Southern Endemic Ecuadorian Birds

On the trail of the Jocotoco Antpitta

Destination

Southern Endemic Ecuadorian Birds

Price

Quote

Duration

12 Days

Difficulty

Medium

Group Size

8 Guest

Height

3.726 mdpl

Southern Endemic Ecuadorian Birds

Southern Ecuador contains several restricted and endangered ecosystems ranging from swamps, deserts, arid scrub, deciduous forests, rainforests, montane cloud forests, high altitude elfin forests, and páramo. Some of these are considered Endemic Bird Areas (EBAs) by BirdLife International and are home to a number of Tumbesian and Chocó endemics such as Chocó Toucan, Club-winged Manakin, the impressive Long-wattled Umbrellabird, El Oro Parakeet, Gray-backed Hawk, Gray-and-gold Warbler and many others. Up in the Andes around Copalinga we’ll be looking for birds such as White breasted Parakeet, Ecuadorian Tyrannulet and Coppery-chested Jacamar. Finally, at Casa Simpson in the Tapichalaca Reserve we hope to encounter the iconic Jocotoco Antpitta.

Highlights

A wealth of superb birds such as the endemic El Oro Parakeet and Long-wattled Umbrellabird.
See the recently discovered Jocotoco Antpitta.
Visit beautiful ecological reserves and national parks in off-the-beat southern Ecuador.

Grading & Weather

Grade B – This holiday is a dedicated and fairly strenuous birding tour, suiting those with an adventurous spirit and a willingness to get up early and spend long days in the field off the beaten track.

Most sites on this trip are in cooler highland regions where temperatures are pleasant, although it is hotter, more humid and oppressive near the coast. On this tour most walking is relatively easy, although the terrain underfoot is rough in parts (no scrambling required). One or two sites may require some slow- paced uphill walking on a relatively narrow road, where there is little or no traffic. In general, our birding at all sites will be along roadsides/on jeep tracks. Most mornings we will be up well before dawn for early breakfasts (or coffee/tea and snacks to be followed by packed breakfasts later).

Heavy persistent rainfall is unlikely but one should always be prepared for rain in the Andes. Stout footwear will be required and wellies, if needed, can be sourced in Ecuador.

Clothing

Please inspect the separate clothing list, sent to you on booking, thoroughly.

Itinerary

DAY 1: FLY TO GUAYAQUIL

DAY 2: MANGLARES CHURUTE

DAYS 3/4: BUENAVENTURA

DAYS 5/7: COPALINGA

After three nights at Buenaventura, we will drive 160 miles in an easterly direction to Copalinga, making a number of stops on route along the old Loja-Zamora Road. We’ll expect to see a number of commoner birds during the journey such as Cliff Flycatcher, Green Jay and Paradise Tanager, although surprises always turn up. In the afternoon we will arrive at Cabañas Ecológicas Copalinga, a lodge found on the northern edge of the Podocarpus National Park (a Biosphere Reserve recognized by UNESCO) and settle in for a 3-night stay. Established in 1999, the lodge is situated on a beautiful reserve of 150 hectares. The grounds of the lodge itself are great for hummingbirds, with species such as Wire-crested Thorntail, Violet-headed Hummingbird, Violet-fronted Brilliant, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, and Spangled Coquette being regularly attracted to the feeders and flowering plants. Once we’ve sorted through the hummers we can stroll along a trail to a small hide where Gray Tinamou can be seen while, at night, Band-bellied Owl often calls near the lodge.

On one of our days out from Copalinga we’ll bird an excellent trail just a short drive away, looking for many sought-after or localized species such as Coppery-chested Jacamar, Ecuadorian Piedtail, White-breasted Parakeet, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Foothill Elaenia, Olive Finch, Black-billed Treehunter, Blue-rumped Manakin, and Equatorial Graytail. Other more common birds we may see are Paradise and Green-and-gold Tanager, Andean Motmot, Green Hermit, Red-headed Barbet, Lafresnaye’s Piculet, and Marble-faced Bristle-Tyrant. In mid-afternoon, we will return to the lodge, where we can either have some relaxed birding around the lodge, or take a short drive to other nearby sites.

On another day we can try some slightly highly elevation forest patches which are good for Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Ecuadorian Tyrannulet, Lined Antshrike, and Olivaceous Greenlet. Farther along this road, we’ll target some scarce species of higher elevations including Vermilion and Blue-browed Tanagers, Chestnut-tipped Toucanet, among others.

DAYS 8/9: TAPICHALACA

DAY 10: CATAMAYO

DAY 11: FLY QUITO ANTISANA DEPART

After breakfast, we will head to Catamayo’s Airport to take our short flight to Quito.

After landing, we will be met and taken to the open grasslands in the highlands of the Antisana Ecological Reserve (from 9000 ft to + 13000 ft). This is one of the best sites in Ecuador to see some high-altitude birds such as Andean Condor, Andean Ibis, Silvery Grebe, Giant Hummingbird and Ecuadorian Hillstar. After a hearty Andean lunch at a hacienda, we will head to the airport for our international flight back home.

DAY 12: ARRIVE UK

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ITINERARY ROUTE

Our itinerary is subject to change due to factors beyond our control, such as adverse weather, road conditions, safety concerns or other circumstances. While we aim to follow the planned route and excursions, adjustments may be necessary to ensure the best experience. The itinerary is prepared months in advance, but unforeseen circumstances may arise. In such cases, the tour leader will determine suitable alternatives. No refunds will be issued due to changes in the itinerary.

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Visiting remote destinations can be thrilling, but it is essential to understand and accept both medical and logistical risks. While minor health issues can often be managed during the journey, access to medical care may be delayed due to the remoteness of the locations. In the event of an emergency, immediate treatment or evacuation may not be possible. Therefore, anyone who require close medical supervision should not consider going on our trips.

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MODIFICATION OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The Terms and Conditions may be amended by NEBLINA FOREST Ltd. at any time without notice, so it is essential that you review these each time you book a trip with NEBLINA FOREST Ltd. in case they have changed. The Terms and Conditions you sign now are the Terms and Conditions that will apply to you and your trip regardless of amendments made after you’ve signed.

Southern Endemic Ecuadorian Birds

Southern Endemic Ecuadorian Birds

Duration

Difficulty

Group Size

Height

Southern Endemic Ecuadorian Birds

Itinerary

Tour Map

Gallery Of Our Tours

Have Any Question?

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