Birding Ecuador and Galapagos Islands
In Ecuador the place for birding is the Galapagos Islands. Here, 600 miles from the continent of South America, birds have evolved in complete isolation. The number of endemic (native) species of birds and animals is high considering the relatively small size of the islands, and some islands hold different species than others. This is where Charles Darwin formulated his theory of evolution by studying 13 species of finches. Flamingos, penguins and pelicans are among the aboriginal birds. It is truly a place like no other. On the mainland, Maquipucuna Reserve in northwest Ecuador is also a birdwatcher's paradise. There are more than 325 speicies of birds, including the Golden-headed Quetzal, Crimson-rumped Toucanets, Broad-billed Marmot and an active "Cock of the Rock" lek. Galapagos Itineraries with Birding Ecuador, Galapagos, and Amazon 3 nights aboard the M/Y Coral, 3 nights Kapawi Ecological Reserve 10 nights ~ from $4509 Galapagos Islands ~ M/Y Coral I/II 7 night Galapagos cruise, 2 nights Quito 9 nights ~ from $4704 Highlands and Islands Quito, Otavalo Highlands, 4-night Galapagos cruise 10 nights ~ from $4712 Red Mangrove Inn - Darwin's Discovery Dive Triangle Galapagos package with 3 dives 4 nights ~ from $1974