Ecuador is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting over 1,600 bird species – more than North America and Europe combined. Its small size allows you to explore diverse ecosystems, from cloud forests and Amazonian jungles to high-altitude páramos and coastal mangroves. All within a relatively short distance. The country’s protected reserves and conservation efforts ensure thriving bird populations, like the Andean condor, Harpy eagle, and sword-billed hummingbird.
Birding hotspots are easily accessible, with expert local guides offering specialist tours. Ecuador’s year-round mild climate makes it ideal for birdwatching at any time. The Galápagos Islands add another dimension, featuring endemic species like the flightless cormorant. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a casual observer, Ecuador’s biodiversity and stunning landscapes make it one of the world’s top destinations.
Exploring Ecuador’s 6 Premier Bird-Watching Locations:
1. Mindo Cloud Forest
Located just a couple of hours northwest of Quito, Mindo is a biodiversity hotspot known for its thriving bird populations. It lies within the Andean Chocó region, known for many endemic species. This lush cloud forest is home to hundreds of species, including toucans, quetzals, and an array of hummingbirds. Early morning excursions with experienced guides can lead to sightings of rare birds.
Paz de las Aves is a renowned birdwatching sanctuary. Founded by Angel Paz and his family, it is a conservation-focused refuge that protects woodland species like the Andean Cock-of-the-rock and Giant Antpitta. The sanctuary is home to 458 recorded bird species, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Visitors can experience close encounters with elusive birds.
Other key species: plate-billed mountain-toucan, sword-billed hummingbird, toucan barbet, golden-headed quetzal, rufous-tailed hummingbird, squirrel-cuckoo, white-necked jacobin, dark-backed wood quail, scarlet-breasted fruiteater.
Lodges:
El Monte Sustainable Lodge – A beautiful eco-lodge focused on conservation and birding.
Casa Divina Lodge – Locally owned and operated, offering great hospitality and bird-watching opportunities.
Las Terrazas de Dana Boutique Lodge & Spa – A luxurious eco-lodge with stunning views and birding tours.
Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge – Set upon an isolated reserve near Tandayapa, this has different levels of accommodation and a favourite among birders.
Septimo Paraiso – A comfortable family friendly lodge set within its own reserve, featuring a pool and open air Jacuzzi.
2.Yasunà National Park
Ecuador Añangu Lake Napo
Deep within the Amazon rainforest, Yasunà National Park shelters some of the richest wildlife in Ecuador. Birders can expect to see colourful macaws, harpy eagles, and unique Amazonian species. Exploring the park via riverboat or canopy tower offers remarkable opportunities for spotting elusive birds. Some key species: Salvin’s curassow, grey-winged trumpeter, snail kite, scarlet macaw, hoatzin, amazonian umbrellabird, black-collared hawk, white-throated toucan, blue-and-yellow macaw, great potoo.
Lodges:
La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat – A premier eco-lodge deep in the Amazon with excellent wildlife viewing.
Napo Wildlife Center – A great option for exploring the Yasuni region, this luxurious retreat is owned by the Kichwa Añangu Community.
Sacha Lodge – This has walkways suspended through the rainforest canopy as well as a tower on a giant kapok tree.
Sani Lodge – A community-run lodge offering immersive Amazon experiences.
3. Antisana Ecological Reserve
Sword-billed hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera) at Guango lodge
Situated at a higher altitude near Quito, Antisana Ecological Reserve is an excellent location for spotting Andean condors. These majestic birds soar above the dramatic volcanic landscapes, and visitors may also encounter carunculated caracaras and hummingbirds adapted to the Andean climate. Cotopaxi National Park is an alternative high Andean volcano.
Andean Condor, torrent duck, Ecuadorian hillstar, black-tailed trainbearer, shining sunbeam, Andean lapwing, noble snipe, Andean gull, band-tailed pigeon, chestnut-breasted Coronet.
Lodges:
Guango Lodge – A paradise for hummingbird lovers and photographers.
San Isidro Lodge – A fantastic birding lodge with expert guides.
Huasquila Amazon Lodge – Huasquila Amazon Lodge and reserve, just three hours from Quito, offers bungalows with modern comforts, accessible options, and jungle views.
4. Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
Cuyabeno, another Amazonian gem, offers boat-based bird watching excursions, allowing visitors to observe kingfishers, hoatzins, and various heron species. The reserve’s wetland environment supports an abundance of birdlife unique to the region.
Key species: Amazon Kingfisher, wattled jacana, black-capped donacobius, green ibis, rufous-tailed jacamar, white-winged swallow, crimson-crested woodpecker, yellow-rumped cacique, blue-throated piping-guan, great egret.
Lodges:
Bamboo Lodge – A small, sustainable lodge offering personalized service.
Cuyabeno Lodge – The first eco-lodge in the reserve, offering great wildlife experiences.
Guacamayo Ecolodge – A lodge with a real bird-watching tower and expert-led tours.
5. Mashpi Lodge and Nearby Reserves
Mashpi Lodge is a luxurious eco-retreat nestled in Ecuador’s cloud forest, within a 2,500-acre private reserve. It offers breathtaking biodiversity, with 400 bird species, rare orchids, and endemic wildlife. Guests enjoy immersive experiences like canopy gondolas, night explorations, and guided hikes, all while supporting conservation and scientific research. With an expert-led exploration of the region’s diverse habitats, visitors can witness toucans, tanagers, and rare hummingbirds up close. There are other lodges in the region for the less well-healed.
Key species: Baudo Guan, rufous-fronted wood quail, purple quail-dove, rose-faced parrot, moss-backed tanager, broad-billed motmot, white-whiskered hermit, choco toucan, golden-collared honeycreeper, black solitaire.
Lodges:
Mashpi Lodge – A luxury rainforest lodge with breathtaking views and immersive nature experiences.
Amagusa lodge and reserve – Run by birders for birders with regular budgets.
Maquipucuna Reserve & Ecolodge – A conservation-focused lodge with excellent birding opportunities, (also good for spectacled bears between October and November).
6. Galápagos Islands
Though famous for marine life, the Galápagos Islands are also a fantastic bird-watching destination. Species such as blue-footed boobies, waved albatrosses, and flightless cormorants captivate nature lovers. Head to Isabela Island to get away from the crowds. Better still take a cruise around the uninhabited islands.
If you want a land-based tour designed for bird-watchers and led by an expert guide – Galapagos Birding Island Hopping private tour
Key species: Blue-footed Booby, red-footed booby, waved albatross, Galápagos penguin, flightless cormorant, Galápagos hawk, Darwin’s finches (various species), American flamingo, swallow-tailed gull, lava gull, lava heron.
Lodges – Isabela Island:
Scalesia Lodge – A unique lodge in the highlands of the less-visited Isabela Island.
The Wooden House Lodge – A cosy lodge on the coast of Isabela, with great access to Galápagos wildlife.
Chez Manany Galápagos Ecolodge – A sustainable lodge on Isabela offering an intimate nature experience.
Santa Cruz Island:
Enchanted Galapagos Lodge – Nestled in the highlands of Santa Cruz, this lodge offers a peaceful retreat. Tortoises roam nearby and the adjacent farm makes its own cheese.
Semilla Verde Boutique Hotel – Another quiet place surrounded by nature in the lush highlands, features a small pool.
Finch Bay Hotel – A luxury hotel with its own beach. For those with high budgets and want modern comforts. Day trips by private boat.
San Cristóbal Island:
Casa Opuntia – A Mediterranean style waterfront property named after the endemic Opuntia cacti. The hotel features air-conditioned rooms, swimming pool, Jacuzzi and a restaurant and bar.
Each of these regions offers incredible bird-watching opportunities, with species that range from dazzling hummingbirds to majestic raptors. Whilst there are also great places to see birds on the Pacific coast, particularly the mangroves, we have concentrated on areas that travellers can visit safely now.
Ecuador’s incredible bird diversity faces several threats, many of which stem from human activities and environmental changes. Some of the most significant challenges are habitat destruction and deforestation, climate change, illegal wildlife trade, invasive species (especially in the Galápagos islands), pollution, hunting and trapping, agricultural expansion (including palm oil plantations), mining and oil extraction.
While Ecuador has strong conservation efforts, enforcement can be difficult. Protected areas need better funding and management to ensure long-term survival of bird species.
Despite these threats, organizations like the Jocotoco Foundation are working to protect Ecuador’s birdlife through habitat conservation and community engagement.
The Galápagos Conservation Trust is helping to restore islands where introduced animals have caused damage.
Related posts:
Albatross Breeding Season Comes to Galapagos
Top 10 places to visit in Ecuador
Like what you read in this blog? Talk to our travel expert to plan your dream trip to South America
Send message