Covering an area of almost seven million square miles and featuring a level of biodiversity not seen anywhere else on the planet, it's no surprise that South America is home to around a third of the world's bird species. Find out more about birdwatching and wildlife holidays in South America.
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South America
The Galapagos Islands
Map of Ecuador and Galapagos
Ecuador offers an incredible diversity of habitats for its many bird species, endemic or otherwise. Watching birds in their natural environment, informed and impassioned by local guides, is a fantastic experience whilst in Ecuador, not only for the birding enthusiast but also for those with a general interest in wildlife.
Notable areas include the Ecuadorian cloudforest, where hummingbirds of all types and varieties can be seen darting amongst the trees. Another is Antisana, a volcano ecological reserve a short drive from Quito, where hillstar hummingbirds nest at over 3,000 metres altitude, and Andean condors soar overhead on the rising thermals. The Amazon region of Ecuador is another great spot for birds and wildlife, where tanagers, toucans, arracari, the prehistoric-looking hoatzin and macaws can be spotted on the wing with incredible frequency.
The Galapagos Islands need no formal introduction – a mecca for wildlife of all types, this famous archipelago is home to red and blue-footed boobies, the flightless cormorant, frigate birds, the enormous waved albatross and several species of Darwin finch, all totally fearless of humans and frequently within just a few feet of visitors.
Read more about visiting Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands or select an itinerary below to find out more about booking a tailor-made holiday with Audley.
11 days from £3,915pp
Stay in a comfortable Galapagos hotel with comprehensive day trips to nearby islands, walking tours, snorkelling and optional mountain biking and diving excursions. Ideal for those who prefer not to spend nights sleeping on a boat.
11 days from £3,890pp
Take a cruise around the unique Galapagos Islands with two nights in Quito beforehand.
11 days from £4,165pp
The perfect compromise for those not wanting to spend their entire trip on a boat. Island hopping gets visitors to the outer islands and best wildlife sites, staying in comfortable lodges, whilst spending the majority of time on terra-firma.
13 days from £4,115pp
See some of the most remarkable wildlife and landscapes on the planet.
14 days from £6,595pp
Sample the best that Ecuador has to offer, with a mixture of culture, people, scenery, stunning wildlife and colourful markets staying in the best available accommodation.