birds ecuatorian amazon

Birdwatching: Enthusiasts in the exotic Ecuadorian Amazon🐦

Rate this post

The Ecuadorian Amazon is one of the largest and most biodiverse regions in the world, and without a doubt, it is a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts. The Amazon rainforest of Ecuador, with between 1000 to 1300 recorded bird species, also offers a great variety of habitats that are home to exotic birds, some of which are endemic to the region. If you are passionate about observing and recording the different bird species that exist, the Ecuadorian Amazon should be your next destination.

birdwatchers

The Avian Diversity of the Ecuadorian Amazon

The ecosystems you can find throughout the Amazon include rivers, lakes, swamps, and tropical forests. These spaces are the ideal environments to find a rich biodiversity of birds. Several of the most notable species to observe include.

  1. Toucans: With their attractive beaks of bright colors, toucans are considered a symbol of the Amazonian avifauna. While you explore the jungle, it will be easy to spot white-breasted and keel-billed toucans.Toucan ecuadorian amazon
  2. Macaws and parrots: These bird species are iconic of the Amazon. The scarlet macaw and the green-cheeked parakeet are some of the variations of these species that you can observe during your explorations.macaw
  3. Hummingbirds: The Amazon is home to an extensive variety of hummingbirds, of different sizes and colors. You will find the violet-eared hummingbird and even the spatula-tailed hummingbird.hummingbird
  4. Birds of prey: Among these majestic birds, you can find the long-tailed hawk and the harpy eagle, which soar and dominate the jungle skies.crested eagle
  5. Singing birds: You can also find birds guided by their melodic and characteristic song; the best example of this species is the Ecuadorian thrush.

Best Time for Bird Watching

The best time to observe birds in the Ecuadorian Amazon is during the dry season, which occurs from June to October. During these months, the rains are less frequent, so the birds are more active, and it’s easier to observe them from long distances. However, visiting the Amazon during this season does not mean you won’t be able to see any birds; on the contrary, during the rains, you will also be able to observe specific species in the Cuyabeno Faunistic Production Reserve and the Yasuní National Park.

Must-visit places for birdwatching

  • Sacha Lodge: Sacha Lodge is one of the best destinations in Ecuador for birdwatchers. Located in a private reserve of more than 5,000 acres in the Amazon, this lodge offers a unique environment rich in biodiversity, ideal for observing rare and exotic species. Sacha features a 43-meter high observation tower and a canopy suspended over the trees, providing privileged views of the rainforest and its birds.

Sacha lodge views

  • Yasuní National Park: This is one of the most biodiverse parks on the planet and the place you absolutely must visit to observe birds. You can go hiking and canoeing, and you’ll be able to explore the jungle while looking for local species such as the Tinamou, the Mountain Paca, and a wide variety of hummingbirds.

activities in amazon

 

  • Faunistic Production Reserve Cuyabeno: One of the most extensive and famous protected areas for its landscapes and bird diversity that can be found. As you venture into Cuyabeno, you will have the opportunity to see rare and beautiful birds like the woodpecker and trogons.

Cuyabeno Reserve

  • Napo Wildlife Center: This is an eco-lodge managed by the Kichwa Añangu community located on the banks of the Napo River, offering its visitors guided birdwatching tours. The local guides instruct you about the birds that inhabit the area and under what conditions you can observe them, always attentive to the details, of course.

Napo wildlife

  • Sani Lodge: Another perfect spot for bird lovers, this lodge surrounded by lagoons and primary forests offers the opportunity to observe species such as the Bare-necked Fruitcrow and the White-throated Toucan. 

sani lodge

Tips for Birdwatching in the Amazon

  1. Appropriate Equipment: Something that might undoubtedly be missing is a field guide on the region’s birds, which will be useful for identifying the species you see or searching for a specific one during your outing. The most important thing is a good camera with a telephoto lens and high-quality binoculars.
  2. Clothing and footwear: The essential thing is to go unnoticed and be comfortable, so we recommend wearing lightweight clothing in neutral colors to blend in with the surroundings, and finally, a pair of boots to explore the jungle without limits.
  3. Patience and silence: To find birds in nature, the key is to have patience during your outings. Move slowly and pay attention to the slightest movement; you might always be surprised and find a not-so-common species.
  4. Strategic timing: The ideal time to go birdwatching is the early hours of the morning and the late hours of the afternoon, as many birds are active during these times of the day.

Although one of the main reasons tourists visit the Ecuadorian Amazon is for birdwatching. In an environment like this, you can also enjoy the richness of nature, listen to the sounds of the jungle, breathe in fresh air, and take in the unique landscapes while you explore. Thanks to the indigenous communities and their local guides, you will learn about the importance of conservation and respect for both birds and the environment.

bird watching

 

Ecuadorian Amazon

Without a doubt, the Ecuadorian Amazon is a great place for birdwatchers. Considered a place rich in biodiversity with around 1,600 native and exotic species, it is a natural paradise that offers unforgettable experiences. Whether you go to see rare birds or enjoy the natural beauty, the Ecuadorian Amazon has something special for bird and nature lovers.

¡Get your camera and binoculars ready for travel! If you’re looking for birdwatching tours, the best option is Sani Lodge, one of our partners in the Ecuadorian Amazon, waiting for you with open arms and ready to offer you an unforgettable experience you won’t forget.

Still can't find what you were looking for?

Send us a message and we will gladly help you find the perfect tour for you

Get in touch
Hello ????????
Can we help you?
Carmen Chegoz
Carmen Chegoz

Just left us a 5 star review

This agency helped us plan a memorable trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos. Cynthia was our coordinator, she was timely and professional with all communication and detailed from beginning to end. Cynthia was able to include everything we wanted to experience and open to our feedback to help create the final itinerary. The daily excursions were great, especially in Ecuador where we had Danny as our guide and Luis as our driver. Luis was safe and timely in all transportation and Danny went above and beyond at every step. At one point I wasn't feeling well and Danny went out of his way to find me some medicine. Danny was also extremely knowledgeable on everything.. history, the agriculture, the people.. 10/10 guide! Overall a great agency to work with!

Carmen Chegoz November 16, 2024
google

Ha sido un viaje maravilloso, bien organizado, muy seguro, el guía Sebastián categoría premium sabe de todo, amable, responsable y maneja el coche de maravilla, prudente y ciertamente excepcional para su juventud. Yo repetiré viaje con esta agencia y haré Amazonia. Violeta Miguel

Violeta Mi November 11, 2024
google

Monica from Responsible Travel Ecuador…

Monica from Responsible Travel Ecuador was extremely helpful, efficient and attentive. She found me an excellent offer for a cruise in the Galapagos and we thoroughly enjoyed our trip. Everything went smoothly and I can highly recommend Monica. She took care of every detail.

Marianne Jenni November 6, 2024

Cruise to the Galapagos

I was so lucky to find Gabriela! I was planning a last-minute trip to Ecuador and wanted to make the most of the limited time I had. Gabriela offered me a few different options to consider before I decided to join a cruise in the Galapagos. Once I made my decision, she went above and beyond to make it happen (I booked just two days before it started!). She was always available for any questions I had, even during unconventional hours, and her attention to detail was impressive. Even after I booked, she kept in touch to ensure everything was going smoothly. I would definitely recommend anyone planning a trip to Ecuador to connect with Gabriela. I’ll be sure to reach out to her again next time I return! Thank you, Gabi!

Yael Benninga October 5, 2024

I was so lucky to find Gabriela! I was planning a last-minute trip to Ecuador and wanted to make the most of the limited time I had. Gabriela offered me a few different options to consider before I decided to join a cruise in the Galapagos. Once I made my decision, she went above and beyond to make it happen (I booked just two days before it started!). She was always available for any questions I had, even during unconventional hours, and her attention to detail was impressive. Even after I booked, she kept in touch to ensure everything was going smoothly. I would definitely recommend anyone planning a trip to Ecuador to connect with Gabriela. I’ll be sure to reach out to her again next time I return! Thank you, Gabi!

Yael Benninga October 5, 2024
google

Uma viagem inesquecível, onde tudo saiu conforme o esperado, sem falhas ou qualquer contratempo. Tudo, desde a recepção até o final foi um exemplo de competência e organização admiráveis. Equador não é um destino como outros, e no nosso caso teve roteiros variados, como uns dias na Amazônia, Cruzeiro para visitar as ilhas mais distantes de Galápagos e visita às principais ilhas. Bastante coisa pra ser organizada mas deu tudo certo. Galápagos foi incrível, a conexão com a natureza foi perfeita e eu só tenho a agradecer a Gabriela Cadena que conseguiu captar exatamente o que a gente queria e colocou no nosso roteiro tudo com maestria. Recomendo a agência e a Gabriela sem medo de errar.

Noilves Pelisser September 29, 2024
google

One of the best trips of my life

One of the best trips of my life! I absolutely loved Ecuador and the variety of landscapes it offers (from the coast to the Andes and the Amazon rainforest). The trip was very well organized and made easy for us. The guides were all very knowledgeable and generally helped us have a great time. Would absolutely repeat.

Laura Sopeña Álvarez September 22, 2024

Genial, atención personalizada por parte de Santiago ( nuestro agente) desde el inicio hasta el fin del tour super preocupados por como se desenvuelve el viaje. Los recomiendo

Juan David Vaca August 26, 2024
google

Excelente experiencia, agencia seria, disponible y cumplidora. Reservamos un crucero en Galápagos y la atención de Jazmín ha sido estupenda en todo momento, super recomendados.

francesco August 26, 2024
google

A HUGE thank you to Responsible Travel and our wonderful coordinator Gabriela for making our August visit to the Galapagos and Amazon absolutely amazing! Gabriela catered the trip to our specific family's needs and capabilities, and every logistical step went very smoothly. The accommodations were top-notch, as were the local guides in each destination. We saw every animal we were hoping to see, and then some! We felt so secure and cared for in the hands of Responsible Travel that I've already recommended our exact itinerary to four additional families. This trip was incredible!!

Kristy Croushore August 25, 2024
google

Excelente y personalizado servicio por…

Excelente y personalizado servicio por parte de Cynthia. El crucero fue fenomenal así como vuelos, traslados, guías y comidas. Sin sorpresas.

Enric Sol August 21, 2024

Servicio impecable, Cynthia nos acompañó durante todo el proceso de reserva, enviándonos información actualizada y resolviendo todas nuestras dudas vía WhatsApp casi al momento. Tanto los guías como los vuelos, crucero, comidas, traslados y actividades fueron perfectos. Muy recomendable para evitar sustos y despistes y conocer Galápagos con total comodidad.

google

Effective, honest, and creative agency!

We could not be happier with our experience with this agency. The service provided by Maria Jose, who was our trip coordinator, was outstanding from day one. She made sure to understand our goals and vision for the trip, and was patient enough to work through multiple itinerary versions until we finalized it together. The chose the correct hotels, routes, and activities based on what we spoke about, and the guides/personnel on the ground that they reserved for us were trustworthy, puntual, and very knowledgeable. Every day they checked in on us with a text, to make sure that everything was going accordingly, which is a sign of excellent service. I highly recommend working with Maria Jose/Tamer and the entire Responsible Ecuador Travel team - I will do so for my next trip as well. 5/5, thank you!

Jose Garcia August 12, 2024

Great memories

Mónica was always for us available, all the staff of Galaxy Orion were really great and we had wonderful days in the boat and in Galapagos. Many thanks for all

Teresa Behrend August 12, 2024

Mi viaje con Responsible Travel

Al haber contratado un plan con Responsible Travel me di cuenta de su organización y de como pueden recomenrdarte las mejores opciones para conocer el Ecuador. Definitivamente los volveré a contratar para un futuro.

Mateo Camacho August 4, 2024

Al haber contratado un plan con Responsible Travel me di cuenta de su organización y de como pueden recomenrdarte las mejores opciones para conocer el Ecuador. Definitivamente los volveré a contratar para un futuro.

Mateo Camacho August 4, 2024
google

Cynthia my contact of the agency Responsible Travel resolved all my doubts and questions of the trip. She keep me informed about muy bookings and updates of my itinerary. Also she ensure that everything went well.

Patricia Uribe August 3, 2024
google

Visiting the Galápagos islands aboard…

Visiting the Galápagos islands aboard the Bonita yacht was the best decision I could have made while visiting Ecuador. It was an incredible experience that I will be thinking about until I am able to come back again. I want to thank my wonderful agent Anthony for his help in booking. He is very knowledgeable and ensured that the planning process was a breeze. Anthony checked in with us every step of the way to make sure that we were prepared and comfortable throughout the whole trip. I also want to thank the wonderful crew: Cris, Diana, Cap. Joffre, Diego, Carlos, Marcos, Marcelo, Jairo, Chef Homar, and Chef Danny. Without them, the trip would not have been as amazing and unforgettable as it was. Cris was an awesome, patient, and fun guide that explained the history and fun facts of the island very well! Chef Homar and Chef Danny cooked all our delicious meals and Chef Homar even shared with us a lesson in salsa dancing! Diana made sure that everyone was taken care of and the rest of the crew made sure that everything was smooth sailing! I can tell that this crew is really close and that they enjoy working together! I cannot recommend this experience enough, from the blue footed boobies, to the giant tortoises, to swimming with the hammerhead sharks! I hope to come back one day and bring my family and when I do, I will make sure to book with Anthony again at Responsible Travel Ecuador!

Adi Parreno June 27, 2024

Stunning experience

Incredible organization specially from Karen, who provided us all necessary information and tips for our travel. She is very professional and polite person. We recommend her services.

sandy pico May 31, 2024

Incredible organization specially from Karen, who provided us all necessary information and tips for our travel. She is very professional and polite person. We recommend her services.

sandy pico May 31, 2024
google

I highly recommend Responsible Travel Ecuador. They are very professional and flexible to organize the perfect trip for you.Gabriela organized the trip for us to mainland, Amazon and Galapagos islands and she was excellent.She did everything for us and the entire itinerary was a unique experience. Our guide Wellington on the mainland was very helpful and knowledgeable and we really enjoyed our time with him!! We enjoyed every activity and will definitely return in the future to this beautiful country!!

George Liskas February 15, 2024
google
Andres Garzon February 3, 2024
google

Gaby did an incredible job helping me plan a trip to Yasuni National Park, Quito, and the Galápagos Islands. She took all of the stress out of finding good guides and all of the logistics involved in flights, lodging, transportation, and all of the other planning aspects of a big two week trip. Excellent communication with fast responses any time I had questions leading up to and during the trip as well. Highly recommend!

Adam Conard December 13, 2023
google

The best of the best!

Amazing experience! Definitely recommended.

Dave Khandros December 1, 2023

Ethic, friendly and professional company

They are a super friendly and professional company that, as their name says, is working in an ethical and green way, which is super important in these times.

Carla Mazzini December 1, 2023

Paul our agent was wonderful; very friendly and went above and beyond to help us organise a dream holiday.

Bess Murray November 4, 2023
google

Les Galapagos c'est le paradis !

Notre voyage aux Galapagos était super bien organisé, les jours avec visites autant que le temps libre ! Les hôtels choisis par l'agence étaient très confortables et accueillants, et les guides sur place super accueillants ! Aucun problème ... donc toute la famille n'a eu qu'à en profiter!

Douglas October 7, 2023

I planned a trip to South America at the last minute, and Gaby was incredible! She created an amazing itinerary with me where I was able to go to Quito, the Galapagos islands, and Cuzco Peru. It was a truly unforgettable trip, and I would strongly recommend that you consider Gaby for your next South American adventure. She can help as little or as much as you need and is extremely responsive. I am a big fan of hers now!

Gigi Z October 5, 2023
google

Cuentan con paquetes muy buenos y se adaptaron a mis necesidades para viajar en crucero a galápagos

Andrés Perugachi August 31, 2023
google
Felipe Villegas August 25, 2023
google

Gran tour en barco de última hora

Fue una reserva de última hora de un tour en barco por Galápagos y nos ayudaron en todo momento. Grandes profesionales y el tour fue maravilloso

David B. July 19, 2023

Outstanding service

Responsible Travel Ecuador helped us find the outfit that met our needs in our visit to Galapagos. Interaction with our agent was easy and effective. She was really responsive and provided us with all the information we needed - also suggestions for further visits in Ecuador's mainland. I definitely would recommend Responsible Travel Ecuador for any travel needs in that beautiful country.

Nuria July 17, 2023

Una experiencia inolvidable con Responsible Travel: Descubriendo la magia de Ecuador

Responsible Travel es una agencia de viajes que ha dejado una huella imborrable en mi corazón. Recientemente tuve la oportunidad de explorar las maravillas de Ecuador a través de su excelente servicio, y no puedo dejar de elogiar su enfoque responsable y comprometido con la sostenibilidad. Desde el momento en que me puse en contacto con ellos, su equipo demostró una gran atención y pasión por brindar experiencias auténticas y respetuosas con el entorno local.

Gabi Ramos June 29, 2023

Fantastic Experience!

I did multiple family treks with this company and the service is impeccable. Staff always has a smile and big energy to inspire you to expand your horizons. A big shout to everyone and thank you for such a wonderful experience!

Daniel Larrea June 27, 2023

La millor experiencia per Sudamerica va…

La millor experiencia per Sudamerica va ser a L' Ecuador amb aquesta experimentada empresa que em ajudar abans, durant i despres del viatge. Totalment recomendada

Santiago Cardenas June 27, 2023

Exceptional trip to Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands

Excellent & professional services! Highly recommended.

Alexander June 27, 2023
Emilia Assa April 12, 2023
google

We have booked a two day tour to Cotopaxi and Quilotoa, a 5 days tour in the amazonia and also arranged some private transfers with the team. I have discussed everything with Lucia who has been very helpful, always answering on time and providing the best options. Would recommend the travel agency.

Iulian Petcu March 5, 2023
google

By chance I happened to connect with Responsible Travel and I am glad I did. My agent was Estefania “Stefi” Puga and I could not have had a more attentive and responsive person arrange my travel plans. I am a nature lover with a special interest in birds. Stefi arranged a trip that included 3 lodges over 6 nights, transportation, guides, tours and other features and made it all easy. In addition I received messages regularly before I began the trip to check on details and assure me that all will be well. During the trip she checked in daily to see if everything was ok. It was a pleasure to work with such a caring and attentive agent. If I return to Ecuador, I will call Stefi.

Lee Burton February 27, 2023
google

Great time- Great Service

Great time- Great Service

leejburton February 27, 2023
tripadvisor

12 unforgettable days in Ecuador and The Galapagos Islands

12 unforgettable days in Ecuador and The Galapagos Islands

Skjavel February 19, 2023
tripadvisor

Effortless Amazonian adventure

Effortless Amazonian adventure

Tom Contos February 9, 2023
tripadvisor

wonderful

wonderful

Chihiro A January 22, 2023
tripadvisor

Once in a lifetime trip to the Galapagos

Once in a lifetime trip to the Galapagos

LJH January 17, 2023
tripadvisor

Galapagos islands day tours

Galapagos islands day tours

Joanna J January 9, 2023
tripadvisor

Excellent

Excellent

Jiří B January 9, 2023
tripadvisor

I had an amazing 3-week tour in Ecuador (continent and Galapagos islands) thanks to this team! The country is very beautiful, no doubt, but the guides were amazing, very professional and provided great information. The hotels chosen by the agency were very good. I am very grateful for this experience! Thank you!

Bárbara Martins January 1, 2023
google

3 week tour in Ecuador continent and Galapagos islands

3 week tour in Ecuador continent and Galapagos islands

Barbara M January 1, 2023
tripadvisor