Winged Gems & Wild Moments

The Trip

This immersive photographic adventure invites you into the heart of Ecuador’s breathtaking biodiversity. From high-altitude paramo landscapes to lush cloud forests, you’ll capture dazzling hummingbirds, elusive antpittas, and the majestic Andean Condor. With expert guidance and thoughtfully chosen lodges, this tour blends world-class birding and wildlife photography with cultural encounters and serene natural beauty. Whether you’re chasing the shimmer of a booted racket-tail or the quiet charm of a spectacled bear, each frame tells a story—and every moment is yours to keep. (Maximum 10 people)

Day 1: Quito arrival / Puembo Birding Garden.
Day 2: Antisana volcano paramo / Termas de Papallacta.
Day 3: Birding and photography at Guango / Termas de Papallacta.
Day 4: High-altitude birding at Papallacta Pass / Puembo Birding Garden
Day 5–8: Immersive bird photography in Mindo / Sachatamia Lodge.
Day 9: Paz de las Aves and return to Quito / Puembo Birding Garden
Day 10: Depart from Quito
Optional Extension: 5-day Amazon photography adventure based at a lodge in Yasuní Nature Reserve.

Day-by-day

Day 1: Quito arrival
Arrive in Quito and transfer to Puembo Birding Garden, a cozy lodge just minutes from the airport. Settle in and prepare for the photographic journey ahead.
Stay: Puembo Birding Garden

Day 2: Antisana volcano paramo
Begin with a spectacular morning in the open grasslands of Antisana, photographing dramatic volcanic landscapes and high-altitude species like Carunculated Caracaras, Andean Lapwings, and Giant Hummingbirds. Enjoy lunch at Tambo Condor before heading to the thermal springs of Papallacta.
Stay: Termas de Papallacta
Meals: (B, L, D)

Day 3: Birding and photography at Guango
Visit Guango Lodge for high-elevation birding and photography. Capture Sword-billed Hummingbirds, Tourmaline Sunangels, and Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanagers. Return to Papallacta for evening relaxation.
Stay: Termas de Papallacta
Meals: (B, L, D)

Day 4: High-altitude birding at Papallacta Pass
Weather permitting, explore the paramo grasslands around Papallacta Pass. Photograph confiding highland birds like Tawny Antpitta and Torrent Ducks. After lunch, return to Puembo Birding Garden.
Stay: Puembo Birding Garden
Meals: (B, L, D)

Day 5–8: Immersive bird photography in Mindo
Travel to Mindo for four nights of intensive bird photography at Sachatamia Lodge. Capture over 20 species of hummingbirds including Booted Racket-tail, Violet-tailed Sylph, and Velvet-purple Coronet. Fruit feeders attract tanagers, barbets, and toucans. Sachatamia is a unique spot for bird photography, and it also serves as an excellent base to explore numerous other private reserves in the region. These include: Tandayapa and Mindo valleys, Alambi, Mashpi Amaguza, Wuasi and Fruttitour.
Stay: Sachatamia Lodge
Meals: (B, L, D)

Day 9: Paz de las Aves and return to Quito
Depart early for Paz de las Aves, where you’ll photograph displaying Andean Cock-of-the-rock and rare antpittas like María the Giant Antpitta. Optional afternoon shoot at Tandayapa before returning to Quito.
Stay: Puembo Birding Garden
Meals: (B, L, D)

Day 10: Depart from Quito
Transfer to Quito airport for international departures.
Meals: (B)

Private Tour Option
This tour is available as a private trip for groups of any size. The tour cost will vary depending on the number of participants and any custom requests. To receive a quote for your desired nature trip, drop us an email at: info@selectlatinamerica.co.uk

Galapagos Islands optional extension: Continuing your journey to the Galapagos Islands, you board your vessel and sail from island to island, exploring this unique volcanic landscape. Enjoy close encounters with its prolific birdlife and fearless land and sea-dwelling wildlife, including, Galapagos sea lion, land and marine iguana, giant tortoise, blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds.