Nono · 2027
*
Ecuador · 11-day bird photography tour
Ecuador Bird Photography Tour 2027
PhotoLior field
The tour
Both sides of the Andes in eleven days, built around the birds Ecuador is known for.
We start in the high cloud forest around Nono, photographing antpittas from hides along with a long list of hummingbirds. From there we drop through the cloud forest into the Chocó for toucans, tanagers and the Andean Cock-of-the-rock leks.
Then we cross the Andes: Antisana for Andean Condor and Giant Hummingbird, the eastern slope for Torrent Duck, Inca Jay and the orange Cock-of-the-rock, with a full day of multi-flash hummingbird photography. We finish at Papallacta Pass for páramo species.
Groups are capped at six photographers. All meals, lodging, airport transfers and the multi-flash gear are included.
1,600+
Andean condor * Andean cock-of-the-rock * Sword-billed hummingbird * Torrent duck * Plate-billed mountain toucan * Inca jay * Giant antpitta * Ecuadorian hillstar * Andean condor * Andean cock-of-the-rock
The route
From the cloud forest across the Andes
The western cloud forest and Chocó, Antisana, the eastern slope and Papallacta Pass.
0°04'S 78°34'W · Nono
Days 2 to 3
Nono cloud forest
Antpitta hides and hummingbirds
Days 4 to 5
Chocó forest
Toucans, tanagers and cock-of-the-rock leks
Day 6
Antisana
Andean condor and Giant Hummingbird
Days 7 to 9
Eastern slope
Torrent Duck, Inca Jay and multi-flash hummingbirds
Day 10
Papallacta Pass
Páramo species
Itinerary
Ecuador birding itinerary, day by day
Day 1
Arrival near Quito
Arrive at Hotel San Jose de Puembo, close to Quito's airport. Welcome dinner, introductions and a briefing on the days ahead.
Days 2 to 3
High cloud forest
Hides around Nono for Chestnut-naped, Equatorial, Giant and Scaled Antpittas, plus Sword-billed Hummingbird and a long list of others. Afternoons at hummingbird hotspots and a reserve for Plate-billed Mountain Toucan and Toucan Barbet.
Days 4 to 5
Chocó forest and toucans
Down into the Chocó for tanagers, fruiteaters, toucanets and Rose-faced Parrot, an afternoon at the Andean Cock-of-the-rock leks, then Choco and Yellow-throated Toucans before the drive back to Quito.
Day 6
Antisana and the high Andes
A morning at Antisana for Andean Condor, Carunculated Caracara, Black-faced Ibis, Giant Hummingbird and Ecuadorian Hillstar, then over to Guango Lodge on the eastern side.
Days 7 to 9
Eastern slope
Torrent Duck and Turquoise Jay on the way to Tena, then feeders and reserves for Inca Jay, the orange Cock-of-the-rock and hummingbirds, with one day dedicated to multi-flash hummingbird photography.
Days 10 to 11
Papallacta and departure
An early start at Papallacta Pass for Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill and Giant Conebill, then back to Quito. Breakfast on day 11 and departure.
From
$3,850
per photographer
Dates
May 18 to 28, 2027
Duration
11 days, 10 nights
Group
Max 6 photographers
Deposit
$550
Reserve with a $550 deposit
Ask Lior on WhatsApp
Starts and ends near Quito.
11
Days in the field, Quito to Quito
What you'll photograph
The birds you'll photograph
Ecuador's signature species, from antpitta hides to the high páramo.
Andean condor wingspan reaches 3.3 m
The cloud forest hides bring antpittas into the open: Chestnut-naped and Equatorial on day 2, Giant and Scaled on day 3.
Ecuadorian Hillstar
Andean condor
Antisana, day 6
Andean cock-of-the-rock
Leks on both slopes
Plate-billed mountain toucan
Cloud forest reserve
Sword-billed hummingbird
High cloud forest, Nono
When to go
Best time for bird photography in Ecuador
Ecuador sits on the equator, so there is no true winter and its resident cloud forest, Chocó and páramo birds can be photographed all year. What changes is the weather, so each day starts early, when birds are most active at hides and feeders.
On the equator: birding all year
Our 2027 departures
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Dry weather, western cloud forest
Wettest months, most overcast
Drying out, many clear days
Driest months, most sunshine
Piquiri River · 2026
Sony 100-400mm GM
In the field
How we photograph birds in Ecuador
Antpittas come to hides, hummingbirds to feeders and flowers, toucans and tanagers to fruit. Shooting from these setups puts birds close and at eye level, which matters in dim cloud forest light.
One day is dedicated to multi-flash hummingbird photography, with the flashes provided, to freeze wings against clean backgrounds. At Antisana and Papallacta we work open landscapes at high altitude, so bring warm layers.
What Lior shoots with
Body
Mirrorless with bird-eye AF
Locks onto small birds against busy cloud forest backgrounds.
Main lens
100-500mm or 200-600mm zoom
Reach for antpittas, toucans and condors.
Second lens
70-200mm zoom
Hummingbirds at feeders and the multi-flash setup.
Dates and price
2027 departures, price and what is included
$3,850 per photographer, with a $550 deposit to hold your seat.
*
$550
Holds your seat
May 18 to 28, 2027
11 days, 10 nights · Quito to Quito
$3,850
$550 deposit
Reserve
Included
Double accommodation
All meals during the tour
Photography guide
Photography spots and hides
Multi-flash equipment
Airport transfers
Not included
National and international flights
Additional nights
Day 1 meals
Alcohol, bottled water and snacks
Personal expenses
Tips
Is it for you
Six photographers, at most
Groups are capped at six, so there is room for everyone at every hide.
Hides and feeders
Antpittas, toucans and hummingbirds photographed from hides and feeder setups.
A multi-flash day
A full day of multi-flash hummingbird photography, with the gear included.
“
Everything he told us we might see, we saw. This is our second trip with Lior.
Glenn O
* Your guide
Lior Berman
FAQs
Ecuador birding tour questions
Anything else? Message Lior directly.
Fastest answer
Ask Lior on WhatsApp
Where does the tour start and end?
−
At Hotel San Jose de Puembo, near Quito's airport. Airport transfers are included.
Will we photograph the Andean Condor?
−
Day 6 is at Antisana, where we look for Andean Condor along with Carunculated Caracara, Black-faced Ibis and Giant Hummingbird.
How many photographers are on the trip?
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Six at most.
What is included in the price?
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Double accommodation, all meals during the tour, your photography guide, photography spots, multi-flash equipment and airport transfers. Flights, extra nights, day 1 meals, alcohol, bottled water, snacks, personal expenses and tips are not included.
How do the deposit and payment work?
−
A $550 deposit holds your seat. Message me on WhatsApp for the payment schedule.
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*
2027
May
One departure. Six seats.
May 18 to 28, 2027. From $3,850, with a $550 deposit to hold your seat.
Reserve your seat
Ask Lior on WhatsApp
