Starts | Dec 1st 2021 |
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Ends | Dec 12th 2021 |
Leader | Steve Gettle & Nicole Sudduth |
Price | $4,750 |
Deposit | $1,000 |
Participants | 8 (Full - Accepting Wait List) |
Experience the wonders of the Andean cloud forest as we photograph birds and other wildlife of the Tandayapa Valley, Mindo Valley and Sumaco foothills. Experience completely different bird species as we visit locations that range from 4,500 to 9,000 feet in elevation. Photograph some of the most stunning subjects Ecuador has to offer!
We designed this tour to take you into the heart of some of the richest locations Ecuador has to offer. We will be staying at top rated lodges that offer not only exceptional comfort and good food but also extraordinary photographic opportunities. In addition to the rich flora and fauna at the lodges, we have a series of field trips planned throughout the tour. These include excursions give us access to unique species otherwise not seen.
Wednesday, December 1
Arrive in Quito, Transfer to hotel.
Thursday, December 2 through Friday, December 3 – Guango and the Papallacta Pass
We visit this area mainly for the incredible Swordbill and Chestnut-breasted Coronet Hummingbirds, as well as many other species of bird including the Torrent Duck.
Friday, December 3 thru Saturday, December 4 – Sumaco Volcano Area
This is a wild area that will give us a glimpse into the wildlife of the Amazon. Our lodge is set on a ridge on the eastern side of the Andean foothills. Panoramic views of the Rio Punco Valley, the Andes mountains and beyond can be enjoyed as we discover and photograph incredible diversity of birds, frogs, butterflies and more. Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, antpittas and monkeys are often seen here too.
Sunday, December 5 thru Tuesday, December 7 – Tandayapa Valley
We will stay at one of the most famous birding locations in Ecuador and use this as our base as we not only photograph birds around the grounds but also go on excursions as we explore the western slope of the Andes. During these field trips, we will visit hots-pots designed for photographers. We will be in the cloud forest one day and up at an elevation of 12,000 feet another as we track different Choco endemics present at different elevations. High-speed flash to capture hummingbirds in flight will be just one of the highlights that you will enjoy during these days!
Wednesday, December 8 thru Friday, December 10 – Mindo Valley
This all new lodge is a bird photographers paradise with blinds setup for insect eating birds and an incredible reflecting pond for birds to drink at. Toucans, tanagers, trograns, antpittas, woodcreepers, and a dizzying array of hummingbirds that are perfect for both perched and flight photography, this location has also proven itself extremely productive. This is another spot where we will set up our high-speed flash system for you to photograph gorgeous hummingbirds in flight. In addition, on one of our days here we will take a field trip to yet another bird rich area for more diverse bird photography.
Saturday, December 11 – Transfer day
We will spend the morning photographing at the lodge, then return to our hotel in Quito where we will have our farewell dinner.
For those with flights departing at or around midnight, you will be transferred to the airport at 9pm.
Sunday, December 12 – Travel day
For those with flights home today, you will be transferred to the airport.
Deposit of $1,000 due with your reservation
Balance of $3,750 due September 1st 2021