The Gems of the Mountains is an immersive exploration of Ecuador's remarkable Andean birdlife, with a particular emphasis on hummingbirds and the diverse mountain habitats they occupy.

Over 10 days, we travel from the Chocó-influenced western slope of the Andes across the highlands and into the lush forests of the eastern slope. Changing elevation brings an extraordinary variety of hummingbirds, tanagers, toucans, antpittas and other Andean specialties.

Rather than rushing between locations simply to accumulate species, the journey allows meaningful time at feeders, forest trails and productive birding areas. Longer observation periods create excellent opportunities for photography, behavioural observation and a deeper appreciation of the ecological communities surrounding each species.

Small groups and flexible scheduling allow us to respond to weather, bird activity and local conditions throughout the journey.

Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Group Size: Minimum 4 · Maximum 6 guests
Focus: Birding · Hummingbirds · Photography · Natural History

Expect early mornings, extended periods outdoors and light to moderate walking on forest trails, lodge grounds and occasionally uneven terrain.

Several sites are situated at high elevations, including locations above 3,000 metres. Walking at these elevations will generally be limited and taken at a comfortable pace, although participants should be prepared for cooler temperatures and the effects of altitude.

The journey combines active field birding with longer periods at hummingbird feeders and photography locations, creating a more measured pace than an intensive checklist-focused tour while still providing substantial time in the field each day.

Day 1 | Arrival in Quito
Arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport and meet your Avitura guide before transferring to accommodations near Quito. The first evening is intentionally relaxed, allowing time to settle in, meet the group and prepare for the journey ahead.

Day 2 | High Andes to the Western Slope
We begin in the high Andean forests near Quito, where hummingbirds and montane species provide our first introduction to Ecuador's extraordinary elevation-driven diversity. Potential stops include productive areas such as Zuro Loma or Yanacocha before descending toward the Tandayapa Valley.

Day 3 | Tandayapa Valley
A full day exploring hummingbird feeders, cloud forest and surrounding trails in the Tandayapa region. Extended time at feeders provides excellent opportunities for photography while nearby forest supports tanagers, toucans, antpittas and mixed-species flocks.

Day 4 | Chocó Cloud Forest
We explore farther into Ecuador's western Andean forests, visiting productive sites around the wider Mindo and Chocó region. The day's route remains flexible so we can concentrate on the areas producing the strongest birding.

Day 5 | Across the Andes
After a final morning on the western slope, we travel across the inter-Andean region toward the eastern mountains. As we climb toward Papallacta and descend onto the eastern slope, the bird community changes dramatically.

Day 6 | Guango & the Upper Eastern Andes
A full day exploring upper eastern-slope forest, riverside habitat and hummingbird feeders. This is an ideal location for extended observation and photography, with another distinctive assemblage of high-elevation species.

Day 7 | Antisana & the Eastern Slope
We explore the dramatic high Andean landscapes around Antisana before descending toward eastern-slope cloud forest. In addition to hummingbirds, the day provides opportunities for Andean Condor and a variety of highland specialties.

Day 8 | Eastern Andean Cloud Forest
A full day exploring the forests around the San Isidro region and nearby productive areas. Hummingbirds remain a major focus alongside mountain-toucans, antpittas, tanagers and mixed-species flocks.

Day 9 | Final Birding & Return to Quito
Enjoy a final morning of eastern Andean birding before beginning the return toward Quito. Stops along the route provide additional opportunities for species missed earlier in the journey before a farewell dinner and trip-list review.

Day 10 | Departure
Transfer to Mariscal Sucre International Airport for onward flights home.

USD $7,195 per person
Approx. CAD $9,970 per person

Double occupancy | Single supplement +USD $895 / approx. CAD $1,240

Group Size: Minimum 4 participants | Maximum 6 participants

Deposit: USD $1,500 per person / approx. CAD $2,080
Balance: Due 120 days before departure

Included: 9 nights accommodation, meals as outlined in the itinerary, airport transfers, ground transportation, guided birding, reserve and park fees, local guides where applicable, and Avitura field leadership.

Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, alcoholic beverages, gratuities and personal expenses.

Canadian-dollar amounts are approximate and may vary with exchange rates. International journey pricing is charged in USD unless otherwise specified.

Potential highlights include:

Sword-billed Hummingbird · Violet-tailed Sylph · Booted Racket-tail · Velvet-purple Coronet · Purple-bibbed Whitetip · Tourmaline Sunangel · Long-tailed Sylph · Chestnut-breasted Coronet · Collared Inca · Giant Hummingbird · Shining Sunbeam · White-bellied Woodstar

Beyond hummingbirds, the journey may also produce:

Andean Cock-of-the-rock · Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan · Toucan Barbet · Andean Condor · antpittas · mountain-tanagers · flowerpiercers · quetzals and mixed-species cloud-forest flocks.

Wildlife sightings vary with weather, season and local conditions and cannot be guaranteed.