and Dusky throated Antwren , Red Throated, Yellow headed, Black Caracaras and hundreds species more.
Overnight new San Jorge Sumaco Bajo Lodge, includes 3 meals.

Day Sixteen

San Jorge de Sumaco Bajo Bird Sanctuary. AM birding at our 65’ high Observation Tower overlooking the canopy.
After lunch, trail walking the reserve (optional afternoon river swim).
Overnight new San Jorge Sumaco Bajo Lodge includes 3 meals

Day Seventeen

Transfer for a full day al Limoncocha National Park at low Amazon, circling this magical lake looking for great bird species! American pygmy tyrant, orange back troupial,snail kite, Chestnut crowned Barbet, Wire crested Manakin, Black-collared Hawk, Bare face Ibis, Green Ibis and many others! Return to San Jorge Sumaco Bajo. Includes hike in this Amazon basin forest.