I used the recent Price of Travel list “124 World cities ranked from cheapest to most expensive: Backpacker Index for 2014” to figure out which countries are the cheapest overall to go birding in.  The lower cost of living translates into cheaper public transport, accommodation, food and guide fees.  Of course that doesn’t mean there aren’t more luxurious and expensive options in these countries as well, but it’s nice to know you can go birding with a backpacker budget!

• 1.  Nepal
• 2.  Vietnam
• 3.  Thailand
• 4.  India
• 5.  Laos
• 6.  Bolivia
• 7.  Ecuador
• 8.  Sri Lanka
• 9.  Indonesia
• 10. Peru

The good news is that you can use miles to get to all these countries.  See my guides on South-east Asia, Central Asia & Peru for rough ideas.