Ecuador: From the Andes to the Amazon

Eleven days from Quito through Mindo, Antisana páramo, Papallacta, Napo jungle, and Wildsumaco.

Salidas17–27 Jul · 13–23 Sep 2027

Duration11 days

GrupoMax. 6 photographers

Precio$5,800 p/p

Sword-billed HummingbirdEcuador · Photo by Dennis Fernández

An expedition designed for photographers: hides, feeders, and natural setups where the light and birds are optimal.

Two departures in 2027. Maximum six photographers per departure. Field-led by Dennis Fernández, from Geo Expedition CR, with expert local guides at each private site.

Upcoming departures

17–27 July 2027

Max. 6 photographers

13–23 September 2027

Max. 6 photographers

$5,800 per person
Single room supplement $500. Non-refundable deposit of $1,000 to reserve. Balance due 90 days before departure.

Cancellation: no additional charge 60 or more days in advance. See the full policy below.

One day at a time

The itinerary

Day 01

Quito to Mindo, Guaycapi Lodge

Two sessions en route: Zuro Loma Reserve (Sword-billed Hummingbird, Booted Racket-tail, Andean Pygmy-Owl) and Alambi Reserve (Violet-tailed Sylph, Purple-backed Thornbill, Andean Emerald).

Day 02

Mindo Cloud Forest

Refugio Paz de las Aves for Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Giant Antpitta, and Cloud-forest Pygmy-Owl. Back at Guaycapi: Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Red-headed Barbet, and Golden Tanager.

Day 03

Nanegalito

Hides, feeders, and setups: Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Toucan Barbet, Turquoise Jay, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, and Empress Brilliant.

Day 04

Cloud Forest and Vicente Maldonado

Hides in the morning for Long-wattled Umbrellabird and Rufous Motmot; in the afternoon, White-necked Jacobin, Purple-crowned Fairy, and White-bearded Manakin.

Day 05

Highlands and Tambo Cóndor

Andean Guan, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, and Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager; then Giant Hummingbird and Great Sapphirewing at the lodge.

Day 06

Antisana and Papallacta

Early session in the páramo for Ecuadorian Hillstar, Andean Condor, Carunculated Caracara, and Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle. Overnight at Guango Lodge.

Day 07

Papallacta Cloud Forest

Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Torrent Duck, and White-capped Dipper; then perches for hummingbirds such as Rufous-capped Thornbill and Long-tailed Sylph.

Day 08

Amazonian Foothills, Ama Ecolodge

Trip to Puerto Misahuallí and afternoon trails: Hoatzin, Rufous-crested Coquette, and Turquoise Tanager, with a high probability of spider monkeys.

Day 09

Jungle Rivers

Morning canoe trip for the Sunbittern, Snail Kite, and Black-fronted Nunbird. The afternoon is dedicated to the Fiery Topaz.

Day 10

Wildsumaco Lodge and feeders

Foothill trails for the Spotted Nightingale-Thrush, Napo Sabrewing, and Black-throated Brilliant. With a local guide, feeders and surroundings: Striolated Puffbird, White-throated Toucan, Yellow-headed Woodpecker, and Magpie Tanager.

Day 11

Return to Quito

Transfer to Mariscal Sucre International Airport.

The photographs we seek

Also: Gallito de la roca andino · Long-wattled Umbrellabird · Ecuadorian Hillstar · Andean Condor · Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan · Fiery Topaz · Giant Antpitta

Andean Cloud ForestParamoHigh Andean ValleysAmazon RainforestFoothill Jungle

Included

All meals
Hotels and lodges
Entrance fees to all reserves
Private 4x4 transportation
Local guides at private sites
Photography guide throughout the trip
Service taxes

Not included

International flights
Visa if applicable
Travel insurance
Laundry
Alcoholic beverages
Gratuities
Hospitalization and evacuation

Recommended gear

Telephoto lens 400–600 mm
Fast zoom 100–400 mm
Wide-angle lens for habitat
Tripod or monopod
Rain protection and dry bags
Layered clothing for the páramo cold

Payments

Non-refundable deposit of $1,000 USD per person to book.
The balance is due 90 days before the start.
Single room supplement: $500.
Deposits are applied immediately to hotels, permits, and local arrangements.

Cancellation policy · expeditions

Cancellations made 60 days or more before the start of the photography tour: no additional charge.
Cancellations made between 59 and 30 days prior: 50% refund of the reservation, except for the initial deposit paid.
Cancellations made 29 days or less before the photography tour: no refund.
Early departures or late arrivals: no refund on the written reservation.
No-show: no refund for the reservation.

Geo Expedition CR