Ecuador is one of those rare places where every bend in the road brings something magical, a flash of color, a song in the forest, a breathtaking view. Our recent 10-day photo tour proved that in the best possible way. We traveled from the windswept páramo of Antisana to the lush cloud forests of the Northwest, capturing some of the country’s most iconic and elusive birds.
Day 1 – Antisana: High Andes Majesty
We began our journey in the stunning Antisana Reserve. Towering volcanoes framed our view as we scanned the skies for the Andean Condor. Before long, these massive birds were soaring right above us, giving everyone the chance to capture powerful flight shots. The shimmering Ecuadorian Hillstar also made an appearance, adding a splash of violet and green to our high-altitude experience.
Other highlights included a close encounter with Carunculated Caracaras — one curious bird came so close that we were snapping photos with our phones! We searched for the Spectacled Bear — no luck this time — but the crisp mountain air, breathtaking landscapes, and cooperative birds made for an unforgettable start.
Day 2 – Zuro Loma: Hummingbirds & Antpittas
The next morning, we headed to Zuro Loma, a bird photography paradise. Here, we had close encounters with the charismatic Chestnut-naped Antpitta, the elegant Barred Fruiteater, and the astonishing Sword-billed Hummingbird — a bird whose beak is longer than its body! Dozens of other species came to feed, offering endless photo opportunities and moments of awe.
Days 3–8 – Guaycapi Lodge: Our Cloud Forest Home
From Zuro Loma, we traveled northwest to Guaycapi Lodge, our comfortable home for the next six nights. Each morning began with the calls of the Golden-headed Quetzals and the hum of wings as hummingbirds zipped through the gardens.
From this base, we visited a variety of birding hotspots, each with its own treasures. One of the absolute highlights was Angel Paz’s Refugio de las Aves. The warmth and hospitality of the Paz family is always special, and their deep knowledge of the forest makes every visit feel magical.
Here, we watched the Andean Cock-of-the-rock perform its vivid, energetic display, met the famous Giant Antpitta “Manuela,” and photographed the Yellow-breasted Antpitta and Ochre-breasted Antpitta performing its usual dance, along with other shy forest dwellers that few ever get to see. Manuela, we learned, is actually the granddaughter of Maria, the very first Giant Antpitta the Paz family befriended — a lovely reminder of the deep bonds they’ve built with these birds over the years.
It wasn’t just the birds that made this day memorable, we also enjoyed an Ecuadorian classic: Bolón de verde, a hearty breakfast made from green plantains. Sharing this local dish together after such incredible bird encounters made the experience even sweeter.
And for a personal touch: Rodrigo Paz promised me that one of the next Antpittas they discover will be named Magdalena. Now that would be sweet!
In other locations, we were treated to rare and beautiful birds like the Orange-breasted Fruiteater, Equatorial Antpitta, Moss-backed Tanager, Black-chineed Mountain Tanager, Gray-and-gold Tanager, Bay-headed Tanager, the brightly colored Glistening Green Tanager, Toucan Barbet, the mysterious Black Solitaire and Plate-billed Mountain Toucan among so many other species of birds. The White-booted Racket-tail delighted us with its dainty tail feathers, while the Velvet Purple Coronet and Purple-bibbed Whitetip stole the show at the feeders, shimmering like living jewels. And the tanagers, so many tanagers, turned every branch into a canvas of reds, blues, yellows, and greens.
Food, Friendship & Photography
Of course, it wasn’t just about the birds. Every day, we enjoyed delicious meals, from fresh tropical fruits and rich Ecuadorian coffee in the mornings to hearty, flavorful dinners that celebrated local cuisine. Between outings, we shared stories, reviewed photos, and learned new photography techniques. Each participant had daily opportunities to practice and refine their skills, and the results were nothing short of spectacular.
Laughter was a constant companion on the trip. Whether it was the excitement of spotting a target bird, the playful teasing over who got the best shot, or the quiet camaraderie of early morning walks, our group felt more like a family by the end of the journey.
A Journey Worth Repeating
As our adventure came to a close, our memory cards were full of incredible images, but more importantly, our hearts were full of the experiences we shared. Ecuador has once again proven why it’s a world-class destination for bird photographers: diverse habitats, stunning species, welcoming people, and endless opportunities for discovery.
We left already dreaming of our next visit. If you’ve ever wanted to see an Andean Cock-of-the-rock in full display, photograph a Sword-billed Hummingbird up close, or simply spend your days surrounded by some of the most spectacular birds on Earth, we’d love to have you join us on our next tour.
