Bird Watching Tours in South America: 3 That Fill a Day Properly

1.Full-Day Mindo Cloud Forest Tour Birdwatching Waterfalls and Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 84 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $189Our pick

Travel from Quito to Mindo with a private guide such as Kathy or Pato for birdwatching at San Tadeo, hand-fed hummingbirds, a butterfly farm, Pululahua crater views, a waterfall hike, and artisan chocolate tasting. The 10-hour trip includes transport, admission fees, and flexible pacing, but lunch is extra.

“I really enjoyed the hummingbirds and the butterflies. The hike to the waterfall was also nice. My guide Kathy was so knowledgeable.”

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2.Birding and Nature Chaco Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 58 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $140

Leave Asunción for Presidente Hayes Department with guides such as Alberto, Esteban, or Isaak. At La Rafaela farm and Estancia La Playada, look for toucans, ibises, woodpeckers, parakeets, owls, and rare tyrants. The private vehicle, flexible guiding, breakfast, and borrowed binoculars make this a strong half-day choice for birders and curious first-time visitors.

“This was a fantastic tour, and I would recommend it to others. Alberto was an expert and could easily name all of the birds we saw. He was also a great source of information about the Chaco region in general. We chose the early morning option and we’re not disappointed. Saw tons of birds, and also enjoyed the beautiful Chaco countryside. We are not massive bird watchers, but we still highly enjoyed the trip. Would recommend to anyone wanting to explore the Chaco for a bit during their time in Paraguay.”

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3.Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 52 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $99Best value

Leave Cuenca at 6:30 a.m. for a private birding day in Cajas National Park. Guide Edison Edy can tailor the pace and focus, from Ecuadorian Hillstars and Violet-throated Metaltails at 3,800 meters to Masked Trogons and Turquoise Jays in Llaviuco Valley. Transport, lunch, binoculars on request, and hotel pickup are included.

“Eddy, my guide, was excellent. He lead me to great views of all the specialties of the area and I got great photos of the Ecuadorian Hillstar. I wouldn’t have seen any of it without him”

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