Advertising: Spectacled bear deluxe tour – January 2026, Ecuador
This tour offers an exceptional opportunity to observe the elusive spectacled bear, the only bear species native to South America in its most reliable habitats. The visited regions in the country have several of the few viable habitats for the species, which makes it a global hotspot for spectacled bear watching. Beyond bears, the tour also spotlights a variety of rare and beautiful mammals and birds, appealing to nature enthusiasts, photographers, and birders alike. Visits to cloud forests and tropical reserves add further depth to the journey, combining breathtaking landscapes with world-class wildlife viewing. Exceptional photography opportunities, expert guides, and comfortable accommodations complete the experience. The tour’s seamless logistics, from 4WD travel to localized spotting expertise, ensure guests are in the right place at the right time. Altogether, this trip stands out for its rare wildlife sightings, scenic diversity, and high success rate for key target species.
Bear Watching and Highland Wildlife
The adventure begins near Quito, quickly transitioning into the Andean highlands where spectacled bears are frequently sighted in páramo grasslands dotted with bromeliads and Polylepis trees—prime habitat for bears and the elusive mountain tapir. Here, bears forage during the day, often in open areas, while tapirs appear around dusk and dawn, requiring patience and quiet observation. Alongside these headline mammals, participants may also encounter Andean fox, tayras and Colombian night monkeys. While tapirs demand effort and luck, the even rarer oncilla cat is a true prize for those hoping for the unexpected. Throughout this phase, short walks and vehicle-based viewing make for a comfortable yet immersive experience. This region’s open vistas and dramatic mountain backdrops provide stunning scenes both for wildlife spotting and photography. Time here is carefully structured to maximize viewing during optimal wildlife activity windows.
Birding Experiences – Antpittas, Hummingbirds, Tanagers, and More
Although the tour is logistically structured to observe spectacled bears and other specific mammals, birds can’t be ignored during this tour. The trip includes visits to renowned sites known for their avian diversity and accessibility. Iconic families like antpittas, tanagers, hummingbirds, and cotingas are all featured, many of which are endemic to the Andes. Guests witness trained antpittas with charming nicknames like Maria and Shakira emerge from the forest for worms—an intimate and often emotional experience. Hummingbird feeders at various lodges allow for close-up observation of the iridescent jewels of the tropics. Likewise, tanagers—bright, tropical songbirds—are commonly seen at banana feeders and in mixed flocks. Binoculars, cameras, and telescopes are essential companions, making this a birding paradise as much as a mammal expedition.
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