Eleven-Day Southern Ecuador Endemic Birds Tour
Follow an eleven-day southern Ecuador route through Manglares Churute, Buenaventura, Copalinga, Tapichalaca and Catamayo.
About this tour
This southern Ecuador itinerary begins in Guayaquil and quickly reaches Manglares Churute, where mangroves, lagoons and semi-humid forest introduce coastal and Tumbesian birds. It then spends several days at Buenaventura Reserve, combining lower and upper forest in search of El Oro Parakeet, Long-wattled Umbrellabird, El Oro Tapaculo and other localized species.
The route crosses to Copalinga beside Podocarpus National Park for foothill forest, hummingbird gardens and forest trails, then continues to Tapichalaca for Jocotoco Antpitta and high-elevation specialties. A final dry-valley section near Catamayo closes the circuit. The operator notes inclined dirt roads, muddy paths and some steep walking, so the listed level is fairly strenuous. Other possible highlights include Blue-throated Hillstar, Golden-plumed Parakeet and Pacific Royal-Flycatcher. None is guaranteed. Dates, lodge availability and price are confirmed by inquiry.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Ecuador.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Guayaquil
Arrive in Guayaquil and transfer to the hotel.
Day 2
Manglares Churute to Buenaventura
Bird mangrove, wetland and semi-humid forest at Manglares Churute, then continue south to Buenaventura.
Day 3
Buenaventura Reserve
Use two days in lower and upper reserve habitats for El Oro specialties, umbrellabirds, mixed flocks and hummingbirds.
Day 5
Travel to Copalinga
Cross toward Zamora with birding stops and begin a three-night stay near Podocarpus National Park.
Day 6
Copalinga and foothill forest
Explore lodge grounds, feeders and nearby forest trails for foothill specialties.
Day 8
Copalinga to Tapichalaca
Move south for two nights at Tapichalaca, focusing on montane forest and the Jocotoco Antpitta area.
Day 10
Tapichalaca to Catamayo
Travel north into the dry Catamayo Valley for a contrasting bird community before departure.
Day 11
Departure
Transfer for the onward journey.
Locations & map
- Manglares Churute - Guayas Ecuador
- Buenaventura Reserve - El Oro Ecuador
- Copalinga and Podocarpus - Zamora-Chinchipe Ecuador
- Tapichalaca Reserve - Loja Ecuador
- Catamayo Valley - Loja Ecuador
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request
Price: Price on request
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.