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Quito, Ecuador / Quito, Ecuador
8 Days/7 Nights
Level 2 - What's This?
Up To 7 Guests
Choco Andino de Pichincha & Antisana Ecological Reserve: Explore these biodiverse regions, offering unrivaled opportunities to capture rare and striking bird species in their natural habitats.
Andean Cock-of-the-rock & Majestic Toucans: Photograph iconic species, including the vibrant Andean Cock-of-the-rock and the stunning Toucans, in their most captivating moments.
Private Visits & Multi-flash Setups: Gain exclusive access to iconic avian reserves and use multi-flash setups at bird feeders for perfect, detailed shots.
Personalized Guidance: Receive one-on-one coaching from expert wildlife photographers and local birding guides to elevate your bird photography skills.
Embark on an extraordinary wildlife photography adventure in the birding paradise of Ecuador, a country renowned for its rich avian diversity. Prepare to be mesmerized as you delve into a vibrant avian wonderland, where Ecuador's cloud forest becomes your playground. With over 550 of the estimated 1,660 species of birds found in Ecuador residing in this region, you'll have the privilege of capturing the essence of South America's avifauna.
Our meticulously crafted 8-day workshop will transport you to the heart of Ecuador's avian hotspots, including the legendary Choco Andino de Pichincha and Antisana Ecological Reserve. These biodiverse havens are revered by photographers and bird enthusiasts worldwide, offering unparalleled opportunities to capture the rarest and most striking species in exquisite detail.
Under the expert guidance of our seasoned wildlife photography professionals and passionate local birding guides, you'll step into a world brimming with vibrant plumage, enchanting melodies, and captivating behaviors. From the resplendent Andean Cock-of-the-rock to the majestic Toucans and the charming Parrots, each moment presents an extraordinary chance to immortalize nature's fleeting wonders through your lens.
To enhance your photography experience, we've arranged private visits to iconic avian reserves, granting you exclusive access to these coveted locations. Additionally, multi-flash setups at some of the region's iconic feeders ensure remarkable opportunities to capture the birds in their most alluring poses.
Imagine the thrill of capturing that perfect shot, freezing the intricate details of a bird's colorful plumage and revealing its true essence in all its glory. With our intimate group size, you'll receive personalized attention and invaluable insights, equipping you with the knowledge and techniques needed to elevate your bird photography to new heights.
As you embark on this unforgettable journey, find solace in the exquisite accommodations of our cloud forest lodge. Nestled amidst nature's embrace, it offers a sanctuary of tranquility and comfort, providing the perfect space to recharge your spirits and forge lasting connections with fellow wildlife enthusiasts.
Every aspect of your expedition has been meticulously arranged, from luxurious accommodations and delectable meals to seamless transportation and exclusive access to the most captivating birding locations. We've left no stone unturned, ensuring that your focus remains solely on capturing the awe-inspiring beauty of Ecuador's avifauna.
Join us on this remarkable wildlife photography odyssey, where every click of your camera shutter holds the promise of an extraordinary encounter. Prepare to unleash your creativity, immerse yourself in the splendor of Ecuador's birdlife, and return home with a collection of masterpieces that will be the envy of photographers around the world. This is your chance to witness the magic of Ecuador's Birds of Paradise and etch their magnificence into your photography legacy.
All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
All transportation during the workshop
All lodging during the workshop
Airport transfers
All permits and park fees
Exclusive private access & multi-flash setups to select reserves
Professional photography guiding and instruction
An experienced, local birding guide
Gratuity for service staff
Flights to and from Quito, Ecuador (UIO)
Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
Lodging outside workshop dates
Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs and personal items
Gratuity for photography guide(s)
Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.
Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1 (D)
Arrive in Quito, Ecuador. Transfers from the airport to the arrival hotel will be arranged. We will meet in the evening at our arrival hotel for orientation and dinner.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
We will start with an early departure from Quito and head towards Antisana Ecological Reserve, to see the elusive Andean condor. We will lunch at a restaurant in the area and then make our way to the Mindo Cloud Forest. Depending on conditions and activity, there could be an opportunity to stop at the Alambi Reserve.
Standout species: Andean condor, Giant Hummingbird, Ecuadorian Hillstar.
Days 3 (B,L,D)
Today, we'll focus on the extraordinary Fruit Tour Feeder in the morning and the Milpe Reserves in the afternoon.
Standout species: Choco Trogon, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, White-whiskered Puffbird, Black-crowned Antshrike, Scarlet-breasted Dacnis, Club-winged Manakin, Green Thorntail, White Whiskered Hermit, Geen-Crowned Brilliant, Green-Crowned Woodnymph.
Day 4 (B,L,D)
Today, we'll focus on Paz de las Aves Reserve in the morning and La Victoria in the afternoon, for a chance to photograph the Andean Cock-of-the-rock
Standout species: Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Giant Antpitta, Moustached Antpitta, Yellow-breasted Antpitta, Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, Ochre-breasted Antpitta, Toucan Barbet.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
Today, we'll spend the morning at the Sachatamia Hide & Feeders. In the afternoon, we'll visit Punto Ornitológico, a private bird watching reserve, within the Mindo Cloud Forest.
Standout species: Masked Trogon, strong-billed Woodcreeper, Rufous Motmot, Squirrel Cuckoo
Day 6 (B,L,D)
Today, we'll spend the morning at the Mariposas de Mindo butterfly reserve, a butterfly breeding farm, where you have the opportunity to photography more than 1000 butterflies flying all around you. In the afternoon, we'll visit Balcón Tumpiki, another private birding reserve.
Standout species: Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Toucan Barbet.
Day 7 (B,L,D)
Today, we'll spend the day at the amazing Santa Rosa Feeder.
Standout species: Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Blue-capped Tanager, Hoary Puffleg, Crested Guan, Rose-faced Parrot, Bat Falcon
Day 8 (B, L)
On our final day, as we depart the Mindo Cloud Forest, we will visit the Zuro Loma Reserve, before having lunch and returning to Quito. Flights home can be booked in the evening.
Standout species: Sword-billed Hummingbird, Shining Sunbeam, Golden-breasted Puffleg, Andean Guan, Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager.
In Quito, situated at 9,300 feet, you might experience mild elevation sickness. Symptoms could include headache, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and fatigue.
Mindo, our primary destination, sits at 4,000 feet elevation. You should feel comfortable there. However, please be aware that our accommodations are nestled on a steep hillside. Though close to the lobby, accessing the rooms may pose a challenge.
The hike to the Cock of the Rock is over a ¾-mile hilly terrain, so anticipate working up a sweat.
Driving into the Antisana Ecological Reserve, we will reach elevations around 4,000 to 4,300 meters (13,120 to 14,100 feet) above sea level. The main roads and viewpoints, such as those near La Mica Lagoon, are at these altitudes.
Some of our hikes take place in dark, dense jungle environments, making conditions quite demanding.
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.