ECUADOR PHOTO TOUR
TOUR DETAILS
The trip will consist of 9 nights and covers part of the East Andes and Northwest of Ecuador where we will spend most of the time.
Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and capture unforgettable
images that will stay with you forever!
DATES:
DATES: April 1 to 10, 2025 (4 spaces available)
TOUR LEADER: Magdalena Sanchez
Arrival airport: UIO Quito
Departure Airport: UIO Quito
TOUR LEADER: Magdalena Sanchez
Day 1: Arrival in Quito UIO
Your journey begins as you arrive at the Quito International Airport (UIO) . Our
team will greet you warmly and help you get to our hotel in San Jose de
Puembo.
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Day 2: Discovering the Paramo Forest
We’ll begin our day early as we head to the stunning Antisana National Park. Our
primary goals include spotting the majestic Andean Condor, the Andean Ibis, the
Giant Hummingbird, and the beautiful Ecuadorian Hillstar. As we search for
these remarkable species, stay alert for the Spectacled Bear, which might be
seen feeding along the mountain’s edge.
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Day 3: A Day in the Mountain Forest
We’ll rise early once more for an exciting day ahead. After checking out, we’ll
head to a private reserve renowned for its excellent photo opportunities. Today,
we might encounter Equatorial and Chestnut-naped Antpitta, Sword-billed
Hummingbird, Green-tailed Trainbearer, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, Mountain
Velvetbreast, Collared Inca, Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager, Hooded Mountain
Tanager, Masked Flowerpiercer, Yellow-breasted Brushfinch, and many other
species. Following a satisfying lunch, we’ll proceed to our stunning lodge, where
we can look forward to seeing a variety of species waiting for us.
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Day 4: Full Day of Photography at Our Lodge
Today, we’ll spend the entire day photographing the diverse birdlife right at our
lodge, situated at 6,500 feet in the cloud forest. Expect to capture stunning
images of species such as the White-booted Racket-tail, Velvet-purple Coronet,
Violet-tailed Sylph, Andean Emerald, Empress Brilliant, Speckled Hummingbird,
White-winged Brush Finch, Golden Tanager, Golden-naped Tanager, Flame-
faced Tanager, and Red-headed Barbet, among many others.
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Day 5: Full Day at Private Feeders in the Cloud Forest
Today, we’ll explore a private site in the cloud forest known for its exceptional
photo opportunities. Be prepared to capture images of the Plate-billed Mountain
Toucan, Toucan Barbet, Yellow-breasted Antpitta, Gorgeted Sunangel, Purple-
bibbed Whitetip, Purple-throated Woodstar, Empress Brilliant, Brown Inca,
Violet-tailed Sylph, Black-capped Tanager, Blue-winged Mountain Tanager,
Choco Brush Finch, Mountain Woodcreeper, and many more!
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Day 6: Visiting Refugio de la Paz
Today promises to be extraordinary as we visit the celebrated Angel Paz and his
family. Angel is famous for pioneering the technique that encourages elusive
antpittas to come to feeding stations by using earthworms, a method now
adopted across South America. We’ll have the chance to see the Giant Antpitta,
Moustached Antpitta, Yellow-breasted Antpitta, Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, and
Ochre-breasted Antpitta. Additionally, we’ll have excellent opportunities to
photograph the Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Toucan Barbet, and a variety of
tanagers and hummingbirds. There’s also a good chance of spotting the Golden-
headed Quetzal.
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Day 7: Another Thrilling Day in the Cloud Forest
Today, we’ll explore two private reserves along the Mashpi Road, an area rich in
Choco endemic species, birds that are found only in Ecuador and Colombia. The
photo opportunities here are exceptional. Key species we’ll be on the lookout for
include the Glistening-green Tanager, Moss-backed Tanager, Gray-and-gold
Tanager, Emerald Tanager, Black-chinned Mountain Tanager, Orange-breasted
Fruiteater, Golden-collared Honeycreeper, Indigo Flowerpiercer, Rose-faced
Parrot, and many more!
Day 8: Hidden Hides
We’ll start early once again and head to a couple of different locations where we
can photograph birds from specially designed hides. Our target species include
the Long-wattled Umbrella Bird, Masked Trogon, Ornate Flycatcher, Golden-
bellied Flycatcher, Strong-billed Woodcreeper, Plain-brown Woodcreeper,
Spotted Woodcreeper, Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner, Gray-breasted
Woodwren, Slate-throated Redstart, and, with some luck, the Barred Forest
Falcon, among many others!
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Day 9: Final Feathers
We’ll spend our last morning photographing the vibrant birdlife at the feeders of
our beautiful lodge. After lunch, we’ll head to Quito for our final night.
Day 10: Departure from Quito UIO
After a final breakfast we will be taken to the international airport for our flight
home.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
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This is a very relaxed trip and involves very little walking
HOW TO JOIN THE WORKSHOP?
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Please read all terms and conditions
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Contact me using the contact form below
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If you are interested in private tours please let me know in your email
COST & TERMS
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$4,500 USD per person in shared accommodation
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$4,950 USD per person in single accommodation
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A deposit amount of $1000 is required to book your space
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How to pay: Bank transfer, check & PayPal options are available
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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Lodging
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Meals from breakfast on day 2 to breakfast on the last day
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Private transportation
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Professional guide and photography mentor
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Local guides at multiple locations
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Entrance Fees
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WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
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Dinner on the first night
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Any drinks other than what's included in the itinerary
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Visa fees, if required
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Airfare
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Insurance
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Alcoholic beverages
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Snacks
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Phone calls
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Laundry
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Tips
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Cost of hospitalization and evacuation if necessary
PAYMENT POLICY
$1,000 payment to confirm your seat and the remaining 45 days before the trip start date.
CANCELLATION POLICY
​The booking amount is non-refundable.
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Remaining amount:
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45 to 30 days before the start of the tour: Refund of 50% of the remaining payment (not including deposit), less $100 convenience fee.
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30 days before the start of the tour: No refunds will be given, and all payments will be forfeited.
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HOW MANY PARTICIPANTS IN THE TOUR
A max of 8 photographers
WHAT PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR TO BRING?
We recommend bringing your longest telephoto lens, preferably 300mm or more. A full-frame camera is good to have. Pack a ton of memory cards as well.
A sturdy tripod or monopod is required
Since it can be rainy sometimes you might want to get some sort of a rain jacket as well.
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TRAVEL INSURANCE
We recommend that you purchase travel insurance to protect your trip investment and yourself while traveling.
Our tours do not take the liability for your flight cancelations, medical expenses, gear damage, accidents, natural disasters, extended stays and other unforeseen emergencies.