Ecuador’s Wild Andes: Bears & Birds Explorer

Arrival to Quito, the capital of Ecuador, located high in the Andes and surrounded by spectacular volcanic landscapes. Depending on arrival times, there may be opportunities for short walks around the hotel area or preparation of photography equipment for the upcoming expedition.

This evening will be focused on rest and acclimatization before beginning our wildlife photography adventure into the northern Andes.

Overnight at Go Quito Hotel.

This morning, depart Quito and travel north toward Bear Canyon, located within the inter-Andean valley corridor of Ecuador’s Northern Andes in Imbabura Province. The approximately four-hour drive traverses a variety of beautiful Andean landscapes, including agricultural valleys, cloud forest remnants, and dramatic mountain scenery.

Bear Canyon is widely regarded as one of the finest destinations in the world for photographing the Spectacled Bear (Andean Bear), South America’s only bear species. The area is the result of more than 16 years of dedicated conservation, monitoring, and coexistence work, creating an unparalleled understanding of bear behavior and movement patterns. This long-term effort has transformed the canyon into a highly reliable location for observing and photographing these normally elusive animals.

Upon arrival at Bear Canyon Lodge, settle into your comfortable accommodations and enjoy lunch while learning about the project’s conservation mission. The lodge itself is beautifully positioned on the rim of the canyon, overlooking the cloud forest below and providing immediate access to the bear territory.

The surrounding forests and canyon slopes are also home to a rich diversity of Andean birds. During the afternoon, species such as Gray-breasted Mountain Toucan, Turquoise Jay, Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager, Andean Guan, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, and several hummingbirds may be observed around the lodge and nearby forest edges.

Depending on wildlife activity and arrival time, trackers may already be monitoring bears within the canyon. If conditions are favorable, enjoy your first field session. Access into the canyon is coordinated with local trackers who continuously evaluate bear activity and determine the most appropriate time for entry, ensuring both optimal viewing opportunities and minimal disturbance to the animals.

The experience begins with a descent into the canyon, where moss-covered trees, ancient fig forests, drifting clouds, and lush Andean vegetation create a spectacular setting. Sightings often occur at remarkably close distances, with average viewing ranges of approximately 20 meters and occasional encounters as close as 10 meters, providing inspiring moments behind the lens.

Overnight at Bear Canyon Lodge. (B, L, D)

Today is dedicated entirely to photographing the Spectacled Bears of Bear Canyon. The itinerary unfolds according to wildlife activity rather than a fixed schedule. Throughout the morning and afternoon, expert trackers monitor bear movements and identify active locations, allowing us to maximize photographic opportunities while respecting the animals’ natural behavior.

While searching for bears, the cloud forest reveals an impressive variety of birdlife. Mixed feeding flocks often move through the canopy and forest edges, offering opportunities to observe species such as Masked Flowerpiercer, Rusty Flowerpiercer, Blue-and-yellow Tanager, Blue-gray Tanager, Scrub Tanager, Golden Grosbeak, Tufted Tit-Tyrant, and Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet.

When bears are located resting or feeding in their preferred trees, we descend into the canyon to carefully position ourselves for observation and photography. Encounters may involve solitary individuals, mothers with cubs, dominant males resting in the canopy, or bears feeding on wild figs, one of the most important food sources within the Andean cloud forest ecosystem.

Bear Canyon is renowned for its exceptional bear density. During a single reconnaissance visit, as many as seven individual bears were recorded, demonstrating the extraordinary potential of the area for wildlife photography.

Beyond the bears themselves, the scenery is breathtaking. Dramatic canyon walls, mist-covered forests, towering fig trees, and constantly changing mountain light provide outstanding opportunities for environmental photography and storytelling images.

The flexibility of the program allows for multiple descents into the canyon depending on wildlife activity, weather conditions, and participant energy levels. Every movement is conducted under the guidance of the local tracking team to ensure safety and adherence to conservation protocols.

Overnight at Bear Canyon Lodge. (B, L, D)

A second full day in the canyon significantly increases opportunities for capturing more intimate and dynamic wildlife moments.

Rather than simply seeking sightings, today’s focus is on observing and photographing behavior. Extended time in the field allows photographers to document bears feeding, climbing, resting, interacting with one another, or moving through the forest canopy. Each encounter reveals another chapter in the life of one of South America’s most charismatic and elusive mammals.

In addition to bear photography, the canyon offers excellent opportunities for observing Andean wildlife. Raptors frequently soar above the canyon walls, including Harris’s Hawk, Variable Hawk, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, American Kestrel, Black Vulture, and Turkey Vulture. These species often take advantage of the thermal currents generated by the steep terrain, creating exciting opportunities for flight photography.

The conservation-driven philosophy of Bear Canyon ensures that all observations are conducted responsibly. Local trackers continuously assess animal activity and determine the most appropriate moments for entering and leaving the viewing areas, allowing bears to remain completely undisturbed.

As the days progress, photographers become increasingly familiar with individual bears and their preferred locations, creating opportunities for more thoughtful compositions and stronger storytelling imagery. This slower, immersive pace allows guests to experience the cloud forest in depth, appreciating not only the bears but also the remarkable ecosystem that supports them.

Overnight at Bear Canyon Lodge. (B, L, D)

Enjoy one final full day in Bear Canyon, providing additional flexibility to take advantage of changing weather conditions, different lighting scenarios, and new wildlife activity.

The value of multiple days in the canyon becomes especially evident today. By now, photographers have gained familiarity with the landscape and the behavior patterns of the bears, increasing the chances of obtaining unique and memorable images.

Morning and afternoon sessions may focus on different sectors of the canyon depending on recent tracking information. Encounters can range from close-up portraits to dramatic environmental compositions that showcase the relationship between the bears and their extraordinary cloud forest habitat.

Beyond the bears, additional wildlife encounters may include Andean Foxes moving along the slopes, squirrels foraging in the forest, and a variety of bird species such as Vermilion Flycatcher, Great Thrush, Rufous-collared Sparrow, Blue-and-white Swallow, Tropical Mockingbird, Saffron Finch, Common Ground Dove, and Eared Dove.

The possibility of photographing mothers with cubs, feeding behavior, dominant males, or rare social interactions remains one of the highlights of the experience.

Between field sessions, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Bear Canyon Lodge, where comfortable accommodations, excellent local cuisine, and spectacular canyon views provide the perfect setting to relax, review photographs, and share stories from the day.

As evening falls, take time to reflect on the remarkable conservation success that has made these encounters possible and on the unique privilege of witnessing Spectacled Bears in such an intimate and natural setting.

Overnight at Bear Canyon Lodge. (B, L, D)

Depending on wildlife activity and departure timing, there may be an opportunity for one final observation session around the lodge or a last chance to photograph some of the area’s characteristic bird species before departure.

After lunch, begin the return journey to Quito, crossing once again the scenic highlands of northern Ecuador. Along the route, there may be opportunities to stop for landscape photography, Andean birds, or other wildlife sightings, depending on conditions and timing.

As the journey concludes, the memories of Bear Canyon remain vivid: silent encounters among moss-covered trees, bears feeding high in ancient fig forests, colorful Andean birds moving through the canopy, drifting clouds crossing the canyon, and the privilege of experiencing one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife photography destinations.

Arrival in Quito is expected during the late afternoon, followed by transfer to your hotel.

Overnight at Go Quito Hotel. (B, L, D)

Today we begin exploring the famous cloud forests of northwestern Ecuador, part of the Chocó-Andean biodiversity hotspot and one of the most species-rich regions on Earth.

Departing Quito, we cross the western slopes of the Andes and make our first stop at Zuroloma Reserve, located on the flanks of Pichincha Volcano. Surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery and cloud forest habitat, Zuroloma has become one of Ecuador’s premier birding and bird photography destinations. Despite its relatively small size, the reserve protects an impressive diversity of wildlife, with more than 216 bird species recorded. It is particularly renowned for its excellent opportunities to observe Andean specialties such as Equatorial, Chestnut-naped, and Chestnut-crowned Antpittas, as well as a remarkable variety of hummingbirds including Sword-billed Hummingbird, Great Sapphirewing, Shining Sunbeam, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, Mountain Velvet breast, and, with luck, the localized Black-breasted Puffleg. The surrounding cloud forest frequently hosts mixed-species feeding flocks, offering opportunities to observe colorful tanagers, flowerpiercers, treerunners, and other characteristic birds of the temperate Andes.

Continuing westward, we descend into the renowned Tandayapa Valley, one of the most celebrated birding regions in South America. Here we visit Alambi Reserve, where flowering gardens, feeders, and pristine forest provide exceptional opportunities for wildlife observation and photography. Among the many species that may be encountered are Violet-tailed Sylph, Green-crowned Brilliant, White-necked Jacobin, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, Toucan Barbet, Plate-billed Mountain Toucan, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Golden-headed Quetzal, Crested Quetzal, Golden Tanager, Flame-faced Tanager, Blue-winged Mountain Tanager, and Rufous Motmot.

We will also visit the inspiring Las Cotingas Bird Reserve, a family-run conservation project that demonstrates how habitat restoration and sustainable ecotourism can successfully protect one of Ecuador’s richest cloud forest ecosystems. Today, approximately 248 bird species have been recorded on the property, making it an outstanding example of community-based conservation. The reserve offers excellent opportunities to observe species that complement those found earlier in the day, including Choco Toucan, Pale-mandibled Aracari, Orange-breasted Fruiteater, Club-winged Manakin, White-whiskered Hermit, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Scaled Fruiteater, Broad-billed Motmot, and the striking Black Solitaire, among many other Chocó cloud forest specialties.

After lunch and an afternoon of birding and photography, we continue to the lower Mindo Valley. Upon arrival at Sachatamia Lodge, there may be time to enjoy the lodge’s gardens and feeders, where numerous hummingbirds and tanagers are often active before dusk.

We settle into our comfortable lodge for the next three nights, surrounded by the extraordinary biodiversity of Ecuador’s northwestern cloud forests. (B, L, D)

Today we spend a full day exploring the magnificent Chocó cloud forests surrounding the Mashpi region, one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots. These lush forests, draped in moss and orchids, provide exceptional opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife photography, and discovering the extraordinary diversity of Ecuador’s northwestern Andes.

Throughout the day we will visit outstanding birding locations such as Mashpi-Amagusa, Sacha Guatusa, and Santa Elena, each protecting different elevations and habitats within the Mashpi-Pachijal conservation corridor. Besides offering excellent wildlife encounters, these reserves represent inspiring examples of community-based conservation, where local families have transformed former agricultural lands into thriving private reserves that contribute directly to habitat restoration and sustainable ecotourism.

One of today’s highlights will be visiting a traditional Andean Cock-of-the-rock lek, where males perform their spectacular courtship displays deep within the forest. Observing and photographing this iconic species in its natural environment is one of Ecuador’s premier wildlife experiences, particularly under the dramatic lighting conditions of the cloud forest.

The region supports an exceptional diversity of Chocó endemics and cloud forest specialties.  Depending on forest activity, we may encounter species such as Moss-backed Tanager, Glistening-green Tanager, Rufous-throated Tanager, Chocó Toucan, Velvet-purple Coronet, Purple-chested Hummingbird, Club-winged Manakin, Black Solitaire, White-faced Nunbird, and the highly sought-after Black-tipped Cotinga. Hummingbird feeders frequently attract Tawny-bellied Hermit, Hoary Puffleg, Gorgeted Sunangel, Booted Racket-tail, Green-tailed Trainbearer, Wedge-billed Hummingbird, Purple-throated Woodstar, and White-bellied Woodstar, providing outstanding opportunities for close observation and photography.

Beyond its remarkable birdlife, the Mashpi region is also rich in other wildlife. Forest trails may reveal monkeys, reptiles, colorful butterflies, amphibians, and a fascinating variety of insects and plants, making this an excellent destination for macro photography and natural history enthusiasts.

Our visit to Sacha Guatusa also offers a chance to experience the warm hospitality of a family-run reserve, where locally prepared cuisine complements a rewarding day in the field. This unique combination of conservation, birdwatching, and authentic local hospitality perfectly reflects the philosophy of nature tourism in Ecuador, where protecting biodiversity also creates meaningful opportunities for rural communities.

After a full day immersed in the cloud forest, we return to Sachatamia Lodge for another relaxing evening surrounded by the extraordinary biodiversity of the Chocó Andes. (B, L, D)

Our morning begins exploring the forests surrounding Sachatamia Lodge, one of Ecuador’s best-known birding lodges and home to more than 435 recorded bird species. Protecting over 120 hectares of primary and regenerating cloud forest, the reserve offers outstanding opportunities to observe an impressive diversity of Chocó and Andean birds. Hummingbird feeders and forest trails may produce Violet-tailed Sylph, Green Thorntail, Booted Racket-tail, White-whiskered Hermit, Green-crowned Brilliant, Purple-throated Woodstar, Toucan Barbet, Pale-mandibled Aracari, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Golden-headed Quetzal, Masked Trogon, Broad-billed Motmot, Golden-naped Tanager, Bay-headed Tanager, Beryl-spangled Tanager, and numerous mixed-species feeding flocks moving through the canopy.

One of the highlights of our stay is the possibility of searching for the spectacular Long-wattled Umbrellabird, one of the most iconic and sought-after birds of the Chocó region. Although never guaranteed, encountering this extraordinary species is an unforgettable experience and one of the great rewards of birding in northwestern Ecuador.

Later, we continue with a visit to the Frutti Tour & Birdwatching Project, an inspiring family-run initiative where former agricultural land has been transformed into a thriving sanctuary for birds and native flora. Along easy forest trails, we will discover a variety of fruiting trees and flowering plants that naturally attract an abundance of wildlife. Among the species frequently encountered are Yellow-throated Toucan, Brown Wood-Rail, Golden-olive Woodpecker, Long-billed Starthroat, Orange-billed Sparrow, Ecuadorian Thrush, Blue-gray Tanager, and Saffron Finch.

Located in the heart of Ecuador’s Chocó cloud forest, the charming village of Mindo is internationally recognized as one of South America’s premier destinations for birdwatching and nature tourism. Its remarkable combination of humid forests, abundant flowering plants, and varied elevations supports an exceptional diversity of birds, butterflies, orchids, and other wildlife.

After another rewarding day immersed in Ecuador’s cloud forests, we return to the comfort of Sachatamia Lodge, where we can relax and reflect on another memorable day surrounded by one of the richest ecosystems in the Neotropics. (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we begin our return journey to Quito, crossing once again the beautiful cloud forests and Andean landscapes that have accompanied us throughout the expedition.

Depending on your international flight schedule, we will make a stop at the Equatorial Monument (Mitad del Mundo), one of Ecuador’s most iconic cultural landmarks. Situated near the line marking latitude 0°, this monument commemorates the historic French Geodesic Mission of the 18th century, whose scientific expeditions helped confirm the shape of the Earth and established the location of the Equator. During our visit, there will be time to explore the monument and learn about the scientific, historical, and cultural significance of this unique site, while enjoying panoramic views and excellent photographic opportunities.

Following our visit, we continue to Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, where you will arrive with ample time to check in for your international flight.

As your journey comes to an end, you leave Ecuador with unforgettable memories of one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots, from intimate encounters with the elusive Andean Bear and the extraordinary birdlife of the Chocó cloud forests to the inspiring conservation projects and welcoming local communities that make this remarkable country such an exceptional wildlife destination. (B)