Jamaica: The Caribbean Introtour - Birding Tour Tour Overview: Jamaica is a small island (smaller even than the US state of Connecticut), with 29 endemic bird species all of its own. In general, Jamaican birding is easy going, so that even in a short trip, there is a realistic chance of seeing them all. This is done by focusing on the two main birding areas on the island, which are both located in eastern Jamaica; the Blue Mountains, and the infamous Ecclesdown Road in the parish of Portland. While in the Blue Mountains there will also be a chance to sample their World famous coffee. Jamaican Tody Sam Woods Jamaican Spindalis Sam Woods Red-billed Streamertail Sam Woods Yellow-billed Parrot Sam Woods Jamaican Lizard-Cuckoo Sam Woods Jamaican Owl Jamaican Woodpecker Sam Woods Jamaican Mango Orangequit Sam Woods Bananaquit Sam Woods Zenaida Dove Sam Woods Loggerhead Kingbird Sam Woods The Blue Mountains Sam Woods Red-billed Streamertail Sam Woods Blue Mahoe Sam Woods Crested Quail-Dove Sam Woods Yellow-shouldered Grassquit Sam Woods White-tailed Tropicbird Sam Woods Red-billed Streamertail Sam Woods Bahama Mockngbird Sam Woods An Exotic Plant Sam Woods Sad Flycatcher Sam Woods Jamaican Tody Sam Woods Jamaican Spindalis Sam Woods Red-billed Streamertail Sam Woods Yellow-billed Parrot Sam Woods Jamaican Lizard-Cuckoo Sam Woods Jamaican Owl Jamaican Woodpecker Sam Woods Jamaican Mango Orangequit Sam Woods Bananaquit Sam Woods Zenaida Dove Sam Woods Loggerhead Kingbird Sam Woods The Blue Mountains Sam Woods Red-billed Streamertail Sam Woods Blue Mahoe Sam Woods Crested Quail-Dove Sam Woods Yellow-shouldered Grassquit Sam Woods White-tailed Tropicbird Sam Woods Red-billed Streamertail Sam Woods Bahama Mockngbird Sam Woods An Exotic Plant Sam Woods Sad Flycatcher Sam Woods Tour Details: 20 26 2 - 7 April $3490; single supplement: $470 This tour links up with Puerto Rico: Enchanted Island Endemics Length: 6 Days Starting City: Kingston Ending City: Kingston Pace: Relaxed Physical Difficulty: Easy Focus: Birding Group size: 10 + 1 TB leader +1 local leader* *For small groups, the tour will be guided by the Jamaican leader. For large groups, there will be a Jamaican leader and a TB guide. Ready to Book? Book Here Most Recent Trip Report More Trip Reports View/Write Tour Reviews Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Kingston After arrival in Kingston, you will be transferred to a local Kingston hotel for the night. The tour starts with an evening welcome dinner with the guide. Day 2: Hellshire Hills & Hope Gardens to the Blue Mountains Our Jamaican tour with a pre-dawn start to ensure we make it the short distance to Hellshire Hills a short time after dawn, before the intense Caribbean heat makes the place unpleasant to bird. We should need only a short time here to find the key species, Bahama Mockingbird, which has just two small populations on the island, and Jamaican Mango. Then we’ll move to the tranquil enclave of Hope Gardens (located near the rainbow-colored Bob Marley Museum), where parrots will be on the agenda; this site provides the best chance on the tour for the endemic, and handsome Yellow-billed Parrot. While there we may also find “Jamaican” Parakeet (an endemic subspecies that may be split off from the widespread Olive-throated Parakeet). After lunch in Kingston, we shall head north into the pleasantly cool Blue Mountains, an area famed for production of some of the most revered coffee in the World, and also one of the ultimate sites for endemic birds on Jamaica. In the afternoon, we will check in to the serene surroundings of our mountain chalet, which comes equipped with busy bird feeders, and endemic birds right in their well-manicured garden. We will spend two nights at a comfortable chalet in the Blue Mountains. Day 3: The Blue Mountains A full day will be spent birding in one of the most idyllic locations in Jamaica, the Blue Mountains. Here the habitat is montane forest at an elevation of some 4000ft/1225m, which provides not only streams of endemic species (all but a few of the endemic birds can be found there), but also a pleasing climate, in sharp contrast to the heat and humidity of Kingston and other lowland coastal sites. Our target here will be to amass more than 20 of the endemic species, including some of the scarcer ones, for which this represents arguably the best site on the island, like Jamaican Blackbird (a strange, bromeliad-loving forest icterid), Crested Quail-Dove, and the well-named Blue Mountain Vireo. Some of the more common endemic birds include the hulking Ring-tailed Pigeon that regularly pass overhead; Jamaican Pewee, which regular flit from their regular perches; White-chinned Thrush that often hops on and off the dirt roads that cuts through the mountain, and the super Jamaican Tody, which, by voice, appears to be around every corner! Our mountain chalet comes with a small set of sugar feeders, which attract one of Jamaica’s most famous birds. Known locally as the “Doctor Bird”, the Red-billed Streamertail, is Jamaica’s national bird, proudly adorning roads signs, and tourist paraphernalia, this is the most regular visitor to the chalet’s feeders, located on a balcony overlooking their well-managed garden. Other birds that may drop in for the “sugar harvest”, include Jamaican Oriole, the endemic Orangequit, and perhaps too a wintering American warbler or two. Among the other endemic targets will be Jamaican Becard, Sad Flycatcher, the stunning Jamaican Spindalis, and Arrow-headed Warbler. At night we can take the chance to search for a Jamaican Owl or Northern Potoo too. Day 4: The Blue Mountains to Port Antonio We will have a final morning in the Blue Mountains to search for any “missing” endemics we might still need like the subdued Jamaican Elaenia, the chocolate-headed White-eyed Thrush, or striking Yellow-shouldered Grassquit (not your average grassquit for sure with its saffron back, burnt red vent, and coal black underside), before we move up to the north coast, some two-hours’ drive away. During our northward we will also move into the range of Black-tailed Streamertail. Day 5: Happy Cove and Ecclesdown Road Early in the morning, we will visit a beautiful cove in the northeast of Jamaica, where White-tailed Tropicbirds nest on the scenic cliffs. After that, the morning and afternoon will focus on the lowland forests and woods at the base of the John Crow Mountains, alongside the famous Ecclesdown Road. This is one of the most famous birding destinations in Jamaica and can lay claim to hosting every single one of Jamaica’s endemic birds. Therefore, it provides an excellent backup site for any that may have been missed in the Blue Mountains (which is still a necessary site for some of these, providing the optimum chances for species like Blue Mountain Vireo, Crested Quail-Dove, and Jamaican Blackbird); it is also the only good site on the tour for the Black-billed Parrot, the local Black-billed Streamertail (that is confined to the northeast of Jamaica), and Jamaican Crow, (which is strangely absent from southern Jamaica). The final night of the tour will be spent in Port Antonio. Day 6: Port Antonio to Kingston for departures This is merely a travel day, as we drive from Port Antonio to Kingston airport, arriving at 11am in time for several afternoon departures. Trip Considerations PACE: Relaxed. While early starts are required, this is a physically easy tour. Sunrise is at around 7am in this season, so breakfasts are likely to be taken at around 6am with a 6:30am departure. Sunset is at around 6pm. There will be a night or two tour dedicated to finding the endemic owl. The pace is fairly relaxed. PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: Easy. The walking on this trip is generally easy, with no steep or difficult hikes. Most of the walks will be on roads. There is no high elevations on this tour, even in the Blue Mountains. The longest drive on this tour is only around 3 hours between Port Antonio and Kingston on the final day. The roads on this tour are all paved and in fairly good condition. ACCOMMODATION: Good to excellent. All places have en-suite bathrooms, full time electricity, and Internet. CLIMATE: Average temperatures at this time of year through the region are 69F – 86F (21F – 30C), so it is still very hot in the lowlands of the Caribbean, even in this cool, dry season. WHEN TO GO: This part of the Caribbean is generally cooler and drier at this time of year, and therefore has been timed for the most pleasant time to bird it (i.e. December to March). This is also the time of year when the Caribbean residents are supplemented by a substantial number of boreal migrants wintering from North America, making this arguably the optimum birding season. Other Information TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: For citizens of most countries a Travel Authorization needs to be completed online within 72 hours, of leaving. For all passports, the passport must be valid for at least six months past your intended stay. Travel requirements are subject to change; please double check with the nearest embassy or consulate, or ask our office staff if you are unsure. WHAT’S INCLUDED?: Accommodation from night of day 1 through night of day 5; meals from dinner on day 1 through to breakfast on day 6; Tropical Birding leader and/or Jamaican leader from the evening of day 1 to the afternoon of day 6; one arrival airport and one departure airport transfer (these might be shared, and may be an official airport shuttle); ground transport to all the sites listed on the itinerary in a suitable modern vehicle; entrance fees to all sites on the itinerary; a printed and bound checklist to keep track of your sightings (given to you at the start of the tour – only electronic copies can be provided in advance). WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?: Tips (tips are not included on this tour since for smaller groups there will not be a Tropical Birding guide coming along to dole out the tips); flights; snacks; additional drinks apart from those included; alcoholic beverages; travel insurance; excursions not included in the tour itinerary; extras in hotels such as laundry service, minibar, room service, telephone calls, and personal items; medical fees; other items or services not specifically mentioned as being included. Tour Reviews *Participated on this Tour? Leave a Review! We would also love to see your favorite photo, upload it! Jamaica Review Anchor

Brazil: Northeast | Tropical Birding Northeast Brazil - Birding Tour Tour Overview: Northeast Brazil encompasses a vast area and is sparsely populated away from the coast. On this tour, we start in the northern city of Fortaleza and cross through the interior of the country through a great variety of habitats including caatinga (dry thorn forest), cerrado (savanna), and humid Atlantic Forest, before finally reaching the coast again at Porto Seguro near some superb patches of lowland rainforest and mangroves. This region is home to many Brazilian endemics not possible on any of our other set departure tours including mouth-watering species like Araripe Manakin, Indigo Macaw, Hooded Visorbearer, and Banded Cotinga. This tour covers a huge amount of ground, but that is unavoidable as the endemics are spread out over an enormous area. We’ll have a comfortable air-conditioned van to relax in during these long journeys, and the roads are generally quite good. Araripe Manakin Nick Athanas Hooded Visorbearer Nick Athanas Sincora Antwren Nick Athanas Indigo (Lear's) Macaw Andres Vasquez Campo Troupial Nick Athanas Scarlet-throated Tanager Andres Vasquez Silvery-cheeked Antshrike Nick Athanas Gilt-edged Tanager Nick Athanas Gray-breasted Parakeet Nick Athanas Sao Francisco Sparrow Nick Athanas Rufous-sided Pygmy-Tyrant Nick Athanas Spotted Piculet Nick Athanas Pygmy Nightjar Andres Vasquez Spot-backed Puffbird Nick Athanas Little Wood-Rail Nick Athanas Red-cowled Cardinal Andres Vasquez Araripe Manakin Nick Athanas Hooded Visorbearer Nick Athanas Sincora Antwren Nick Athanas Indigo (Lear's) Macaw Andres Vasquez Campo Troupial Nick Athanas Scarlet-throated Tanager Andres Vasquez Silvery-cheeked Antshrike Nick Athanas Gilt-edged Tanager Nick Athanas Gray-breasted Parakeet Nick Athanas Sao Francisco Sparrow Nick Athanas Rufous-sided Pygmy-Tyrant Nick Athanas Spotted Piculet Nick Athanas Pygmy Nightjar Andres Vasquez Spot-backed Puffbird Nick Athanas Little Wood-Rail Nick Athanas Red-cowled Cardinal Andres Vasquez Upcoming Departures: 2026 4- 21 November ($8990; single supplement: $600) Ready to Book? Book Here Most Recent Trip Report Brazil Trip Reports View/Write Tour Reviews Detailed Itinerary Other Tour Details: Length: 18 Days Starting City: Fortaleza Ending City: Porto Seguro Pace: Moderate Physical Difficulty: Moderate Focus: Birding Group size: 8 + 1-2 leaders* *For small groups, the tour will guided by an expert, bilingual, Brazilian leader. For larger groups, there will also be a Tropical Birding leader. The following itinerary was for the 2024 tour. There will be some small changes for 2026. Day 1: Arrival in Fortaleza The tour begins this evening in the northern city of Fortaleza. No birding is planned for today. Day 2: Serra de Baturité This morning we head south to an isolated mountain range known as the Serra de Baturité. The higher elevations are cooler and wetter than the surrounding dry caatinga and host a number of endemic species as well as subspecies that might be split in the future, such as Buff-breasted Tody-Tyrant, Ceara Gnateater, Ceara Woodcreeper, Ochraceous Piculet, Gray-headed Spinetail, Variable Antshrike, Red-necked Tanager, and Rufous-breasted Leaftosser. This area is also the best place in the world to see the highly endangered Gray-breasted Parakeet, and we hope to encounter this rare and beautiful bird during our visit. We spend one night in Guaramiranga. Day 3: Serra de Baturité to Quixadá After another morning birding in the the Serra de Baturité, we continue our journey south into the interior of the state of Ceará. As we near the town of Quixadá, dramatic rock formations start to dominate the horizon. We spend one night here in a hotel with great birding nearby, and will spend the rest of the day seeking out the special birds of the caatinga habitat like Cactus Parakeet, White-browed Guan, Caatinga Cacholote, Ochre-backed Woodpecker, and Black-bellied Antwren. Day 4: Quixadá to Potengi After some early morning birding around the hotel, we’ll drive about five hours south to the Chapada do Araripe, a scenic escarpment in the southern part of Ceará. We spend one night in a small lodge near the edge of the escarpment, surrounded by excellent caatinga habitat. Here we will search for some often difficult species including Red-shouldered Spinetail, Caatinga Antwren, Scarlet-throated Tanager, Silvery-cheeked Antshrike, Great Xenops, and White-browed Antpitta. The lodge feeders may attract some other great birds like Campo Troupial, Red-cowled Cardinal, and more. Day 5: Crato to Canudos The stunning red, white, and black Araripe Manakin is THE target for the morning and will hopefully be one the highlights of the entire trip. This species was discovered only in 1996 and is restricted to a miniscule area along the base of the escarpment. Usually, the easiest place to find it is at a water park where locals go swimming, but the owners have created a separate area to protect this unforgettable bird, and it usually shows well. For much of the rest of the day, we will drive south, crossing the state of Pernambuco and eventually arriving in Canudos, in Bahia. Depending on when we arrive, there may be a chance for some late afternoon birding. We spend one night in Canudos. Day 6: Canudos to Chapada Diamantina The beautiful Indigo Macaw, also known as Lear’s Macaw is endemic to this part of Bahia, and this morning we will head out to look for them near the cliffs where they roost and nest or in the woodland nearby. Other species we may encounter this morning include Blue-crowned Parakeet, Spotted Piculet, Stripe-breasted Starthroat, Spot-backed Puffbird, and Greater Wagtail-Tyrant. Brazil is a vast country, and we’ll then have the longest drive of the tour (about 8 hours) as we continue south to Chapada Diamantina, an impressive mountain range with sheer sandstone cliffs. The nights of Day 7 and Day 8 will be spent in the pleasant town of Lençóis. Days 7-8: Chapada Diamantina This very scenic area has a variety of habitats including caatinga, grassy savanna, and humid forest. We will target several key endemics including Sincora Anwren, Hooded Visorbearer, and Diamantina Tapaculo but there plenty more to look for too. Gilt-edged Tanager, Buff-throated Pampa-Finch, Blue Finch, Rufous-winged Antshrike, Collared Crescentchest, Gray-backed Tachuri, White-banded Tanager, and the rare Rufous-sided Pygmy-Tyrant are just a few of the possibilities. The night of Day 9 will be spent in Mucugê in the southern part of the mountain range. Day 9: Mucugê to Boa Nova After some final birding in Chapada Diamantina, we have another long drive (about 6 hours) to the town of Boa Nova, where we’ll spend the next three nights. Days 10-11: Boa Nova and Poções This is a fascinating area with a mosaic of habitats that include humid Atlantic Forest, dry caatinga, and a unique type of vine forest in between. This vine forest is home to the very local Slender Antbird, and is also the best place on the tour to see Narrow-billed Antwren. Once we venture into the humid forest, the scenery changes dramatically, and we’ll find ourselves surrounded with new trip birds. Possibilities include Striated Softail, Rio de Janeiro Antbird, Crescent-chested Puffbird, Cinnamon-vented Piha, Spot-backed Antshrike, Bahia Spinetail, Pin-tailed Manakin, and many, many more. A few different birds are possible in a forest patch near Poções such as the rare Wied’s Tyrant-Manakin and White-bibbed Antbirds. We’ll also visit a hummingbird garden that attracts a variety of species; they can be quite seasonal but Swallow-tailed Hummingbird, Sapphire-spangled Emerald, Stripe-breasted Starthroat, Planalto Hermit, and Ruby-topaz Hummingbird are all possible. Day 12: Boa Nova to Itacaré After another morning in the Boa Nova area, we’ll head to the Atlantic coast and spend one night in the pleasant beach town of Itacaré. Depending on when we arrive, we may have time for some afternoon birding in the Serra do Conduru. Day 13: Itacaré to Serra Bonita Serra do Conduru State Park is home to superb lowland Atlantic Rainforest, and we'll spend the whole morning targeting some scarce and beautiful endemics. Chief among them is the rare and local Bahia Tapaculo, one of the most localized members of this unique Neotropical family. It's also the best place on the tour for the absolutely gorgeous Kinglet Manakin. Other species we hope to find include Scaled Antbird, Black-cheeked Gnateater, Cinereous-breasted Spinetail, Great-billed Hermit, White-bellied Tanager, White-fronted Nunbird, and others. In the afternoon, we’ll head farther south to Camacan, then switch to 4x4 vehicles for the short drive to the Serra Bonita Reserve. This reserve is part of a consortium of local landowners who protect over 6000 acres of beautiful montane Atlantic Forest. We spend two nights in a lodge in the reserve. Day 14: Serra Bonita Reserve We’ll spend the whole day birding in and around the Serra Bonita Reserve. Some of the key targets here are Pink-legged Graveteiro, Bahia Tyrannulet, Plumbeous Antvireo, and Salvadori’s Antwren. Mixed flocks might hold the rare and as of yet undescribed “Bahia” Treehunter, and feeders at the reserve headquarters bring in a variety of tanagers, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, and sometimes Spot-billed Toucanet. Day 15: Serra Bonita to Porto Seguro As we leave the reserve, we’ll spend the morning birding the lower elevations searching for Maroon-faced, Ochre-marked, and Golden-capped Parakeets, Black-necked Aracari, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, and others. Occasionally the rare and beautiful Banded Cotinga can be seen as it comes in to feed on palm berries. In the middle of the day, we’ll drive around three hours to Porto Seguro on the Atlantic Coast, where the final two nights of the tour will be spent. We should have time for afternoon birding near the town. Mangroves here might reveal the likes of Bicolored Conebill, Plain-bellied Emerald, Mangrove Rail, and there is even a small chance for Little Wood-Rail. Day 16: Veracel Reserve This reserve not far from town protects a superb patch of lowland rainforest loaded with rare and highly sought-after endemics like White-winged and Banded Cotingas, Black-headed Berryeater, Hook-billed Hermit, Red-browed Parrot, Bahia and Band-tailed Antwrens, and Ochre-marked Parakeet. There are also a number of subspecies that are likely going to be split including Opal-rumped Tanager, Golden-spangled Piculet, and Ringed Woodpecker. We may also have a chance to do some nightbirding here with Black-capped Screech-Owl. Tawny-browed Owl, and the very rare White-winged Potoo all possible. Day 17: Porto Seguro and departure After another morning birding at Veracel or other sites, we’ll check out of the hotel and head to the airport. Flights are available to Sao Paulo, where you can connect with late evening international flights on many airlines. Trip Considerations PACE: Moderate. Early starts are the norm. Brazil is a huge country, and as such there is a lot of driving; at least 5 days will involve drives of 4 hours or more, the longest being about 8 hours on day 6. PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: Moderate. Most of the birding is done from flat or moderately inclined roads and trails. You can expect to walk around 3 miles (4.8 km) on the full birding days, and less on the travel days. CLIMATE: Warm to hot in the lowlands and cool to pleasant in the mountains. Some rain can be expected. ACCOMMODATION: Generally good with typical amenities. A few of the hotels are rather simple, but the ones in the hot lowland areas have air conditioning. Other Information TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport is required; the passport must be valid for at least six months past your intended stay. Starting in April 2025, Brazil will once again require visas for US, Canadian, and Australian passport holders . Tourist visas are currently not required for citizens of the UK, EU, New Zealand, and South Africa. For other nationalities, please check with the nearest Brazilian embassy or consulate for current requirements. Travel requirements are subject to change; please double check your visa requirements a few weeks before you travel. WHAT’S INCLUDED?: Accommodation from the night of day 1 to the night of day 16; meals from dinner on day 1 (unless you arrive too late for dinner service) to lunch on day 17; safe drinking water as well as tea and coffee during meals (if eating at a restaurant that does not include drinks, reasonable non-alcoholic beverages will be included); safe drinking water only between meals; Tropical Birding tour leader with scope and audio gear from the evening of day 1 to the afternoon of day 17; airport transportation on day 1 via the hotel shuttle bus; ground transport for the group to all sites in the itinerary from day 2 to day 17; entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the itinerary; a printed and bound checklist to keep track of your sightings (given to you at the start of the tour – only electronic copies can be provided in advance). WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?: Tips; flights; excess luggage charges; snacks; additional drinks apart from those included; alcoholic beverages; travel insurance; excursions not included in the tour itinerary; extras in hotels such as laundry service, minibar, room service, telephone calls, and personal items; medical fees; other items or services not specifically mentioned as being included. Brazil BWC Review Anchor Tour Reviews *Participated on this Tour? Leave a Review! We would also love to see your favorite photo, upload it!

Birding with a Camera | Brazil Brazil’s Ultimate Birding with a Camera Tour The Best of Two Biomes Tour Overview: With over 270 endemic species out of over 1800 bird species present in Brazil, this country is a must-visit place for any world birder. The areas that we visit on this tour hold the biggest concentration of these specialties. And not just “little brown jobs” – most of the endemic birds we look for on this tour are the opposite; they are colorful, beautiful, and charismatic. Gorgeous hummingbirds like Green-crowned Plovercrest, Hyacinth Visorbearer, and Festive Coquette, intricately pattered antbirds, Pin-tailed Manakin, Hooded Berryeater, unforgettable tanagers like Brazilian, Rufous-headed, Brassy-breasted, and Gilt-edged Tanagers, and the ultra-rare Brazilian Merganser, to name just a few. Apart from these endemics, we will see plenty other more widespread species, just as impressive, like Saffron Toucanet, Red-legged Seriema, the tiny but incredible Cock-tailed Tyrant, the cartoonish Blue Finch, Toco Toucan, and even the beautiful Collared Crescentchest. Birds will not be the only focus – well also look for Maned Wolf and Giant Anteater. We will bird in two quite distinct biomes: the lush and humid Atlantic Forest that spreads from sea level to the top of a coastal range. These mountains create a rain shadow, which helped form the second biome we will bird, the drier Cerrado, which is more open and less forested. These two areas complement each other nicely with distinct avifauna and scenery. This BwC tour is limited to just 7 participants, so is also great for anyone looking for a smaller group. Saffron Toucanet Cock-tailed Tyrant Andres Vasquez Giant Anteater Andres Vasquez Swallow-tailed Manakin Andres Vasquez Festive Coquette Andres Vasquez Ferruginous Antbird Andres Vasquez Diademed Tanager Andres Vasquez Crested Black-Tyrant Andres Vasquez Maned Wolf at Caraça Andres Vasquez Collared Crescentchest Andres Vasquez Brazilian Merganser Andres Vasquez Brassy-breasted Tanager Andres Vasquez Blue Finch Andres Vasquez Black-cheeked Gnateater Andres Vasquez White-eared Puffbird Andres Vasquez White Woodpecker Andres Vasquez Swallow-tailed Cotinga Andres Vasquez Streamer-tailed Tyrant Andres Vasquez Sharp-tailed Tyrant Andres Vasquez Saw-billed Hermit Andres Vasquez Caraça Sanctuary Andres Vasquez Rufous-headed Tanager Andres Vasquez Red-necked Tanager Andres Vasquez Red-legged Seriema Andres Vasquez Red-breasted Toucan Andres Vasquez Upcoming Departures: 2026 3 - 16 September ($6870; single supplement: $840) Ready to Book? Book Here Other Tour Details: Length: 14 Days Starting City: São Paulo (GRU) Ending City: Belo Horizonte (CNF) Pace: Moderate Physical Difficulty: Moderate Focus: Birding, Photography Group size: 7 + 1 leader Most Recent Trip Report (different itinerary) More Trip Reports View/Write Tour Reviews Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in São Paulo-Guarulhos The tour begins this evening in Guarulhos, a satellite city of São Paulo. We’ll have one night in a good hotel that provides a free airport shuttle. No birding is planned for today. Days 2 - 3: Trilha dos Tucanos We start the tour by driving west across the busy São Paulo metropolis, heading towards Trilha dos Tucanos. This small lodge has become a must-visit spot for birders and bird photographers alike, and we spend two nights here. At their feeders, a main attraction is the incredible Saffron Toucanet which is a regular visitor, together with plenty of other great birds like Red-breasted Toucan, Blond-crested and Golden-fronted Woodpeckers, Maroon-bellied Parakeet, and various species of tanager. Some years, their moth trap attracts some incredible skulkers like Giant and Tufted Antshrikes, Crescent-chested Puffbird and even the very shy Brown Tinamou; we need some luck to get these beauties but chances are good. The forest surrounding the lodge is home to plenty of species that we won’t have chances for during the rest of the trip, namely the local Black-fronted Piping-Guan, Atlantic Royal Flycatcher, Scalloped Woodcreeper, Ochre-collared Piculet, Mantled Hawk, and the tiny Oustalet’s Tyrannulet. Apart from these specialties, plenty of other Atlantic Forest range-restricted species can be found here including Tawny-browed Owl, Star-throated Antwren, Squamate Antbird, and maybe even the difficult White-breasted Tapaculo. Day 4: Trilha dos Tucanos to Ubatuba We will have a couple more hours in the early morning to visit the moth trap and feeders or to target any species along the trails before departing towards the coastal city of Ubatuba. This means we have a long drive, but we can have some birding stops once pass through São Paulo. We will stay three nights in Ubatuba. Days 5 - 6: Ubatuba Area Once of the main attractions in the entire region is Folha Seca with its amazing feeders. Swarms of hummers are always present with the gaudy Festive Coquette often being the favorite. Others that visit include Saw-billed Hermit, Violet-capped Woodnymph, Brazilian Ruby, Sombre Hummingbird, Versicolored Emerald, and White-chinned Sapphire. The fruit feeders are less predictable, as sometimes they are very busy and other times rather quiet, but we should see at least a few neat birds such as Green-headed, Ruby-crowned, Brazilian, and Azure-shouldered Tanagers, and Violaceous Euphonia. Forested-covered mountains that come down to the sea make this part of the Atlantic coast truly beautiful. Various private reserves and quiet side roads at the base of the mountains offer easy birding with some of the best species the Atlantic Forest has to offer. Numerous antbirds are possible, many of which are truly handsome and often surprisingly easy to see compared to other parts of the Neotropics – a few in particular that we will be looking for are Scaled and Ferruginous Antbirds, Spot-breasted Antvireo, Tufted and Spot-backed Antshrikes, and Star-throated Antwren. Two of the strangest (and coolest!) tapaculos in the world also inhabit the forest here, the strikingly-patterned Spotted Bamboowren and the perky Slaty Bristlefront with its unforgettable song. This is the best place in the world to see the diminutive Buff-throated Purpletuft, an endangered species, and we stand a great chance of finding Black-cheeked Gnateater, one of the most distinctive members of this small family. Other possibilities here include Robust, Yellow-fronted, and Yellow-throated Woodpeckers, Swallow-tailed, White-bearded, and Pin-tailed Manakins, Bare-throated Bellbird, White-necked Hawk, Maroon-bellied and Plain Parakeets, Black-capped, White-eyed, and Ochre-breasted Foliage-gleaners, Crescent-chested and Buff-bellied Puffbirds, and Red-necked Tanager. Day 7: Ubatuba to Serra da Mantiqueira Departing early from our hotel, we will do some birding near Serra do Mar State Park where we can hopefully pick up Hooded Berryeater or Bare-throated Bellbird. Later we move on to a small birding guesthouse where the local owner has managed to attract a few nice birds to his garden. He puts out food for the difficult Red-and-white Crake, which is not guaranteed, but it is our best chance for this hard species. After lunch, we head to the foothills of the Serra da Mantiqueira, where we spend two nights. Day 8: Algulhas Negras Road, Itatiaia NP After an early breakfast, we’ll drive about 30 minutes to a rough road that enters the higher parts of Itatiaia National Park. The stunted forest and scrub here hosts a very different set of birds, and the eerie calls of Black-and-gold Cotingas ring out through the mist. Hearing them is easy, but seeing them often takes a lot of persistence and patience. We’ll target several species along the lower parts of the road like Rufous-tailed Antbird, Large-tailed Antshrike (two more amazing antbirds!), Serra do Mar Tyrannulet, and Black-capped Piprites. Forest patches can be quiet until a mixed species flock comes whirling through, and then we can be inundated with birds like Diademed and Brassy-breasted Tanagers, Buff-throated and Bay-chested Warbling-Finches, Pallid Spinetail, Rufous-backed Antvireo, Sharp-billed Treehunter, and White-browed Woodpecker. We’ll check a regular lekking site for Green-crowned Plovercrest, where several males of this superb-looking hummingbird usually perch and chirp incessantly. Farther up in stunted forest and scrub, we’ll try various spots for the endemic Itatiaia Spinetail, and be sure to look for Araucaria Tit-Spinetail in its eponymous grove of trees. In the afternoon, we can bird a side road lower down the valley that passes through pastures and light woodland. The birding here is easy and offers very different birds like the rare and local Giant Snipe, comical Toco Toucans, screeching Curl-crested Jays, handsome White-eared Puffbirds, dancing Streamer-tailed Tyrants, and the aptly named Firewood-gatherer. Day 9: Algulhas Negras to Canastra NP We might need to head back up the amazing Algulhas Negras road if we missed any big targets, but we can only spend a short time before beginning a long drive into the interior of the country. We leave behind the humid Atlantic Forest and head into the Cerrado biome. This is mostly a travel day, but we may have a bit of time for some birding stops along the way before reaching the town of São Roque de Minas, where we spend three nights. We usually arrive early enough for some afternoon birding in dry forest not far from town but it will depend on our timing. Days 10-11: Serra da Canastra NP This park is simply magnificent. The Canastra plateau, with its scenic escarpments and waterfalls, dominates the area, and there is a mosaic of habitats including gallery forest, rivers, wooded farmland, scrubby Cerrado, and tall, undisturbed grasslands. The area is one of the last strongholds for the Brazilian Merganser, one of the world’s rarest ducks; while we have seen it on many of our tours, in recent years sightings have become less frequent (though we do tend to find them on more than half our visits). Even if we aren’t fortunate enough to see one, there are plenty of other birds and animals to fill our days here. During one full day, we’ll bird areas at the base of the escarpment. There are numerous lookouts to scan for “ducks”, but there are plenty of other birds to see while we do so such as Whistling Heron, Buff-necked Ibis, Yellow-chevroned and Golden-capped Parakeets, White-eared Puffbird, Narrow-billed Woodcreeper, Rufous-fronted Thornbird, Pale-breasted Spinetail, Black-capped Antwren, Plain-crested Elaenia, Yellow-browed Tyrant, Plush-crested Jay, Yellowish Pipit, Blue Finch, Plumbeous and Dubois’s Seedeaters, Black-throated Saltator, and Chopi Blackbird. We’ll walk along a trail to the base of the impressive Casca D’Anta Waterfall, where Great Dusky Swifts can usually be seen clinging to the cliffs. The trail can also be productive for some tough birds like Flavescent Warbler and Chestnut-headed Tanager, and we can usually track down a singing male Helmeted Manakin. On the other day, we’ll bird the windswept grasslands on top of the escarpment, which is a world apart from anything else on this tour. Cock-tailed Tyrants zip back and forth over the grass, Ochre-breasted Pipits perform cool display flights, and cute grassland specialists like Sharp-tailed Tyrant and Black-masked Finch can usually be found with a bit of searching. It’s not unusual to see Giant Anteaters, and Maned Wolf is a possibility as well. We’ll reach the top of the waterfall we visited the previous day, which is another spot to look for Brazilian Merganser. If the water level is low enough, we may be able to cross the river and try to flush up some Sickle-winged Nightjars. Other birds we have a chance for today include Collared Crescentchest, Gray-backed Tachuri, Rufous-winged Antshrike, and Tawny-headed Swallow. Day 12: Onward to Caraça One last long drive today, about 6.5 hours total, but we’ll stop occasionally for breaks and eventually some birding; some years a local park in the middle of Belo Horizonte has the local and rare endemic Three-toed Jacamar which we may try to see based on the latest info about it. We typically arrive in Caraça by mid-afternoon; it is a private nature reserve protected by the Catholic Church set in impressive mountain scenery. The reserve protects close to 28,000 hectares of land, providing a pristine and safe home for some of the most beautiful animals of the region. The most famous of the species here is the bizarre, rare, and gorgeous Maned Wolf. It's a canid unlike any other in the world with long legs that evolved to be able to see above the tall grass of the Cerrado plains of central Brazil. This wolf is rare and difficult to see in the wild but... in 1980, the head priest of the Caraça Monastery got very interested in one individual of this wolf that would come during the night to steal food leftovers from the church’s trash cans. The priest decided that such a beauty deserved better and started feeding it meat every night and little by little the wolf started approaching closer and closer to him. However, it kept faithful to its wild nature and never turned into a pet; it only snatched the food away and then shyly ran away into the forest. This ritual was happily continued to this day. Hundreds of visitors come to this beautiful corner of Brazil to experience the feeding ceremony of this amazing beast. It takes place directly in front of the church every night. Visitors gather around the patio, eagerly waiting for the wolf to make its appearance from the shadows along the main stairway of the church. The wolf does not show up every night, and sometimes it comes very late after most people have gone to bed, but usually at least two out of three nights it will come. We will have two nights in this unique place, so we have a very good chance. Some nights even a Brazilian Tapir comes in to eat fruit and vegetables that the caretaker puts out. Day 13: Caraça Sanctuary We have a full day to bird this reserve surrounded by stunning scenery, and we have several targets to try for. The best bird here for some might be the local country endemic Hyacinth Visorbearer, the males of which are stunningly beautiful. Other targets here include Serra Antwren, White-breasted and Rock Tapaculos, Gray-eyed Greenlet, Black-capped Antwren, the mighty Large-tailed Antshrike, the tiny endemic Hangnest Tody-Tyrant, and the vocal Pale-throated Pampa-Finch. Occasionally the stunning Swallow-tailed Cotinga can be seen – let’s hope for some luck! Day 14: Caraça to Belo Horizonte, Confins Airport We will have a few more hours of birding, trying to improve photos or targeting any species we still need. Later in the morning, we will have enough time for showering and repacking before departing towards the International Airport of Confins located north of Belo Horizonte where the tour ends. We plan on reaching the airport by 2:00pm, so please keep that in mind when booking flights. Trip Considerations PACE : Moderate. Breakfasts will typically be at 5 or 5:30am, with one or two a bit later. Where possible, there will be some downtime at the lodge in the middle of the day. On days where this is not possible, we will attempt to arrive to the hotel early enough to relax a bit before dinner. There will be chances to do some nightbirding at several locations, but those wishing to skip it may do so. Brazil is a huge country, and as such there is a lot of driving; at least 4 days will involve drives of 5-6 hours or more, though these drives are broken up with rest stops, lunch stops, and birding stops. PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY : Moderate. Most of the birding is done from flat or moderately inclined roads and trails. You can expect to walk an average of around 3 miles (4.8 km) on the full birding days, and less on the travel days. A couple days of the trip will involve trails with some steeper sections where a walking stick can be helpful. There are no very high elevations involved; the highest elevation visited is about 6500 ft (2000 m), and only for a few hours; all accommodations are at 4500 ft (1400 m) or less. CLIMATE : Warm to hot in the lowlands and cool to pleasant in the mountains. The coldest temperatures are usually around 45-55°F/7-13°C early in the morning on about 3 mornings. Some rain can be expected. ACCOMMODATION : Good to excellent, all have private bathrooms, full-time hot water, and 24h electricity. All accommodation has wi-fi, typically reaching each room but in some lodges it may only be available in public areas and may be slow. PHOTOGRAPHY : This is a Birding with a Camera® tour, a great trip for both birding and bird photography. You could easily see around 300+ bird species on this trip, and it would not be beyond the realm of possibility to photograph at least 120+ of them. There are only a few places with feeders but they are excellent. The Cerrado areas are superb for opportunistic photography given its open nature. Photography inside the rainforest is harder but we will spend time trying to bring out some of the skulking jewels. GEAR : Binoculars are essential. A 300 mm lens with teleconverter or a 100-400 mm zoom work well in most areas. A full-frame camera helps in darker situations for being able to shoot at higher ISOs, but is by no means required, especially if you have a mirrorless camera with excellent image stabilization. Longer lenses such as 500-600 are fine if you have them, but they can be tiring to carry on some of the walks. Other Information TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS : A valid passport is required; the passport must be valid for at least six months past your intended stay. US, Canadian, and Australian citizens require a visa, which can be obtained electronically. Citizens of the UK, EU, South Africa, New Zealand, among others, do not need a visa to visit as a tourist. The ever changing visa requirements of Brazil are difficult to keep up with so please refer to the most recent official information. Travel requirements are subject to change; please double check your visa requirements a few weeks before you travel. WHAT’S INCLUDED? : Tips to drivers, local guides, and lodge staff; accommodation from the night of day 1 to the night of day 13; meals from dinner on day 1 (unless you arrive too late for dinner service) to lunch on day 14; safe drinking water as well as tea and coffee during meals (if eating at a restaurant that does not include drinks, reasonable non-alcoholic beverages will be included); safe drinking water only between meals; Tropical Birding tour leader with scope and audio gear from the evening of day 1 to the afternoon of day 14; airport transfer via hotel shuttle on day 1; ground transport for the group to all sites in the itinerary from day 2 to day 14 (for smaller groups the guide will drive, and for larger groups there will be a driver); entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the itinerary; a printed and bound checklist to keep track of your sightings (given to you at the start of the tour – only electronic copies can be provided in advance). WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED? : Tips to the tour leader; tips for luggage porters if you require their services; flights; excess luggage charges; snacks; additional drinks apart from those included; alcoholic beverages; travel insurance; excursions not included in the tour itinerary; extras in hotels such as laundry service, minibar, room service, telephone calls, and personal items; medical fees; other items or services not specifically mentioned as being included. Brazil BWC Review Anchor Tour Reviews *Participated on this Tour? Leave a Review! We would also love to see your favorite photo, upload it!

Ethiopia: Birding with the Wolves - Birding Tour Tour Overview: "Ethiopia has been dubbed the “Cradle of Humanity” and the “Roof of Africa”, but these epithets remain inadequate to describe its richness as a unique biological and cultural crossroads. This is undoubtedly one of Africa’s finest birding destinations. It boasts a healthy combination of lush and impressive forests, breathtaking highlands, moist and arid savannas, and wonderful wetlands. There are many endemics, and a rich assemblage of Palearctic and intra-African migrants, and trips here rack up impressive species lists. First-time visitors to Ethiopia are struck by the sheer number of birds and their tame natures, living right alongside people. Although Ethiopia lacks most of the big mammals for which Africa is famous, it still boasts and impressive cast of furry creatures. These include the fascinating “bleeding-heart”, or Gelada Baboon and the critically endangered Ethiopian Wolf. Abyssinian Wolf Ken Behrens Rouget's Rail Ken Behrens Gelada Ken Behrens Ortolan Bunting Ken Behrens Vulturine Guineafowl Ken Behrens Ethiopian Wolf Ken Behrens Guenther's Dik-dik Ken Behrens Stresemann's Bush-Crow Lisle Gwynn Wattled Crane Phil Chaon Northern White-bellied Bustard Lisle Gwynn Yellow-throated Sandgrouse Phil Chaon Tawny Eagle Keith Barnes White-collared Pigeon Keith Barnes Thekla Lark Keith Barne African Pygmy Goose Keith Barnes Woodchat Shrike Ken Behrens Abyssinian Wolf Ken Behrens Rouget's Rail Ken Behrens Gelada Ken Behrens Ortolan Bunting Ken Behrens Vulturine Guineafowl Ken Behrens Ethiopian Wolf Ken Behrens Guenther's Dik-dik Ken Behrens Stresemann's Bush-Crow Lisle Gwynn Wattled Crane Phil Chaon Northern White-bellied Bustard Lisle Gwynn Yellow-throated Sandgrouse Phil Chaon Tawny Eagle Keith Barnes White-collared Pigeon Keith Barnes Thekla Lark Keith Barne African Pygmy Goose Keith Barnes Woodchat Shrike Ken Behrens Tour Details: 2027 TBA; while the current situation in Ethiopia is improving, we are not yet ready to start offering this as a set-departure tour. If you are interested in a custom tour, please contact us . Length: 19 Days Starting City: Addis Ababa Ending City: Addis Ababa Pace: Moderate/Intense Physical Difficulty: Easy/Moderate Focus: Birding, Wildlife and Photography Group size: 9 + 1 Leader Ready to Book? Book Here Most Recent Trip Report More Trip Reports View/Write Tour Reviews Check out our Virtual Tour Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Addis Ababa After your arrival in this booming city, we visit Gefersa Reservoir if time permits. Here we focus on finding three endemics: Wattled Ibis, Blue-winged Goose, and Abyssinian Longclaw. We overnight in Addis Ababa. Day 2: Addis Ababa to Debre Libanos Crossing the colorful Sululta Plains, where highlanders thresh their teff (a millet-like grain), we will likely see White-collared Pigeon, Red-breasted Wheatear, and Black-headed Siskin. Lunch near the Debre Libanos Monastery should introduce us to the first of many Gelada Baboon troops, the endemic Rueppell's Chat, and White-winged Cliff Chat. Juniper woodlands around the monastery hold Black-winged Lovebird, White-cheeked Turaco, Banded Barbet, White-backed Black-Tit, White-billed Starling, and Ethiopian Black-headed Oriole. Day 3: Debre Libanos to Jemmu Valley to Debre Birhan Leaving very early, we arrive at the nearby Jemmu Valley at dawn. Here, we hope to bag the rare and shy Harwood’s Spurfowl, Fox Kestrel, and many other dry country residents. There are even chances for rare endemics like Red-billed Pytilia and the Yellow-rumped Serin. We eat our picnic lunch next to a beautiful river with nesting weavers, kingfishers, swallows, and storks to interrupt our sandwich munching. In the late afternoon, we make our way to Debre Birhan via one of the most beautiful stretches of the Ethiopian highlands, where people live in beautiful farmsteads that are ringed with ancient euphorbia hedges, which have the aspect of medieval castles from a distance! Day 4: Debre Birhan to Ankober This morning, we search for Ankober Serin, a highly localized and elusive endemic only discovered in 1976. After lunch we plunge over the breath-taking cliffs of the Great Rift Valley to its foothill savannas, searching for the endemic Yellow-throated Serin. Other possibilities include White-rumped Babbler, Half-collared Kingfisher, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Abyssinian Sunbird, and a variety of raptors. The night will be spent near Ankober. Day 5: Ankober to Awash NP As long as recent weather allows it, we will make a long and thrilling drive across Afar territory. Here we will have many encounters with stoic Afar tribesmen draped in cotton tunics and sporting impressive afro hairstyles. The day should be spiced up by several bustard species, including the impressive Arabian Bustard. Other desirables expected include Black-billed Woodhoopoe, Abyssinian Scimitarbill, Yellow-breasted Barbet, Red-bellied Parrot, Nile Valley Sunbird, and Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse. Days 6–7: Awash NP The grasslands and acacia woodlands of Awash NP may produce the poorly known Red-winged and Gillett’s Larks as well as the dazzling Rosy-patched Bushshrike, the elegant Scissor-tailed Kite, the suave Somali Fiscal, and many more. Awash also has a thriving population of Beisa Oryx, Soemmering’s Gazelle, and the impressive Hamadryas Baboon. Our nights will be spent at a lodge inside the park. Day 8: Awash to Langano We make the fairly long drive to Lake Langano, stopping at several Rift Valley lakes en route. Avian possibilities at the lakes include Pallas’s Gull, Black Crowned-Crane, Lesser Jacana, and African Pygmy Goose. We overnight at the edge of Lake Langano. Day 9: Langano Early morning birding often yields Grayish Eagle-Owl, Von der Decken’s Hornbill, White-bellied Canary, and Black-cheeked Waxbill. Palearctic visitors might include Masked Shrike and Common Nightingale. In the afternoon we drive to the south end of Lake Langano, where the lush forests still harbor the rare endemic Yellow-fronted Parrot. Other residents include Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Double-toothed Barbet, Red-shouldered Cuckoo-shrike, Abyssinian Woodpecker, Abyssinian Ground-Thrush, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, and Black Sawwing. Boisterous troops of Black-and-white Colobus Monkeys frequent the towering fig trees. We overnight at a comfortable eco-lodge at the edge of a beautiful patch of forest. Day 10: Langano to Goba After a few hours of birding at Langano, we will head for the Afro-alpine moorlands and highland juniper forests of the Bale highlands, where Moorland Francolin and Chestnut-naped Spurfowl abound, along with vivacious Abyssinian Catbirds, skulking Cinnamon Bracken-Warblers, bold and unabashed Rouget’s Rails, and the elegant Spot-breasted Lapwing. We spend the next three nights in Goba. Day 11: Sof Omar Today’s mission is to find Salvadori’s Serin, one of Ethiopia’s toughest endemics. We should also find Northern Brownbul, Somali Tit, Somali Crow, and the startling Bristle-crowned Starling. On top of its birds, Sof Omar offers a vibrant cultural spectacle, as villagers travel from miles around to access the water here. The sight of thirsty camels, splashing kids, and women washing clothes is timeless and beautiful. Day 12: Goba to Sanetti Plateau This morning we bird Africa’s highest and most beautiful road, crossing a vast expanse of spongy moorlands dotted with incandescent red-hot pokers and regal giant lobelias. We scour the spectacular scenery seeking Wattled Crane, Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture), Golden Eagle, and Red-billed Chough. Handsome Ethiopian Wolves are often seen bounding across the open plains. Juniper and Hagenia forests drape over the escarpment edges, and hold Montane Nightjar, Abyssinian Long-eared Owl, “Bale” Brown Woodland-Warbler, and Abyssinian Crimsonwing. Day 13: Goba to Negele Crossing the Harenna Forest, we drive south for most of the day, stopping at several Prince Ruspoli’s Turaco stakeouts until luck smiles on us. This gorgeous, enigmatic, and extremely range-restricted bird may just be the best bird in Ethiopia. The next two nights are spent in Negele. Day 14: Negele Today, we search the incredibly stark Liben Plains for the last endangered and rapidly disappearing Sidamo Larks. Further southeast, near Filtu, we bird a vast expanse of thorn scrub for Somali Crombec, Red-naped Bush-Shrike, Three-streaked Tchagra, Hunter’s Sunbird, Somali Bunting, Banded Parisoma, and many other species. Day 15: Negele to Yabello En route to Yabello we scour the Dawa River for White-winged Collared-Dove, Juba Weaver, and Black-bellied Sunbird. Near our destination we shall admire the industrious Ethiopian Bushcrow foraging in groups. The exquisite White-tailed Swallow, our last endemic target, is found among a whole suite of other southern specialties otherwise possible only in northern Kenya, such as Somali and Three-banded Coursers, African Bare-eyed Thrush, Red-naped Bushshrike, Pringle’s Puffback, Golden-breasted Starling, and Chestnut and Parrot-billed Sparrows. Two nights will be spent at Yabello. Day 16: Yabello We have a full day in Yabello to “clean up” on any southern thorn scrub birds that have eluded us up to now. These might include Somali Courser, “Foxy” Fawn-colored Lark, and Black-capped Social-Weaver. We should also have more chances to observe the remarkable Yabello-area endemics: White-tailed Swallow and Ethiopian Bushcrow. Day 17: Yabello to Awassa After a hearty breakfast we head for the bustling Awassa Fish Market and its busy lake, which will provide an unforgettable experience. Marabou Storks, Great White Pelicans, and the endemic and well-endowed Thick-billed Ravens all squabble frantically over fish scraps (and your lunch if you’re not careful). We overnight on the shores of Lake Awassa. Day 18: Awassa to Addis Ababa After some final morning birding around Lake Awassa, we return to Addis, targeting any possible remaining birds along the way. Night in Addis. Day 19: Departure Transfers to the international airport for departures will be arranged. Trip Considerations PACE: Moderate to intense. This is a fast-paced tour that covers a lot of ground, and we usually amass a large list. The sun rises at about 6:30am, and we generally sleep close to the birding sites, so most mornings are not too early. However, there are two mornings (days 3 and 11) when we will wake up long before the sunrise and drive 2-3 hours to arrive at a birding site in the early morning. The 12-hour days near the equator mean that days are not extremely long. We will have field breakfast and/or lunch on about half of the days. The most difficult part of this tour is the long drives, some of which are on dusty and/or bumpy roads, and often in hot weather without air conditioning. Ethiopian roads are improving quickly, but some arduous driving is still necessary. There will be down time at the hotel in the middle of the day on a few days, but most days of this tour are spent entirely in the field. PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: Easy to moderate. Most birding will be done from vehicles, or in short forays, mostly on flat terrain. There is one fairly difficult walk at Debre Libanos, which involves a steep and rocky section. Some walks may be long, but the pace will be slow, and the terrain flat. Almost half of the days of this tour are spent at elevations of 7000 ft (2100m) or above. Near Ankober, we will be above 10,000 ft (3000m), while in the Bale Mountains, we spend parts of two days over 12,000 ft (4000m) elevation. CLIMATE: Highly variable depending on elevation. Ranges from very hot and dry in the lowlands to cool or even frigid in the highlands. Melka Ghebdu, Awash, the Jemmu Valley, and much of the south are typically hot and dry (up to 104°F, 40°C). The highlands and higher parts of the Rift Valley have a pleasant and moderate climate: warm during the day and cool at night. The highest sites visited on this tour are Ankober and the Bale Mountains, where the weather is volatile; sometimes comfortably cool and other times near freezing, and with hail, sleet, or even snow possible. ACCOMMODATION: Ranges from basic to good. Although the hotels on this tour have a bad reputation, they have improved drastically in recent years. There are now new hotels to replace the infamous hotel that we formerly used in Negele. All of the hotels have ensuite bathrooms, and most have hot water and 24h electricity. Internet is only available in a couple of lodges, and is generally very slow. PHOTOGRAPHY: This is a birding tour, but Ethiopia is one of the best countries on earth for bird photography. This is mainly due to a lack of persecution of birds, meaning that birds are tame and approachable. There are no feeders, blinds, or other photography setups, but the tameness of the wildlife means that much of what we see can be photographed. Ethiopia’s special mammals include Ethiopian Wolf, Mountain Nyala, and others, are also easily photographed. If you like photographing bird as well as seeing them, you should check out our Ethiopia: Birding with a Camera® (BwC) tour. Other Information TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport is required; the passport must be valid for at least six months past your intended stay. Visas are required for almost all visitors, but can be obtained as E-visas or on arrival. Travel requirements are subject to change, and it is ESSENTIAL to double-check your entry requirements at least six weeks before you travel; contact the nearest embassy or consulate, or ask our office staff for help. WHAT’S INCLUDED?: Tips to drivers, local guides, and lodge staff; accommodation from night of day 1 through to night of day 17; meals from dinner on day 1 through to breakfast on day 18; safe drinking water throughout; Tropical Birding tour leader with scope and audio gear from the morning of day 1 to the afternoon of day 17; one arrival and one departure airport transfer per person (transfers may be shared with other participants of the same tour if they are on the same flight); ground transport for the group to all sites in the itinerary; entrance fees to all birding sites mentioned in the itinerary; a printed and bound checklist to keep track of your sightings (given to you at the start of the tour – only electronic copies can be provided in advance). WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?: Any International or domestic flights; optional tips to the tour leaders; tips for optional luggage porters in city hotels; international flights; snacks; additional drinks apart from those included; alcoholic beverages; visa fees; departure tax if applicable; travel insurance; excursions not included in the tour itinerary; extras in hotels such as laundry service, minibar, room service, telephone calls, and personal items; medical fees; other items or services not specifically mentioned as being included. Tour Reviews *Participated on this Tour? Leave a Review! We would also love to see your favorite photo, upload it!

Select from the map or choose from the list below to view tours (Map not available on mobile device) Angola • Ethiopia • Botswana • Ghana • Kenya • Madagascar • Malawi • Morocco • Namibia • Rwanda Senegal • South Africa • Tanzania • Uganda • Zambia

Eastern Ecuador: Birding the Andes Down to the Amazon Tour Overview: On this varied tour we cover everything from the windswept páramo grasslands and snow-capped peaks of the high Andes all the way down to the humid rainforests of the Amazon basin. The biodiversity of this area is arguably the highest in the world, with more than 1000 bird species recorded from the region. A series of excellent lodges makes this trip a delight. San Isidro Black-banded Owl Andres Vasquez Wire-crested Thorntail Lisle Gwynn Turquoise Jay Nick Athanas Orange-cheeked Parrot Andres Vasquez Black-capped Donacobious Andres Vasquez Masked Crimson-Tanager Scarlet Macaws Sam Woods Zigzag Heron Sam Woods Speckled Nightingale-thrush Nick Athanas Chestnut-capped Brush-finch Nick Athanas Giant Otter Sam Woods Foothill Screech-Owl Sam Woods White-chinned Thistletail Nick Athanas Ecuadorian Hillstar Sam Woods Lafresnaye's Piculet Nick Athanas Torrent Duck Andres Vasquez Western Fire-eye Andres Vasquez Black-faced Antbird Andres Vasquez Dusky Titi Monkey Andres Vasquez Golden-tailed Sapphire Andres Vasquez Green-and-gold Tanager Sam Woods Black Caiman Sam Woods Sword-billed Hummingbird Lisle Gwynn Andean Condor Lisle Gwynn Cream-colored Woodpecker Iain Campbell Tour Details: 2027 10 - 24 March $8190; single supplement: $1710 Length: 15 Days Starting City: Quito Ending City: Quito Pace: Moderate Physical Difficulty: Moderate Focus: Birding Group size: 8 + 1 Leader Ready to Book? Book Here Most Recent Trip Report More Trip Reports View/Write Tour Reviews Check out our Virtual Tour Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Quito Most flights arrive in the evenings. You will be met at the airport and taken to a Quito hotel for the night. On this tour we highly recommend arriving a day early to prepare for the high altitude of the first two days. Our office can arrange this for you as well as provide an airport transfer. Day 2: Antisana As we climb up the eastern Andes, we leave the crowded metropolis of Quito far below us. On clear days the views of the snow-clad volcanoes of Antisana and Cotopaxi are staggering. Today we bird montane scrub and verdant páramo looking for Andean Ibis, Andean Condor, Carunculated Caracara, Ecuadorian Hillstar, and many other high Andean species. A nearby lake holds a variety of waterfowl, including Silvery Grebe. Later we drive over Papallacta Pass and down to Guango Lodge for the night (a journey of around an hour and a quarter). This small lodge boasts great hummer feeders, which attract Tourmaline Sunangel, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Collared Inca, Long-tailed Sylph, and the incredible Sword-billed Hummingbird. Day 3: Papallacta, Guango, and San Isidro We start birding near Papallacta Pass. If the weather looks nice, we may head straight up to the top. The páramo here is wet and lush, and we’ll look for species that we didn’t see yesterday, like the charismatic Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe and the skulking White-chinned Thistletail. If the weather does not cooperate, we may first bird some elfin forest just before treeline, where we have a decent chance to find some scarce birds such as Masked Mountain-Tanager, Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanager, Black-backed Bush-Tanager, and Agile Tit-Tyrant. Later on, we check the Polylepis woodland for Giant Conebill before birding our way down to San Isidro, checking for Torrent Ducks as we go. Located on an old ranch adjacent to extensive subtropical cloudforest, Cabañas San Isidro will be our base for the next two nights. The hummer feeders here usually have one or two species that we didn’t see at Guango, including Bronzy Inca. Day 4: San Isidro Area We spend the whole day birding the subtropical forest, and there is plenty to keep us busy. Lights that are kept on during the night attract large numbers of insects, resulting in a feeding frenzy early in the morning – numerous birds can be see almost on your doorstep like Green Jay, Andean Motmot, Black-capped Tanager, Montane Woodcreeper, Black-billed Peppershrike, Subtropical Cacique, and Pale-edged Flycatcher. The lodge has had some success feeding antpittas, and we may find Chestnut-crowned and White-bellied Antpittas coming into worms. Birding the roadsides near the lodge is a lot of fun. Large mixed species flocks roam the forest and hold flashy birds such as Saffron-crowned Tanager, Black-eared Hemispingus, and Rufous-breasted Flycatcher. Cute Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatchers, and Long-tailed Antbirds skulk in the bamboo but can be found with a little work. At night we’ll search for the “mystery” owl that lives near the cabins; this bird may be an undescribed race of Black-banded Owl, though some have suggested it could be a new species. Day 5: Guacamayos to Sumaco Only 30 minutes’ drive from San Isidro is the famous Cordillera de Guacamayos, an outlying ridge of the Andes with extensive forest and numerous rare and local species. The trail along the ridge holds numerous neat birds, some of them seriously rare, and we hope to see at least a few of them. Possibilities include Black-billed Mountain-Toucan, Slate-crowned Antpitta, Dusky Piha, Barred Antthrush, Greater Scythebill, Ocellated Tapaculo, Chestnut-breasted Wren, and White-faced Nunbird, among many other more common species. Later, we start driving to WildSumaco, making stops along the Loreto Road to look for Cliff Flycatcher, Blackish, and various hummingbirds at feeders. In late afternoon we will reach the WildSumaco reserve located in the beautiful mid-elevation cloudforests at the base of the Sumaco volcano. We’ll spend the next three nights at a nice lodge. Days 6-7: WildSumaco Area The forest at WildSumaco is loaded with east slope foothill specialties not easily seen elsewhere. We’ll spend much of our time birding the dirt roads and forest trails nearby. The possibilities are many, but here’s a list of a few of the more tempting birds: Coppery-chested Jacamar, Lined Antshrike, Chestnut-fronted Macaw, Golden-collared Toucanet, Blue-rumped Manakin, Rufous-naped and Olivaceous Greenlets, Spotted and Paradise Tanagers, Yellow-breasted Antwren, Lafresnaye’s Piculet, Gray-mantled and Coraya Wrens, and Black-billed Treehunter. There is also an antpitta feeder at WildSumaco, accessed by about a 20 minute walk down a well-built trail. Plain-backed Antpitta and Ochre-breasted Antpitta are the targets, and if they have been coming in recently we’ll devote time to seeing them. At night, Band-bellied Owl often sings its haunting song near the lodge. We’ll try to track it down, and there will also be chances to try for Foothill and Rufescent Screech-Owls. Hummingbird activity is best late in the afternoon. Napo Sabrewing will hopefully be the star of the show, with a great supporting cast that can include Brown and Sparkling Violetears, Green Hermit, Ecuadorian Piedtail, Wire-crested Thorntail, Peruvian Racket-tail, Violet-fronted Brilliant, Golden-tailed Sapphire, and Many-spotted Hummingbird. Day 8: WildSumaco to Napo Wildlife Center After some early morning birding at WildSumaco or another site nearby, we drive a couple of hours to the steamy town of Coca on the edge of the Napo River. We board a motorized canoe for a two-hour journey; along the way we’ll be entertained by White-winged Swallows flitting over the banks, Yellow-billed Terns plunging into the river, and stately Cocoi Herons and egrets watching our passage. Napo Wildlife Center is a very comfortable and wonderfully remote lodge, only accessible by canoeing another two hours up a magical forest-lined channel that can be pumping with birds. Local guides do the paddling while you sit back and watch White-chinned Jacamars, five species of kingfisher, and even Zigzag Heron if you’re out at dusk in this area, along with many more. On arrival at the lodge, on the shore of a pristine oxbow lake, we’ll likely be greeted by hissing Hoatzins and flocks of noisy Black-capped Donacobius. Days 9-10: Napo Wildlife Center Napo Wildlife Center is located right in the heart of some of the most biodiverse forest on the planet, with easy access to both hilly terra firme forest and flooded várzea forest. On one day, we will work the terra firme trails, and with the help of eagle-eyed local guides, we’ll search out leks of the glowing Black-necked Red Cotinga, several species of manakin, other handsome birds like Yellow-billed Jacamar and Collared Puffbird, and many species of antbird. We need to keep an eye out for ants – if we luck into a big army antswarm, we could find the outrageous White-plumed and Hairy-crested Antbirds along with Sooty, White-cheeked, Lunulated, and more. We’ll also spend a morning at the well-known clay lick within Yasuni National Park. There are two different licks; at the first one near the Napo, Mealy and Yellow-crowned Amazons, Dusky-headed Parakeet, and Blue-headed Parrot often congregate in staggering numbers. The second lick is farther from the river and may attract some rarer species like Orange-cheeked Parrot, Scarlet-shouldered Parrotlet, and Scarlet Macaw among the hordes of Cobalt-winged parakeets (Note: sometimes we visit the clay licks from Sani Lodge instead). Birding the flooded forest along the edge of the lake and channel is a great way to spend the afternoons when the trails can be slow. Greater Ani, Azure Gallinule, Lesser Kiskadee, many herons and egrets including the superb Agami Heron, Chestnut-capped Puffbird, Rufous-tailed Flatbill, Casqued Oropendola, Pale-tailed Barbthroat, and Rufous-breasted Hermit are just a few possible species that can be seen on these outings. Day 11: Napo Wildlife Center to Sani Lodge We’ll spend the morning on one of Napo Wildlife Center’s canopy towers, built around a towering kapok tree. From our high perch we can look down on gangs of aracaris, a multitude of oropendolas, flocks of brilliant tanagers, and plenty of other treetop species. Later in the morning, we will transfer to Sani Lodge, which is located on a long oxbow lake a bit north of the Napo River. For our first afternoon, we may target Cocha Antshrike, a specialty of Sani Lodge and a nearly endemic to Ecuador. Days 12-13: Sani Lodge The Napo River is a species barrier, and the avifauna is slightly different on the north side. We’ll spend time on forest trails looking for species such as Wire-tailed Manakin and Golden-headed Manakins, Chestnut-crowned Gnateater, and Striated Antthrush, which are harder (or not present) on the south side. The staff has also been experimenting with forest blinds and feeders, and have already had occasional success attracting White-lored Antpitta. Sani’s canopy tower is truly superb, and we plan to spend most of a morning there. The wide metal stairway makes access much easier than most towers, and the platform is spacious. Harpy Eagles are seen from the tower with some regularity along with other raptors such as Slate-colored Hawk, Gray-headed Kite, and Double-toothed Kite. Other species that are often seen include Many-banded Aracari, Gilded Barbet, Great Jacamar, Paradise and Opal-crowned Tanagers, Yellow-billed and White-fronted Nunbirds, White-throated and Channel-billed Toucans, Plum-throated Cotinga, along with numerous trogons, woodcreepers, and flycatchers. It’s also a good place to see several species of monkeys including Red Howler and White-fronted Spider Monkey. Near the tower is the blind where Wire-tailed Manakin can usually be seen easily, and the trail to the tower can have skulking species such as antpittas and antbirds. The lake and forested channels at the lodge are great places to do some relaxing birding from canoes in the afternoon. It’s a nice way to see neat birds and a lot easier than the forest trails. Black-capped Donacobius, White-winged Swallow, Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Capped Heron, Pale-vented Pigeon, Lesser Kiskadee, and Greater Ani are some of the more conspicuous birds around the lake. The channel is like a tunnel through the towering forest, and is better for shy kingfishers including American Pygmy and Green-and-rufous, as well as Agami Heron, the near-endemic Cocha Antshrike, Orange-crested Manakin, White-chinned Jacamar, perched hummingbirds, monkeys, sloths, and more. We’ll also spend some time on one of the river islands in the Napo, where a number of species are restricted, such as Castlenau’s Antshrike, Oriole Blackbird, Black-and-white Antbird, Parker’s Spinetail, and Lesser Wagtail-Tyrant. Day 14: Sani Lodge to Quito There may be some time for some early morning birding before travelling by motorized canoe back to Coca. We then take a short flight over the snow-capped volcanoes of the Andes that often allows spectacular views of snow-capped volcanos. Flight schedules vary, but typically we will be back in Quito by around noon or 1 pm. We may have the chance to do some afternoon birding near the airport. We’ll spend the last night in hotel not far from the airport. Day 15: Departure The tour ends this morning with transfers to the airport. Trip Considerations PACE: Moderate. Fairly early starts are necessary since birding is almost always best early in the morning, and breakfast will typically start between 5:00 and 5:30am. On most (but not all) days there will be some downtime after lunch to relax. You will usually get to the lodge before dark, but on at least one or two evenings there will be some nightbirding, meaning you will arrive back at the lodge after dark. At least four lunches will be packed lunches. The drives are not especially long on this tour, with the longest being about three hours on day 5. There are also boat rides on the Napo River of about 2 to 3 hours on day 8 and day 14, and shorter canoe and boat rides while in the Amazon Lodges. As afternoon birding is usually less productive than morning birding, some participants choose to skip some of the afternoon birding sessions and relax around the lodge instead. PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: Moderate. There will be a mixture of trail birding and road birding. Most of the trails and roads are flat or only slightly inclined, but we will bird some steeper and moderately difficult trails on at least three days of the tour (a walking stick helps a lot). Quite a bit of walking is required, and you can expect to walk around 3 miles (4.8 km) per day on average. Much of the first two days of the tour will be spent at high elevations ranging from 11,500-13,800 ft (3500-4200 m), though the night will be spent much lower at 8,500 ft (2600 m). CLIMATE: Highly variable. In the high Andes, it can be near freezing and windy. At San Isidro and WildSumaco it is quite pleasant (usually 53°-78°F, 12°-26°C). In the Amazon it is hot and humid (usually 72°-90°F, 22°-32°C). Some rain can be expected, especially in the afternoons and evenings, but in the Amazon sudden downpours can occur almost at any time with little warning. ACCOMMODATION: Very good to excellent, all have private, en-suite bathrooms, and full-time hot water. Electricity is available everywhere 24 hours a day, except at Sani Lodge, where the generator is turned off from about 10pm-4am. Both Napo Wildlife Center and Sani Lodge have ceiling fans, though they only operate when the generator is running. PHOTOGRAPHY: This is a birding tour, but casual photographers will have great opportunities to photograph birds at feeders at Guango Lodge, San Isidro, and WildSumaco, as well as a few other places; photography in the rainforest is difficult. Serious bird photographers may wish to check out our Ecuador Photo Tour . WHEN TO GO: This tour can be run year round. The climate does not vary greatly from month to month compared to most other regions, and the “driest” months on average are December-February; note that dry weather does not necessarily mean better birding, and even during this period, rain can be expected. Other Information TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport is required; the passport must be valid for at least six months past your intended stay. Tourist visas are currently not required for citizens of the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and all European countries. Visas are currently only required of a few nationalities, mostly in Asia, Africa, and the middle East. Travel requirements are subject to change; if you are unsure, please check with the nearest embassy or consulate, or ask our office staff for help. Proof of medical insurance is required to visit Ecuador. While this is rarely checked, it is important that you have a policy that covers you in Ecuador, and to bring proof of coverage to present to immigration officials. WHAT’S INCLUDED?: Tips to drivers, local guides, and lodge staff; one-way air ticket from Coca to Quito on day 14; accommodation from the night of day 1 to the night day 14; meals from dinner on day 1 (unless you arrive too late for dinner service) to breakfast on day 15 (if you have a very early departing flight, you may miss the included breakfast on the last day); safe drinking water and/or juice during meals; safe drinking water as well as tea and coffee are available at Guango Lodge, San Isidro, WildSumaco, Napo Wildlife Center, and Sani Lodge at any time; Tropical Birding tour leader with scope and audio gear from the morning of day 2 to the afternoon of day 14; local guide at Napo Wildlife Center and Sani Lodge; one arrival and one departure airport transfer per person (transfers may be shared with other participants of the same tour if they are on the same flight); group airport transfer to the Quito hotel on day 14; ground transport for the group to all sites in the itinerary from day 2 to day 8 in a suitable vehicle with a local driver; boat transport between Coca and Napo Wildlife Center on day 8 (may be shared with other lodge guests); private boat transport in both hand-paddled and motorized canoes for the group while at Napo Wildlife Center and Sani Lodge; boat transport between Sani Lodge and Coca on day 14 (may be shared with other lodge guests); entrance fees to birding sites mentioned in the itinerary; a printed and bound checklist to keep track of your sightings (given to you at the start of the tour – only electronic copies can be provided in advance). WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?: Optional tips to the tour leader; tips for luggage porters in the Quito hotels (if you require their services); international flights; excess luggage charges; snacks; additional drinks apart from those included; alcoholic beverages; travel insurance; excursions not included in the tour itinerary; extras in hotels such as laundry service, minibar, room service, telephone calls, and personal items; medical fees; other items or services not specifically mentioned as being included. Tour Reviews *Participated on this Tour? Leave a Review! We would also love to see your favorite photo, upload it!

Guyana: Birding the Land of Many Waters Tour Overview: Guyana is a small nation in northern South America, about the size of the US state of Kansas. Around 70% of the country is forested, and it has largely escaped the rampant deforestation that many other tropical countries have suffered. These vast rainforests will be a prime focus of our tour, and they are home to a brilliant array of birds restricted to northern South America including amazing cotingas like the fabulous Guianan Cock-of-the Rock, bizarre Capuchinbird, the very local Guianan Red-Cotinga, and the impressive Crimson Fruitcrow, which looks a bit like enormous Scarlet Tanager. Great parrots, antbirds, and raptors also feature heavily, with a good possibility of seeing Harpy Eagle. We will also spend several days in the Rupununi Savanna of the southwestern part of Guyana, for a very different set of species; we will make special efforts to see some high endangered regional specialties like Red Siskin, Hoary-throated Spinetail, Rio Branco Antbird, and the gorgeous Sun Parakeet. Guyana is the only South American country with English as its official language, and culturally is very heterogeneous, with strong Caribbean, Asian, African, Amerindian, and Brazilian influences. This trip is not about luxury lodges, it is about experiencing fantastic wilderness areas that are still almost pristine. Our lodges are simple, clean, and have great food and service; however away from Georgetown, they do not have hot water or air conditioning, and the internet is very limited. Guianan Cock-of-the-rock Andres Vasquez Gray-winged Trumpeter Andres Vasquez Sun Parakeet Nick Athanas Green-tailed Jacamar Nick Athanas Cinereous Becard Nick Athanas Spotted Puffbird Nick Athanas Black Currasow Nick Athanas Guianan Puffbird Nick Athanas Collared Puffbird Nick Athanas Painted Tody-flycatcher Nick Athanas Rufous Crab Hawk Nick Athanas Blue-backed Manakin Nick Athanas White-browed Antbird Nick Athanas Guianan Streaked-Antwren Nick Athanas White-throated Manakin Andres Vasquez Tufted Coquette Andres Vasquez Plumbeous Euphonia Andres Vasquez Guianan Streaked Antwren Andres Vasquez Green Aracari Andres Vasquez Blue-backed Tanager Andres Vasquez Golden-sided Euphonia Andres Vasquez Ferruginous-backed Antbird Andres Vasquez Crimson Fruitcrow Andres Vasquez Black-throated Antshrike Andres Vasquez Black-spotted Barbet Andres Vasquez Tour Details: 2026 7 - 20 November $7890; single supplement: $450 Length: 14 Days Starting City: Georgetown Ending City: Georgetown Pace: Moderate Physical Difficulty: Moderate Focus: Birding Group size: 9 + 1 leader + local guide(s) Ready to Book? Book Here Most Recent Trip Report More Trip Reports View/Write Tour Reviews Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Georgetown The tour begins today; airport transfers will be provided to our hotel in the city, where we spend the first two nights. No birding is planned for today. Day 2: Birding near Georgetown We’ll depart early today with a packed breakfast, and drive east of Georgetown to the Mahaica River. A morning boat ride will offer easy birding where comical Hoatzins are easy to see as they hiss and clamber in the riverside vegetation. We’ll see many other birds as well which may include Blood-colored Woodpecker, White-bellied Piculet, Long-winged Harrier, Spotted Tody-Flycatcher, Green-tailed Jacamar, Black-crested Antshrike, Silvered Antbird, Little Cuckoo, and Pied Water-Tyrant. We’ll then head to some mangroves where we should find Rufous Crab Hawk and various other species before returning to Georgetown. In the late afternoon, we’ll bird at the nearby Botanical Gardens, where we have another chance to see Blood-colored Woodpecker along with numerous other species including Festive Parrot, Black-necked Aracari, Toco Toucan, Black-collared Hawk, Cinereous Becard, and many more. Day 3: Georgetown to Iwokrama River Lodge If time allows, we’ll return to the Botanical Gardens for more birding, and then transfer to the airport for a flight to Iwokrama River Lodge, where we spend two nights; despite the name, it is located on the banks of the Essequibo River, Guyana’s longest. The lodge offers spacious cabins with balconies, and the open-air restaurant/bar area makes a great viewing platform – often Red-capped Cardinals, Silver-beaked Tanagers, and other bold birds join us for meals! We’ll have the afternoon for some birding near the lodge, which can be excellent for parrots such as Red-fan Parrot, Red-and-green Macaw and Blue-and-yellow Macaws, Painted Parakeet, and others. Late in the afternoon we may take a short walk along the trails for our first chance at the weird Capuchinbird – males are partly bald and give a bizarre mooing call while displaying! We may also see other rainforest species like Ringed and Chestnut Woodpeckers, Variable Chachalaca, Green-backed Trogon, Cinereous Antshrike, and others. Day 4: Iwokrama River Lodge and Turtle Mountain After an early breakfast, we’ll head up the Essequibo river, stopping at some rapids to see Black-collared Swallow and Capped Heron. We’ll spend the whole morning birding our way up to the top of Turtle Mountain. It’s about 2 miles each way and a 1000 ft. (300 m) elevation gain, with some steep sections, but anyone not wishing to go all the way up have the option to only go part of the way, and then stay on the lower part with one of the local bird guides. The trail passes through beautiful rainforest and the list of possible birds is very long, but some of them include Yellow-billed Jacamar, Red-and-black and Yellow-green Grosbeaks, Spix’s Guan, Amazonian Antshrike, Brown-bellied Antwren, Guianan Warbling-Antbird, White-plumed Antbird, Common Scale-backed Antbird, Ferruginous-backed Antbird, Long-tailed Hermit, Black Nunbird, and Chestnut-rumped Woodcreeper. We’ll have a packed lunch back down at the base camp (which is also a great place to spend time birding), and then head back to the lodge. After a break, we'll walk a short distance into the forest to look for the bizarre Capuchinbird, and may also take an evening boat ride to look for Ladder-tailed Nightjar and other species. Day 5: Iwokrama River Lodge to Atta Lodge After breakfast, we’ll drive south to our next lodge, making various stops along the way. Stream crossings sometimes have the impressive Crimson Topaz, and there are areas with sandy soil and stunted forest that harbor some localized birds such as Rufous-crowned Elaenia, Black Manakin, Black-necked Red Cotinga, and Olivaceous Schiffornis. We’ll arrive at Atta Rainforest Lodge for lunch. This lodge (where we spend three nights) is located in small clearing surrounded by forest which can be full of birds any time of the day. Black Curassows have become habituated here and frequently wander through the lodge clearing. Days 6-7: Atta Lodge and surroundings We have two full days to bird at Atta and at other nearby sites accessible by road. Atta is best known for its canopy walkway, which offers nearly eye-level views of canopy species that can be hard to see from the forest floor. Guianan Puffbird, Guianan Toucanet, Todd’s and Spot-tailed Antwrens, Waved Woodpecker, Crimson Fruitcrow, Dusky Purpletuft, Guianan Trogon, Green Aracari, and Purple-breasted Cotinga are just some of the birds we can see. The forest trails hold other mouth-watering possibilities like Red-and-black Grosbeak, Black-throated Antshrike, Spotted Antpitta, Ferruginous-backed Antbird, Red-billed Woodcreeper, and Rufous-bellied Antwren. Birding the road is also really productive, which is usually the best spot for Guianan Streaked-Antwren, along with various canopy species like Marail Guan, Blue-cheeked and Dusky Parrots, and Black-spotted Barbet. At dusk, we will try for White-winged Potoo at a known stakeout. Day 8: Atta Lodge to Rock View Lodge We’ll spend the morning targeting any birds we still need, then drive to Rock View Lodge for a two night stay. Rock View is a very pleasant lodge located in the village of Annai. Day 9: Rupununi River and surrounding savanna The savanna near Annai offers a very different set of birds from the rainforest we've been birding the last few days, and we'll spend the morning looking for species like the rare and local Crested Doradito, Bearded Tachuri, the elegant Maguari Stork, the hyperactive White-tailed Goldenthroat. A boat ride on the Rupununi river is always fun. The banks of the river and some of the smaller creeks that feed into it are a great place to look for the very shy Crestless Curassow, especially if water levels are low. Kingfishers are also common here, and we could see up to five species including Green-and-rufous Kingfisher. With luck, we could also see Agami Heron, Rusty-breasted Nunlet, Amazonian Black-Tyrant, or even a family of Giant Otters. Day 10: Sun Parakeets We leave quite early this morning with a packed breakfast as we drive two hours through the savanna to the village of Karasabai. This is one of the last strongholds of the endangered Sun Parakeet, a truly stunning bird restricted to Guyana and adjacent areas of northern Brazil. We stand an excellent chance of seeing it, along with a few other birds such a different subspecies of White-bellied Piculet (a possible future split), and an odd, local form of Yellow-hooded Blackbird. We’ll then drive south to Manari Ranch near Lethem, where we spend the next three nights. At dusk we can look for nighthawks flying over including Lesser and Least Nighthawks. Day 11: Ireng River and Manari Ranch This morning we drive north of Manari to the Ireng River on the Brazilian border. Along the way, we’ll check grasslands and wetlands for Nacunda Nighthawk, Pinnated Bittern, and any other last species we haven’t seen yet. Rio Branco Antbird and Hoary-throated Spinetail are two very local species that are considered threatened due to the predicted future deforestation of most of their range. They are usually easy to hear, but can be shy and hard to see in the dense thickets they prefer. However, we know some great spots where we stand a good chance of getting some looks. Other birds in this area include Pale-legged Hornero, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Pale-tipped Tyrannulet, Spot-breasted Woodpecker, Crested Bobwhite, and Red-bellied Macaw. We'll do some easy birding around Manari in the afternoon, and get to bed early to prepare for the exciting day tomorrow. Day 12: Red Siskins A very early start is necessary this morning (we’ll depart at around 3:30am with a packed breakfast and lunch, and coffee will be available at 3:00am). We drive about three hours south of Manari to the village of Sand Creek, where a local guide will accompany us to the best locations to see the endangered Red Siskin. This species formerly ranged in much of Colombia and Venezuela, but has been nearly wiped out due poaching and other factors. It was discovered in Guyana in 2000, far from any known previous site, and this area is now probably the best place in the world to see it. The siskins are usually best seen near springs at the base of the mountains, and we will stake out one or more of them, waiting for the birds to come in; they are seen by most visitors, but are occasionally missed. Other birds we could see in the area include White-barred Piculet, Aplomado and Bat Falcons, Blue-tailed Emerald, Pale-eyed Pygmy-Tyrant, Finch’s Euphonia, and Cayenne Jay. On our way back to Manari, we’ll spend more time birding the savanna, where we’ll have another chance at species such as Bearded Tachuri and Double-striped Thick-knee. Day 13: Lethem to Georgetown After some final birding in this area, we'll pack up and head to the airport for a short flight back to Georgetown, where we spend one final night. Day 14: Departure The tour ends this morning with transfers to the airport. Trip Considerations PACE: Moderate. Early starts are the norm, with most being about 5:00am-5:30am. Some breakfasts and lunches will be packed lunches taken in the field. There are a couple of earlier starts later in the trip. However, on most days, there will be downtime of at least an hour or two after lunch. PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: Moderate. Most of the birding is done from flat or only slightly inclined roads and trails. There are a few exceptions to this: On day 4, there is hike of 2 miles each way with some steep sections – some participants choose to only do part of this hike, and bird the easier parts of the trail with our local bird guide. Reaching the canopy walkway requires going up a steep trail – the trail is well made with about 150 steps and a hand railing. Except for day 4, you can expect to walk about 2-3 miles (3.2-4.8 km) per day on average. Most drive times are around 2-3 hours (not counting birding stops), but longer drives are required on days 11 and 13. Outside of Georgetown, roads are unpaved and often rough, and due to the remoteness and the tiny population, the availability of vehicles is very limited. As such, vehicles are often aging and somewhat uncomfortable, and the AC usually doesn’t work very well. We’ll have regular birding and leg-stretching stops to help make it tolerable. CLIMATE: Warm to hot, with temperatures typically about 75-90F (24-32C). Rainforest areas are also a bit humid. Some rain can be expected. ACCOMMODATION: Apart from the three nights in Georgetown (where the hotel is excellent and has all the expected amenities), lodges are somewhat basic, but always clean and well run. All have private bathrooms, but do not have hot water or air conditioning; power is supplied either by generator or solar panels, and wi-fi is either very slow or totally lacking. The power supply is sufficient to light up the rooms and charge devices, but it is not strong enough to use hair dryers. For lodges that use generators, the generator is only turned on for a few hours each day. Mosquito nets are also provided, and will be set up for you by lodge staff each evening. PHOTOGRAPHY: This is a birding tour, and since much of the tour takes place in rainforest, photography is often challenging. There are no feeders. However, in the savanna parts of the trip, at the canopy walkway, and on some of the boat rides, there will be some good chances for casual bird photography. Other Information TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport is required; the passport must be valid for at least six months past your intended stay. Visas are not currently required for tourists from the US, Canada, UK, most (but not all) EU countries, South Africa, New Zealand, and various other countries. Travel requirements are subject to change; it is always wise to check with the nearest embassy or consulate, or ask our office staff if you are unsure. WHAT’S INCLUDED?: Accommodation from the night of day 1 to the night day 13; meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 14 (if you have a very early flight on day 13, you may miss the included hotel breakfast); some drinks (lodges include water/and or juice with meals as well as tea/coffee and provide safe drinking water between meals); one way flight from Georgetown to Iwokrama on day 3; one way flight from Lethem to Georgetown on day 13; tour leader(s) with scope and audio playback gear from the evening of day 1 to the evening of day 13; local guides where needed; ground and boat transport as specified in the itinerary; one arrival and one departure airport transfer per person (these transfers may be shared with other tour participants if they are on the same flight); entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the itinerary; a printed and bound checklist to keep track of your sightings (given to you at the start of the tour – only electronic copies can be provided in advance). WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?: Tips (tips are not included in this tour because for small groups it will be led by a Guyanan bird guide, meaning that there be no TB guide present to dole out tips on behalf of the group); international flights; passport/visa fees; excess luggage charges (there are strict luggage requirements for this tour); snacks; additional drinks apart from those included; alcoholic beverages; travel insurance; excursions not included in the tour itinerary; extras in hotels such as laundry service, minibar, room service, telephone calls, wi-fi, and personal items; medical/emergency evacuation fees; other items or services not specifically mentioned as being included. Tour Reviews *Participated on this Tour? Leave a Review! We would also love to see your favorite photo, upload it!

Falkland Islands: Birding with a Camera (BwC) Tour Overview: The first thing to make clear about the Falkland Islands is that it offers, by far, the easiest wildlife photography in the world. While the Galapagos Islands receive many more plaudits for the approachability of the wildlife and the phenomenal photo opportunities available, the Falkland Islands are equally as good, if not better. The birds and animals on the Falklands are similarly fearless, and unlike the Galapagos, this archipelago is still largely off the beaten track, as most visitors just stop in for all too brief visits as part of an Antarctic cruise, missing both the essence of the islands and the best photo spots. Thus, we expect to be largely alone, amongst a sea of photo opportunities for much of the trip. We’ll have an extended stay on the islands, which is absolutely crucial if you want to truly capture many of the wildlife images available. There’ll be plenty of time for long photo shoots with crowded penguin colonies (four species breed in good numbers on the islands), or to shoot albatrosses either clambering clumsily on the ground or gracefully cutting the air above a rookery. We’ll visit a number of cherry-picked locations in the archipelago where the very best photoshoots can be had, from tame songbirds hopping around at our feet to action shots of seabirds coming to shore, there will never be a dull moment on these remarkable and forgotten islands. There is never nothing to shoot. Since the flights to the Falklands go through Punta Arenas in southern Chile, we are also offering an optional Patagonia Extension that will target Pumas in the scenic Torres del Paine National Park and also visit Tierra del Fuego. King Penguins Andres Vasquez Striated Caracara Iain Campbell Gentoo Penguin Andres Vasquez Western Rockhopper Penguin Andres Vasquez Pebble Island Sam Woods Long-tailed Meadowlark Andres Vasquez Rufous-chested Dotterel Iain Campbell Black-browed Albatross Andres Vasquez Snowy Sheathbill Iain Campbell Black-necked Swan Andres Vasquez Torres del Paine, Chile Andres Vasquez Two-banded Plover Keith Barnes Kelp Goose Keith Barnes Magellanic Penguin Iain Campbell White-tufted Grebe Andres Vasquez Southern Rockhopper Penguin Andres Vasquez Rufous-tailed Plantcutter Andres Vasquez Upland Goose Nick Athanas Puma Andres Vasquez Patagonian Sierra-Finch Andres Vasquez Puma Andres Vasquez Magellanic Cormorant Sam Woods Magellanic Woodpecker Andres Vasquez King Penguin Andres Vasquez Lesser Rhea Tour Details: 2026 Main Tour: 5 - 19 December $9900; single supplement: $800 Extension: 30 November - 5 December $4790; single supplement: $700 *Note: This tour begins in the Falklands. Flights to the Falklands go via Santiago and Punta Arenas; the cost of this flight is not included in the tour price. It is best if Tropcial Birding books this flight for you to ensure we are all on the same flight (we invoice you later for this) 2027 Main Tour: 4 - 18 December Price: TBA Extension: 29 November - 4 December Price: TBA Length: 15 Days (20 Days w/ Extension) Starting City: Mount Pleasant (MPN), Falklands or Punta Arenas, Chile (PUQ), on Extension. Ending City: Mount Pleasant (MPN), Falklands Pace: Relaxed Physical Difficulty: Easy Focus: Birding, Photography Group size: 8 + 1 Leader Ready to Book? Book Here Most Recent Trip Report More Trip Reports View/Write Tour Reviews Detailed Itinerary The exact order in which islands are visited may change for logistical reasons. Day 1: Arrival in the Falklands Upon arrival in Mount Pleasant Airport, we will transfer to Port Stanley for a two-night stay. Day 2: East Falkland A full day will be spent photographing on the island of East Falkland. Top quality photo opportunities will be in the mix straight off the bat, as we a key spot on the tour, the mixed King/Magellanic Penguin colony at Volunteers Point. Much of our day will be spent among these majestic creatures, taking advantage of the myriad photo opps. available. The immaculate King Penguins nest on the bare ground, making all the action visible, and photographable to us all, as we literally walk among them, shoulder-to-flipper, as it were! In this season we’ll not only be able to shoot the intimate moments between the life long partners in the colony, but also between parent and offspring, as large fluffy brown chicks dot the colony in this season. The Magellanic is a burrow nester, and so the chicks will be hidden from our lenses, although the adults will provide both plenty of entertainment, and images in our first action-packed day on the islands. At the end of our session here, we will have to drag ourselves away, and back to Stanley, for another night. Penguins are not the only fare on the islands though, while songbirds are thin on the ground this far south, handsome White-bridled Finches abound in these parts, as do large photogenic Upland Geese that litter the roadsides throughout the islands. The males and females are so strikingly different you could be forgiven for thinking they are two completely separate species. We’ll have a second night in our fancy lodging right in downtown Stanley. Days 3-5: Pebble Island On day 3 we’ll take a short domestic flight within the Falklands, heading east to Pebble Island, which lies off of the northeast corner of West Falkland. Another island; and another extended photo shoot virtually guaranteed to convince you that you have not brought enough memory cards with you. Like the Galapagos, you could argue that the biggest challenge in the Falkland Islands is not getting photos, but managing the heaps of images that are obtained, each and every day. There are further penguin colonies to visit, with a large Southern Rockhopper Penguin Colony offered on Marble Mountain, which is notable, as it often holds the odd Macaroni Penguin too (the fifth and most difficult of the penguin species, as just a handful occur scattered through the islands); two of the most ludicrous headdresses in the penguin world, and both possible within the same photogenic colony! The island also boasts the largest colony of Magellanic Penguins in the entire archipelago, and so will be worth visiting for the sheer spectacle alone, which will provide more than enough for our hungry cameras to feast upon. With such large colonies comes their attendant predators too; dashing Dolphin Gulls, scavenging sheathbills, and ominous jaegers often wait in the wings for an opportunistic moment to pounce, providing plenty of drama too. Other regular birds in the area, which are sure to feature, are majestic Black-necked Swans, Falkland Island Steamerducks, and ever-conspicuous, and vociferous Magellanic Oystercatchers. Three nights will be spent in comfortable lodging on Pebble Island. Days 6-9: Saunders (or Bleaker) Island* After taking a short flight over to Saunders Island on day 6, we’ll be ready to up the ante. One of the highlights of our time on Saunders will be the massive colony of Black-browed Albatrosses, allowing for many intimate shots to be taken of this ocean-going giants. We expect to have opportunities to photograph them not only on their terrestrial nests, but also when they are at their most majestic-in the air-as they swoop low over their neatly arranged colony. The Falkland Islands is arguably the Penguin Capital of the World, and Saunders Island reflects this perfectly, as it is home to multiple species. It is particularly famed for its large Southern Rockhopper Penguin colony, which is easily accessible, and will encourage us to spend hours looking for shots of birds not only at the colony itself, but in the surf of the nearby beaches, where great action shots can also be taken. One of the rarest penguins on the islands, Macaroni, also occurs within this colony in small numbers. While never guaranteed, as they are sometimes expelled from the colony by the aggressive rockhoppers, which vastly outnumber them, we’ll be keeping a sharp eye out for any of these interlopers. Saunders also hosts a large nesting colony of Gentoo Penguins too. Wherever there are large colonies of penguins, local scavengers are often present, to take advantage of any stray chicks. This is also true on Saunders Island, where the Striated Caracara, a predator related to falcons, can often be found hanging around the colonies, and like most of the birds on these islands can be so remarkably tame that it encourages headshots to be taken! Four nights will be spent on Saunders Island. *On some trips we stay on Bleaker Island instead of Saunders Island due to availability of accommodation. The two islands are very similar in terms of birds and wildlife . Days 10-13: Sea Lion Island On day 10 we’ll take another short internal flight to Sea Lion Island, in the far southeast of the archipelago. This island has it all, and we have saved the best until last: Multiple penguin colonies; predatory skuas and sheathbills keeping a watchful eye on the penguins for the weaker individuals to be plucked from the crop; tame songbirds foraging around our toes; colossal bull Southern Elephant Seals hauling themselves onto the beaches; and even menacing Orcas patrolling the shorelines to prey on seals. Subjects will be everywhere, and there will be no moments where you will lack for inspiration. Blackish Cinclodes are so tame in these parts they have even been known to enter our lodging, and the locally distinct form of Peregrine Falcon frequently uses our lodge roof as a perch. Sea Lion Island as you would expect, also offers seals aplenty, not only do immense beachmaster male Southern Elephant Seals protect their individual beaches, there is also a huge colony of Southern Sea Lions too, after which the island gets its name. Our time on Sea Lion will feel precious, and it is certain we are to leave with a tinge of sadness, at the realization that you have visited a truly special place, which will be the envy of all your fellow nature photographers who have not had the privilege. There will simply be so many images to capture, it is hard to know what to focus on next. Sea Lion provides arguably the best action shoots with Gentoo Penguins, as they launch themselves from sea to shore on dramatic fashion. It is also famed as the place where the BBC filmed the fascinating behavior of the predatory Orcas, or Killer Whales. Young seal pups venture into the water in shallow rock pools, where the Orcas attempt to trap, then capture them, as when an Orca enters through the narrow opening, there is no way out, forcing the seals to leap dramatically over the whale. This is amazing to watch and photograph, as you can literally perch yourself several meters away from the Orcas, and watch this regular drama unfold; on a recent tour, the group was able to watch this performance over and again, as the mother Orca and her young calf made FIFTY attempts to capture the nimble seals. A large lagoon on Sea Lion is also good for waterfowl shoots (in the photographic sense of the word!), with Yellow-billed Teal, Silvery Grebe, and both Upland and Ruddy-headed Geese all residing there, and often sitting well within photographic range. Finally, this island also offers the drama, and pictures provided by a large Imperial Cormorant colony. These handsome birds put most others in the family to shame, with their neat, penguin-like, black-and-white plumage, strange, fleshy golden-yellow caruncled crown on the forehead, and crisp crest feathers. An extended photo shoot in the colony will allow us to take in a multitude of behavioral shots available. We will sit alongside, lenses trained, while the cormorants fly in at eye level, carrying nesting material to the colony. There are plenty of other possible subjects for our lenses, from melodious meadowlarks to gorgeous Rufous-chested Dotterels and striking Two-banded Plovers. Four nights will be spent in a wonderful hotel, with super-friendly hosts, ensuring we get to the very best spots for all the latest action. Day 14: Sea Lion to East Falkland We’ll return to Stanley (by air) for a final night, before departing the Falklands the next day. Much of this day will still be to race around getting our final images from Sea Lion Island, before an afternoon arrival in the capital. Day 15: Departure Today we’ll transfer to Mount Pleasant Airport in Stanley for departures. Patagonia (Chile) Extension The exact order of this itinerary may be changed due to ferry schedules. Day 1: Arrival in Punta Arenas The tour starts today in Punta Arenas. As some flights arrive by early afternoon, we'll plan for some short birding in the wetlands around the city where we can good photo opportunities for birds like Magellanic Oystercatcher, Crested Duck, Coscoroba Swan, Red Shoveler, Chiloe Wigeon, Flightless Steamer-Duck, and more. Day 2: Punta Arenas to Tierra del Fuego The ferry from Punta Arenas to Tierra del Fuego takes a few hours but is never dull - Black-browed Albatrosses, Imperial Cormorants, South American Terns, Magellanic Diving-Petrels, Wilson’s Storm-Petrels, and Chilean Skuas are some of the seabirds often seen during the crossing. Once we reach land again, we'll immediately head to Laguna de los Cisnes to look for one of the most wanted birds in Patagonia, Magellanic Plover, which is the only member if its family. We'll spend the rest of the day targeting a number of other birds found on this desolate and windswept island like Chocolate-vented Tyrant, Long-tailed Meadowlark, Patagonian Yellow-Finch, Austral Negrito, Correndera Pipit, Black-faced Ibis, Upland Goose, and Ashy-headed Goose. We spend a single night on Tierra del Fuego. Day 3: Tierra del Fuego to Torres del Paine After crossing back to the mainland on a shorter ferry, we'll make several birding stops as we drive northwest towards Torres del Paine. In and around Pale Aike NP we may find neat birds like Tawny-throated and Rufous-chested Dotterels, Elegant Crested-Tinamou, Lesser (Darwin's) Rhea, Short-billed Miner, White-bridled Finch, and Two-banded Plover. If the afternoon we will reach one of the most iconic destinations in all of South America, Torres del Paine National Park. It is world renowned for its landscapes that are often touted as some of the most spectacular scenery on the continent. The vistas are not the only thing we will be heading towards the park for, as it is also home to the most reliable Pumas in the world, and plenty more Guanacos, their principal prey species. We will stay the first night in a hotel just outside Torres del Paine. Day 4: Puma tracking in Torres del Paine With the help of expert local trackers, we will devote the day to seeing and photographing Pumas. These are wild animals, and nothing is guaranteed, but nowhere else in the world do you stand a better chance of finding these magnificent creatures. On a 2023 custom trip with almost the same itinerary, our tour group were able to witness a successful hunt by a puma from start to finish, with footage worthy of Nat Geo documentary! Check out the trip report. During the times that the trackers are searching for them, there is time for some birding too, and some species we might find include Cinereous Harrier, Great, Silvery, and White-tufted Grebes, Rufous-tailed Plantcutter, Fire-eyed Diucon, Spectacled Tyrant, Cinnamon-bellied Ground-Tyrant, and Andean Duck. In the evening we will transfer to a very posh hotel inside the park with incredible views. Day 5: Torres del Paine to Punta Arenas Along with admiring the vistas, we'll make a special effort this morning to find one of the most spectacular woodpeckers in the world, Magellanic Woodpecker. They are scarce but there is a decent chance to locate one. Other possible birds in this section of the park include Austral Parakeet, Thorn-tailed Rayadito, and Patagonian Sierra-Finch. In the afternoon, we'll drive back to Punta Arenas, stopping along the way to look for various targets like Spectacled Duck. We spend one night in Punta Arenas. Day 6: Departure for the Falklands. Depending on the flight schedule, there may be time for a bit more birding near Punta Arenas before heading to the airport for the flight. Trip Considerations PACE: Relaxed on the main tour, but faster paced on the extension. Once on the Falklands, there are no long drives, or especially strenuous days. Breakfasts do not need to be taken especially early, as we will be staying close to the colonies, where light tends to be better later in the morning. Typically there will be breaks taken in the middle of the day too. PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: Easy to moderate. Generally, the walking is easy, taken at a slow pace, with no steep gradients involved. Most days this involves a walk of around up to 3 miles (4.5km), although optional walks of up to 5 miles (8km) may be taken on a few days. CLIMATE: Weather at this time of year (springtime), is highly changeable, with temperatures varying between 45 Fahrenheit (7 Celsius) and 68 Fahrenheit (20 Celsius); and clear sunny days, and windy and rainy days, all possible. Rain gear and warm clothing are essential items. ACCOMMODATION: All of the accommodations are of a good to excellent standard, with full time electricity and hot water. The accommodation on Saunders Island (for four nights), is also of a good standard, but involves 4 people sharing a room, and shared bathroom facilities. All others have private facilities. WHEN TO GO: The Falkland Islands and Patagonia are highly seasonal, with the austral springtime (November and December) being the optimal time to go, when the key photogenic species are all breeding on the islands. Trips during other seasons would miss many of the key breeding species, (like penguins and albatrosses), which move well away from the islands at other times of year. PHOTOGRAPHY: Most of the photography on the main tour is based around breeding colonies of penguins and albatrosses, at specific traditional sites. Thus, much of it will involve walking to a colony, and then spending hours in one location. This allows great opportunities to photograph birds like penguins and albatrosses and the attendant predators of nesting birds like Striated Caracara and Snowy Sheathbill. There will also be some sessions on beaches to get action shots of penguins and other wildlife, like seals. GEAR: A 300mm lens or higher is recommended for this tour. 300-600mm lenses will all be useful on this tour. A wide angle lens is a great idea too especially if you are taking the extension, in order to photograph the scenery in Torres del Paine Other Information TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport is required; the passport must be valid for at least six months past your intended stay. Tourist visas are currently not required for citizens of the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and some other European countries. A printed document of onward travel from the Falklands is required for entry, and also documentation of the tour itinerary; (the Tropical Birding office can assist with this). Travel requirements are subject to change; if you are unsure, please check with the nearest embassy or consulate, or ask our office staff for help. WHAT’S INCLUDED?: Tips to drivers, local guides, and lodge staff; accommodation from the night of day 1 to the night of day 14 (main tour); accommodation from the night of day 1 to the night of day 5 (extension); meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 15 (main tour); meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 6 (extension); safe drinking water throughout; Tropical Birding guide from the afternoon of day 1 to the morning of day 15 (main tour) and from the afternoon of day 1 to the afternoon of day 6 (extension); all domestic flights and transport within the Falklands from day 2 to day 15; entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary; puma trackers on day 4 of the extension only; a printed and bound checklist to help keep track of your records (given to you at the start of the tour – only electronic copies can be provided in advance). WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?: Optional tips to the Tropical Birding tour leader; tips for any luggage porters used; international flights - specific flights between Punta Arenas and the Falklands are needed - our office staff will advice which flights to get, and you can either book them yourself, or we can book them for you and add the cost to your final invoice; departure tax from the Falklands, currently 22 British Pounds; snacks; additional drinks apart from those included; alcoholic beverages; travel insurance; excursions not included in the tour itinerary; extras in hotels such as laundry service, minibar, room service, telephone calls, and personal items; medical fees; excess luggage charges; other items or services not specifically mentioned as being included. Tour Reviews *Participated on this Tour? Leave a Review! We would also love to see your favorite photo, upload it!

Ecuador: Quito - Single Day Tours Tour Overview: Many people arrange their own trips to Ecuador, to visit the Galapagos, Amazon or Andes, and then find themselves with single days to fill. These day trips have been designed to fill in those gap days. Tropical Birding have a series of guides based in Ecuador and are connected to a network of guides in country, so usually have people available for these single day tours. These day trips from the Ecuadorian capital Quito highlight some of the key sites that you can visit in a single day tour. The sites can be visited for birders, looking to see the most species, for Birders With a Camera, looking to see plenty of species and photograph them too, or Photographers looking to focus on shooting a selection of photogenic species only. If you are interested in any of these, please contact the office and we can doctor the day to suit your individual needs. They can be taken by advanced and beginner birders/photographers alike. All of the trips, except trip 5, include visits to sites with hummingbird feeders. It should be noted, if you have more than one day, it is recommended that you spend a night or more at Tandayapa Bird Lodge, where some of these and others sites can be covered better over several days, in order to expand the possibilities of what you can see or photograph. If you wish to see some of the options for several day tours in Ecuador, please check out the Tandayapa Bird Lodge packages. View/Write Tour Reviews Tour 1: The High Andes - Antisana This is one of the most popular day trips, as it combines easy birding in the open grasslands of the high Andes, with some of the most dramatic landscapes close to Quito. While the birding is at high altitude, at around 3800m/12,470ft, this is done along paved roads, at slow pace, with only short walks from the vehicle, and is therefore not physically challenging. Birding will be in high grasslands, known as paramos, and lunch will be taken at a local café with hummingbird feeders in the garden, and views of the Andean Condor roosting cliffs nearby. On clear days, amazing views of the 5,753m/18,875ft-high Antisana Volcano are possible too. This day trip offers some of the easiest birding of all the day trips, and along with Papallacta some of the best scenery of them all. 93479410_10158287214742427_6011249267002310656_o.jpg 906039_980426658686306_1240013075772909598_o.jpg _A241383-Edit.jpg _A240682.jpg Culpeo original Sam edit.jpg _A241246-Edit.jpg PA241437-Edit.jpg _A240561.jpg 67046960_2721213581256816_1397064591220932608_o.jpg _A241312-Edit.jpg _A196242.jpg 41990979_2332564093450755_889109512181514240_o.jpg 23847546_10203841444991785_1675224581621253903_o.jpg _A197442-Edit.jpg _A241346-Edit.jpg _A241362.jpg _A240830.jpg 93479410_10158287214742427_6011249267002310656_o.jpg 906039_980426658686306_1240013075772909598_o.jpg _A241383-Edit.jpg _A240682.jpg Culpeo original Sam edit.jpg _A241246-Edit.jpg PA241437-Edit.jpg _A240561.jpg 67046960_2721213581256816_1397064591220932608_o.jpg _A241312-Edit.jpg _A196242.jpg 41990979_2332564093450755_889109512181514240_o.jpg 23847546_10203841444991785_1675224581621253903_o.jpg _A197442-Edit.jpg _A241346-Edit.jpg _A241362.jpg _A240830.jpg Target Species: Andean Condor (this is Ecuador’s most reliable site for the species), Variable Hawk, Black-faced Ibis (one of the only sites in the country for this species), Carunculated Caracara, Andean Lapwing, Andean Gull, Silvery Grebe, Andean Teal, Andean Duck, Ecuadorian Hillstar, Giant Hummingbird, Shining Sunbeam, Tyrian Metaltail, Black-tailed Trainbearer, Chestnut-winged and Stout-billed Cinclodes, Plain-capped Ground-Tyrant, and Plumbeous Sierra-Finch. Tour Information: Price: - Please inquire Contact Us Pick-up Location: Any Quito hotel (usually around 5:30am - 6:00am) Drop-off Location: Any Quito hotel (usually around 5:30pm - 6:00pm) Included Meals: Lunch Also Included: Bird/Photo guide (with spotting scope for birding trips), transport with a local, licensed tourist driver, checklist to keep track of your records. *Note: If focused on birding (over photography), then BINOCULARS are an essential item. If you do not have a pair, then please contact the Tropical Birding office in order to hire a pair for the day. Tour 2: Papallacta and Guango Lodge Our second high Andean site, Papallacta combines a visit to the wet high Andean paramo grasslands around Papallacta Pass with a visit to a cloudforest lodge lower down for a heady selection of hummingbirds. Lunch will be taken at Guango Lodge, surrounded by hummingbirds. Even though the altitudes reached on this day are high, they can all be reached by car, and little walking is required at the highest points. Altitudes between 2700-4200m/8860-13,780ft may be reached on this day (the higher parts are optional). This reaches wetter and higher altitude paramo than at Antisana, offering some alternative species, like Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, Blue-mantled Thornbill and others not possible/unlikely on the Antisana day trip, and a different selection of hummingbirds. On clear days, this Papallacta day trip offers some awesome views of the surrounding volcanos and high Andean landscapes. 51061390_2603961322977696_2433287002557251584_o.jpg _A197432-Edit.jpg _A197132-Edit.jpg sword-billed hummingbird 121717-XL.jpg _A196986-Edit.jpg Spec Bear original.jpg _A196869-Edit.jpg _A196528-Edit.jpg _A196242.jpg _A111857-Edit-Edit.jpg _A207576.jpg _A241312-Edit.jpg _A241346-Edit.jpg _A197442-Edit.jpg _A207457-2-Edit.jpg _A240682.jpg Culpeo original Sam edit.jpg BU5D2252.jpg 25531843_10156096175037427_2639081610801549341_o.jpg 51061390_2603961322977696_2433287002557251584_o.jpg _A197432-Edit.jpg _A197132-Edit.jpg sword-billed hummingbird 121717-XL.jpg _A196986-Edit.jpg Spec Bear original.jpg _A196869-Edit.jpg _A196528-Edit.jpg _A196242.jpg _A111857-Edit-Edit.jpg _A207576.jpg _A241312-Edit.jpg _A241346-Edit.jpg _A197442-Edit.jpg _A207457-2-Edit.jpg _A240682.jpg Culpeo original Sam edit.jpg BU5D2252.jpg 25531843_10156096175037427_2639081610801549341_o.jpg Target Species: Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, Torrent Duck, Blue-mantled Thornbill, Tourmaline Sunangel, White-bellied Woodstar, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Collared Inca, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Long-tailed Sylph, Tyrian Metaltail, Tawny Antpitta, Many-stripe Canastero, Andean Tit-Spinetail, Turquoise Jay, Mountain Cacique and White-capped Dipper. Tour Information: Price: - Please inquire Contact Us Pick-up Location: Any Quito hotel (usually around 5:30am - 6:00am) Drop-off Location: Any Quito hotel (usually around 5:30pm - 6:00pm) Included Meals: Lunch Also Included: Bird/Photo guide (with spotting scope for birding trips), transport with a local, licensed tourist driver, checklist to keep track of your records. *Note: If focused on birding (over photography), then BINOCULARS are an essential item. If you do not have a pair, then please contact the Tropical Birding office in order to hire a pair for the day. Tour 3: Tandayapa Bird Lodge and Valley This tour visits one of the longest established cloudforest lodges in Ecuador, the Tandayapa Bird Lodge, situated within the rich cloudforests of the Tandayapa Valley, a mere 90-minute drive from the capital. Over 400 species have been recorded in the valley, with tanagers, hummingbirds particularly well represented. This is one of Ecuador’s most popular birding sites, with variation in species mix from the lodge, situated in the lower valley at 1750m/5740ft to the upper valley at 2300m/7545ft, even though they are only 6 miles apart from each other. We will spend time birding the lower and upper sections of the valley to gain a varied species mix, taking lunch at the lodge alongside hundreds of individual hummingbirds of a dozen or more species. BU5D6263.jpg BU5D7547.jpg BU5D9334.jpg BU5D9158.jpg Golden-headed Quetzal PC130738.jpg BU5D9382.jpg BU5D9494.jpg BU5D9512.jpg BU5D9622.jpg BU5D9308.jpg BU5D9742.jpg BU5D9198.jpg BU5D9245.jpg BU5D9043.jpg BU5D9104.jpg BU5D9155.jpg BU5D8773.jpg BU5D7602.jpg BU5D7526.jpg BU5D7680.jpg BU5D7378.jpg BU5D5948.jpg BU5D5910.jpg BU5D6648.jpg BU5D5972.jpg Target Species: Violet-tailed Sylph, Purple-throated Woodstar, Andean Emerald, Buff-tailed Coronet, Brown Violetear, Booted Racket-tail, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Masked Trogon, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Toucan Barbet, Rufous Motmot, White-tailed Tyrannulet, Slate-throated Redstart, Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, Golden, Black-capped, Golden-naped, and Beryl-spangled Tanagers. This day trip offers the highest number of species of any of the day trips, and is the longest of the day trips offered here. Tour Information: Price: - Please inquire Contact Us Pick-up Location: Any Quito hotel (usually around 5:30am - 6:00am) Drop-off Location: Any Quito hotel (usually around 5:30pm - 6:00pm) Included Meals: Lunch Also Included: Bird/Photo guide (with spotting scope for birding trips), transport with a local, licensed tourist driver, checklist to keep track of your records. *Note: If focused on birding (over photography), then BINOCULARS are an essential item. If you do not have a pair, then please contact the Tropical Birding office in order to hire a pair for the day. Tour 4: Zuroloma and Yanacocha Just an hour or so out of Quito are the Andean cloudforest reserves of Zuroloma and Yanacocha. Set at higher elevations (at around 3500m/11,480ft) than the Tandayapa Valley cloudforests, the bird list is very different from there. These two sites both have hummingbird feeders and fruit feeders, which add to the birding experience, which will also involve some trail walking within the cloudforest on a flat trail, searching for mixed feeding flocks of Andean songbirds. Lunch will be taken at the small café within Yanacocha Reserve, run by a local NGO, the Jocotoco Conservation Foundation, which has been working tirelessly, and successfully, to preserve many forested birding areas throughout Ecuador. Chestnut-naped Antpitta Andres Vasquez _A101436-Edit.jpg Ocellated Tapaculo Nick Athanas BU5D8126.jpg BU5D7748.jpg BU5D7966.jpg sword-billed hummingbird 121717-XL.jpg BU5D5291.jpg BU5D8102.jpg BU5D7695.jpg BU5D7415.jpg BU5D7175.jpg southern lapwing right 122717-XL.jpg Chestnut-naped Antpitta Andres Vasquez _A101436-Edit.jpg Ocellated Tapaculo Nick Athanas BU5D8126.jpg BU5D7748.jpg BU5D7966.jpg sword-billed hummingbird 121717-XL.jpg BU5D5291.jpg BU5D8102.jpg BU5D7695.jpg BU5D7415.jpg BU5D7175.jpg southern lapwing right 122717-XL.jpg Chestnut-naped Antpitta Andres Vasquez _A101436-Edit.jpg Ocellated Tapaculo Nick Athanas BU5D8126.jpg BU5D7748.jpg BU5D7966.jpg sword-billed hummingbird 121717-XL.jpg BU5D5291.jpg BU5D8102.jpg BU5D7695.jpg BU5D7415.jpg BU5D7175.jpg southern lapwing right 122717-XL.jpg Target Species: Andean Guan, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, Shining Sunbeam, Great Sapphirewing, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Tyrian Metaltail, Sapphire-vented Puffleg, Golden-breasted Puffleg, Brown-bellied Swallow, White-banded Tyrannulet, Black-crested Warbler, Spectacled Redstart, Superciliaried Hemispingus, Yellow-breasted Brushfinch, Masked and Glossy Flowerpiercers, and Scarlet-bellied and Black-chested Mountain-Tanagers. Tour Information: Price: - Please inquire Contact Us Pick-up Location: Any Quito hotel (usually around 5:30am - 6:00am) Drop-off Location: Any Quito hotel (usually around 5:30pm - 6:00pm) Included Meals: Lunch Also Included: Bird/Photo guide (with spotting scope for birding trips), transport with a local, licensed tourist driver, checklist to keep track of your records. *Note: If focused on birding (over photography), then BINOCULARS are an essential item. If you do not have a pair, then please contact the Tropical Birding office in order to hire a pair for the day. Tour 5: JERUSALEM, LAGUNA SAN PABLO AND OTAVALO This the most relaxed of our day trips combines visits to sites within the InterAndean Valley that divides the two chains of the Andes Mountains that run north south through the country, with a visit to an Andean market in Otavalo. If you are looking for a mix of culture and birds in a single day, this is perfect. At Jerusalem reserve, there is a strange mix of moist trees draped in lichen, with cacti in the same semi-arid area. After an early morning in this fascinating reserve, we shall After a few hours of birding here, we will carry on north to the town of Otavalo. We’ll break for lunch in a restaurant and visit its famous outdoor artisan market, one of the largest in the world, where locals sell handicrafts, sweaters, weavings, leather items, jewelry, artwork, and much more. In the afternoon, we’ll stop by the reed-fringed Laguna San Pablo in the shadow of the 19,000 ft Cayambe Volcano for some Andean waterbirds, and reed-dwelling species. Scrub Tanager Crimson-mantled Woodpecker Ben Knoot Black-tailed Trainbearer Ben Knoot Giant Hummingbird Great Thrush Scrub Tanager Crimson-mantled Woodpecker Ben Knoot Black-tailed Trainbearer Ben Knoot Giant Hummingbird Great Thrush Scrub Tanager Crimson-mantled Woodpecker Ben Knoot Black-tailed Trainbearer Ben Knoot Giant Hummingbird Great Thrush Scrub Tanager Crimson-mantled Woodpecker Ben Knoot Black-tailed Trainbearer Ben Knoot Giant Hummingbird Great Thrush Scrub Tanager Crimson-mantled Woodpecker Ben Knoot Black-tailed Trainbearer Ben Knoot Giant Hummingbird Great Thrush Scrub Tanager Crimson-mantled Woodpecker Ben Knoot Black-tailed Trainbearer Ben Knoot Giant Hummingbird Great Thrush Target Species: Yellow-billed Pintail, Andean Teal, Andean Duck, Purple-collared Woodstar, Slate-colored (Andean) Coot, the Ecuadorian subspecies of Virginia Rail, Sparkling Violetear, Black-tailed Trainbearer, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Subtropical Doradito, Scrub Tanager, Golden-rumped Euphonia, Band-tailed Sierra-Finch, Hooded Siskin Tour Information: Price: - Please inquire Contact Us Pick-up Location: Any Quito hotel (usually around 5:30am - 6:00am) Drop-off Location: Any Quito hotel (usually around 5:30pm - 6:00pm) Included Meals: Lunch Also Included: Bird/Photo guide (with spotting scope for birding trips), transport with a local, licensed tourist driver, checklist to keep track of your records. *Note: If focused on birding (over photography), then BINOCULARS are an essential item. If you do not have a pair, then please contact the Tropical Birding office in order to hire a pair for the day. Ecuador Quito Review Anchor Tour Reviews *Participated on this Tour? Leave a Review! We would also love to see your favorite photo, upload it!

Hawaii: Birding Island Endemics & Volcanic Lands Tour Overview: Hawaii is familiar to many in North America, being a US state. However, the archipelago has also been familiar to wider world birders for years, due to a spectacular set of endemic species/subspecies confined to the islands-currently standing at around 44, many of which are both extremely-endangered, and very local. The state has widened its appeal to North American birders since 2017, with its insertion on to the ABA list. Yes, you can now count Hawaiian birds on your ABA list, which includes not only the endemics, but many other birds too. The islands are also rightly famous for stunning volcanic landscapes in which to bird in. We will visit three of the islands to search for iconic Hawaiian species, like the spectacular scarlet Iiwi and the odd Akiapolaau (a Hawaiian Honeycreeper with a uniquely-shaped bill). Alongside these songbirds are other equally appealing species, like the Nene or Hawaiian Goose, a species that has been brought back from the brink of extinction, the graceful Laysan Albatross, pristine White Tern, and the much sought-after Bristle-thighed Curlew, more readily seen here than in Alaska. On top of this are a series of countable, introduced birds of interest to ABA birders, like Kalij Pheasant, Red-crested Cardinal, White-rumped Shama, Red Avadavat, and Saffron Finch. The tour starts out in the state capital, Honolulu, an international hub on the island of Oʻahu, before moving on to the “Garden Isle” of Kauai. The tour then covers one more island in the archipelago, with the Big Island, before returning to Honolulu to finish. 'I'iwi Phil Chaon Hawaiian 'Amakihi Phil Chaon Hawaiian Goose (Nene) Doug Whitman Hawaiian Petrel Phil Chaon Hawaiian Monk Seal Phil Chaon 'Apapane Alan Schmierer Hawaii 'Akepa Phil Chaon White Tern Phil Chaon Bristle-thighed Curlew Phil Chaon Oahu 'Amakihi Phil Chaon Oahu Elepaio Phil Chaon Anianiau Phil Chaon Rosy-faced Lovebird Ken Behrens Kalij Pheasant Nick Athanas Elepaio Alan Schmierer Pacific Golden Plover Phil Chaon Hawai'i Creeper Phil Chaon White-rumped-Shama Nick Athanas Red-crested Cardinal Phil Chaon Brown Booby Phil Chaon Erckel's Spurfow Doug Whitman Wedge-tailed Sheartwater Doug Whitman Laysan Albatross Doug Whitman Red-footed Booby Doug Whitman 'I'iwi Phil Chaon Hawaiian 'Amakihi Phil Chaon Hawaiian Goose (Nene) Doug Whitman Hawaiian Petrel Phil Chaon Hawaiian Monk Seal Phil Chaon 'Apapane Alan Schmierer Hawaii 'Akepa Phil Chaon White Tern Phil Chaon Bristle-thighed Curlew Phil Chaon Oahu 'Amakihi Phil Chaon Oahu Elepaio Phil Chaon Anianiau Phil Chaon Rosy-faced Lovebird Ken Behrens Kalij Pheasant Nick Athanas Elepaio Alan Schmierer Pacific Golden Plover Phil Chaon Hawai'i Creeper Phil Chaon White-rumped-Shama Nick Athanas Red-crested Cardinal Phil Chaon Brown Booby Phil Chaon Erckel's Spurfow Doug Whitman Wedge-tailed Sheartwater Doug Whitman Laysan Albatross Doug Whitman Red-footed Booby Doug Whitman Tour Details: 2027 26 February - 6 March $7500; single supplement: $1750 *Please Note: Internal flights are not included. Please contact us for the current cost of internal flights; (these are around $200-$300 for all flights, not including checked bag fees). Length: 9 Days Starting City: Honolulu Ending City: Honolulu Pace: Moderate Physical Difficulty: Moderate Focus: Birding Group size: 7 + 1 Leader Ready to Book? Book Here Most Recent Trip Report More Trip Reports View/Write Tour Reviews Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Honolulu (Oʻahu) After arrival in the state’s capital you will be transferred to a local hotel for the night. The tour kicks off with a welcome dinner on this night. The birding begins the next day, close to our hotel, so if you arrive early there are areas to explore easily nearby. Night in Honolulu (two nights will be spent in this same hotel). Day 2: Oʻahu Our birding will start right alongside our hotel, by checking in on the local resident White Terns. While in Queen Kapiʻolani Regional Park to see and photograph these elegant seabirds, we will be on the lookout for other ABA-countable species like Red-crested Cardinal, Yellow-fronted Canary, Common Waxbill, Java Sparrow, and Japanese (Warbling) White-eye. This will be a busy day, with a rush of new birds, as we will also visit another place further north, Kuli’ou’ou Valley Trail for Oahu Elepaio and the beautiful Oahu Amakihi, as well as other birds of interest like White-rumped Shama and Red-billed Leoithrix. We will also be scouring coastal sites on the northern coastline for Bristle-thighed Curlew, as we will be hitting this in the perfect season for them. A second night will be spent in the same Honolulu hotel as the first night. Day 3: To Kauai Early in the morning we shall take an early morning flight and swap one island for another, moving northwest to Kauai. After the action-packed day of the previous one, we shall take the pace down a notch, by visiting nearby sites of Kilauea Lighthouse and Hanalei NWR. Our first major stop, at the lighthouse, will be for the subject of one of the greatest conservation success stories of the modern age, the Nene, or Hawaiian Goose. It is the official bird of Hawaii, but was reduced to a mere 30 birds in the 1950s. However, due to captive breeding efforts the population has been raised to some 2,500 birds in the 2000s. While remaining one of the world’s rarest geese, its numbers appear to be more stable now. While we take in this iconic conservation emblem, we will also be on the lookout for other marquee seabirds, like Laysan Albatross, White-tailed and Red-tailed Tropicbirds, and Red-footed Booby. Scaly-breasted and Chestnut Munias also occur in the area around the lighthouse. We shall also explore Hanalei NWR on the north coast, where waterbirds such as Hawaiian Duck, Hawaiian Coot, and ‘Hawaiian’ (Black-necked) Stilt occur, along with Japanese Bush-Warbler. At the end of the day we will settle in for another two-night stay, this time in the small town of Kapa’a, situated at the base of Nounou (“Sleeping Giant”) Mountain. Day 4: Northwest Kauai Today will be one of the major stop-off points of the tour, as we visit the mountains of northwest Kauia, by visiting Kōkeʻe State Park and Alaka’i Wilderness Preserve, which will offer up jaw-dropping endemics, like Kauai Elepaio, Apapane, Anianiau, and Kauai Amakihi. At the end of the day we will swap birds for volcanic vistas, with a trip to Waimea Canyon. This red-dirt canyon is nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, and stretches 14 miles long, 3600 feet deep, and is over a mile wide. After a day full of alluring endemics plus classic Hawaiian landscapes, we will return to Kapa’a for a second, and final, night. Day 5: To the Big Island Next up, will be a flight from the northwest of the archipelago to the Big Island in the southeast. We will arrive in Kona on the west side of the island, and make our way north to the town of Kamuela for another two-night stay. As we drive from the airport to our hotel, we will male many roadside stops, searching for Eurasian Wigeon, Pacific Golden-Plover, Gray Francolin, Rosy-faced Lovebird, and Saffron Finch, among others. Day 6: Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge (Big Island) The pace will ramp up today, as we visit one of the key sites of the entire tour, assisted on site by one of the experienced local guides, in search of some of the state’s most endangered species. The upper koa-‘ōhi’a forests there are an important refuge for many endangered species, namely a smart set of Hawaiian Honeycreepers (an endemic bird family), notably the blood-colored Apapane, which roams the forest in small flocks; and the brighter still, Iiwi. These radiant-red honeycreepers are complimented by the rarer still, fiery-orange Hawaii Akepa. Other honeycreepers include the remarkable Akiapolaau, which uses its unique bill (with a massively-oversized, strongly-decurved upper mandible), to probe the moist montane forest trees, much in the manner of a woodpecker. It has filled this niche on Hawaii, which lacks any woodpeckers. Hawaii Creeper is another target there, which is not a traditional treecreeper, but another, (also endangered), Hawaiian Honeycreeper. More abundant in these restricted access, upper forests, is the similar Hawaii Amakihi, and we will listen for its trills as we walk amongst the native trees. It will not all be about Hawaiian Honeycreepers though, as an endemic monarch flycatcher, Hawaii Elepaio, also dwells in the forest, and as it is named after its call, we will be birding by ear to pick out the call of Hawaii Elepaio from the forest chorus in order to track down this striking songbird. At the end of a marquee day, with many outstanding endemic birds on offer, we will return to Kamuela for another night. Day 7: Pacific Pelagic In the morning we will return to the town that we flew into, and take to the sea, for some outstanding, offshore birding. Four hours will be spent at sea, exploring the Pacific Ocean offshore from Honokohau Harbor. The exact list of birds is hard to predict, but some of the regularly seen target birds include Great Frigatebird, Red-footed Booby, Buller’s and Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, and Juan Fernandez, Hawaiian and Bulwer’s Petrels. Once back onshore, we will drive east to Hilo for another two-night stay. Day 8: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (the Big Island) An integral part of any Hawaii tour is to see the volcanic landscapes that have made this a firm favorite amongst domestic and international tourists for time immemorial. And, arguably, there is no finer place to see this than on the east side of the Big Island, at the well-named Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This is home to two of the most active volcanoes on Earth, Kilauea and Maunaloa, and covers an area extending from sea level up to the summit of the latter at 13,677 feet. This might make it sound like a tough day, but this is not the case, as the famous 10-mile Crater Rim Drive will allow us to encircle the crater of Kialuea by vehicle, making strategic, scenic stops along the way. While vistas are the main objective of our visit, endemic birds may also be seen, like the rare Hawaaian Hawk, the burnt-red Apapane, and trilling Hawaii Amakihi. Kalij Pheasant also occurs in the park and is ABA countable. At the end of a day focused largely on dramatic landscapes, we will make the 45-minute return journey to Hilo for the final night of the tour, where we’ll celebrate a bevy of endemic birds complimented by Hawaii’s iconic landscapes. Day 9: Departure from Honolulu (Oʻahu) After a morning flight out of Hilo back to O’ahu, the tour finishes at the airport of the capital, Honolulu, which is well connected both domestically and internationally. Trip Considerations PACE: Moderate. Early (5:30-6am) starts are the norm on this tour, and a few days will require an earlier start to reach the sites. The drives on this tour are not long, with most under 2 hours. PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: Moderate. Hawaii is a volcanic and mountainous, and to reach some of the remaining endemic birds requires hiking. The trails are generally good, but can be slick and muddy in places with some steep sections. CLIMATE: Temperatures are usually pleasant at lower elevations (generally ranging between 70°F (21°C) and 84°F (°29C). Mountain weather is cooler, and temperatures down to around 50°F (10°C) are not unusual, so warmer clothes are essential for these parts of the tour ACCOMMODATION: Very good throughout; this is a very comfortable tour with modern amenities everywhere. Other Information TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: For US citizens, no special requirements are necessary to visit Hawaii. For others, a valid passport is required; the passport must be valid for at least six months past your intended stay. For citizens of the 38 countries on the visa waiver list (including the UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, and Japan – click here for the full list ), you can enter the US with a valid passport and a completed Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which should be applied for online IN ADVANCE OF THE TOUR. Citizens of all other countries will need to apply for a US visa. Travel requirements are subject to change; please double check with the nearest embassy or consulate, or ask our office staff if you are unsure. WHAT’S INCLUDED?: Tips to local guides and lodge/restaurant staff; accommodation from the night of day 1 to the night day 8; meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 9; safe drinking water throughout (the tap water is usually safe to drink; extra bottled water will be provided when necessary; Tropical Birding tour leader with scope and audio gear from the evening of day 1 (for dinner) to the evening of day 8; one arrival and one departure airport transfer per person (transfers are usually hotel shuttles that may be shared with other hotel guests); ground transport for the group to all sites in the itinerary from day 2 to day 8 in a suitable vehicle driven by the tour leader; entrance fees to birding sites mentioned in the itinerary; a printed and bound checklist to keep track of your sightings (given to you at the start of the tour – only electronic copies can be provided in advance). WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?: Optional tips to the tour leader; tips for luggage porters; flights; snacks; additional drinks apart from those included; alcoholic beverages; travel insurance; excursions not included in the tour itinerary; extras in hotels such as laundry service, minibar, room service, telephone calls, and personal items; medical fees; other items or services not specifically mentioned as being included. Tour Reviews *Participated on this Tour? Leave a Review! We would also love to see your favorite photo, upload it!

India: Snow Leopards, Ibisbill & Monasteries (EWT) We are currently only offering this tour as a Custom Tour. Please Contact Us for more information Tour Overview: Ladakh is one of India’s hidden gems. While the tiger parks of central India, and the Taj Mahal in Rajasthan, are indeed worthy of the multitude of accolades thrown their way; to overlook Ladakh, in the extremities of the north, would be an unfortunate oversight for the nature lover with a cultural bent. This region is set within some of the most impressive mountain landscapes that the subcontinent has to offer, drawing apt comparisons with the magical scenery once a honeypot for adventure-seeking tourists in the 70s-90s in neighboring Nepal. In addition to the Himalayan mountains being a draw unto themselves, there lives one of the most fabled creatures on Earth, the Snow Leopard, a cat as impressive as the landscapes in which it exists. Formerly one of wildlife’s ‘Holy Grails’, this heavy-coated cat has become suddenly visible in recent years, with the development of expert local trackers, and an ever-increasing knowledge of the natural history of the species. While a relatively recent form of tourism, it has grown fast, and thus it is no longer compulsory to ensure the hardship of camping during the Himalayan winter in order to see them. Simple, heated lodges with a ready supply of hot water, and plentiful electricity have now made this a more comfortable experience than ever before in very recent years, and opened up this beautiful region, and its premier feline target, to many that would formerly not have been able to come. Ladakh is in the heart of Tibetan Buddhist country too, and so it would be a crime to miss this absorbing element of the region. While acclimatizing in the city of Leh, (in a wonderful hotel with all the mod cons), we will also experience ancient life, with a visit to the colorful Thiksey Monastery fenced in on all sides by the snow-dusted Himalayas, and within a short drive of another enigmatic species, the Ibisbill, a bird which lives along the banks of the Indus River. As this is a long way to come, and to a country so utterly inimitable, we also offer two easy one-day extensions running before the main tour. Firstly, a cultural day within Old Delhi, visiting some of its most revered sites, from the Red Fort to Humayuns Tomb. This easygoing day will also ease those arriving from afar to shake off any unwanted jetlag. Secondly, is a day of fantastic birding, and of bird photography at Sultanpur National Park, lying just outside of Delhi. In the wintertime, the lake and its surrounds are bursting with waterbirds, from cranes to storks, and geese to kingfishers, there will be plenty to see and photograph at a place that regularly yields 100 bird species days. Finally, at the very end of all this, is a hardier offering of organised camping in Hemis National Park for several days, to increase the chances yet further of the Snow Leopard, and add yet more wildlife experiences to the trip, where other animals roam the same lands as the leopard. Robin Accentor Sam Woods Snow Leopard Pablo Cervantes Lammergeier Keith Barnes Ibisbill Ken Behrens Hemis-Shukpachan Sam Woods White-winged Redstart Sam Woods Brown Accentor Pablo Cervantes Sam Searching for Snow Leopard Pablo Cervantes Himalayan Views Pablo Cervantes Robin Accentor Sam Woods Snow Leopard Pablo Cervantes Lammergeier Keith Barnes Ibisbill Ken Behrens Hemis-Shukpachan Sam Woods White-winged Redstart Sam Woods Brown Accentor Pablo Cervantes Sam Searching for Snow Leopard Pablo Cervantes Himalayan Views Pablo Cervantes Robin Accentor Sam Woods Snow Leopard Pablo Cervantes Lammergeier Keith Barnes Ibisbill Ken Behrens Hemis-Shukpachan Sam Woods White-winged Redstart Sam Woods Brown Accentor Pablo Cervantes Sam Searching for Snow Leopard Pablo Cervantes Himalayan Views Pablo Cervantes Robin Accentor Sam Woods Snow Leopard Pablo Cervantes Lammergeier Keith Barnes Ibisbill Ken Behrens Hemis-Shukpachan Sam Woods White-winged Redstart Sam Woods Brown Accentor Pablo Cervantes Sam Searching for Snow Leopard Pablo Cervantes Himalayan Views Pablo Cervantes Tour Details: Length: 8 Days (19 Days w/ Extension) Starting City: Delhi Ending City: Delhi Pace: Moderate Physical Difficulty: Easy/Moderate Focus: Birding, Wildlife, Culture, Photography Ready to Book? Book Here Most Recent Trip Report More Trip Reports View/Write Tour Reviews Check out our Virtual Tour Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Dehli Most flights arrive at night, and you will be met at the airport and transferred to a good local hotel for the night. If you arrive early enough, the tour begins with dinner and a group meeting on this evening. Night in Delhi. Day 2: Delhi to Leh An early morning flight will take us north, straight into the city of Leh, and the state of Ladakh. We will stay two nights in a modern hotel in this Buddhist city, where monks hold sway next to sellers of quality rugs from Kashmir, old book shops, and outdoor clothing stores. This day will form an acclimatization day, although in the afternoon, we will check several spots along the Indus River for Ibisbills, and are sure to see our first White-winged Redstarts in doing so that winter in considerable numbers within the scrubby fringes of the river. Night in Leh. Day 3: Thiksey Monastery and the Indus River For our second day of high altitude ‘training’, we will enjoy a real treat; the chance to witness the daily prayer rituals of the monks at nearby Thiksey Monastery, which overlooks Leh, and is surrounded 365 degrees by imposing Himalayan peaks, a foreshadow of days to come. The monastery is a riot of Buddhist color and also contains an ornate 30-feet tall Giant Buddha. In the afternoon, we’ll either take it easy, or search for other birds along the borders of the Indus River. Night in Leh. Day 4: Leh to Ulley Having been acclimatizing at 3300m/10,000ft in Leh for the past few days, we will be ready to head higher still, to the tiny village of Ulley, just exceeding 4000m/13,000ft elevation, deep in the heart of Snow Leopard country. This is also home to several new simple lodges, which, with their heating, electricity and hot water provisions make this the comfiest ways to look for Snow Leopard in India. In spite of its size, the village can also lay claim to hosting some of the best leopard trackers in Ladakh, whom will be crucial to finding this much-valued beast. The next 4 nights will be spent in a lodge Ulley. Days 5-7: Ulley and surrounding valleys Ulley lies at a great strategic position for tracking Snow Leopards, as it lies within easy reach of four separate valleys that all host them at various times, along with some of their prey items, like Siberian Ibex, and the endangered Ladakh Urial. Each day trackers and spotters, with scopes and extensive knowledge of the cat, will head out in search for them, and we will respond to not only their sightings, but also news from surrounding valleys, where other spotters live and are interconnected with the ones we will be using to aid in our personal search. Satellite phones allow villagers to connect which each other in this area, and facilitate the rapid release of news. While in this area, we will also keep an eye out for birds like Brown and Robin Accentors, Fire-capped Serin, Chukar, and are sure to see plentiful Lammergeiers (Bearded Vultures) on the wing, and Golden Eagles in the skies overhead. While rarer, there are also chances for other species, like Wallcreeper and Solitary Snipe too. Nights in Ulley. Day 8: Ulley to Delhi; departure from Delhi (OR start Hemis Extension) For those not continuing on to Hemis National Park, we will drive back to Leh, say our farewells and fly back to Delhi, where a hotel will be provided before night-flights out of the capital. *PLEASE NOTE: Our 2018 tour did not camp and largely followed the above itinerary, and still yielded sightings of Snow Leopard. However as this can be an unpredictable animal, particularly in years of unusual weather patterns (i.e. in terms of snow cover), we also offer an additional excellent site, where organized camping is currently the only option. Extension: Hemis Post-tour Snow Leopards (4-Days) For those looking to virtually ensure sightings of Snow Leopard, and cannot face departing India without it, we also offer 3 nights camping in arguably the best site to see one in the world. The numbers of people are greater at this site, in terms of visitors, spotters, and trackers that Hemis arguably has the highest hit rate for this animal. It is also home to Blue Sheep, largely absent from Ulley. This will involve 3 nights under canvas. This is a less personal experience, and hardier than that offered on the main tour, but when combined with that creates the optimum chances to see this Himalayan cat. Extension: Delhi Day of Culture (1-Day) Running one day before the official start date of the tour, this day will purely center on the rich history of the country and capital, and will visit several important historical locations in the city, such as the Red Fort, Qutb Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb. At the end of the day we return to Delhi and the chance to join the next, birding, day in Sultanpur, which on this day alone will yield more bird species than the rest of the tour, due to the higher elevations in winter hosting only a handful of hardy species in this cold season of snow and ice up in Ladakh, and the fact that Delhi is an exceptionally birdy city. Extension: Sultanpur National Park Pre-tour (1-Day) Sultanpur is THE place that Delhi birders, and bird photographers, go to bird and shoot respectively. The park itself comprises of a lake covered in waterbirds in this season, with surrounding agricultural lands adding yet further interesting species too. Some of the possibilities on this day will include hordes of ducks, such as Indian Spot-billed Duck and Ferruginous Pochard; nesting Painted Storks and foraging Black-necked Storks, as well as plentiful landbirds on the surrounding flats, and scrub that borders the lake. These areas can produce Indian Robins, Bluethroats, Desert Wheatears, and in some years the sharp Indian Courser too. Searching the wider agricultural lands closeby could see us finish the day with the rare Sind Sparrow, a crane or two, and a swathe of Bar-headed Geese, the highest-flying bird in the world that routinely migrates right over some of the highest peaks in the Himalayas. This day will be packed with birds, and bird photo opportunities. This day runs on the arrival day of the main tour. At the end of the day we return to Delhi. Extension: Tigers (6-Days Minimum) If you cannot leave India without its most iconic animal, the Bengal Tiger, packages can be arranged to add on to the other tour, of varying lengths from 6 days and more. Please contact the office for further detaiuls of the options available. Trip Considerations PACE: Easy to moderate. As this is timed during winter, the days are shorter than some other tours (lighting up time is around 7am, and dusk is at around 5:30pm). Typically, breakfasts are around 8:00am, with some optional time to search for birds and animals before that); lunches may be taken in the field on some days of the main tour, but chairs, table and cooked food are provided for this). All dinners will be in the hotels or lodges, usually around 7pm. The days are usually 7:00am – 5:30pm at the longest, but generally a little shorter than this. There is some flexibility on timing as some of the daily activities while on the Snow Leopard search, both on the main tour, and the Hemis Extension are governed by the latest news of animal sightings from the carefully selected expert local trackers and spotters, who will be assisting us during this time. PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: Moderate; people joining this tour should be physically fit, and generally able to cope with high altitudes. We will spend 2 nights in Leh at an altitude of 3300m/ft acclimatizing, and after that will be just over 4000m/ft in elevation for the stay in Ulley, and on the Hemis Extension for a further three nights. Altitude sickness pills are recommended as a precaution. There will be some trekking required, and this is often one way to see the Snow Leopard; this will likely be off roads, and even on ground that is not trails. Thus, good walking gear, and good levels of fitness are required to do this tour. There are no especially long traveling times on this tour; the flight between Delhi and Leh is around 1hr20mins, and the drive between Leh and Ulley on the main tour is only around 3 hours, although generally takes longer as we will inevitably stop for birds or other animals on these journeys. On the extension, the drive between Ulley and our camp base is around 2 hours. Most of the driving is on paved roads, although hour-long stretches may be on dirt roads, although these are of a good standard enough that they do not require 4-wheel drive vehicles. CLIMATE: This tour is timed for the Himalayan winter, and so be prepared for very cold weather. This timing optimises chances for Snow Leopard and other mammals when it is not uncommon to have extensive snow cover, and -20 Celsius/-4 Farenheit temperatures. It is imperative that extreme cold-weather gear is brought with you, including good quality gloves, hats, balaclavas, heavy winter jackets, and ski pants or something similar. Snow boots are also a good idea too, in addition to hand warmers. The days in Delhi are chilly in the mornings, but usually pleasant and warm during the middle of the day though not a bothersome heat and humidity that it becomes later in the year, outside of winter. ACCOMMODATION: In Delhi for one night of the main tour (and for any extra nights on the pre-tour extensions), we will be using a modern airport hotel; similarly, the two nights in the city of Leh will also be in a modern hotel. In Ulley, for four nights, we will be using a simple lodge of a lower standard than normally expected on a Tropical Birding tour. However, this comes with generator-supplied electricity until late at night, hot water will be provided, and well-cooked meals on-site. There is no running water, but hot and cold water are provided in large buckets/garbage can size containers to shower yourself with. The bathrooms are shared in Ulley, with 2 bathrooms shared between 5 bedrooms. On the Hemis Extension three nights will be spent camping, with shared facilities too. PHOTOGRAPHY: The photography at Sultanpur for the one-day extension before the main tour is excellent, and considered one of the premier bird photo sites by Delhi-based birders and photographers. For the main tour, there will be good chances for landscape and cultural shots throughout. The diversity of wildlife in this region at this time is fairly low, and so wildlife photography is limited. While we will obviously try and photograph the Snow Leopard, they are usually best photographed through a telescope, as this is often how they are viewed at distances of around half a mile. There are chances to photograph birds in the area, like Brown and Robin Accentors, Chukar, and Lammergeiers. Other Information Travel Requirements: A passport that is valid for six months beyond the date of departure, and with a minimum of 2 blank pages is suggested. AN INDIAN VISA MUST BE OBTAINED BEFORE YOU LEAVE FOR INDIA. For a short term tourist visa, an eVisa is readily available online. WHAT’S INCLUDED: Main tour: Meals from dinner on day 1 of the main tour to dinner on the departure day, if required. Accommodation from the night of day 1 to the night of day 7. Tropical Birding Tour leader from the night of day 1 to the evening of day 7. A local team of trackers are spotters (some with their own scopes) will also be provided. These will be specific to the local area. The Delhi to Leh to Delhi domestic return flight. Local transport with a set of skilled local drivers from the morning of day 2 to the afternoon of day 8. Hemis Extension: All meals will be provided from the morning of day 8 main tour/day 1 of the extension to dinner on the night of day 4, if required. Accommodation from the night of day 1 to the night of day 3. Tropical Birding tour leader from the morning of day 1 through to the evening of day 3. A different team of local trackers and spotters will also be employed for this part too, specific to this different area. The Leh to Delhi domestic flight. On the two one-day Delhi extensions , all meals are included for these days, and an extra hotel night for each of these too. Safe drinking water throughout. DO NOT DRINK THE WATER IN INDIA. WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED: International air tickets to India. Any tips (i.e. to Tropical Birding guide, local drivers, local guides, local spotters and trackers, porters, and hotel/lodge/camp staff. Any visa fees, (A VISA NEEDS TO BE ARRANGED AND OBTAINED IN ADVANCE OF YOUR FLIGHT TO INDIA; THIS CAN BE DONE ONLINE) . Any passport fees. Any drinks other than those provided (tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are regularly provided at no charge in most places, though soft and alcoholic drinks are extra). Anything not stated that is included above. India Snow Leopard Review Anchor Tour Reviews *Participated on this Tour? Leave a Review! We would also love to see your favorite photo, upload it!

Taiwan: Birding with a Camera (BwC) Tour Overview: Taiwan is one of the world’s most underexposed ecotourism destinations. The Taiwanese explore their island in droves, but westerners tend to think of it as a concrete megalopolis with little wilderness. Nothing could be further from the truth, with some 60% of the original forest cover remaining, making Taiwan one of the wildest and least altered lands on Earth – a stark contrast to many of its neighbors. Despite its tiny size, the towering mountain ranges that dominate its spine are tall and spectacular, reaching over 13,000 ft. (4000 m.). Along with its avian riches, Taiwan boasts friendly people, picturesque cultural scenes, and wonderfully distinctive Asian cuisine. The most interesting development in the last decade has been an explosion in interest in birding and bird photography. Taiwanese love photographing endemics, residents, migrants, and especially rare visitors to their island, and there is a fervent community pushing tens of thousands who are passionate about their hobby. This means that many birds are well staked out, used to people and cameras, and thus very cooperative for birders and photographers. It all bodes well for birders with cameras! All visitors, no matter what their particular bent, are in for a great experience. The wild interior holds some high quality endemic birds, including two pheasant species, as well as a host of laughingthrushes and the snazzy Flamecrest. Added to the wealth of endemic and resident birds, almost all of which remain easily found in winter, are a suite of migrants that occupy the island in the winter. Millions of waterfowl, shorebirds, and passerines flood the island from Siberia and the frozen north, and there are several great spots to catch up with them. In addition, many of the birds have been habituated at a series of feeding stations and are tame and are easily photographed, making it a dream Asian photography destination. Asian birds are notoriously hard to get pictures of, but not in Taiwan. Swinhoe's Pheasant Keith Barnes White-whiskered Sibia Keith Barnes Taiwan Partridge Keith Barnes Taiwan Bamboo-Partridge Dorian Anderson Taiwan Yuhina Keith Barnes Mikado Pheasant Keith Barnes Taiwan Vivid Niltava Ken Behrens Steere's Liocichla Nick Athanas Collared Bush-Robin Keith Barnes Malayan Night-Heron Ken Behrens Golden Parrotbill Ken Behrens Brown Dipper Ken Behrens Maritime Striped Squirrel Keith Barnes Black Bulbul Ken Behrens Taiwan Rosefinch Nick Athanas Sicao Phoenix rider Keith Barnes Collared Bush-Robin Keith Barnes Spotted Nutcracker Keith Barnes White-tailed Blue-Robin Keith Barnes White-whiskered Laughingthrush Keith Barnes Olive Frog Keith Barnes Swinhoe's Pheasant Dorian Anderson Swinhoe's Pheasant Keith Barnes White-whiskered Sibia Keith Barnes Taiwan Partridge Keith Barnes Taiwan Bamboo-Partridge Dorian Anderson Taiwan Yuhina Keith Barnes Mikado Pheasant Keith Barnes Taiwan Vivid Niltava Ken Behrens Steere's Liocichla Nick Athanas Collared Bush-Robin Keith Barnes Malayan Night-Heron Ken Behrens Golden Parrotbill Ken Behrens Brown Dipper Ken Behrens Maritime Striped Squirrel Keith Barnes Black Bulbul Ken Behrens Taiwan Rosefinch Nick Athanas Sicao Phoenix rider Keith Barnes Collared Bush-Robin Keith Barnes Spotted Nutcracker Keith Barnes White-tailed Blue-Robin Keith Barnes White-whiskered Laughingthrush Keith Barnes Olive Frog Keith Barnes Swinhoe's Pheasant Dorian Anderson Tour Details: 2026 26 September - 6 October $5950; single supplement: $990 Length: 11 Days Starting City: Taipei Ending City: Taipei Pace: Moderate Physical Difficulty: Moderate Focus: Birding, Photography Group size: 8 + 1 Leader Ready to Book? Book Here Most Recent Trip Report More Trip Reports View/Write Tour Reviews Check out our Virtual Tour Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Taipei We arrive in this world-class Asian city and head to a downtown hotel. If time allows we may visit the Taipei Botanical Gardens and/or a nearby riverside park for some easy birding and photography. Overnight in Taipei. Days 2: Taipei to Dashueshan The plans for this morning are flexible. If fall migration has been good, we may start the day at one of several hotspots where we might see and photograph Daurian Redstart, Brown Shrike, several species of thrushes, and maybe a few buntings too; more open areas ought to yield wagtails and pipits. Another option is to visit a park north of the city where the spectacular Taiwan Blue Magpie is a regular visitor and occasionally bathes in the stream. We then head south towards the start of the amazing road up to Dashueshan. We spend two nights in a town near the start of the road, which allows convenient access to the lower slopes of the park. Time permitting, we may bird a bit this afternoon along the start of the road, where we may see Collared Finchbill, Black-naped Monarch, Bronzed Drongo, Red Collared-Dove, and other common species. Day 3: Dashueshan (lower slopes) The Dashuashan area is a veritable birder’s Disneyland, and a favorite haunt of local photographers, who have done an incredible job of making some of Taiwan’s most spectacular endemic birds remarkably tame here. First and foremost among these are the magical pheasants. We’ll start the morning at a regular feeding area for the white-backed Swinhoe’s Pheasant, where we also have a decent chance to get the shy Taiwan Partridge. Fruiting Idesia trees are another phenomenon we hope to encounter, with up to 15 bird species gorging themselves on their photogenic red berries, including the dashing Taiwan Sibia, Taiwan Barbet and ever-perky Taiwan Yuhina. The general birding is great and we will seek out Rusty and Rufous-crowned Laughing-thrushes, Steere’s Liochichla, Taiwan Yellow Tit, and many of the island’s other endemic species here. Day 4: Dashueshan area The morning is flexible – we may head straight back to Dashueshan, or, if we did well yesterday, we may make a side trip to the beautiful Guguan Valley where the beautiful Chestnut-bellied Tit is often easy to see, along with the deep-blue Taiwan Whistling-Thrush, the water-loving Brown Dipper, and various other species. Later in the day, we’ll check into our cabins in the upper part of Dashueshan, where we spend two nights, then head to the end of the road for our first chance at Taiwan’s other endemic pheasant, the regal Mikado Pheasant, at a known feeding area. White-whiskered Laughingthrushes are bold and very entertaining as they bounce around in the open along the edge of the clearings. At night, we’ll try to photograph the beautiful Red-and-white Giant Flying Squirrels that feed near our lodge, and a night drive should get us views of the odd Serow, an ungulate that looks like a mix between a goat and antelope. Day 5: Dashueshan (upper slopes) Unless we lucked out yesterday, we’ll spend more time waiting for Mikado Pheasants at known sites before targeting other species of the higher elevations such as the cute, endemic Flamecrest, Colorful Collared Bush-Robin, loud Eurasian Nutcracker, Coal Tit, Yellowish-bellied Bush-Warbler, Taiwan Fulvetta, Taiwan Cupwing, Little Forktail, and others. Day 6: Dashueshan to Changhua After another morning in Dashueshan we shall head to the coastal wetlands and extensive mudflats of Hanbao. The tides will determine whether we visit these sites this afteroon or the following morning. We ought to be able to see and photograph many wintering shorebirds. Greater and Lesser Sand-plovers, Kentish Plover, Dunlin, Curlew Sandpiper, Red Knot, Sharp-billed Sandpiper, Common Greenshank, Marsh Sandpiper, Common Redshank, Common Ringed Plover, Black-bellied Plover and Pacific Golden Plover should all be about. With luck, Great Knot, Eurasian Curlew, or Bar-tailed Godwit may be found. There may also be some interesting passerines lurking in the scrub including Siberian Rubythroat. Day 7: Changhua to Wushe This morning, depending on the tides, we may bird the coastline, or head to the center of the island, where we may visit the nearby Ao-Wan-Da forest or Huisun Forest depending on the conditions. Both areas hold broadleaf woodlands, and there we seek to photograph Taiwan Yellow Tit, Chestnut-bellied Tit, and the sensational Taiwan Blue Magpie. The scenery here is also exceptional, and we may have stops for a few landscape photography possibilities. We will spend two nights in Wushe. Day 8: Wuling and Taroko Gorge Today we travel via the highest road pass in Taiwan giving us more chance at high altitude species like Taiwan Fulvetta, Flamecrest, Collared Bush-Robin, Taiwan Rosefinch, Gray-headed Bullfinch, and Alpine Accentor. Here there are also some great opportunities for scenic shots. Sometimes there is a dusting of snow around which may enliven our photo-ops. After we traverse the pass, we will enjoy Taiwan’s most scenic road which passes through one of Asia’s seven natural wonders, Taroko Gorge. This winding journey through vertical marble cliffs along the side of a deep, steep-sided gorge is not to be missed, and we will make some photographic stops as we progress. We’ll stop for lunch at a site where we should find the endemic Styan’s Bulbul before beginning the long drive back to Wushe Note that road work sometimes closes sections of this road, but there is still plenty to see here even we can’t reach the lower parts of the gorge. Day 9: Wushe to Tainan Today we travel down Taiwan’s West Coast. We’ll plan our stops based on what we are still seeking, and could spend more time in the mountains, or head to the coastal wetlands early enough to do some birding there. We may pass by an ornate temple where a Collared Scops-Owl roosts in the eves. We’ll spend two nights in a hotel either in Tainan or in a temple outside of the city. Day 10: Southern Taiwan We’ll spend some or all of today in the incredible wetlands of Augu and Qigu. Once there we will enjoy the stunning spectacle of thousands of wintering shorebirds and waterfowl at this internationally important site for wetland birds. We are likely to find flocks of the endangered Black-faced Spoonbill, several species of ducks, and numerous herons and egrets, which are often close and photogenic. Note: if we were unable to reach Taroko Gorge on day 8, we will likely include a visit to Kenting National Park near the southern tip of the island, which offers another chance at Styan’s Bulbul as well as great scenery. Day 11: Return to Taipei Our last morning will be spend either in the fantastic coastal wetlands north of Tainan, or at other sites between Tainan and Taipei. Time permitting, we will stop at the Xitou Nature Recreation Area, where the colorful endemic Steere’s Liocicha is surprisingly tame, and where we have a chance at several other great birds like Taiwan Barwing, White-tailed Robin, and Little Forktail. We’ll reach the Taipei airport by 3pm, allowing time to take evening international flights. Trip Considerations PACE: Moderate. On most days we will need to be up early, usually around 5:30-6:00am, and stay out late, around 5 pm, in order to take advantage of the best birding and light. When possible, we will use the middle of the day to relax or travel between localities, but most days will be full days in the field. There will be at least one outing after dark to search for mammals and owls. Packed breakfasts are the norm, which are preferable to the traditional cold rice porridge and pickles served in many of the hotels! We’ll also have a few picnic lunches, but hot water is usually available to have hot beverages and instant noodles. All dinners and some lunches are sit down affairs, and this is where Taiwanese cuisine shines; those who enjoy Asian food are usually delighted with the smorgasbord on offer. The highest altitude is the pass at Wuling, which is around 10,700 ft (3275 m), but we don’t really stay there long and don’t do much walking, so is not likely to be an issue for most people. All accommodation is at much lower elevation. PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: Easy to moderate. Most of the birding is done along roads or easy trails, some of which are slightly inclined. There are no difficult trails. You can expect to walk around 2-3 miles (3.2-4.8 km) per day. If you struggle with standing still in one place, you may want to bring a portable stool or chair. CLIMATE: This tour takes place in Taiwan’s autumn. The higher altitude sites are chilly, especially early in the morning (usually 40°-60°F, 4°-16°C), with rain likely at some stage. The climate in the lowlands can be a little humid and warm (usually 60°-86°F, 16°-30°C). Rainfall is highly variable; while this is timed for a dryer time of year, the island has a wet, tropical climate and downpours can still occur at any time. ACCOMMODATION: Good to excellent, all have private, en-suite bathrooms, and full-time hot water. Electricity is available everywhere 24 hours a day. At higher altitudes the interior of the rooms is chilly, but warm blankets and space heaters are provided. Wi-fi is available everywhere except for the nights inside Dashueshan, and cell service is very good throughout most of the trip. EXPECTATIONS: Taiwan is a compact island, but with the remarkable mountains we will access many habitats and eco-zones. We can expect to see at least 150 species of bird on this trip, and are likely to be able to photograph most of them, with decent shots of 60-90 species, including many great pics of very elegant birds such as pheasants, laughingthrushes, scimitar-babblers, robins, and more. And the remarkable culture of Taiwan is worthy of a few snaps itself. GEAR: Binoculars are essential. A decent DSLR or micro 4/3 camera is recommended. The light is often low, so a faster lens is best such as a prime 300 or 500mm, however a high quality zoom such as a 100-400 mm lens does very well in most situations. Tripods can be useful in a few places, but they are not required, and can be a hindrance on some of the longer walks. You can always leave your tripod in the car when it is not needed. There is also a myriad of opportunities to take landscape photos and cultural photos of temples and/or people. We’ll look for flying squirrels and owls at night, where a flash can come in handy. Other Information TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport is required; the passport must be valid for at least six months past your intended stay. Tourist visas are currently not required for citizens of the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, EU countries. For other countries, please check with the nearest embassy or consulate, or ask our office staff for help. Travel requirements are subject to change; it’s a good idea to double check six weeks before you travel.. WHAT’S INCLUDED?: Tips to drivers, local guides, and lodge/restaurant staff; accommodation from the night of day 1 to the night day 10; meals from dinner on day 1 (unless you arrive too late for dinner service) to lunch on day 11; reasonable non-alcoholic drinks with meals; safe drinking water between meals; tour leader with scope and audio playback gear from the afternoon of day 1 to the afternoon of day 11; one arrival and one departure airport transfer per person specifically on arrival day and departure day respectively (transfers may be shared with other participants of the same tour if they are on the same flight); ground transport for the group to all sites in the itinerary from the afternoon of day 1 to the afternoon of day 11 in suitable vehicle(s); entrance fees to sites mentioned in the itinerary; a printed and bound checklist to help you keep track of your sightings and photos (given to you at the start of the tour – only electronic copies can be provided in advance). WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?: Optional tips to the tour leader; tips for luggage porters in hotels (if you require their services); international flights; snacks; additional drinks apart from those included; alcoholic beverages; travel insurance; airport-hotel transfers on days that fall outside the prescribed arrival and departure days; excursions not included in the tour itinerary; extras in hotels such as laundry service, minibar, room service, telephone calls, and personal items; medical fees; other items or services not specifically mentioned as being included. Tawain BWC Review Anchor Tour Reviews *Participated on this Tour? Leave a Review! We would also love to see your favorite photo, upload it!

Peru: Photo Tour Tour Overview: For those who are interested in hummingbird photography, traditionally Costa Rica or Ecuador have been the natural choices, with their abundant lodges and great feeder set ups. Peru though, in spite of its incredible bird diversity that puts those other countries to shame, has been strangely overlooked. This “Land of the Incas” now has some superb lodges with excellent chances to photograph hummingbirds, many of which are not possible in those other countries. Thus, whether or not you have done one of those other, more well publicized hummingbird photography destinations, this should not exclude you from this tour, which offers many different species from those countries. Indeed, Peru can lay claim to the most highly-prize hummingbird of them all, the Marvelous Spatuletail, which is every bit as good as it sounds, and well deserves its frequently touted moniker of “Best Hummingbird in the World”; take a look at the photos on this page and you will see why. This tour travels in one of the world biodiversity hotspots, Northern Peru, where big day records have frequently been set, and the diversity of hummingbirds goes through the roof. We will exploit this with our cameras, while basing ourselves and three of the best birding lodges in the region – Owlet Lodge, Waqanki Lodge and, of course, Huembo Lodge, the only place in the World where you can expect to photograph the Marvelous Spatuletail. White-capped Tanager Daniel Aldana Torrent Duck Andres Vasquez Marvelous Spatulatail Pablo Cervantes Crested Quetzal Nick Athanas Machu Picchu Pablo Cervantes Royal Sunangle Nick Athanas Rufous-crested Coquette Nick Athanas Collared Inca Pablo Cervantes Buff-bridled Inca-Finch Sam Woods Cinnamon Screech Owl Sam Woods Many-colored Rush Tyrant Sam Woods Sword-billed Hummingbird Dorian Anderson White-necked Jacobin Ben Knoot Chestnut-breasted Coronet Daniel Aldana White-capped Tanager Daniel Aldana Torrent Duck Andres Vasquez Marvelous Spatulatail Pablo Cervantes Crested Quetzal Nick Athanas Machu Picchu Pablo Cervantes Royal Sunangle Nick Athanas Rufous-crested Coquette Nick Athanas Collared Inca Pablo Cervantes Buff-bridled Inca-Finch Sam Woods Cinnamon Screech Owl Sam Woods Many-colored Rush Tyrant Sam Woods Sword-billed Hummingbird Dorian Anderson White-necked Jacobin Ben Knoot Chestnut-breasted Coronet Daniel Aldana White-capped Tanager Daniel Aldana Torrent Duck Andres Vasquez Marvelous Spatulatail Pablo Cervantes Crested Quetzal Nick Athanas Machu Picchu Pablo Cervantes Royal Sunangle Nick Athanas Rufous-crested Coquette Nick Athanas Collared Inca Pablo Cervantes Buff-bridled Inca-Finch Sam Woods Cinnamon Screech Owl Sam Woods Many-colored Rush Tyrant Sam Woods Sword-billed Hummingbird Dorian Anderson White-necked Jacobin Ben Knoot Chestnut-breasted Coronet Daniel Aldana Tour Details: 2026 Main Tour: 2 - 11 December $6290; single supplement: $400 Extension: 11 - 16 December $4630; single supplement: $480 2027 Main Tour: 2 - 11 December $6750; single supplement: $460 Extension: 11 - 16 December $4800; single supplement: $520 Length: 10 days (15 days w/ Extension) Starting City: Lima Ending City: Lima Pace: Moderate Physical Difficulty: Moderate Focus: Bird Photography Group size: 6 + 1 Leader Ready to Book? Book Here Most Recent Trip Report More Trip Reports View/Write Tour Reviews Detailed Itinerary Note: This itinerary is sometimes run in a different order due to lodge availability , but all sites will still be visited. Day 1: Arrival in Lima The tour begins this evening in Lima. Our hotel is located next to the airport, so you can be checking in a few minutes after clearing customs. Day 2: Lima to Waqanki Lodge In the morning, we shall take a short flight to Tarapoto in northern Peru, from where we will make the final journey to Waqanki Lodge by road. Not far from the city of Moyobamba. Waqanki quickly rose to prominence for the superb birding in the foothills of the Andes, and its amazing hummingbird feeders, which attract not only hundreds of individuals, but sometimes double figures in terms of species, many of which will be different from those found at the higher elevation sites to be visited later on the trip. We will settle into this excellent lodge for a two-night stay. Day 3: Hummingbirds of Waqanki Lodge This is an excellent location for hummingbirds; feeders are placed at various heights in multiple directions, and many of them are free from the forest shade that dominates so many potentially good feeders at other sites in the World. Of course, we will also try multiflash methods too to get those “frozen” shots, but the wonderful natural light and open nature of the feeders at Waqanki makes it well worth photographing without the aid of flash too. We will have plentiful time to try both at length. The species on offer are dazzling, and include widespread species like White-necked Jacobin, Brown Violetear, Violet-headed Hummingbird, Black-throated Mango, and Fork-tailed Woodnymph, but also less common species that are unlikely to be photographed away from Waqanki, like Great-billed and Black-throated Hermits, the incredible Rufous-crested Coquette, Gray-breasted Sabrewing, Golden-tailed Sapphire, and Sapphire-spangled Emerald. Other non-hummigbirds that may pose for our lenses include White-vented and Purple-throated Euphonias, Black-faced Dacnis, Blue Dacnis, and Black-bellied Tanager, among many other possibilities. Day 4: Waqanki to Owlet Lodge After another morning at Waqanki Lodge or another nearby site, we'll drive west through the Andes to Owlet Lodge, located in the huge Abra Patricia bird reserve. We will be greeted with the sight of hummingbirds right on the doorstep of this wonderful lodge, where species like Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Emerald-bellied Puffleg, Bronzy Inca, and White-bellied Woodstar are all regular visitors. Two nights will be spent in this comfortable lodge, surrounded by beautiful cloudforest. Day 5: Owlet Lodge The main focus will be on the many hummingbirds that visit the lodge feeders. We will use multiflash techniques to ensure we all get perfectly crisp photos of species mentioned before, in addition to Lesser and Sparkling Violetears, Speckled Hummingbird, Long-tailed Sylph, and the outrageous Sword-billed Hummingbird. In between bouts of hummingbird photography, we may also get photos of other birds that come through the area as part of mixed feeding flocks, which could include colorful species like tanagers, with Saffron-headed, Blue-and-black, White-capped, and Yellow-scarfed just some of the many species occurring in this, one of the world’s most biodiverse spots. There is also a good chance of getting photos of Chestnut Antpitta at a worm feeder. Day 6: Alto Nieva to Pomacochas This private reserve is close to, but downslope from, Owlet Lodge, and possesses another set of exciting hummingbird feeders, which attract some of the same species as Owlet Lodge, but some different ones too due to the altitudinal change. Most notably it includes the chance for the deep blue Royal Sunagel, a rare and local hummer nearly impossible to photograph elsewhere. Along with this species we will try to photograph the beautiful Amethyst-throated Sunangel, Greenish Puffleg, Peruvian Racket-tail, Rufous-vented Whitetip and Violet-fronted Brilliant. There are plentiful other birds in the area, and some on-the-fly photography could produce woodcreepers, warblers, flycatchers, tanagers, and more. Weather permitting may also visit an antpitta feeder that attracts Ochre-fronted Antpitta and Rusty-tinged Antpitta - this requires about 25 minutes of walking on a narrow and sometimes steep trail. In the afternoon, we'll drive a couple of hours to the town of Pomacochas, where we spend the next two nights. Day 7: Marvelous Spatuletail Refuge Today we make an exciting day trip to a new set of feeders, where the highlight should be the absurdly gorgeous Marvelous Spatuletail, a hummingbird that is frequently spoken of as one of the most beautiful creatures on Earth. Ordinarily it is hard to find, let alone photograph, but at this relatively new location, this spectacular hummingbird is a daily visitor to the feeders, and will be the center of our attentions. Other species that are likely to feature too are Andean Emerald, Purple-collared Woodstar, Bronzy Inca, Silvery and Buff-belliedTanagers, Rusty Flowerpiercer, Streaked Saltator, and Marañon Thrush. In the afternoon, we return to Pomacochas. Day 8: Pomacochas to Arena Blanca Today we shall head east to Arena Blanca, making several stops along the way. One stop will be at a small private reserve called "La Llaneteria", which literally means "tire repair shop" - which has been the main business of the owners for many years before they realized their property has a wealth of birdlife, especially hummingbirds! Activity at the feeders can vary quite a bit, but we hope to photograph the rare Ecuadorian Piedtail along with several other species. We may also have the chance to visit a display area of Andean Cock-of-the-rock. We'll arrive in the afternoon at the small lodge of Arena Blanca, where we spend the night (t he lodge is very small, so for larger groups we may have to stay at another lodge in the area). Day 9: Arena Blanca Reserve Arena Blanca has large, wooden blind built for photographing shy forest understory birds including Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail, Cinereous and Little Tinamous, and Orange-billed Sparrow. The fruit feeders can be incredible active and give us the chance for the endemic Black-bellied Tanager along with others like Magpie Tanager, Speckled Chachalaca, Golden-bellied Euphonia, and sometimes even monkeys. Hummingbird feeders and flowering plants attract a constant stream of hummingbirds too, with Wire-crested Thorntail often being the star of the show. Mixed species flocks often come through the main clearing of the reserve along with the occasional surprise like Red-ruffed Fruitcrow and Fiery-capped Manakin. The afternoon is somewhat flexible. We may spend more time at Arena Blanca, or visit another location in the area. The night will be spent in a hotel in Moyobamba. Day 10: Moyobamba to Lima and departure On the final day of the tour, we shall drive to Tarapoto airport in order to take flights back to Lima, arriving in the afternoon in time for international departures in the late evening. Depending on flight schedules, there should be time in the morning for more photography at one of several reserves in the area. A night in the airport hotel is included for those taking the extension. If you are not taking the extension and would like to book a "day use" room in the airport hotel, we can arrange that for extra cost. Machu Pichu Extension Introduction: For those who would feel cheated to have gone to Peru without seeing the iconic Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, this extension is offered too. As well as visiting that must see site, it will also delve further into Incan history with a visit to another ruins site at Ollantaytambo, where a fortress is perched on a hillside within the Sacred Valley. Lastly, is the city of Cusco, where captivating Spanish Colonial architecture dominates, and has rightly seen this attractive Andean city declared as a World Heritage Site. While the main tour focuses on bird and hummingbird photography, the extension is open to non-birding partners, comprising more of a history lesson, and insight into colonial and ancient cultures that have shaped what Peru has become today. Day 1: Lima to Cusco and Aguas Calientes In the morning of this day (having overnighted in Lima the previous night), we shall take a flight into the Andean town of Cusco, a former capital of the Incan empire. We will drive from Cusco to the historic town of Ollantaytambo, from where we will take a scenic train journey to the town of Aguas Calientes, situated close to the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu, our destination for the following day. We have two nights in a superb hotel with forest and feeders on the grounds. There will be some time in the afternoon of this day to look for birds and photograph birds at the hotel, which has some feeders on site. Some of the birds we may photograph there include Andean Emerald, Rufous-booted Racket-tail, Gould's Inca, Andean Motmot, Dusky-green Oropendola, and Silvery and Blue-necked Tanagers. Day 2: Machu Picchu For many, no trip to Peru would be complete without visiting the awe-inspiring ruins of the Incas at Machu Picchu, one of the World’s undoubted must-see sites. Most of the day will be spent at this incredible venue nestled within the dramatic peaks of the Andes Mountains. We’ll have an expert local cultural guide in the morning (or you are free to explore on your own). In the afternoon, we can spend more time in the ruins, or head back to the hotel for some afternoon bird photography. Day 3: Ollantaytambo to Cusco In the morning, we shall take a train back to Ollantaytambo situated within the Sacred Valley, where we shall explore their own set of ruins, which are often overshadowed by Machu Picchu, but which deserve attention in their own right. At this point of the tour the birds have been replaced by the architecture and history of the Incan Empire. After visiting the Incan fortress at Ollantaytambo, we shall leave the Sacred Valley, and drive back to Cusco, where we spend two nights. Day 4: High Andean Lakes and Cusco City Tour We'll start the day by visiting one or more lakes within a short distance of the city. A variety of high Andean species are possible such as Puna Teal, Yellow-billed Pintail, Plumbeous Rail, Silvery Grebe, the exquisite Many-colored Rush-Tyrant, Andean Negrito, Rusty-fronted Canastero, Golden-billed Saltator, and more. Once activity dies down, we'll return to Cusco and turn our focus to the cultural aspects of this ancient city. It has been a World Heritage Site since 1983, due to its rich history of both Inca and Spanish Colonial times, and offers plenty to see. This afternoon and the following morning, we will tour the city with knowledgeable local guide, taking in some of the most famous sites like the Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus (a church built by the Jesuits in 1576), a series of local museums, the Cathedral of Santo Domingo, and the Temples of the Sun and Virgins of the Sun, largely all that’s left of the Incan Empire following invasion by the Spanish in 1535. Day 5: Cusco to Lima and DEPARTURE After another morning in Cusco, we'll fly back to the Peruvian capital, Lima, and connect with evening flights home. Trip Considerations PACE: Moderate. Breakfast times are typically early (around 5:30-6:30am. Most days will have several hours of downtime to relax or download photos – this is often in the late afternoon when the light may be poor and when it is more likely to rain, or in the middle of the day when it is hot and slow. Four days of the main tour will involve long drives; this also applies to two days of the extension. PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: Easy to moderate. Much of the main tour will be spent near feeders which are accessed by only a short walk. There will also be optional short walks on trails on several days too. There are some high elevations covered on this tour; Owlet Lodge is located at the highest point of the main tour, at 2500m/8200f. The extension is largely spent at higher altitudes; o Cusco is located at 3399m/11,150ft, and Machu Picchu reaches 2430m/7970ft. CLIMATE: Highly variable. A wide range of temperatures can be expected. Temperatures in the high elevations can get down to near freezing early in the morning, but then usually warm up to be quite pleasant (about 70°F/21°C) and usually sunny. In the lower elevations, temperatures usually vary from about 68°-90°F (20°-32°C). This tour takes place in the dry season, but it is not unusual to get some rain at Waqanki and Abra Patricia. ACCOMMODATION: Good to excellent. All lodges have hot water and electricity. At Owlet Lodge, every two rooms share a bathroom. We do our best to ensure that guests have a private bathroom, but on rare occasions this is not possible. Other hotels and lodges all have private, en-suite bathrooms. PHOTO PHILOSOPHY: On the main tour, much of the time will be spent on birds coming to feeders (with the option for multi-flash hummingbird photography at the three main lodges) or photographing birds that come in to eat insects that were attracted by the lights over the night. The rest of the time will be spent targeting things along roads or short tracks/trails. There is less bird photography on the extension, as the extension also has a strong cultural focus, visiting several of Peru’s most famous historical attractions. GEAR: A good 300mm lens (or high end zoom that covers 300mm) and a full-frame camera are ideal for hummingbirds, but a longer lens is better for most other birds. A 500mm with a 1.4x or 600mm are the best options, but a 300mm with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters also usually does a great job. A smaller lens can be nice for scenery shots in the high Andes. A flash (where permitted) is also useful since light can be quite low early in the morning and inside forest. Other Information TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport is required; the passport must be valid for at least six months past your intended stay. Tourist visas are currently not required for citizens of the US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Tourist visas are currently required mainly for citizens of countries in Africa (except South Africa), Asia, and the Middle East. Travel requirements are subject to change; please double check with the nearest embassy or consulate, or ask our office staff if you are unsure. WHAT’S INCLUDED?: Tips to drivers, local guides, and lodge/restaurant staff; roundtrip flight between Lima and Tarapoto, and if taking the extension roundtrip flight between Lima and Cusco; accommodation from the night of day 1 to the night of day 9 (main tour); for those taking the extension, the night of day 10 is also included; accommodation from the night of day 1 to the night of day 4 (extension); meals from breakfast on day 2 to dinner on day 10 (main tour; depending on your departing flight, you may miss the included dinner on day 10); meals from breakfast on day 2 to lunch on day 5 (extension); safe drinking water and/or juice as well as tea and coffee during meals; safe drinking water only between meals (some lodges also provide complimentary tea/coffee between meals); Tropical Birding photo tour leader from the evening of day 1 to the evening of day 10 of the main tour and from day 1 to day 5 of the extension; all required ground transport as required by the itinerary; entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the itinerary; a printed and bound checklist to keep track of your sightings (given to you at the start of the tour – only electronic copies can be provided in advance). WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?: Optional tips to the TROPICAL BIRDING tour leader; tips for luggage porters in city hotels (if you require their services); international flights; excess luggage charges; snacks; additional drinks apart from those included; alcoholic beverages; travel insurance; excursions not included in the tour itinerary; extras in hotels such as laundry service, minibar, room service, telephone calls, and personal items; medical fees; other items or services not specifically mentioned as being included. Tour Reviews *Participated on this Tour? Leave a Review! We would also love to see your favorite photo, upload it!

Australia: Enigmatic Wildlife Tour (EWT) Enigmas Down Under Tour Overview: Australia is a land like no other, where the creatures that roam its immense landscapes are almost unworldly. Iconic macropods like kangaroos and wallabies bound across the sun-baked plains, their powerful legs carrying them effortlessly through the parched savannas, while the koala, with its dozy eyes and plush ears, clings to eucalyptus trees in a serene, tree-top world of its own. The platypus, an evolutionary oddity, glides effortlessly through the waters with its duck-like bill and beaver-like tail, an enigmatic mix of nature’s creativity. On the shores, the dingo howls under the moonlight, a reminder of the wild spirit of the land. Under the cover of dark we seek out critters adapted to the country's night. The adorable Striped Possum or Kreftt’s Glider, a small marsupial with the ability to glide through the trees, come to life, foraging under the cover of darkness. Long-snouted bandicoots dig deep into the forest understory, wombats graze plains like giant rodents, and Tasmanian Devils and quolls, carnivorous marsupials, prowl for their next meal with incredible stealth. These creatures, and many more, are masters of nocturnal survival, using their heightened senses, specialized hunting skills, and camouflage to thrive in the shadows of the Australian night. While mammals – and not birds – are the focus of this trip, we shan’t ignore the feathered wonders and in the ancient rainforests, the colorful, chattering cockatoos and lyrebirds paint the air with their vivid feathers and sweet songs. Our extension to Western Australia promises the best of mammal-watching and birding that the state offers. We combine visits to the coastal heath, giant Karri tree forests and drier interior of Dryanda for a smorgasbord of ozzie-endemic delights. Alongside a great selection of WA’s endemic bird species we search for the Critically endangered Western Ringtail Possum, church-mouse-like Honey Possum, and if we are really lucky at Dryandra, the delightful Numbat! Returning to Perth we base ourselves in Freemantle where our final day will be a dude trip to the stunning Rottnest Island where we conclude with what has been dubbed the cutest animal on Earth, the cartoonesque Quokka! Each of Australia’s animals carries the essence of the land—mysterious, untamed, and beautifully unique—making the country a living testament to the wild wonders of nature. Short-beaked Echidna Keith Barnes Numbat Keith Barnes Honey Possum Keith Barnes "Duck-billed" Platypus Keith Barnes Shingleback Sam Woods Western Spinebill Keith Barnes Quokka Keith Barnes Green Ringtail-Possum Sam Woods Common Wombat Sam Woods Lumholtz's Tree-Kangaroo Sam Woods Red-capped Parrots Sam Woods Krefft's Glider Sam Woods Western Gray Kangaroo Sam Woods Coppery Brushtail Possum Keith Barnes Long-nosed Bandicoot Keith Barnes Koala Sam Woods Rock Parrot Keith Barnes Striped Possum Sam Woods Western Whipbird Sam Woods Superb Fairywren Sam Woods Common Tree Snake & Bottlebrush Banksia Sam Woods Blue-breasted Fairywren Sam Woods Beautiful Bruny Island Sam Woods Western Shrike-Tit Keith Barnes Heath Monitor Sam Woods Tour Details: 2026 Main Tour: 13 -27 September $9990; single supplement: $970 Extension: 27 September - 6 October $6650; single supplement: $690 2027 Main Tour: 13 -27 September $10690; single supplement: $1040 Extension: 27 September - 6 October $7110; single supplement: $740 Length: 15 Days (24 days with extension) Starting City: Cairns Ending City: Hobart (Perth on extension) Pace: Moderate-Intense Physical Difficulty: Easy-Moderate Focus: Rare and Elusive Wildlife Group size: 10 + 2 TB Leaders Ready to Book? Book Here More Trip Reports View/Write Tour Reviews Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Cairns (Queensland) Today is an arrival day in Cairns, gateway to the Wet Tropics of Queensland’s far north. A quick walk along the famous Esplanade should get us a few birds, and as dusk falls the stunning Spectacled Flying-Foxes emerge, welcoming us to a smorgasbord of wild wonders we will see over the next few weeks. Night in Cairns. Day 2: Cairns to Atherton via Mareeba After breakfast, we head towards Mareeba, where we hope to see some of the resident Eastern Gray Kangaroos before heading off to the small park at Granite Gorge, where we seek out our first real localized specialty in the Mareeba Rock-Wallaby, which is incredibly localized. Next, we head to our base in the Atherton Highlands for a three-night stay. We will probably spend the afternoon seeking out one of Oz’s most iconic mammals, the improbable “Duck-billed” Platypus. We have a few reliable stakeouts for these. After dark, that’s when the action really begins and we hope to find the stunning Striped Possum, Kreftt’s “Sugar’ Glider”, or pinnochio-esque Long-nosed Bandicoot. If we are lucky, a Yellow-footed Antechinus or Fawn-footed Melomys may make an appearance. After a long, but satisfying day, I am sure the sounds of “Lesser” Sooty Owls in the adjacent forest will lull us to sleep. Days 3-4: The Atherton Tablelands This is an awesome area, but we need to divide our time between diurnal birding with mammal benefits, and the more determined mammal-and-herp productive nocturnal activities. But spoilt for choice, we will make a plan. Whether it’s looking for birds like Victoria’s Riflebird (a Bird-of-Paradise), Spotted Catbird or Macleay’s Honeyeaters at Hastie’s Swamp or Lake Eacham, or scouring the canopy for Lumholtz’s Tree-Kangaroo at Yungaburra or Malanda Falls, we are sure to have a good time. After dark, we will hit various hotspots seeking Red-legged Pademelons, Rufous Bettong, Northern Brown Bandicoots, Giant White-tailed Rat, the porcupine-like Short-beaked Echidna, and a quartet of arboreal marsupials: Coppery Brushtail, Lemuroid, Green and Herbert River Ringtail Possums. Daytime may reveal Ulysses and Cairn’s Birdwing butterflies while streams and forests host Eastern Water Dragons and Boyd’s Forest Dragons. Although not easy to find, night walks can also reveal pythons, leaf-tailed geckos and tree-frogs. Days 5-6: Atherton to Daintree As we drive north, we will scour the savannas for Agile Wallaby and perhaps Antilopine Wallaby. Arriving at Daintree in the afternoon we will do another night excursion to see what’s available. Our main target here will be the Daintree River Ringtail Possum, and if we are exceptionally lucky, maybe a chance at the near-mythical Bennett’s Tree-Kangaroo. Musky Rat-kangaroo and a few of the goodies we sought around Atherton are also here. Doing a rainforest cruise on a boat sounds like fun and we will see loads of ‘cool’ easy birds and hopefully Saltwater Crocs at a safe distance. It’s a fun and relaxing activity. After two nights in the Daintree we head south. Day 7: Daintree to Melbourne to Mornington Today is a pretty long travel day, we have a couple hour drive to Cairns airport and a flight to Melbourne where we pick up our new transport and drive down to the Mornington Peninsula. From Melbourne Airport we hit a zone that’s well-known for its large Gray-headed Flying Fox camps. They move around and we will need a little luck, but they are often seen with persistence. Snaking further south, we may hit some coastal bush looking for dolphins or seals or visit a local reserve for “Black” Swamp Wallaby. We will also be seeing a ton of temperate southern birds, different from those up north. Day 8: French Island Day trip We have a full-day planned for the reserve of French Island. We need a ferry to reach it and will be on-foot all day. French Island, located in Victoria's Western Port Bay, is a haven for wildlife, offering diverse habitats like forests, wetlands, and coastal areas. Home to several special mammals, most notably a significant population of wild Koalas that feed on abundant eucalyptus. It also provides a sanctuary for the endangered Eastern Barred Bandicoot, which has been successfully reintroduced as part of a conservation effort. Additionally, the island is home to other mammals like Short-beaked Echidna and Swamp Wallabies, which roam its forests and grasslands. We will have the whole day here before taking the ferry back to the mainland and a drive north to Healsville within the Yarra Ranges for a two-night stay. Day 9: Yarra Ranges National Park We have the day in the Yarra ranges in the mature Mountain Ash forests – some of the tallest and certainly most magnificent on earth, where we ought to be able to catch up with some great mammals and birds. The mature forest is littered with tree holes that are used by birds and mammals for roosting. We could encounter Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Australian King Parrot, and Superb Fairywren. From the forest floor we might encounter the eclectic mimic Superb Lyrebird, Rose Robin and more. Its night-time however that reveals the most sought-after mammals, and we can hope to find Yellow-bellied and Greater Gliders, occasionally Mountain Brushtail Possum, Common Wombat, and if we are exceptionally lucky Leadbeater’s Possum. Possible birds include Sooty and Powerful Owls! Day 10: Yarra to 1000 Lakes After driving back into Melbourne we fly to Hobart, pick up our ride and head north to Thousand Lakes lodge, a luxurious retreat in the heart of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair NP. We will do a night drive in this area as it has Tasmanian Devils. Although these incredible creatures are now rare after a facial tumor disease significantly impacted their numbers, we will still work hard to see them, we might also encounter Common Brushtail Possum and Tasmanian Pademelons. Day 11: 1000 Lakes to Cradle Mountain We pack up and head further into the Cradle Mountain wilderness for another shot at the amazing devils and their equally impressive cousins, the large Spot-tailed Quoll! Who knows what else we will see, but chances of Echidna, “Duck-billed” Platypus and more occur if we still need these cool animals. Our accommodation is decidedly more rustic than last nights, but it’s well set up for our target animals. Day 12: Cradle Mountain to Bruny Island We have a long drive today to make it to Bruny, where we have two nights on the magical island which is home to a wonderful variety of mammals and all Tassie’s endemic birds. If we have the energy, we will do a short night drive seeking Eastern Quoll, Long-nosed Potaroo, and other Tassie specialties. Day 13: Bruny Island During the day Bennett’s Wallaby and the many endemic birds should keep us occupied. And tonight, we save energy for another night drive seeking the special mammals that do well here due to the predator control programs on the island. Another night will be spent on Bruny Island. Day 14: Bruny island to Hobart Depending on what we are still looking for, we will spend more time on Bruny, or else head back to Tassie’s main island to see what we can find. Tonight, if we have the energy, we may attempt a search for localized but super-cute Eastern Barred Bandicoot which is getting scarcer throughout their range. The final night of our tour is in Hobart. Day 15: Departure /Start the GOING OUT WEST EXTENSION We head to the airport this morning for our departing flights or connections to the extension. Going Out West Extension Western Australia is home to a diverse and unique range of wildlife, thanks to its varied landscapes, from deserts to rainforests and coastal regions. The state boasts endemic species such as the Quokka, Numbat, and Western Gray Kangaroo, along with remarkable birdlife like the Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo and migratory shorebirds. WA’s reptiles include the Perentie and Western Blue-tongue Skink, and we are going to do our best to see as much of it as possible. Day 1: Arrival in Perth , drive to Bussleton After arrival WA’s stunning capital Perth, we drive south along the coast to Bussleton, where we spend the night. A night-walk will look to find the critically-endangered Western Ringtail Possum, a very localized species that’s restricted to the zone between WA’s famous capes. A single night will be spent in Bussleton. Day 2: Cape Naturaliste, Cape Leeuwin to Perup We will visit the fabulous capes and wine-growing areas of this zone. The coastal scenery is spectacular, but we also hope to encounter Rock Parrot – one of Oz’s more range-restricted and habitat-specific parrots before we head inland to Manjimup. After dinner we’ll take a night-drive hoping for our first WA nocturnal critters, which may include Western Brush and Tammar Wallabies, Western Gray Kangaroo, Southern Brown Bandicoot – called Quenda in WA – and maybe Woylies, the best bettong! Day 3: Perup to Cheyne’s Beach via the “Valley of the Giants” We start the day at Perup, and who knows maybe we get lucky with a Numbat, as this place does support them in low densities. We might also encounter Western Shrike-Tit and a few other WA endemic birds. Next, we make for Valley of the Giants and it’s spectacular canopy walkway. Seeing the giant Karri forests is impressive enough, but then the great facility that has you in the canopy is not to be missed. Endemic White-breasted Robin occur here in good numbers too, and although there are even Quokkas, here they are likely sleeping. By dusk we will have made it to the beaches and coastal heath of Cheyne’s Beach for a two-night stay. Day 4: Cheyne’s Beach We have the whole day to explore the magical Kwongan heathlands at Cheyne’s Beach. Kwongan is an Aboriginal word meaning "sandplain" or "sandhill," referring to a distinctive shrubby heathland that thrives in nutrient-poor, sandy soils. Renowned for its extraordinary plant diversity, it hosts more than 2,000 plant species (most endemic), many of which are adapted to the harsh, Mediterranean climate conditions. This includes iconic plants like banksias, kangaroo paws, and sundews. Kwongan also features impressive wildflower displays, with vibrant blooms during the spring and early summer, which our visit is perfectly timed for. We will seek many endemic birds here, including the Big-3, Noisy Scrubbird, Western Bristlebird and Western Whipbird – but no promises on the skulking birds as our main quarry will be things like the church-mouse-like Honey Possum, and maybe Western Pygmy Possum if we are lucky. Day 5: Cheyne’s Beach to Dryandra via Stirling Ranges After another morning enjoying the delights of the Kwongan we pack our bags and head to Dryandra, which is one of WA’s best sites for birds and mammals. But en-route we will stop at Stirling Ranges for some birding and enjoy the amazing landscapes on show here. In the late afternoon we make a drive to seek out some of Dryandra’s best mammals, and although it’s not easy to find, Numbat will be very high on the priority list. Three nights will be spent in Dryandra or nearby Narrogin (there are only limited places to stay in this area). Days 6-7: Dryandra Woodland We have two full days to explore the wonderful Wandoo woodlands of this magical place. We need to drive slowly watching for Numbats, but as we do that, we may encounter myriad bird parties with their incredible denizens and Short-beaked Echidnas are not rare here so we may have a good chance to see those. At night we work hard to encounter the Chuditch, or Western Quoll which are misunderstood and although skittish, but not that rare. We also seek out Western Pygmy Possum, Woylie and more. If we are exceptionally lucky, we might encounter a Red-tailed Phascogale in the She-Oak woodlands. There is also an opportunity to visit Barna Mia one of the evenings – a facility that has a predator-proof fence for captive breeding of semi-wild animals – although this is more of a Zoo than a wilderness experience, it’s still fun to see amazing creatures like Bilby, Mala and Boodie, that are difficult to see in the ‘wild’ without a dedicated mission. Day 8: Dryandra to Perth (Freemantle) After another great morning, we head for Perth and may hit a couple of spots en-route depending on the latest info, and we head out to the southern neighborhood of Freemantle, where we nestle in for a two-night stay. Day 9: Rottnest Island Freemantle is a great base for our Rottnest Island daytrip. We use the ferry and are likely to be at the island within an hour. Wedge-tailed Shearwaters are sometimes encountered before we get to the island, but once there, it’s all about the Quokka – dubbed, the happiest animal in the world. Their facial structure gives them a smiling appearance, and this little macropod is fortunately moderately easily found on Rottnest due to them frequenting the “Pie Shop” and other foodie places. Once we have maxxed-out on the Quokka cuteness overload, we return to Freemantle sometime in the afternoon, for our farewell dinner. Day 10: Departure After breakfast we make our way to Perth International Airport for on flights home. Trip Considerations PACE: Moderate-Intense. We move around vast swathes of this island-continent, and although we try to keep travel to a minimum it is inevitable that long days ensue to see as much as possible. We also spend many nights out looking for critters – although some of these outings are optional – but that adds to the long days and makes the trip full-on, even though not much physical exertion is required. PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: Easy to moderate. Most of the time we indulge in short easy walks on pretty good trails or do short night walks or night-drives. There will be a few short, moderate 1 mile or so walks in the forest during the day. Most of the trails are not difficult, but the trails can often be slippery and muddy (a walking stick helps a lot). CLIMATE: Warm and humid in Queensland, with temperatures typically ranging from about 75F (24C) at night to about 90F (32C) in the middle of the day. Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia will all be a lot cooler, with lows of around 45F (7C) at night to about 50F (15C). It’s not the rainy season anywhere, but we can expect showers and some rain from time to time. ACCOMMODATION : Moderate to excellent throughout. The main tour we will be staying at good to great lodges throughout. On the extension we may opt for slightly more basic accommodation at Dryandra, where we self-cater, this is to maximize our chances at nocturnal animals out here as the nearest hotel is quite a long drive away. Somewhat basic, but clean and comfortable; despite the rustic nature, all rooms do have private, en-suite bathrooms, full-time hot water, and 24-hour electricity. The remainder of the accommodation is good. PHOTOGRAPHY: We have excellent photo opportunities during the day with many subjects moderately tame and well-behaved. Night photography is much more difficult. In addition, we discourage the use of flash with certain sensitive species on this trip, and therefore chances of getting lots of good photos are slim. If you are happy with record shots of incredibly rare things, then bring a camera. There may also be chances to indulge in macro photography of reptiles and amphibians that we find at night. WHEN TO GO: The flowering season in WA of August-September is important, but the main tour can be run anytime from August to December, although with all the night work we do, it helps if it gets dark earlier, and so early spring is the optimal time. Other Information TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport is required for entry into Australia. It should be valid for at least six months past the time of your scheduled return. An electronic visa is required for citizens of the USA, Canada, the UK, and most Western European countries. This can be done through an app or online application. As of July 2022, some older tour participants (over 75 years old) may need to undergo a health examination in order to enter Australia. Whether you need an examination of this kind is only revealed during the application process. Therefore, it is extremely important that all participants apply for entry long before the start of the tour, to ensure there is time to schedule a health examination if one is needed. WHAT’S INCLUDED?: Tips to local guides; accommodation from night of day 1 though to night of day 15 (or day 9 of the extension); meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 16 (if you have an early flight on this day, you may miss the included breakfast), or day 10 of the extension if participating on that; reasonable non-alcoholic drinks during restaurant meals; safe drinking water between meals; most hotels in Australia provide a kettle and tea and coffee; Tropical Birding EWT tour leader from the afternoon of day 1 to the night of day 16 (or 9 of the extension); transfer by taxi to the airports at the start and end of the tour; ground transport for the group to all sites in the itinerary in a suitable vehicle driven by the tour leader; one two-hour boat cruise on the Daintree River; entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary; a printed and bound checklist to keep track of your sightings (given to you at the start of the tour – only electronic copies can be provided in advance). WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?: Optional tips to the tour leader; international flights; domestic flights (THESE WILL BE BOOKED BY THE TROPICAL BIRDING OFFICE TO ENSURE THE GROUP ALL HAVE THE CORRECT FLIGHTS); excess baggage fees; snacks; additional drinks apart from those included; alcoholic beverages; travel insurance; excursions not included in the tour itinerary; extras in hotels such as laundry service, internet, minibar, room service, telephone calls, and personal items; medical fees; other items or services not specifically mentioned as being included. Tour Reviews *Participated on this Tour? Leave a Review! We would also love to see your favorite photo, upload it!