Ecuador’s biodiversity is truly immense, and while several countries can boast such a claim, Ecuador stands apart. Packed into this small nation, a fantastic diversity of habitats from grasslands in the high Andes to steamy rainforests of the Amazon, supports a staggering 1600+ bird species, and over 300 mammals. The vastly different assemblages of species that occur on the western and eastern side of the Andes, and at different altitudes, are showcased in this comprehensive 15-day birding and wildlife tour of Ecuador. We explore cloud forest on the eastern slopes at Mindo, the misty high altitude paramo habitats at Pappallacta and Antisana, the foothill forests at San Isidro on the western slopes, and of course, the lush forests of the mighty Amazon! Highlights are too many to list but include the chance to see the incandescent Andean Cock-of-the-rock, several species of antpitta, a stunning array of hummingbirds and tanangers, Toucan Barbet, Torrent Duck, the quirky Hoatzin, Zigzag Heron, Three-toed Sloth, the beautiful Golden-mantled Tamarin, Night Monkey, and the amazing Red Howler Monkey. You’ll also get the chance to experience the fascinating cultures of the peoples of the Andes and the Amazon. Join us on this incredible tour of exquisite Ecuador!

Nestled between the Pacific and the Caribbean, at the junction of North and South America, Costa Rica boasts diverse habitats and exceptional wildlife. Quite remarkably, given its relatively small size, it is home to 5% of the world’s plant and animal species, including more than 900 species of birds. On this tour we search for Central American endemic bird species such as the incredible Resplendent Quetzal, Snowy Cotinga, Volcano Hummingbird, and Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher and other highlights such as Scarlet and Great Green Macaws, Yellow-throated Toucan, Emerald Toucanet, Fiery-billed Aracari, and the delightful Snowcap.

Costa Rica is also rich in other fauna such as monkeys, sloths, caimans, and impossibly bright tree-frogs. Some of the mammals we aim to see include both Brown-throated Three-toed and Hoffman’s Two-toed Sloths, Northern Tamandua, White-nose Coati, Mantled Howler Monkey, Variegated Squirrel and the very cute Honduran White Bat. A further benefit of visiting Costa Rica is that around 25% of the country is protected for conservation, and on this tour, we visit a range of protected habitats including mangrove swamps and meandering rivers on the Pacific coast, rich forest in the mountains, tropical dry forest, and teeming wetlands. Join us on this comprehensive tour of the very best of Costa Rica!

Highlights: mangrove cruise, exploring the Talamanca Mountains to look for the Chiriquí Endemics, Costa Rican páramo, a visit to La Selva Tropical Biological Station, wetlands of Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. 

South America was one of the last parts of the supercontinent Gondwanaland to break away from the Antarctic plate around 65 million years ago; Australia was the last (separating from the Antarctic plate around 45 million years ago). Consequently, the Australian fauna and flora are quite closely related to that of South America. This 16-day itinerary focuses on the central part of Chile and showcases these Gondwanan connections with particular reference to Tasmania and the southern cone of South America.

Northern Chile Lauca National Park pre-tour extension