3-Day Private Andes to Amazon Tour: Birding, Wildlife & Jungle

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Quito – Papallacta Pass - Cayambe Coca National Park - Tena - Upper Napo River
5 stops
Quito (Pass by)
Departure from Quito city to connect with an Andean scenic view in some minutes. We stop in a viewpoint to see the Antisana Volcano (If weather allows). We´ll drive on the inter-oceanic highway to reach out Papallacta thermal springs. To cross over the highest part of the eastern Andes and continue towards the lowlands. Additionally, send us your target bird species list, and we'll customize your birdwatching and wildlife photography experience to help you find and photograph your most desired birds.
1
Parque Nacional Cayambe - Coca
Birdwatching at Cayambe-Coca Reserve – Papallacta Discover the incredible birdlife of the Ecuadorian Andes on a birdwatching experience at the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve, entering through the Papallacta area near Termas de Papallacta. This high-altitude ecosystem offers excellent opportunities to explore páramo, Andean forest, and mountain habitats while searching for hummingbirds, tanagers, mountain-toucans, raptors, and other native Andean species. Walk along scenic trails surrounded by mountains, native vegetation, and breathtaking landscapes while your birding guide helps you locate and identify the birds of this unique environment. The combination of birdwatching, photography, and spectacular Andean scenery makes Papallacta an excellent nature experience just a short journey from Quito. Featured Species: - Golden-crowned Tanager - Masked Mountain Tanager - Equatorial Antpitta - Black-backed Bush Tanager - Great Sapphirewing - Paramo Tapaculo
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Baeza (Pass by)
Its history is intertwined with the routes of Spanish explorers and adventurers. Baeza is a strategic point for adventure and ecological tourism, offering routes for rafting, hiking and bird watching. Observe three waterfalls called "Las 3 Marías". Feel a warm weather that occurs after descent from the Andes mountain range to lower areas. See stormy rivers by the highway come from the upper parts of mountains. Shortly break to enjoy a delicious lunch on the way down. We´ll stop in the Tena city, just for walking around or do shopping.
2
El Quetzal Protected Forest
El Quetzal Protected Forest – Birdwatching in Baeza, Ecuador Discover El Quetzal Protected Forest, a beautiful birdwatching destination near Baeza, on the eastern slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes. Surrounded by lush cloud forest, this private reserve provides excellent opportunities to observe hummingbirds, tanagers, toucans, and other colorful Andean birds in their natural habitat. Explore forest trails and birding areas while enjoying the rich biodiversity of the Andean cloud forest, where the mountains gradually transition toward the Amazon basin. With excellent opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife photography, and nature observation, El Quetzal is an ideal stop for birders traveling from Quito through Baeza toward Ecuador’s Amazon region. Iconic Birds: - Black-chested Fruiteater - Violet-fronted Brilliant - Chestnut-bellied Thrush - Tawny-bellied Hermit - Gorgeted Woodstar - Band-tailed Pigeon
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Laguna del Caiman Negro (Pass by)
After a 4-hour drive from Quito with different stops on the way down. Feel the pleasant climate that oscillates between 20°C and 25°C (68° F and 77° F). The humidity of the rainforest is around 85%. Eco-lodge staff will be waiting for to take us by a motorized canoe that goes down river for 20 minutes through the tropical forest to Eco lodge. The host will welcome us with a refreshing drink from the Amazon. To then go to the cabins where we can take a bath and make ourselves comfortable. Or if the weather and conditions allow it, you can bathe on the banks of the river. Turn on your lamp and do a nocturnal hike by the Eco-Lodge trails. On the walk, you can find tarantulas, spiders, frogs, insects and sometimes snakes. The species that it is possible to observe in this activity are: fake coral, monkey frog, Amazonian terrestrial toad, rainbow boa among others. Eco-Lodge focuses on minimizing the negative effect lodging has on the environment. Cabins are lit by candles.
Day 2
Amazoonico - Walking in the Jungle - Laguna Caiman
3 stops
3
Laguna del Caiman Negro
Amazon wildlife observation: Visit the enchanting Black Caiman Lagoon in Ahuano, along the scenic Arajuno River, for an immersive cultural and wildlife experience in the Amazon. During your visit, a local family will warmly share the ancestral tradition of preparing chicha de yuca, a traditional cassava drink deeply rooted in Amazonian culture. Learn about the ingredients and take part in the process by helping mash the yuca before enjoying a tasting. Then, take a short guided walk to observe the elusive black caiman, one of the rainforest’s most fascinating species, with opportunities for photography from a respectful distance. On the return journey, keep watch for the remarkable hoatzin, a prehistoric-looking bird that adds even more wonder to this unforgettable experience. Featured species: - Wire-tailed Manakin - Streaked Flycatcher - Long-billed Woodcreeper - Scarlet-shouldered Parrotlet - Ochre-throated Foliage-gleaner - Straight-billed Hermit - Wire-tailed Manakin
2 hours • Admission ticket included
4
Amazoonico Animal Rescue Centre
Discover AmaZOOnico Rescue Center in Ecuador’s Tena Province, a respected wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center in the Amazon. This ethical experience focuses on education and conservation, offering insight into how rescued animals are cared for with the goal of protecting biodiversity. Learn about the vital role these species play in maintaining the balance of the rainforest ecosystem, and how habitat loss and human impact affect their survival. Guided visits emphasize respect for wildlife—no touching or exploitation—fully aligned with responsible tourism standards. Support the inspiring work of dedicated local communities and international volunteers who collaborate every day to protect the jungle and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
5
Bird and wildlife photography opportunities: We will travel by canoe along the Arajuno River to the Napo River, looking for a variety of species found in the Amazon rainforest. We will move slowly to make the most of every wildlife spotting opportunity. Featured species: - Speckled Chachalaca - Greater Ani - Capped Heron - Plumbeous Kite - Black-fronted Nunbird - White-eared Jacamar - Chestnut-eared Aracari - Spot-breasted Woodpecker
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Navigate in the Napo River - Ahuano Town - Return to Quito City or Airport
2 stops
(Pass by)
Navigate along the scenic Napo River to the riverside town of Ahuano, where you’ll visit a traditional ceramics workshop led by indigenous artisans. Discover the full pottery process—from sourcing natural clays to shaping and firing—while learning how plant-based pigments are used to decorate each piece with intricate, cultural designs. This hands-on, interpretive experience offers a meaningful connection to local heritage and craftsmanship. As an optional experience, visit a community coffee project where sustainable cultivation is transforming local livelihoods, providing insight into responsible production and its positive impact on the region.
Quito (Pass by)
After your Amazon experience, begin the scenic return journey to Quito or choose a convenient drop-off at Quito Airport for your next adventure. Along the way, admire the dramatic transition of ecosystems as the landscape rises from the lush Amazon lowlands to the majestic Andes Mountains. Enjoy opportunities to stop at beautiful viewpoints for unforgettable photographs of rivers, cloud forest, and mountain scenery. A lunch stop will also be included en route at a local restaurant (meal at your own expense), allowing time to relax before completing your journey.

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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