Who We Are
Our story
Wildsumaco Bird Tours was born from a deep connection to one of Ecuador’s most extraordinary birding destinations: the Wildsumaco region, where the Andes meet the Amazon.
What began as a passion for sharing the incredible birdlife of this unique ecosystem has grown into a specialized birding agency offering curated experiences across Ecuador.
After years of guiding in the Wildsumaco area — learning its trails, understanding seasonal movements, and documenting its rare and endemic species — we realized something important: birders visiting Ecuador were looking for more than a checklist.
They were looking for expertise, access, and meaningful experiences.
Wildsumaco Bird Tours was created to deliver exactly that.
One Man, 1,500 Birds, and a Forest Protected
Jonas Nilsson is a birder and conservationist dedicated to protecting Ecuador’s biodiversity, co-founding Wildsumaco and conserving over 600 hectares of forest while inspiring future generations.
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Jonas Nilsson arrived in Ecuador in 1993 and has since dedicated his life to exploring and protecting its extraordinary biodiversity. Fascinated by the country’s richness, he spent years traveling through remote regions, becoming one of the most experienced birders in Ecuador. Driven by his passion for nature, he co-founded Wildsumaco Lodge and its biological station at the meeting point of the Andes and the Amazon, creating a unique space where conservation, science, and human experience come together.
He was the first person to record over 1,500 bird species in Ecuador, a remarkable achievement that reflects both his dedication and deep commitment to these ecosystems. Today, through the Wildsumaco Wildlife Sanctuary, he protects more than 600 hectares of forest and continues this work every day as a true guardian of the Sumaco forest.
His impact is also reflected in the people who have grown alongside this vision. Raúl Shinguago, who began working in maintenance at a young age, is now one of the lodge’s main chefs and founder of Ally Sacha Galeras, a birding initiative inspired by Jonas’s work. Likewise, Byron, who also started young, became one of the leading birding guides in the Sumaco region. Through these stories, Jonas’s work shows that conservation can also create paths for growth and opportunity.