Ornithological Paradise
Specialized Birdwatching
Discover more than 500 bird species registered in eBird within a 1,000-hectare protected reserve. Explore diverse Amazonian ecosystems accompanied by specialized guides and live an experience designed for observers, photographers, and nature lovers.
Living Biodiversity
More than 500 species to discover
With more than 500 species registered in eBird, Yachana Lodge is an ideal destination for birdwatchers, nature photographers, researchers, and biodiversity lovers. Explore our 1,000-hectare protected reserve alongside specialized guides and discover the extraordinary wealth of birds that inhabit the Ecuadorian Amazon.
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1,000-Hectare Reserve
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Specialized Guides
Your Ornithological Itinerary for
Day 1: Arrival & First Encounters
- Crossing of the Pucuno river in a motorized canoe and journey in a safari truck with a stop at a riverside lagoon (ideal habitat for the Least Grebe and other waterbirds).
- Welcome with Amazonian snacks and guayusa, followed by check-in and lunch.
- Afternoon: Truck safari along the Puerto Rico community route — secondary and riverside forest. Possible sightings: Crested Oropendola, Ocellated Poorwill, Pygmy Owl, Toucans, Aracaris, Parrots, Woodpeckers, among others.
Day 2: Trail of the Manakins
- Morning: Expedition to the manakin trail. The reserve is home to 7 species of manakins. Target species: Golden-headed Manakin, Wire-tailed Manakin, Striped Manakin, Blue-crowned Manakin, and Dwarf Manakin. Mixed flocks and antbirds (White-plumed Antbird) can also be found.
- Afternoon: Truck safari along the Sumaco Viewpoints Route — 4 km through primary and secondary forest with spectacular views of the Amazon basin. Toucans, parrots, tanagers, and many other colorful species.
Day 3: Banks of the Napo & Wachiyacu Sanctuary
- Early morning: Canoe excursion along the Napo River to the Wachiyacu river sanctuary. Sightings of Hoatzins, kingfishers, Anhinga, Capped Heron, herons, flycatchers, and riverside runners.
- Afternoon: Hike along the Crested Owl and trogon trail. Target: Lanceolated Monklet, Striped Manakin, Marbled Wood-Quail.
Day 4: Last Look & Check-out
- Breakfast with morning avian activity from the main balcony of the lodge, list review, check-out, and transfer back.
Day 1: Arrival & First Encounters
- Crossing of the Pucuno river in a motorized canoe and journey in a safari truck with a stop at a riverside lagoon (ideal habitat for the Least Grebe and other waterbirds).
- Welcome with Amazonian snacks and guayusa, followed by check-in and lunch.
- Afternoon: Truck safari along the Puerto Rico community route — secondary and riverside forest. Possible sightings: Crested Oropendola, Pygmy Owl, Toucans, Aracaris, Parrots, Woodpeckers, among others.
Day 2: Trail of the Manakins
- Morning: Expedition to the manakin trail. Target species: Golden-headed Manakin, Wire-tailed Manakin, Striped Manakin, Blue-crowned Manakin, and Dwarf Manakin. Also antbirds and mixed flocks.
- Afternoon: Safari along the Sumaco Viewpoints Route — 4 km of primary forest with views of the Amazon basin and sightings of toucans, parrots, and tanagers.
Day 3: Banks of the Napo & Wachiyacu Sanctuary
- Early morning: Canoe excursion along the Napo River to the Wachiyacu sanctuary. Hoatzins, kingfishers, Anhinga, herons, riverside flycatchers.
- Afternoon: Hike along the Crested Owl and trogon trail. Target: Lanceolated Monklet, Striped Manakin, Marbled Wood-Quail.
Day 4: Safari Agua Santa Route & Banks of the Napo
- Morning: Truck safari along the Agua Santa Community Route — primary and secondary forest. Possible sightings: Toucans, Troupial, Jacamars, Woodpeckers, Becards, Oropendolas, Caciques.
- Afternoon: Hike along the banks of the Napo River — specialized riverside habitat. Possible sightings: Castelnau's Antshrike, White-browed Antbird, Ladder-tailed Nightjar, Amazonian Trogon.
Day 5: Last Look & Check-out
- Breakfast with morning avian activity from the main balcony of the lodge, list review, check-out, and transfer back.
Day 1: Arrival & First Encounters
- Crossing of the Pucuno river in a motorized canoe and journey in a safari truck with a stop at a riverside lagoon (Least Grebe and waterbirds).
- Welcome, check-in, and lunch.
- Afternoon: Safari along the Puerto Rico route — secondary and riverside forest with toucans, aracaris, parrots, and woodpeckers.
Day 2: Trail of the Manakins
- Morning: Manakin expedition — 7 species in the reserve. Target: Golden-headed Manakin, Wire-tailed Manakin, Striped Manakin, Blue-crowned Manakin, and Dwarf Manakin.
- Afternoon: Safari along Sumaco Viewpoints Route — primary forest and views of the Amazon.
Day 3: Banks of the Napo & Wachiyacu Sanctuary
- Canoe excursion to the Wachiyacu sanctuary: Hoatzins, kingfishers, Anhinga, herons, and riverside runners.
- Afternoon: Crested Owl trail. Target: Lanceolated Monklet, Striped Manakin, Marbled Wood-Quail.
Day 4: Safari Agua Santa Route & Banks of the Napo
- Morning: Agua Santa Route — Toucans, Troupials, Jacamars, Oropendolas, and Caciques.
- Afternoon: Banks of the Napo River — Castelnau's Antshrike, White-browed Antbird, Ladder-tailed Nightjar.
Day 5: Wetlands & Jungle Condor Station
- Morning: Chiva, canoe, and hiking excursion to Amazonian wetlands and lagoons. Possible sightings: Hoatzin, Agami Heron, Purple Gallinule, Capped Heron, Green-and-rufous Kingfisher.
- Afternoon: Visit to a hide in search of the Chestnut-headed Crake, followed by observation at the King Vulture feeding station. Optional night activity: Black-banded Owl, Spectacled Owl, Ocellated Poorwill.
Day 6: Last Look & Check-out
- Breakfast with morning avian activity from the main balcony of the lodge, list review, check-out, and transfer back.
Day 1: Arrival & First Encounters
- Crossing of the Pucuno river in a motorized canoe and journey in a safari truck with a stop at a riverside lagoon (Least Grebe and waterbirds).
- Welcome, check-in, and lunch.
- Afternoon: Safari along the Puerto Rico route — secondary and riverside forest with toucans, aracaris, parrots, and woodpeckers.
Day 2: Trail of the Manakins
- Morning: Manakin expedition — 7 species in the reserve. Target: Golden-headed Manakin, Wire-tailed Manakin, Striped Manakin, Blue-crowned Manakin, and Dwarf Manakin.
- Afternoon: Safari along Sumaco Viewpoints Route — primary forest with views of the Amazon and sightings of toucans, parrots, and tanagers.
Day 3: Banks of the Napo & Wachiyacu Sanctuary
- Canoe excursion to the Wachiyacu sanctuary: Hoatzins, kingfishers, Anhinga, herons, and riverside runners.
- Afternoon: Crested Owl trail. Target: Lanceolated Monklet, Striped Manakin, Marbled Wood-Quail.
Day 4: Safari Agua Santa Route & Banks of the Napo
- Morning: Agua Santa Route — Toucans, Troupials, Jacamars, Oropendolas, and Caciques.
- Afternoon: Banks of the Napo River — Castelnau's Antshrike, White-browed Antbird, Ladder-tailed Nightjar.
Day 5: Wetlands & Jungle Condor Station
- Morning: Excursion to wetlands and lagoons — Hoatzin, Agami Heron, Purple Gallinule, Capped Heron, Green-and-rufous Kingfisher.
- Afternoon: Hide for the Chestnut-headed Crake + King Vulture station. Optional night observation of owls.
Day 6: Antbird-Gnateater Trail & Primary Forest
- Morning: Chestnut-belted Gnateater trail next to a creek — target: White-shouldered Antshrike, Great Jacamar, colorful Tanagers.
- Afternoon: Tour around the Yachana property in search of: Lanceolated Monklet, Great Potoo, Spot-winged Antbird, Duida Woodcreeper, Paradise Tanagers.
Day 7: Last Look & Check-out
- Breakfast with morning avian activity from the main balcony of the lodge, list review, check-out, and transfer back.
Are there still species missing from your list?
By adding an extra day you could photograph unique canopy species and explore new exclusive areas.
Big Day in Yachana
You have chosen the most extensive photographic and observation itinerary. If you are looking for a specific bird or want to perform a "Big Day", our native guides are ready.
Premium Rest
After waking up early to see the best birds, relax in our premium eco-cabins. Wake up with the song of the jungle from your own balcony.
Birds waiting for you in Yachana
A sample of the extraordinary avian diversity that you can discover in our reserve.
What to pack for bird photography?
Birdwatching requires patience and the right equipment. Check our list of recommendations.
- visibility Binoculars (Essential, e.g., 8x42 or 10x42)
- photo_camera Camera with telephoto lens (300mm or higher recommended)
- book Ecuador bird book or app (e.g., eBird)
- hiking Neutral colored clothing (Green/Brown)
- pest_control Fragrance-free insect repellent
- flashlight_on Headlamp for early morning hikes
- rainy Rain poncho or waterproof protector for photographic equipment
- backpack Comfortable backpack to carry equipment (Daypack)
- water_drop Reusable water bottle