En los bosques tropicales húmedos de Limón Indanza, cada amanecer es una sinfonía de vida. Entre la neblina y el canto de las aves, nació hace más de ocho años un sueño que hoy conocemos como Buglas Birding Lodge & Nature Reserve. Lo que comenzó como una afición por observar aves se convirtió, con el tiempo, en un proyecto que une conservación, comunidad y turismo responsable.

Durante el reciente encuentro organizado por la Fundación Sur Silvestre, compartimos nuestra experiencia sobre cómo el aviturismo puede ser una herramienta real para cuidar el bosque y generar bienestar local. Explicamos cómo, aprovechando con respeto los recursos naturales, hemos construido una actividad económica sostenible que permite proteger lo que amamos sin alterar su esencia.

En Buglas Birding creemos que la conservación no se impone, se inspira. Por eso reforestamos con especies nativas, restauramos zonas degradadas y diseñamos senderos que se integran con el entorno, sin romper su equilibrio. Cada estructura, desde los hides fotográficos hasta los alojamientos, se ha pensado para convivir con el paisaje, no para dominarlo.

Este camino nos ha enseñado a mirar el mundo con otros ojos. Observar un colibrí o escuchar un trogón no es solo una experiencia estética; es entender que el bosque tiene su propio ritmo y que nosotros somos apenas invitados en su casa. El aviturismo nos ha permitido generar oportunidades, pero sobre todo, reafirmar nuestro compromiso con la vida y la naturaleza.

Hoy seguimos aprendiendo junto a las comunidades vecinas, guías locales y visitantes que comparten nuestra visión. Cada conversación, cada fotografía y cada paso en el bosque refuerzan una idea esencial: proteger la biodiversidad es también protegernos a nosotros mismos.

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Birdwatching that Transforms and Protects in Limón Indanza

In the tropical humid forests of Limón Indanza, every dawn brings a symphony of life. Among the mist and the birdsong, more than eight years ago, a dream took flight — Buglas Birding Lodge & Nature Reserve. What began as a simple hobby for birdwatching has grown into a project that blends conservation, community, and responsible tourism.

During a recent gathering hosted by Fundación Sur Silvestre, we shared our experience of how birdwatching can become a real tool for both forest protection and local development. We spoke about how, by using natural resources responsibly, we have built a sustainable activity that allows us to protect what we love without changing what makes it unique.

At Buglas Birding, we believe that conservation cannot be forced — it must be inspired. That is why we reforest with native species, restore degraded areas, and design trails that blend seamlessly with the environment. Every hide and every cabin has been built to coexist with the forest, not to replace it.

This journey has changed the way we see the world. Watching a hummingbird or listening to a trogon is not just an aesthetic experience; it’s an invitation to understand the forest’s rhythm and to remember that we are only guests in its home. Birdwatching has brought us opportunities, but above all, it has deepened our sense of connection and gratitude for life.

Together with local communities, guides, and travelers who share our vision, we continue to learn every day. Each conversation, each photograph, and each step in the forest reinforces one truth: to protect biodiversity is to protect ourselves.

As part of our commitment to bird conservation and sustainable tourism in Ecuador, Buglas Nature Reserve proudly participated in the 10th Christmas Bird Count in Limón Indanza, a top destination for birding in the Amazon rainforest. Organized by the GAD Municipal of Limón Indanza, this iconic annual event is more than just counting birds—it’s a celebration of biodiversity and a call to protect the natural treasures of Ecuador’s Amazon.

An Event with Global Impact

On Saturday, December 28th, the Christmas Bird Count gathered 33 participants, including birders from Washington DC, Loja, Quito, Cuenca, Gualaquiza, Macas, Logroño, and Limón Indanza. These passionate birders met at Tomás Pla Park at 5:00 AM and divided into three carefully planned birding routes:

1. Municipal Ecological Area Tinajillas - Rio Gualaceño ( San Vicente, Arenillas,Siete Palmos, Cerro Bosco)

2. Yusas-Campo Alegre

3. Buglas-San Antonio

The event recorded a total of 202 bird species across all routes, highlighting the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest.

The Buglas Experience

The Buglas-San Antonio route was a highlight for many participants. While contributing to the impressive total species count, this route provided unique opportunities to observe species such as the Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Spangled Coquette, Blue-crowned Trogon, Coppery-chested Jacamar, and White-crowned Manakin, along with other fascinating birds of the region. Buglas Nature Reserve’s 7 hectares of rainforest continue to be a key destination for bird photographers and birdwatching tours in Ecuador.

Support and Partnerships

This event was made possible thanks to the collaboration and support of key partners, including Real Nature Travel, Cordillera Tours, Tayos Expeditions, and Fundación Conciencia Amazónica. Their contributions, along with the enthusiastic participation of local and international birders, underscore the importance of building strong networks to promote bird conservation and sustainable tourism.

We also thank the GAD Municipal of Limón Indanza for their dedication to organizing this event and ensuring its success year after year. Together, we continue to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the Amazon rainforest and its incredible biodiversity.

Why Participate in the Christmas Bird Count?

This globally recognized event supports sustainable tourism and raises awareness about the biodiversity of Ecuador’s Amazon region. The data collected contributes to international scientific studies aimed at protecting bird species and their habitats, ensuring that future generations of birding enthusiasts can enjoy their beauty.

Thank You for Supporting Bird Conservation

We are deeply grateful to all participants, partners, and organizers who made the 10th Christmas Bird Count in Limón Indanza a success. At Buglas Nature Reserve, we remain committed to conservation and to offering world-class birding experiences in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.

Whether you’re an experienced birder or just starting your journey into birdwatching, we invite you to visit Buglas Nature Reserve and explore one of the best places for birding in Ecuador.

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