BIRDWATCHING IN ECUADOR & COLOMBIA

Birdwatching tours

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Each constituting a birdwatchers’ paradise, Ecuador and neighboring Colombia from the heart of a fantastic ecological region that boasts an enormous birding list! Given this region’s small size, its solid infrastructure, unsurpassable scenery and friendly people, this area is considered one of the earth’s most rewarding birding destinations. On an Ecuadorian birding expedition, you will have a chance to spot some of the county’s more than 80 endemic species, and many of the country’s more than 1,600 species! While a Colombian birding expedition offers sightings of only 74 endemic bird types, the total number of recorded species tops 1,890. In either case, you won’t get bored. Contact one of our South America experts and let us help you make your birding list explode with new and exotic sightings.

Best time to experience a Surtrek South American birdwatching tour

Surtrek’s Ecuadorian birding tours focus on the otherworldly cloud forests of both the eastern and western slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes, which are home to a greater diversity of birds than just about anywhere else in the world. Be prepared, though, since the December-April rainy season is when birds in this region of the country are more active and abundant (including migratory birds). For Colombian birdwatching in the highland region that surrounds Bogota, the best times to go bird watching are its two driest periods, from January–March and June–mid-September, though many migratory bird species are spotted from October to January.

What you’ll experience on a Surtrek Birdwatching Tour

As active birders well know, birdwatching is an activity for early risers, generally taking place from 5:00-10:00 a.m. Heading out during this pre-dawn period, either hiking from your lodge or driving to a nearby reserve, you’ll be led by an experienced bilingual birding guide who is native to the particular region. In Ecuador’s cloud forests, toucans, quetzals, tanagers and hummingbirds are just some of the most commonly sighted birds, while the Colombian highlands are home to rare and enigmatic Spot-winged parrotlets, Dusky antbirds, Blue-rumped Manikins, and the famed Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. Free in the afternoon, you can take a stab at whitewater rafting or tubing, and end the day with an evening hike … listening to an orchestra of tropical frogs and watching the fireflies dance.

Getting to Ecuador and Colombia

Traveling to Ecuador, you’ll land at Quito’s new Mariscal Sucre International Airport, you’ll be met by a Surtrek representative and driven to your upmarket hotel or directly to a birding lodge – depending on your preference. Surtrek makes it simple: Throughout your tour, you’ll be continually accompanied and led by a Surtrek representative and/or an experienced birding guide. Similarly, you’ll be privately driven to and from your various birding sites, hotel, airport, etc. For birding enthusiasts arriving in Colombia, you’ll land in Bogota, where a Surtrek representative will be waiting to receive and assist you, accompanying you throughout your birding adventure.

Why choose Surtrek to design your birdwatching tour?

With over 25 years of introducing adventurous travelers to authentic, tailor-made luxury travel experiences across South America, Surtrek is adept at offering some of the best and most complete tour services on a South American birdwatching tour. With our experienced travel team of 25 members strong — including native speakers of five different languages — we will work one-on-one with you to custom-design a birdwatching tour that perfectly suits your particular interests and needs.

Interested in more information about any particular South American destination or trip?

- Simply let us know your interests or question, and one of our travel experts will be more than happy to assist you -- at no charge, of course!-

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“We loved the Galapagos Islands. Both of our hotels on Santa Cruz and Isabella islands were excellent. Our tour guides were knowledgeable and directed us to the most interesting sights and wildlife. Thanks Surtrek for organizing an excellent trip.”