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Ecuador bird watching vacations

Ecuador bird watching vacations
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INSIDER ACCESS, EASY PLANNING, TRUSTED CONNECTIONS

Ecuador is one of the most important bird watching destinations in the world. Go to the Galápagos Islands to see birds that you can’t find anywhere else. Ecuador’s subtropical forests and alpine mountains have their fair share of hard-to-find species. Start practicing your bird calls now — you’ll want to be ready.

BIRDWATCHING VACATIONS IN ECUADOR

Choose your Galápagos cruise based on which bird watching tour piques your interest the most. Hiking and horseback riding tours on the mainland can take you into the highlands of Ecuador’s sierras, where you can find many rare species of bird.

Trips to inspire

Browse some of our favorite itineraries

Get excited and browse our selection of our favorite hand made tours from around the world. From romantic honeymoons to family-fun; these are completely flexible and arranged to your needs.

15 daysInquire

Inland, Islands & Amazon

Ecuador is a wonderful country where we were able to travel by road for over 1200 KM during our two weeks trip and see the different parts of the country.

Inland, Islands & Amazon

Ecuador

15 daysFrom $4,179 per person

Two Weeks in Ecuador

Embark on a two‑week Ecuador adventure that juxtaposes bustling Andean capitals with remote volcanic islands, delivering a vivid contrast of urban energy and pristine nature. Traverse Quito’s historic streets, soar over the crater lake of Quilotoa, then island‑hop to the Galápagos for lava tunnels, Santa Cruz highlands, and sea‑lion encounters. Guided by knowledgeable locals, you’ll taste traditional cuisine, hear indigenous stories, and return with a deep appreciation for Ecuador’s cultural richness and extraordinary biodiversity.

Two Weeks in Ecuador

Ecuador

12 daysInquire

Stress-Free Solo Journey in Ecuador

I loved my trip. It was well organized

Stress-Free Solo Journey in Ecuador

Ecuador

9 daysFrom $1,306 per person

Touch the Clouds, Trek The Amazons

Need a family adventure that will have everyone discovering the beauty of the world instead of looking at screens? You'll love this expertly crafted Ecuadorian getaway!

Touch the Clouds, Trek The Amazons

Ecuador

16 daysFrom $2,442 per person

Chasing Family Adventure in Ecuador

Go on an unforgettable journey as you traverse the landscapes of Ecuador. Volcano tours, the city in the ‘middle of the world’, and cloud forests are just a few of the wonders.

Chasing Family Adventure in Ecuador

Ecuador

13 daysFrom $3,286 per person

Friends Ecuador Adventure

Joyce explored Ecuador’s diverse landscapes on an adventure that combined highland culture and coastal wonders. She trekked from Quito’s historic center to Baños’ volcanic landscape, then sailed to the Galápagos for island tours of Lobo, León Dormido, and San Cristóbal. Guides shared indigenous stories, local cuisine, and conservation insights, leaving Joyce with a lasting appreciation for Ecuador’s vibrant ecosystems and warm hospitality.

Friends Ecuador Adventure

Ecuador

9 daysInquire

Hit Refresh—Unplug in Ecuador

Natural beauty, graceful architecture, rugged excursions, and a destination that’s on every “Must See in Your Lifetime” list… Yes, Ecuador has all of this and more.

Hit Refresh—Unplug in Ecuador

Ecuador

11 daysInquire

Andes Highlands to Galapagos

Have it all! Rest, relaxation, adventure, and nature are yours when you book this Signature Trip to Ecuador. From Quito to the Galapagos, Ecuador will enchant you…

Andes Highlands to Galapagos

Ecuador

10 daysInquire

Ecuador—Pure Adventure

Need to blow off some steam with your friends? Then go on a once in a lifetime adventure with them when you explore Ecuador’s Galápagos islands and Amazon jungle.

Ecuador—Pure Adventure

Ecuador

12 daysFrom $3,388 per person

Romantic Escape to The Amazons

What a memorable trip to Ecuador! We really enjoyed the hikes in the jungle, and learning about the indigenous cultures and the Amazon Basin.

Romantic Escape to The Amazons

Ecuador

19 daysFrom $3,109 per person

I Can Say We Did It All

We spent almost 20 days exploring all parts of the country — from the mainland, to the coast, to the Amazon. I can say we did it all!

I Can Say We Did It All

Ecuador

14 daysFrom $2,398 per person

It Was Hard to Say Goodbye

Ecuador is a beautiful country from Quito all the way to the coast of Guayaquil. It is definitely a must. Percy was amazing in helping us plan our trip, as I must have changed my itinerary about a million times. Even when I had questions during our trip he was right there ready to help and took care of everything. Now, there are no words to describe our driver, (which we were lucky to have for 9 days) Ricardo. He was professional, friendly and went above and beyond to help make our Ecuador experience one to remember. It was sad to say good bye, but one thing is for sure when we plan our next trip to Ecuador we will be asking for Ricardo again.

It Was Hard to Say Goodbye

Ecuador

Top experiences

Birding tours

Mindo's cloud forest from Quito and island tours from Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal in the Galápagos. See all Ecuador bird watching tours.

South Plaza Island
BestBird WatchingBoat Tours3+

This tour will take you to South Plaza Island, which is the smallest island of the Galápagos. Despite its small size, this island still has a wealth of interesting wildlife.

Espanola Island Tour
BestBird WatchingBoat Tours2+

Located two hours from San Cristóbal, Española is the southernmost island and one of the oldest in the Galápagos archipelago. The island's flat profile is extremely dry with only a few inches of rain per year. Despite the dry climate the island is one of the world's only known nesting sites for the Waved Albatross.

Santa Fe Island Tour
BestBird WatchingBoat Tours3+

Santa Fe is one of the oldest islands in the Galápagos archipelago. It only covers about 9 square miles (23 sq m), but offers an incredible proliferation of wildlife, both on land and in its surrounding waters. You’ll have plenty of time to observe the animals that live here – this tour begins at 8:00 AM, and lasts around 7 hours, returning to Puerto Ayora at 3:00 PM. It includes a break for lunch on board the yacht.

San Cristobal Highlands Tour
BestBird WatchingMarine Wildlife2+

Venture into the highlands of San Cristóbal on this tour. You’ll get to see some of the most interesting plants in the Galápagos and the only freshwater lagoon in the Galápagos. Your guide will provide snorkeling gear for your visits to the beaches.

Mindo Full-Day Tour
BestBird WatchingButterfly Gardens2+

During this full-day tour, you'll explore the El Pahuma Orchid Reserve and the Mindo-Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve. In Mindo, you'll visit waterfalls and a butterfly farm, and take a cable car over the forest.

FC Millennium Cruise Galápagos Islands
Bird WatchingBoat Tours

The Millennium is a modern, 16-passenger yacht that offers cruises through the Galápagos Islands. The accommodations are comfortable and nicely equipped, and there are ample social areas on the ship. Cruises range from 5 to 8 days.

ONLY IN THE GALAPAGOS

Set sail for the Galápagos birds that do not live anywhere else in the world, including Galápagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, and many species of finch. Some species, like flightless cormorants, live only in the Galápagos because there are no predators to take advantage of their lack of flight. There are some birds that only live on one particular island, like the Floreana mockingbird, found only on Floreana Island. Santa Cruz Island has salt water lagoons where you can admire flamingos as they hunt for shrimp. During your trip you’ll get to choose from comfortable accommodations on on Santa Cruz Island and Isabela Island.

HIKES, CANOPY TOURS, AND HORSEBACK RIDING

You can see national parks on a horseback riding tour. Visit the Cotopaxi National Park to see condors and hawks flying far overhead, in the shadow of the immense Cotopaxi Volcano. See the subtropical canopies of Mindo (a town with more birds than residents) for the the chance to spot rare birds like cock-of-the-rocks, scaled fruiteaters, and chestnut-mandibled toucans.

LET’S MAKE A PLAN

Tell us what species you most want to check off your list, and which environments you most want to see. Then tell us about your budget and your timeline, and we’ll help you find the right destinations. We’re ready when you are!

Recommended for bird-watching trips

Adventure Destinations

Ecuador is well suited to adventurous travelers. This landscape rewards intrepid hikers...

Anywhere mission
Anywhere Ecuador

Insider-led Ecuador Design & Concierge

Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.

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Private drivers; English-speaking available.

Avoid the crowds in private day tours.

Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.

Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.

24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.

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