About us
Born from a passion for Ecuador's birds and nature
Vivo TravelEc is an Ecuadorian travel agency and tour operator specializing in creating authentic experiences that connect travelers with Ecuador's nature, biodiversity and culture.
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Our story
From a passion for birds to a full-service operator
Vivo TravelEc was born from a simple conviction: Ecuador is one of the most extraordinary nature destinations on the planet, and it deserves to be shown with the depth and respect it deserves. Our specialty is birdwatching — Ecuador is home to over 1,700 bird species, 16% of the world's total.
As a travel agency, we advise and handle all travel logistics: accommodation, transport, flights, insurance, cruises and national and international experiences. As a tour operator, we design, organize and execute every tour and package, coordinating specialist guides, meals, entrance fees and activities.
Today we operate across all four of Ecuador's ecosystems — Amazon, Andes, Coast and Galápagos — with a team of naturalist guides who are passionate about wildlife, bird photography and the conservation of Ecuador's natural heritage.
Our philosophy
Tourism that shows, connects and conserves
Birdwatching for all levels
We design experiences for beginner birders, enthusiasts and specialist wildlife photographers. Whether it's your first time with binoculars or you have 500 species on your list — we adapt every expedition to your level and goals.
Integral, tailor-made experiences
We are a tour operator: we coordinate every detail. Specialist guides, sustainable lodges, transport, meals, entrance fees and activities. We also handle flights, insurance and cruises so you only have to enjoy the journey.
Private and educational groups
We organize group trips, educational expeditions for schools and universities, and nature-based team building experiences for companies. Every group has its own pace, its own goals and its own story.
Conservation as purpose
Our purpose is to show Ecuador through its landscapes, biodiversity, culture and birds, creating responsible experiences that build a genuine connection with the destination and contribute to conserving our natural heritage.
Our team
Naturalist guides, bird specialists and Staff of operations
Every member of our team combines naturalist training with a genuine passion for Ecuador's birds and biodiversity. They know the ecosystems they guide like their own homes.
Michelle Hidrobo
Founder & Director of VivoTravel
With over 10 years of experience in birdwatching tourism, group travel, and event management, Michelle Hidrobo is the founder of VivoTravel Ecuador. She previously worked with the Jocotoco Foundation's travel agency and managed birding lodges, gaining valuable experience in tourism operations and guest experiences. Passionate about birds and Ecuador's biodiversity, Michelle specializes in organizing birdwatching trips, group travel, and personalized experiences. She also has extensive experience coordinating events for NGOs, companies, and destination weddings.
MBA - Tourism
Cloud forest · Andes
Michaë Moens
National Geographic Explorer, Ornithologist and Conservation Biologist
A National Geographic Explorer and conservation biologist with a Ph.D. in bird ecology, Michaël brings years of field experience across Ecuador's Andes and Amazon. As former Conservation Director of the Jocotoco Foundation, he contributed to the protection of some of the country's most endangered birds. His unique combination of science, conservation, and wildlife photography creates truly memorable birding experiences.
National Geographic Explorer ProfilePHD. Bird Ecology - Photographer
Ecuador
Diego Salazar
Marine Guide & Galápagos Specialist
Marine biologist trained at the University of Galápagos. He has spent 10 years leading expeditions across the archipelago and Ecuador's coast. Specialist in cetaceans and marine reptiles.
Galápagos Naturalist Guide · Marine Biologist
Galápagos · Pacific Coast
Our purpose
Showing Ecuador through its biodiversity
1,700+
bird species
Ecuador — the country with the highest bird density in the world
4
ecosystems
Amazon, Andes, Coast and Galápagos — all in a single country
100%
tailor-made
every itinerary designed specifically for your group and goals
360°
full service
agency and operator: from your flight to the last day in the field
Ready to discover Ecuador?
Tell us which ecosystem calls to you, which birds you want to see, what experience you're looking for. We design and execute your perfect expedition.