Written by Jen Fraser on 09 April 2024. Posted in 2026.

Ecuador Cloud Forest & Andes Expedition

• Day 0 Date: 2026-09-18
• Day 0 Photo:
• Day 0 Description:

  As our tour commences early on Sept. 18, we suggest arriving the day before to ensure you're ready for the start of the tour. We'll provide a recommendation for a hotel where you can make your own booking. Our arrival airport is Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito (UIO), the gateway to Ecuador's incredible natural beauty.
• Day 1 Date: 2026-09-18
• Day 1 Photo:
• Day 1 Description:

  Our adventure begins early in the morning as we head toward the Cloud Forest.
  Our first stop will be in the High Mountain Forest (3,500 m a.s.l.), where we’ll encounter a variety of stunning species characteristic of this unique ecosystem.
  In the afternoon, we’ll have our first magical meeting with the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (red morph).
  We’ll arrive at our comfortable lodge later in the afternoon, ready to rest and prepare for the days ahead.

• Day 2 Date: 2026-09-19
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• Day 2 Description:

  We’ll begin the morning at the lodge, photographing from the hide and feeders as hummingbirds streak through the air and tanagers flash brilliant bursts of color.
  Later in the afternoon, we’ll travel to a dedicated viewing site for intimate encounters with the Western Mountain Toucan and a remarkable collection of other high-Andean species—an unforgettable experience for any wildlife photographer.

• Day 3 Date: 2026-09-20
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• Day 3 Description:

   

  Today we’ll venture out for a full day of exploration. After a scenic drive through the Andean foothills, we’ll arrive in a region celebrated for its concentration of rare and endemic tanagers—species found only in this part of Ecuador.
  Throughout the day, we’ll visit two carefully selected locations, one in the morning and another in the afternoon, each offering unique lighting conditions and distinct photographic opportunities. By covering multiple habitats, we’ll maximize our chances of capturing exceptional images of these vibrant and sought-after birds.

• Day 4 Date: 2026-09-21
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• Day 4 Description:

   

  Another exciting day of field adventure awaits!
  Today we’ll descend into the lower elevations, where the forest grows warmer, denser, and bursting with life. In these rich foothill habitats, we’ll search for toucans, a dazzling array of tanagers, and many other remarkable species that thrive in this biodiverse zone. The change in altitude brings an entirely new set of photographic opportunities—from vibrant canopy feeders to forest-edge perches alive with activity.

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• Day 5 Date: 2026-09-22
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• Day 5 Description:

  An exciting travel day awaits. Early in the morning, we’ll begin our scenic four-hour journey toward the Eastern Slopes of the Andes, a region known for its dramatic landscapes and rich biodiversity.
  Along the way, we’ll make several strategic birding and photography stops, targeting species found only on this side of the mountain range—unique opportunities to capture lifers and rare endemics in their natural habitats.

  By afternoon, we’ll arrive at one of the Eastern Andes’ signature highlights: an active lek of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (orange morph). Photographing these striking birds at close range—displaying, calling, and defending their perches—is an unforgettable experience and a true milestone for any wildlife photographer.

• Day 6 Date: 2026-09-23
• Day 6 Photo:
• Max Participants: 9
• Cost: 6950
• PayPal Link: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/LS75B8ZZ7RB26
• Inclusions:

   

  • This is in partnership with a local agency in ECUADOR.
    • Ecuador does not require a tourist visa for U.S. citizens; however, travelers from other countries may have different entry requirements, so please verify this in advance.
      All flights must be booked to and from UIO – Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Quito).
  • Flights can go through LAX or SEATTLE, you will need a US Visa if you book this way for non-US participants.

  WHAT'S INCLUDED

  All meals are included (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

  Comfortable transportation ( 28 seater bus for 9 participants).

   

  WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
  Airfare
  Travel Insurance

  Snacks

  Tips for local guides

   

• Down Payment: 1000
• Single Occupancy Fee: 1250
• Cancellations:

  Refund Policy

  • Deposit/Registration Fee: Non-refundable, but may be applied to any future tour.
  • Cancellation 90+ days before tour: All payments (excluding deposit) are fully refundable.
  • Cancellation 31–89 days before tour:
    • If the tour is at full capacity and no replacement is found: 50% refund.
    • If a replacement is found: full refund minus a $300 service fee.
  • Cancellation 30 days or less before tour: All payments are non-refundable.
  • All cancellations must be submitted formally via email.

   

  Payment Schedule

  • Deposit/Registration Fee: A non-refundable deposit, which may be applied to future tours, is required to secure your reservation and confirm your participation.
  • 50% Payment: A payment of 50% of the total tour cost is due six (6) months prior to the tour start date.
  • Final Payment: The remaining balance is due three (3) months prior to the tour start date.
• Photography Skill Level Image:
• Photography Skill Level:

  This workshop is suitable for all levels of photography skills from novice to expert.

• Classroom Time Image:
• Classroom Time:

  We will have significant time in the classroom learning photo processing skills.

• Fitness Level Image:
• Fitness Level:

  Very little hiking is involved.

• Clothing (Select All That Apply): Warm Hat, Down Jacket, Waterproof Outer, Shorts, Sun Hat, Sunglasses, Sun Block, Hiking Pants, Hiking Boots
• Airports:

  Begin:UIO – Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Quito).

  End:UIO – Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Quito).

• Day 6 Description:

  We’ll enjoy a relaxed morning at the lodge, making full use of its well-positioned feeders and the rich forest that surrounds the property. This area of the Eastern Andes is home to a remarkable variety of species found nowhere else, offering excellent chances for intimate close-ups, behavior shots, and creative compositions.
  With soft morning light filtering through the canopy and constant bird activity nearby, it’s the perfect setting to slow down, refine your technique, and capture striking images right from the lodge grounds.

• Currency:

  USD

• Day 7 Date: 2026-09-24
• Power:

  110V

• Day 7 Photo:
• Day 7 Description:

  We’ll start the morning at a renowned hummingbird hotspot, a nearby location celebrated for its incredible diversity of species. Here you’ll have the chance to photograph these energetic jewels in flight, perched, and interacting—perfect for practicing high-speed techniques and capturing beautifully detailed portraits.

  After lunch, we’ll continue our journey with a scenic 1.5-hour drive down to a lower-elevation zone in the Eastern foothills. As the landscape shifts, so does the wildlife. New habitats and an exciting mix of species—many adapted specifically to these warmer, more humid forests—will offer fresh photographic opportunities and a completely different feel to the afternoon session.

• Day 8 Date: 2026-09-25
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• Day 8 Description:

  Before we depart, we’ll savor one final photography session at the lodge feeders, taking advantage of the steady stream of activity for any last portraits or behavior shots you may want to capture. It’s a perfect chance to fill in gaps in your portfolio before we change environments entirely.

  After lunch, we’ll begin our scenic 3.5-hour journey toward the iconic Cotopaxi Volcano. As we climb in elevation, the landscape shifts dramatically—from lush eastern forests to wide-open Andean plains. We expect to arrive at our next lodge around 4:45 p.m., just in time to settle in, enjoy the mountain air, and prepare for the next stage of our adventure.

• WiFi:

  Wifi is available mostly in our hotels. You can buy a prepaid local sim with data access if needed.

• Day 9 Date: 2026-09-26
• Day 9 Photo:
• Day 9 Description:

  Today is dedicated to photographing the region’s majestic waterfalls, with the highlight being the powerful and visually striking Cascada de Fuego. We’ll spend the day exploring a variety of viewpoints, each offering unique compositions—rushing water cutting through volcanic rock, mist rising from the canyon, and lush high-elevation vegetation adding texture and color to the scene.

  With the towering Cotopaxi Volcano as a dramatic backdrop, this is a perfect day to shift our focus toward landscape photography. We’ll experiment with long exposures, foreground elements, and creative framing to capture the energy and beauty of these Andean waterfalls in their full glory.

• Day 10 Date: 2026-09-27
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• Drones:

  TBA

• Day 10 Description:

  After breakfast, we’ll make our way to Limpiopungo Lagoon, one of the most scenic and iconic locations within Cotopaxi National Park. Surrounded by sweeping páramo grasslands and framed by the towering presence of Cotopaxi, the lagoon offers a stunning mix of landscapes and wildlife.

  Throughout our visit, we’ll explore several vantage points around the water’s edge, each providing unique photographic opportunities. Depending on conditions, we may capture mirror-like reflections of the volcano, delicate high-altitude flora, grazing Andean waterfowl, and the dramatic interplay of light and clouds that often sweeps across the plateau.

  This is a perfect setting to practice wide-angle landscapes, intimate nature scenes, and atmospheric compositions—making it one of the most rewarding photo sessions of the trip.

• Day 11 Date: 2026-09-28
• Day 11 Photo:
• Day 11 Description:

  On our final day in the field, we’ll spend the morning exploring the beautiful surroundings of the lodge before heading out to the scenic Río Pita Canyon. This rugged landscape—shaped by rushing waters, volcanic rock formations, and lush Andean vegetation—offers wonderful opportunities for both landscape and nature photography.

  After lunch, we’ll begin our return journey to Quito, enjoying the shifting scenery as we transition from the high Andes back toward the city. We expect to arrive at our hotel around 4:00 p.m., giving everyone time to unwind, review images, and prepare for the next day’s departure.

• Day 12 Date: 2026-09-29
• Travel Insurance:
  We require all our participants to secure a travel insurance with international assistance. The tour operator is not liable for any accidents or losses. Though we strive to provide a safe environment for the tour, in the end your safety is still your responsibility.
• Day 12 Photo:
• Day 12 Description:

  Transfer to the airport for your flight home, carrying with you unforgettable memories and a portfolio filled with extraordinary images from your journey through Ecuador.

• Date: 18 - 29 September 2026
• Description:

  Discover Ecuador: a 12-day wildlife photography adventure crafted for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
  This immersive itinerary takes you from the misty cloud forests of the Andes to the vibrant lowland rainforests, with breathtaking stops including the iconic Cotopaxi Volcano—regions renowned as some of the most biodiverse on the planet. Along the way, you’ll photograph dazzling birdlife, charismatic mammals, and countless endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.

  With expert guidance, comfortable accommodations, and a well-paced schedule, this tour delivers the perfect blend of adventure, learning, and exceptional photographic opportunities.

• Guides: Edwin Martinez, Noel Casaje
• Expected Temperature Range:

  Expect cold to warm temperatures.

• Main Photo:

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