Price per person
Number of Days
Start/End Location
$2,850
9 days
Quito, Ecuador
Immerse yourself in the wonderful biodiversity of northern Ecuador on this exciting 9-day trip designed especially for nature lovers and bird photography enthusiasts. Ecuador, known as one of the most diverse countries in terms of avifauna, offers an exceptional setting to capture breathtaking images of hummingbirds flitting among lush tropical landscapes and vibrantly colored birds adorning the cloud forests.
Book Ecuador 2025On the first day we will arrive at our hotel located in the Puembo Valley, near the Mariscal Sucre International Airport and the capital city of Quito. In the evening we will have a welcome dinner where we will meet the participants, introduce ourselves and have a short meeting in which we will inform about the activities of the following days.
Early in the morning (6 am) we will start our trip to the high cloud forest area. We will make our first stop in the parish of Nono, where we will photograph, inside a hide, the emblematic tororoi or antpitta birds, among which are the Chestnut-naped antpitta (Grallaria nuchalis), Equatorial antpitta (Grallaria saturata).
Then we will look to take pictures of an owl that lives inside the forest White-throated screech owl (Megascops albogularis), and, of course the acrobats of the air, the hummingbirds, among which we have: The famous Sword-billed hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera), Mountain Velvetbreast (Lafresnaya lafresnayi), Black-tailed trainbearer (Lesbia victoriae), Sapphire-vented puffleg (Eriocnemis luciani), and about 10 other species. If we are lucky, the Barred fruiteater (Pipreola arcuata) sometimes arrives.
Once we have achieved our goals, we will enter the Nanegalito area, where, after lunch, we will stop at a site with a great diversity of hummingbirds (up to 23 species have been counted); In this place you can take pictures of hummingbirds perched on branches, among which we have the beautiful Purple-throated woodstar (Philodice mitchellii), Fawn-breasted brilliant (Heliodoxa rubinoides), Andean emerald (Uranomitra franciae), Sparkling violetear (Colibri coruscans), Green-crowned Woodnymph (Crowned Woodnymph), among others.
Hotel: Sachatamia Lodge
In the morning we will go to a hide, where we will look for Masked trogon (Trogon personatus), Rufous motmot (Baryphthengus martii), and if luck is on our side, the famous Long-wattled umbrellabird (cephalopterus penduliger), and after breakfast we will head to a reserve to see the colorful Plate-billed mountain toucan (Andigena laminirostris), Toucan barbet (Semnornis ramphastinus).
Additionally, the reserve is excellent for tanager photography, among which we can see: Flame-faced tanager (Tangara parzudakii), Golden tanager (Tangara arthus), Blue-capped tanager (Sporathraupis cyanocephala), Black-capped tanager (Stilpnia heinei), Golden-naped tanager (Chalcothraupis ruficervix), Blue-winged mountain tanager (Anisognathus somptuosus), among others.So, as in all the cloud forest, hummingbirds also have their protagonism, here we will focus on Empress brilliant (Heliodoxa imperatrix), Green Violet-ears (Colibri thalassinus), Gorgeted sunangel (Heliangelus strophianus). About 7-9 species of hummingbirds can be found here.
At night we will do some macro photography, looking for Equatorial Anole lizard (Anolis aequatorialis), Andes Anole lizard (Anolis gemmosus), Babbling Torrenteer frog (Hyloscirtus alytolylax), Red spotted glass frog (Nymphargus grandisonae), among others.
Hotel: Sachatamia Lodge
After breakfast we will go to a transition zone between the Cloud Forest and the biodiverse Chocó Forest (1,700 to 750 meters above sea level), where we will look for birds such as the Glistening-green tanager (Chlorochrysa phoenicotis), Moss-backed tanager (Bangsia edwardsi), Black-chinned mountain tanager (Anisognathus notabilis), Orange-breasted fruiteater (Pipreola jucunda), Golden-collared Honeycreeper (Iridophanes pulcherrimus), Crimson-rumped toucanet (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus), Rose-faced Parrot (Pyrilia pulchra), among others.
After lunch we will go in search of one of the most iconic birds of the cloud forest, the Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruviana). The males concentrate in places called Lek, where, in a duel of songs and dances, they court the females.
At night it is possible to go on a night walk.
Hotel: Amagusa
After breakfast, we will go to another place where we will take our last pictures of the Cloud Forest and its beautiful species. We will be able to observe the Pale-jawed Aracari (Pteroglossus erythropygius), the Choco Toucan (Ramphastos brevis), the Yellow-throated Toucan (Ramphastos ambiguus), the Green Honeycreeper (Chlorophanes spiza) and the Red-headed Barbet (Eubucco bourcierii).
Once we finish our photos, we will start our trip to the capital of the country, Quito.
Hotel: San Jose de Puembo
We start our journey from Quito to the Antisana Ecological Reserve, in the morning we will head to the "Iscos" to try to photograph the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) flying over the valleys, as well as the Carunculated caracara (Phalcoboenus carunculatus).
Also, our objective will be to photograph the Carunculated caracara (Phalcoboenus carunculatus), a very nice raptor with colorful faces and mottled vests, as well as the Black-faced Ibis (Theristicus melanopis), birds with very long beaks that, unlike the curiquingues, are not so friendly with humans.
In addition, this area is home to the Giant Hummingbird (Patagona gigas), the largest in the world! And also the famous Ecuadorian hillstar (Orotrochirus chimborazo).
Hotel: Rio Quijos Ecolodge
During these days we will spend the mornings photographing different species of birds around the feeders and observation points of the hotel. From its terrace we will be able to photograph some species such as Scarlet-rumped Cacique (Cacicus uropygialis), Blackburnian warbler (Setophaga fusca), Saffron-crowned tanager (Tangara xanthocephala), Montane woodcreeper (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger).
This is also one of the best places to photograph the Cock-of-the-Rock (orange subspecies). After lunch, we will visit another reserve where it will be possible to photograph: Green-backed hillstar (Urochroa leucura), Gorgeted woodstar (Chaetocercus heliodor), Tawny-bellied hermit (Phaethornis syrmatophorus), Bronzy inca (Coeligena coeligena), Violet-frontedbrilliant (Heliodoxa leadbeateri), Inca jay (Cyanocorax yncas), Russet-backed oropendola (Psarocolius angustifrons), Spot-breasted woodpecker (Colaptes punctigula), among others.
Hotel: Rio Quijos Ecolodge
Early in the morning we will leave to visit the Papallacta Pass; this place is one of the best areas to observe some special birds such as the Rufous-bellied seedsnipe (Attagis gayi), Rainbow-bearded thornbill (Chalcostigma herrani), Giant conebill (Conirostrum binghami), and other birds of the páramo; in the afternoon we will go to Quito.
Hotel: San Jose de Puembo
Eight fascinating and fun-filled days will be captured in photographs. These will serve as evidence of our time together in a place where biodiversity has no limits. It is time to say "see you soon". After a comfortable rest and a delicious breakfast, we are ready to return to our homes.
Please check your flight times.
NOTE: This is an itinerary that may be subject to change due to weather, safety and the particular interests of the group. Any changes will be made in order to maximize wildlife viewing and photography.
- Meals during the tour.
- Expert local guide.
- Expert photographic guide.
- Double accommodation to share.
- Private vehicle and driver.
- Entrance to the reserves.
- Additional nights.
- International airfare.
- Dinners in Quito (Night 1, 5 and 8).
- Alcoholic beverages, bottled water and snacks.
- Laundry service.
- Personal expenses.
- Any other service not specified in the document.
- Tips.
The workshop is intended for photographers of all levels. To get the most out of it, it is important to have a knowledge and handling of the basic concepts of manual photography, such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO and focal range.
It is mandatory to purchase travel insurance.
Check entry requirements to and from Ecuador.
- Interchangeable lens digital camera (Mirrorless or DSLR).
- Telephoto lens for wildlife photography. Recommended focal lengths are 100-400mm, 150-600mm, 200-500mm, 200-600mm, or fixed lenses such as 400mm F2.8, 500mm F4 or 600mm F4.
- Macro lens and flash system. This can be 90mm Macro, 60mm Macro, or 105mm Macro. It is recommended to bring an external flash with its respective transmitter and diffuser.
- Standard lens for general photography. Especially required for landscape photography. Focal lengths between 18-50mm or 24-70mm are recommended.
- Extra camera batteries (minimum 3).
- Sufficient memory cards.
- Comfortable clothing for long hours outdoors.
- Thermal clothing for daytime in Antisana.
- Boots or shoes suitable for hiking .
-Flashlight suitable for night hiking.
-Hat or cap
-Low denomination cash (less than $50) for personal expenses.
Costa Rican Photographer, Diver, Explorer and graduate in Industrial Design Engineering with emphasis in Digital Design. Founder of PhotoLior, providing alternative wildlife photography tours focused on an audience with a desire to explore the natural wealth of the world, recognized among the finalists of the Close Up Photographer of the Year, published in National Geographic Spain and collaborator in projects of scientific dissemination and conservation through photography.
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The reservation deposit is non-refundable. We will not reserve camps without the reservation deposit.
Cost per Single Room: $500 USD If you wish to reserve a room just for yourself without having to share with another person on the expedition.
1,000 USD must be paid before January 19, 2025 (3 months before).
1,000 USD must be paid before March 19, 2025 (1 month before).
Reservation Deposit:
The reservation deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable to another workshop.It should be made as soon as possible to secure the place in the expedition.
It can be made in two parts: one to reserve the place and the second one month later to complete it.If the total amount of the deposit is not completed in the stipulated time, the place will be released and the deposited amount will be forfeited.
Places will not be reserved without a deposit.
First Partial Payment: Before January 19, 2025.
Final Payment: By March 19, 2025.
No one wants to miss the trip! However, if you need to cancel your participation, refunds will be handled as follows:
The reservation deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable to another workshop.
If cancelled before January 19, 2025: 100% of the amount paid to date will be refunded, except for the reservation deposit.
If cancelled between January 19 and March 19, 2025: 50% of the amount paid to date will be refunded, except for the reservation deposit.
If cancelled after March 19, 2025: no refunds will be made.
If you wish to cancel and get all your money back, including the reservation deposit, you must find someone to take your place in the expedition.
In the event of a force majeure inconvenience, such as adverse weather conditions, mechanical problems, accidents or illness, and the workshop cannot take place, PhotoLior will negotiate directly with the participants to coordinate a replacement..
Accidents:
1.A. PhotoLior is not responsible for participants' accidents and will not cover medical expenses in case they are necessary. During the workshop, each participant is responsible for his/her safety and physical integrity.
1.B. PhotoLior is not responsible for accidents or loss of photographic equipment during the workshop. Each participant is responsible for his or her photographic equipment.
Punctuality: 2.
2.A. The workshop starts on the determined date and in a timely manner. All participants must be at the location established for the starting day of the workshop. In case of delays due to inconveniences, the participant must contact a PhotoLior representative as soon as possible. 3.
Respect:
3.A. Respect and patience are essential for a successful workshop. Participants may have varying levels of knowledge of the subject matter, so patience is required when explaining topics they have already mastered. Each participant's area of photography must be respected. Disrespect towards other members of the workshop or staff will not be allowed.
Climate:
4.A. The tour and its itinerary are weather dependent and may change at any time. We will always keep an eye out for the best weather conditions to determine where to go and optimize your photography.
