The Reptiles & Amphibians of Ecuador

Commencing our tour in the renowned cloudforests of Mindo, we’ll search for the enigmatic Pinocchio Lizard (Anolis proboscis) and its amphibian counterpart, the Pinocchio Rainfrog (Pristimantis appendiculatus). Eyelash Viper (Bothriechis schlegelii), Campbell´s Toad-headed Pitviper (Bothrocophias campbelli) and Osborne's Lancehead (Bothrops osbornei) are the phenomenal vipers we have a chance to find here along with special amphibians such as Red-spotted Glassfrog (Nymphargus grandisonae) and Diablito ‘Little Devil’ Poison Frog (Oophaga sylvatica).

Moving east, and pausing en-route for lunch in the foothills of the mighty Volcán Cotopaxi, an active, snow-capped, stratovolcano in the Andes Mountains, to our next destination – exploring the Rio Pastaza watershed and the Naturetrek Reserve! From our lovely spa ecolodge, nestled in the Tungurahua valley with stunning views, we’ll make exciting explorations of the Naturetrek Reserve and the surrounding Amazon lowlands. Here we can find lovely amphibians such as Naturetrek Leaf Frog (Noblella naturetrekii), described in 2019 and named after Naturetrek in recognition of our role in saving this species. Of the known rich amphibian diversity inside the reserve we’ll search for such superb species as Cochran's Glassfrog (Nymphargus cochranae), Shreve's Sarayacu Treefrog (Dendropsophus sarayacuensis) and Espada's Rainfrog (Pristimantis galdi). Inside the reserve there is also still-to-be-named species, and amongst them is another new frog and a new lizard species. Other highlights in the reserve include Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Giant Antpitta, the endangered Black-and-chestnut Eagle and a beautiful, rare, tree named after Sir David Attenborough, Blakea attenboroughi.

In the lower foothills of the Amazon at 500m, we’ll explore Misahuallí where we can find South American Coral Snake (Micrurus lemniscatus), Rainbow Boa (Epicrates cenchria), White-lined Monkey Frog (Phyllomedusa vaillanti), Ecuador Poison Frog (Ameerega bilinguis) and Upper Amazon Glass Frog (Hyalinobatrachium munozorum) amongst many others.

In fauna-and-flora rich forests surrounding River Napo we can carefully search for the superbly cryptic Mata-mata Turtle (Chelus fimbriata), Two-striped Forest-pitviper (Bothrops bilineatus), Broad-headed Woodlizard (Enyalioides laticeps) and the wonderful Orinoco Lime Treefrog (Sphaenorhynchus lacteus). We’ll search for the endangered Black Caiman at Napo Wildlife Centre, one of the wonderful lodges used on this tour, located in the beating heart of a pristine 52,000-acre private Amazonian rainforest reserve forming part of the Yasuni National Park, the largest in Ecuador.

Yellow-spotted Amazon River Turtle (Podocnemis unifilis), South American River Turtle (Podocnemis expansa) and Yellow-footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis denticulatus) are the charismatic chelonians we’ll hope to find during our wonderful stay here.

The final piece to this exceptional herping tour is at Guango in the highlands of eastern Ecuador. Reptiles here include the diminutive but elegant Shieldhead Gecko (Gonatodes caudiscutatus), Mountain Pholiodobolus (Pholidobolus montium) and Günther's Whorltail Iguana (Stenocercus guentheri). Here we’ll search for some very special amphibians; Linda's Treefrog (Hyloscirtus lindae), the rare Papallacta Rainfrog (Pristimantis acerus) and Riobamba Marsupial Frog (Gastrotheca riobambae) to name a few.

There are a number of options available to extend this wonderful holiday including visiting the Galápagos Islands, extending your stay in Ecuador at Mashpi Lodge or an exciting herping extension to neighboring Colombia.