Willy Perez

Born in Ecuador, Willian (Willy) Perez has been leading birding tours for over 25 years and has an exceptional knowledge of Ecuador and the wider Neotropics. He started guiding at Maquipucuna Reserve on the western slopes of the Andes, followed by three years at Kapawi Lodge in the Ecuadorian Amazon, where he mastered the art of finding and identifying the lowland rainforest's most secretive birds. He went on to guide throughout Ecuador and Bolivia.

Since joining Field Guides in 2011, Willy has led tours to all of Ecuador's best birding destinations including the coast, Andes, Amazon and the Galapagos, as well as to Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Spain, France, and the UK. His strength is knowing where and how to find birds, but just as important is the fun and enthusiasm he brings to every day in the field.

Alongside guiding, Willy has worked on bird and habitat conservation, marine turtle and Spectacled Bear projects, environmental education, and local guide training. He is also a regular lecturer on birding and conservation in the Neotropics, in both English and Spanish.

Now living in England with his British wife, Fiona, Willy is known for his friendly, outgoing personality and passion for sharing the natural world.

Scroll down to see Willy's current schedule of tours.

Client comment
"Meeting, birding with and traveling with guide Willy Perez was the highlight of the trip. Of course, his birding skills are exceptional, but his upbeat, unassuming personality is of special note. Willy has a welcoming and friendly nature that made me feel comfortable immediately upon meeting him the night before the trip began. He is funny, kind, and was very aware of the needs of each person in the group." J.T., SOUTHWESTERN ECUADOR SPECIALTIES tour participant

"I cannot praise Willy highly enough: his extraordinary recognition of bird songs and calls, his ability to locate the birds and help everyone see them, his vivacious energy and sense of humor. He brings the added dimension of having grown up and worked in Ecuador for many years. Throughout the trip, he shared fascinating background about the reserves and parks, ecology, environmental issues, indigenous communities, and history. What a terrific storyteller he is! And what fun it is to bird with him. I would go anywhere Willy is leading a tour. If Field Guides announced a tour with Willy, say, to Rochester, New York, you bet I'd sign up!" J. D., JEWELS OF ECUADOR tour participant

Willy's Upcoming Tours