Ecuador Bird Photography Tour: Andes, Chocó and Hummingbird Feeders
Overview
This small-group photography tour moves through Ecuador's Andes and Chocó cloud forest at an easy pace, with no more than eight photographers. Sessions are built around lodge gardens, feeders and carefully placed hides, so the emphasis falls on intimate natural-history images rather than long treks. Hummingbirds, tanagers and antpittas are regular subjects, alongside signature species such as the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan and Long-wattled Umbrellabird. Days begin at San Jorge Eco-lodge near Quito, continue at the Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary and San Jorge de Milpe, and finish with Andean Condor photography in Antisana National Park. Flexible timing leaves room to review images and refine technique.
Why I created this expedition
The photographic arc of this tour is a slow descent through altitude and habitat, and the pictures change with it. It opens near Quito at San Jorge Eco-lodge, where antpitta feeding stations and hummingbird feeders set a close-range rhythm: Rufous, Chestnut-crowned and, with luck, Chestnut-naped Antpittas, plus Sword-billed Hummingbird and trainbearers working natural perches in changing light.
At the Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary the story turns to behaviour. A pre-dawn visit to an Andean Cock-of-the-rock lek puts displaying males in front of the lens from a hide, while afternoons at the feeders bring Empress Brilliant and Velvet-purple Coronet within a few metres. Then the road drops into the Chocó at San Jorge de Milpe, where banana feeders draw toucans, aracaris, motmots and tanagers, and a multi-level canopy deck offers an elevated angle on Long-wattled Umbrellabird. A morning hide at Balcón Tumpiki targets Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, and a second pre-sunrise hide is given to the Long-wattled Umbrellabird lek.
The final full day shifts to high páramo in Antisana National Park, scanning for Andean Condor above the breeding cliffs before a hummingbird station delivers Giant Hummingbird and Great Sapphirewing. Throughout, the pace stays flexible enough to review frames and refine technique.
Photographic opportunities
The itinerary is organised around repeatable, light-controlled situations rather than chance encounters. Lodge gardens and feeders give clean backgrounds and natural perches for hummingbirds including Sword-billed Hummingbird, Black-tailed and Green-tailed Trainbearers, Sparkling Violetear, Tyrian Metaltail, Shining Sunbeam, White-bellied Woodstar, Western Emerald, Andean Emerald, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Buff-tailed Coronet, White-necked Jacobin, Purple-throated Woodstar, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, Green-crowned Woodnymph, Booted Racket-tail and Violet-tailed Sylph. In the Chocó, feeders bring White-whiskered Hermit, Green Thorntail, Green-crowned Brilliant and, at times, Long-billed Starthroat and Tooth-billed Hummingbird.
Hides add the more elusive subjects: Andean Cock-of-the-rock at a lek, Long-wattled Umbrellabird from a dedicated hide, and Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan at Balcón Tumpiki. Fruit feeders and the canopy deck widen the frame to Pale-mandibled Aracari, Chocó and Chestnut-mandibled Toucans, Red-headed Barbet, Rufous Motmot, trogons and tanagers. Antisana National Park adds soaring Andean Condor, Ecuadorian Hillstar, Carunculated Caracara and páramo waterbirds against the Antisana Volcano.
Who this journey is for
This itinerary will appeal to photographers who prefer working close to birds from lodges, gardens, feeders and hides rather than covering long distances on foot. The stated physical level is easy, with most sessions based at lodges and short drives between sites, and the group is limited to no more than eight. It suits anyone drawn to intimate natural-history portraits, hummingbird behaviour and cloud forest colour, and who values a flexible pace with time to review images and refine technique. The sequence of Andean, Chocó and páramo habitats means the subject matter shifts considerably across the nine days.
Inspiration
Expedition highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival and Welcome in Quito
Begin your journey with a welcome at Quito Airport, where your guide Tristan meets you before the transfer to San Jorge Eco-lodge. After checking in and settling into your rooms, take a short break to relax. Then join a tour orientation, a first gathering to get acquainted, where Tristan outlines the itinerary and shares initial tips for making the most of the trip. The day closes with a welcome dinner, followed by an overnight stay at San Jorge Eco-lodge in Quito.
Day 2
Antpittas and Hummingbirds at San Jorge Eco-lodge
After breakfast, a short drive leads to the Antpitta Feeding Station at San Jorge Eco-lodge, where Rufous, Chestnut-crowned, and possibly Chestnut-naped Antpittas may be photographed at close range. The gardens also draw hummingbirds and mountain tanagers. Following lunch, the afternoon focuses on the hummingbird feeders at San Jorge Eco-lodge, with Sword-billed Hummingbird, trainbearers, Sparkling Violetear, Tyrian Metaltail, Shining Sunbeam, and White-bellied Woodstar among regular visitors. Bird photography around the lodge gardens may reveal Tufted Tit-Tyrant, Rufous-naped Brushfinch, Azara's Spinetail, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager, and others. Dinner precedes the return to Quito.
Day 3
Hummingbird Photography at San Jorge Eco-lodge Tandayapa
After breakfast, transfer from San Jorge Eco-lodge to San Jorge Eco-lodge Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary. Spend the afternoon photographing hummingbirds from the lodge gardens, with feeders, flowering plants and natural perches drawing species such as Sword-billed Hummingbird, Black-tailed and Green-tailed Trainbearers, Sparkling Violetear, Tyrian Metaltail, Shining Sunbeam and White-bellied Woodstar. Other Andean birds may include Tufted Tit-Tyrant, Rufous-naped Brushfinch and Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager. The afternoon hummingbird photography session features Western Emerald, Andean Emerald, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Buff-tailed Coronet, White-necked Jacobin, Booted Racket-tail and Violet-tailed Sylph. Optional forest trails may reveal Scaled Antpitta, Golden-headed Quetzal and White-faced Nunbird. Lunch and dinner are listed separately.
Day 4
Andean Cock-of-the-rock Lek and Hummingbird Photography at San Jorge Eco-lodge Tandayapa
Today begins before dawn with Andean Cock-of-the-rock lek photography at San Jorge Eco-lodge Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary, using a hide to observe males displaying in the cloud forest. After breakfast, free time allows for rest or enjoying the hotel infrastructure, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, visit a hummingbird feeding station for Empress Brilliant and Velvet-purple Coronet photography, with close views and natural-light portrait opportunities. Dinner concludes the day at the lodge.
Day 5
From Tandayapa to San Jorge Eco-lodge Milpe
After an included breakfast and hotel check out, transfer from Tandayapa to San Jorge Eco-lodge Milpe, descending from the Andes into the Chocó cloud forest. Check in, then join a Chocó hummingbird photography session at the lodge's feeders and gardens. Later, photograph birds at the banana feeders, with toucans, barbets, motmots, tanagers and euphonias among the visitors. After lunch, continue from the canopy observation deck, overlooking the forest for trogons, tanagers and woodpeckers. The day closes at San Jorge Eco-lodge Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary.
Day 6
Cloud Forest Feeders and Hummingbird Photography
Today begins with breakfast before transferring from Tandayapa to Balcón Tumpiki, a cloud forest stop on the western Andes slope. There, the bird feeders draw Chocó and Andean species, with a hide set up for photographing the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan alongside Sickle-winged Guan, Blue-capped Tanager, Dusky Bush Tanager, and Black-chinned Mountain Tanager. After lunch, hummingbird photography at Nanegalito features Velvet-purple Coronet, Empress Brilliant, Brown Inca, and Speckled Hummingbird. Returning via transfer to Tandayapa, the afternoon is free at San Jorge Eco-lodge Milpe to photograph gardens and feeders, followed by dinner at the San Jorge Eco-lodge Tandayapa Hummingbird Sanctuary.
Day 7
Umbrellabird Lek and Milpe Hummingbirds
Starting before dawn, you visit a traditional Long-wattled Umbrellabird lek and photograph displaying males from a dedicated hide, with possible sightings of Gartered Trogon, Golden-headed Quetzal, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Smoky-brown Woodpecker, and Ornate Hawk-Eagle. After breakfast, lunch, and a final afternoon hummingbird photography session at San Jorge Eco-lodge Milpe, you check out and transfer to San Jorge Eco-lodge near Quito, where you check in, settle into your rooms, and have dinner.
Day 8
Antisana Condors, Páramo Birds and Farewell in Quito
After breakfast, the day begins with Andean Condor and páramo bird photography at Antisana National Park, scanning roads and viewpoints for soaring condors plus Ecuadorian Hillstar, Andean Lapwing, Black-faced Ibis, Carunculated Caracara, Tawny Antpitta, Aplomado Falcon, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle and Variable Hawk, with the route adapted to conditions. A stop at an Antisana high-altitude lagoon adds waterbirds and páramo specialists against Antisana Volcano. In the afternoon, a small hummingbird feeding station offers Giant Hummingbird and Great Sapphirewing photography. Lunch and a farewell dinner precede the overnight at San Jorge Eco-lodge in Quito.
Day 9
San Jorge Eco-lodge Milpe to Quito Airport
Begin with breakfast included in the package before a free morning that can be spent quietly at the hotel, browsing for souvenirs, or reviewing photos with Tristan during a session and advice. After checking out and gathering belongings, transfer from San Jorge Eco-lodge Milpe to Quito Airport. The day ends with departure, as we drop you off for your flight home after an incredible adventure.
Accommodation
Where you’ll stay
Price details
Price per person
2 people
Per person
3 to 4 people
Per person
5 to 6 people
Per person
7 to 8 people
Per person
9 to 10 people
Per person
11+ people
Per person
Prices are per person and based on twin share, unless stated otherwise.
Additional costs
Deposit
30% deposit (1,259 USD approx.)
What is included
Included
- Accommodation throughout the journey
- Meals indicated in the programme
- Transportation during the itinerary
- Pre-trip planning assistance
Not included
- Lunch on arrival day and departure day
- Tips
- International flights
- Travel, Medical & Cancellation insurance
- Additional drinks and meals
- Expenses not specified in the programme
- Camera equipment
From past travellers
A few kind words
Colombia Birding Tour
I visited Colombia with Tristan of Remote Expeditions and would highly recommend him. He put together a wonderful itinerary with great knowledge of the areas and attention to details to give us a wonderful sampling of the country. He is personally very gentle and fun by nature and you will return home feeling very happy and satisfied. Whatever your special interest is, I’m sure he can make an itinerary to exceed your goals.
The Magical Mystery Tour!
In March 2026, I ventured out of my comfort zone and booked an 11 day photography tour with Tristan, through Remote Expeditions.
It was amazing. Truly remote, we visited several indigenous communities in the Sierra Nevada, first to meet them and find out a little about their way of life and second lay to photograph them. Additionally there were several opportunities for photographing birds, landscape and City Scenes in Cartagena.
We were fortunate enough to to be a small group, of two , which I was more that happy to pay a premium for. This gave us an intimate experience with the people we met along the way, additionally the 1:1 attention to our personal interests in photography was incredible.
Tristan was a real treat! He has spent the last 10 years living in and exploring this region of Colombia. He has cultivated relationships with the indigenous peoples of the area, and loves to share his understanding of their culture with you.
He structured the tour perfectly. He was organized, knowledgeable (about the land, its people and photography), compassionate, passionate and eager to share his vast internal encyclopedic information with you. When he didn’t know, he would quickly get you the information.
The remote places you get to, by 4x4, hiking and boating are exceptional. You could never find these places on your own.
Knowing little about Colombia, I was initially a little hesitant to take this tour. Having just returned, I wouldn’t hesitate for a nanosecond.
What ever type of tour you take with Tristan, you won’t be disappointed. He delivered everything he he promised, and a few amazing surprises more.
A magical tour of undiscovered Colombia
I cannot believe how fortunate I am, to have discovered Remote Expeditions, with Tristan as a tour guide, and photographer extraordinaire, sharing his view of Colombia with us, through the lens.
Tristan is an incredible guide. Safe, organized, thoughtful and experienced. He truly chose the best that this mostly remote tour of Colombia has to offer. He has built strong relationships with people in remote villages and has sourced ways to shine a light on their cultural specialities. Dancing, singing, food all combined to allow for great photo opportunities.
In the land of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, you can feel the energy, experience the culture and bring home amazing photographs that capture the moments.
If Colombia is on your photographic bucket list, Tristan is your guide. I recommend him and his beautifully curated tour, without hesitation.
Why travel with us?
Expert, trusted guides
We work with carefully selected local guides chosen for their experience, knowledge of wildlife, and ability to find unique encounters ethically and safely.
Carefully selected accommodations
We choose each accommodation to find the perfect balance between comfort, location, and access to wildlife, so you can make the most of every moment of your journey.
Schedules designed for the best light
We organize activities and outings at key times of day to take advantage of the best light conditions and increase opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
You’ll come home with incredible photographs
We design each expedition to maximize opportunities for observation and help you enjoy unique encounters and capture the best photographs possible in the wild.
About your guide
Tristan Quevilly
At the helm of Remote Expeditions, Tristan adeptly combines exploration, photography, tour design, web development, and tour leadership, encapsulating the essence of a versatile travel entrepreneur. His mission is to offer a limited number of high-quality tours each year, ensuring an unparalleled travel experience steering clear of mass tourism. He aims to guide you towards the true essence of each destination, facilitating a deep connection with both nature and yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
To confirm your spot we request a first payment of 50% of the total trip price. The remaining 50% can be paid up to 3 months before the departure date.
We accept payments in euros and US dollars via bank transfer. Once your booking is made, we will send you all the information and details needed to make the payment.
No, anyone who loves nature is welcome. We always recommend bringing binoculars to enjoy a closer view, and if you have a camera you'll surely capture excellent images too.
You can find all the details about cancellations, refunds and booking conditions on our page: Terms and Conditions.
No. Our trips are designed both for people with experience in photography and wildlife watching and for travelers who simply enjoy nature and want to live a different experience.
The most important thing is to have interest, curiosity and a desire to enjoy the environment and the animals.
Yes. If you wish to arrive earlier or extend your stay, we can arrange additional nights of accommodation, activities and transfers. Just let us know your plans and we'll adjust the itinerary to your preferences.
Yes, of course. Many of our travelers join the expeditions on their own. Our groups usually bring together people with similar interests in wildlife, photography and nature, so the atmosphere tends to be very friendly and it's easy to connect with other travelers.
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