OVERVIEW
Complete the Magic Birding Circuit with the Ultimate Amazon Birding Tour in Ecuador
Wrap up your South American birding adventure with an unforgettable Amazon birding tour in Ecuador, exploring one of the most biodiverse and visually spectacular ecosystems on the planet—the Amazon Rainforest. This carefully crafted birdwatching itinerary is designed for passionate birders, delivering a deep, immersive experience in the heart of the Amazon Lowlands.
Guided by experienced local birding experts in Ecuador, you’ll embark on an exceptional Amazon birding tour through a rich mosaic of habitats—winding rivers, swampy wetlands, dense rainforest trails, and elevated canopy towers offering rare, eye-level views of Neotropical bird species in their natural environment.
The Paradise Tanager, one of the world's most stunning birds, seen from our exclusive canopy tower at Sumaco Bajo. © Jorge Luis Cruz Alcivar
This immersive birdwatching experience in the Amazon Rainforest unveils a landscape bursting with avian life. From rare antbirds and vibrant woodpeckers to energetic manakins, colorful trogons, and the dazzling quetzal, every moment brings a new discovery. As you ascend into the canopy, the adventure continues with unforgettable views of treetop species—among them, some of Ecuador’s most colorful tanagers, macaws, toucans, and cotingas. And with a bit of luck, you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive harpy eagle, the Amazon's apex predator—renowned as the most powerful raptor on Earth.
If you’re looking for the best birdwatching tour in Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest, this final leg of the Magic Birding Circuit combines expert-guided exploration, incredible biodiversity, and premium comfort—making it the perfect way to end your birding journey in South America.
DETAILED ITINERARY
CONTINUATION OF OUR 12 DAY TOUR ~ FOR DAYS 9 - 12 CLICK HERE
DAY 13
Birding BRAND NEW! San Jorge Eco-lodge Sumaco Bajo
Your day begins in the heart of the Amazon, where the morning mist drifts over the tranquil waters of Cocha Sacha Lagoon. After a delicious breakfast at our Amazon eco-lodge, we’ll set off to explore the lush trails that surround the lagoon—home to some of the most fascinating tropical bird species in the Amazon.
The lagoon’s winding edges and scattered islands provide an ideal habitat for observing a remarkable variety of tropical birdlife. Notable species include the Sungrebe, Capped Heron, Red-capped Cardinal, Green-backed Trogon, Black-headed Parrot, Ladder-tailed Nightjar, Green Oropendola, Pygmy Antwren, Chestnut Woodpecker, Gray-cowled Wood-Rail, Channel-billed Toucan, Lettered Aracari, Red-throated Caracara, up to four species of kingfishers, and the unmistakable Hoatzin.
After exploring the lagoon, we’ll head to our exclusive Amazon Hummingbird Garden—an essential stop for any Ecuador Amazon birding experience. This unique sanctuary is home to up to 20 dazzling hummingbird species not found at any of our other eco-lodges. Highlights include the Rufous-breasted Hermit, Buff-tailed Sicklebill, Gould's Jewelfront, Black-bellied Thorntail, Blue-tailed Emerald, Rufous-throated Sapphire, Pale-tailed Barbthroat, and, with a bit of luck, one of the world’s most spectacular hummingbird species—the mega-rare Butterfly Coquette! We'll also explore the fruiting trees surrounding the patio, which attract an extraordinary diversity of tanager species. Frequent visitors include the Yellow-backed Tanager, Yellow-bellied Dacnis, Black-faced Dacnis, Masked Tanager, Opal-rumped Tanager, Paradise Tanager, Tawny-crowned Tanager, and many more!
After lunch, we will embark on a scenic walk along the Tutapishco River, a serene waterway that borders our private reserve. This lush trail offers exceptional opportunities to encounter rare and iconic species. As we journey toward the river, we’ll be on the lookout for the Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Amazonian Black-throated Trogon, White-eyed Tody-Tyrant, Great-billed Hermit, Reddish Hermit, White-browed Antbird, Great Jacamar, Musician Wren, Ringed Woodpecker, Black-faced Hawk, Chestnut-winged Hookbill, and Black-banded Woodcreeper. Along the riverbanks themselves, we will search for specialties such as the Long-billed Woodcreeper, the striking Fasciated Tiger-Heron, and the mesmerizing Sunbittern. This stretch of the Tutapishco River promises an unforgettable birding experience deep in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Overnight: San Jorge Eco-lodge Sumaco Bajo.
DAY 14
Amazon Canopy Birding at BRAND NEW! San Jorge Sumaco Bajo
Experience Eye-Level Birdwatching in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Start your morning with a hot cup of coffee before venturing into one of the most thrilling birding experiences in the Neotropics—our brand-new canopy tower at Sumaco Bajo, Ecuador.
Soar above the jungle at Sumaco Bajo’s private canopy tower, where the rainforest comes alive at eye level. Enjoy stunning panoramic views and close encounters with toucans, hummingbirds, and mixed flocks in the heart of the treetops.
In the Amazon rainforest lowlands, trees can grow over 180 feet (55 meters) tall with massive trunks measuring up to 100 feet (30 meters) around. At these heights, many bird species live and forage exclusively in the upper canopy—far above the forest floor. The only way to truly experience Amazon canopy birding is from above. Our professionally built Sumaco Bajo canopy tower lifts you into the treetops, providing unmatched eye-level views of iconic canopy species. From this unique vantage point, we’ll search for a dazzling array of canopy specialists, including: Great and Long-tailed Potoo, Cobalt-winged Parakeet, Black-headed Parrot, Gilded Barbet, Great Jacamar, Bare-necked Fruitcrow, Yellow-browed Tody-Flycatcher, and perhaps most breathtaking of all, two of the most striking birds in the Neotropics—the neon-colored Plum-throated Cotinga and the Spangled Cotinga.
With a bit of luck—and especially on hot, sunny days—you might witness one of the Amazon’s most awe-inspiring sights: the Harpy Eagle. As the largest raptor in Ecuador and the strongest bird of prey in the world, this iconic predator occasionally soars across the canopy or perches regally atop emergent trees.
In the afternoon, we’ll unwind atop the third floor of our rainforest-view restaurant, which also serves as a scenic canopy observation deck. From this elevated viewpoint, guests are treated to sweeping views of the Amazon rainforest and the surrounding fruiting trees—natural magnets for some of the most colorful and sought-after bird species in Ecuador. Throughout the afternoon, these fruiting trees come alive with activity. Species often seen here include the Pygmy Antwren, Yellow-backed Tanager, Yellow-bellied Dacnis, Black-faced Dacnis, Epaulet Oriole, Masked Tanager, Opal-rumped Tanager, Tawny-crowned Tanager, and the world-famous Paradise Tanager.
As the day winds down and the sun begins to set behind the towering trees, the Amazon offers one last spectacular show—the return of the macaws. While sipping a cold beer or handcrafted cocktail, you can witness these majestic birds flying overhead in vibrant flocks, filling the sky with their calls as they return to their roosting sites. This golden-hour ritual allows you to spot up to six of the seven macaw species found in Ecuador from the comfort of our observation deck. Among the species frequently seen are the Scarlet Macaw, Red-and-Green Macaw, Military Macaw, Blue-and-Yellow Macaw, Chestnut-fronted Macaw, and the elusive Red-bellied Macaw. Overnight: BRAND NEW! San Jorge Eco-lodge Sumaco Bajo.
DAY 15
Birding BRAND NEW! San Jorge Eco-lodge Sumaco Bajo
On the final morning of your Amazon birding adventure, we’ll explore the enchanting Manakin Loop Trail—renowned for offering the rare opportunity to observe up to nine dazzling manakin species in a single outing. As the trail winds through a mosaic of forest habitats, each section offers the possibility of encountering species such as the Striolated, White-bearded, White-crowned, Blue-crowned, and Dwarf Tyrant-Manakin. Deeper into the forest, you may also spot the Green, Blue-backed, Wire-tailed, and the striking Golden-headed Manakin. Some of these species gather in active leks—natural arenas where males perform vibrant courtship displays.
While the Manakin Loop is best known for its diversity of manakin species, the trail also offers opportunities to encounter a wide variety of other forest birds. Along the way, you may come across species such as the Cinnamon Manakin-Tyrant, Wing-barred Piprites, and Cinereous Mourner. The distinctive call of the Screaming Piha often echoes through the trees, and with some luck, the Pavonine Quetzal may appear in the canopy. The trail also passes through areas where White-plumed Antbirds follow army ant swarms, and sightings of Hairy-crested Antbird, Reddish-winged Bare-eye, Red-necked Woodpecker, Great Jacamar, and the Collared Puffbird are possible. Overnight: BRAND NEW! San Jorge Eco-lodge Sumaco Bajo.
Afternoon Transfer to Quito Airport (UIO):
After lunch, you’ll be transferred to Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), arriving at approximately 5:00 PM. If you are not flying home the same day, we’ll be happy to drop you off at any hotel near the airport.
End of Program
Thank you for traveling with us!
