Birding, field research and nature experiences on Ecuador's east Andean slope
Two field sites in Napo — Yanayacu and Narupayacu — with local guides, lodging, meals and transport for birders, photographers, universities and travellers.
eBird hotspot L471438/L11022734 · 2 support in scientific publications from Yanayacu · Christmas Bird Count circle · Records shared on eBird & iNaturalist · Hosting universities since 2010
Choose your way in
Whatever brings you here, the logistics are the same and the support is local.
Birding & photography
Guided birding on the east slope with target-species planning, dawn starts, hummingbird perches and support for heavy camera gear.
Research & universities
Field stations with a documented research history, beds and meals for teams, transport, local coordination and advice on permits.
Students, internships & volunteering
Field courses, thesis fieldwork, internships and volunteer stays, with affordable lodging and mentoring from local naturalists.
Two sites, one gradient
Temperate cloud forest at 2,100 m and Amazon foothill forest at 1,100 m — 40 minutes apart, in one trip.
A working field station in temperate cloud forest, with trails, rooms and 27 years of biological research. Suited to birding, photography and academic fieldwork.
Cosanga, Napo · 2,100 m380 species on eBird3 h from Quito
Feeders and natural perches set for photography, interpretive trails, a waterfall and Amazonian food. Camping inside the reserve, short visits and weekend stays.
Cotundo, Archidona · 1,100 m300 bird species4 h from Quito
For universities and research groups
Yanayacu has hosted field courses, thesis students and research teams for 21 years, and its records appear in 10 publications. We handle the part that usually takes a department weeks to organise: beds, meals, transport, local guides and coordination on the ground.
- Capacity for groups of up to 25 people, with dormitory and private rooms
- Advice on research permits and institutional paperwork in Ecuador
- Long-stay and group rates, with formal invoicing for institutions
- Historical site data and local guides who have supported fieldwork for years
Everything you need for a well-planned visit
Local guides
Guidance adapted to your goals: target species, teaching, photography or a first visit.
Accommodation
Private rooms and dormitory beds for travellers, students and field teams.
Meals and field lunches
Early breakfasts before dawn starts, boxed lunches, Amazonian dishes, vegetarian and vegan options.
Transport
Airport transfers, transport from Quito and logistics for optics, filming and research equipment.
Photography support
Hummingbird perches, feeder setups, timing and field logistics for nature photographers.
Environmental education
Interpretive walks, citizen-science recording on eBird and iNaturalist, and workshops for groups.
Planning your visit is simple
Tell us your plans
Dates, group size and what you come for: birds, fieldwork or a first visit.
Get a proposed plan
We match your goals with the right site, dates, guide and budget.
Prepare for the field
Practical notes on transport, season, permits and what to bring.
Arrive and observe
Dawn on the trail, with people who live here and know the forest.
New findings from our sites
New species and new records described from work carried out at Yanayacu and Narupayacu. Each entry links to the site where the research was done.
Platforms and partners
Our observations are public. Click any logo to see the source.
What visitors say
4.9 ★ at Yanayacu (10 reviews) · 5.0 ★ at Narupayacu · published on Google
“An excellent place to do research. I am a biologist and my stay was very comfortable. It is also very safe, and the food is delicious.”
Jefferson Mora
Biologist · Google review, Yanayacu
“An excellent place for birdwatching.”
Paulo Clemente
Google review, Yanayacu
“A great experience and great company. Next time we will do the full route.”
Néstor Aguilar
Google review, Yanayacu
Reviews published on Google, originally written in Spanish and translated here.
Tell us about your visit
Send us your dates, group size and main interest — a birding trip, a field course, a student stay or a weekend in the forest. We reply within one business day.