With more than 1600 species recorded within its boundaries, Ecuador is home to many species and endemics, making this country a bird photographer paradise. The species diversity makes Ecuador one of the seventeen mega-diverse countries globally. The pristine cloud forests, vast mountain ranges, and grasslands are breathtaking. The country is not only culturally safe but also clean and easy to travel to. The US dollar is the currency of choice, and with a solid highway infrastructure, it’s a pleasure to travel here. One would be hard-pressed to find a better place in the world to accomplish your photographic goal. Your leader will guide you on a most productive and practical tour. Air transportation to the capital city of Quito is relatively easy from Miami, and Houston serves as a prime departure hub, making your journey to Ecuador a smooth and comfortable experience.
This photo tour begins with your arrival at Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO). One of our representatives will greet you and transport you to our first lodge, just 25 minutes away. If you arrive early enough, you can start taking pictures at the lodge grounds immediately or rest after a long day of traveling (check-in time is 2 pm).
Then, we will spend five nights and five days in the world-famous Mindo and the Tandayapa area. We will visit four of Ecuador’s finest bird photography lodges (the Amazon extension includes another wonderful lodge!). At each lodge, you will have the opportunity to photograph a diverse number of hummingbirds and many other colorful birds under the expert guidance of our professional leader. This will allow you to create your exclusive portfolio of neotropical bird images. Also, we will visit a few hand-picked private gardens, where you can photograph many more birds and hummingbirds coming to feeders.
Throughout the tour, your leader will be instrumental in helping you capture the best possible shot.
Our primary focus will be photographing the incredible diversity of hummingbirds, toucans, and tanagers inhabiting the cloud forest at various altitudes and life zones. Later, we will journey to the eastern side of the Andes to seek out new species of birds, broadening your photographic portfolio.
We will travel along an altitude gradient ranging from 2000ft up to 13000ft on the eastern and Western slopes of the Andes. We will also visit the Antisana and Cayambe-Coca Reserves, both world-famous for their unique ecosystems and species. Let us show you Ecuador from our perspective!