Getting to our destination is part of the unique adventure of this trip. We will take a motorized canoe along the Napo River and then transfer into other boats that take us along the black-water channels and mangrove lagoons to our lodge. The lodge, operated by a local tribe, will be our base as we explore and photograph wildlife and wild habitats that surround us.
Each day will be another adventure as we go on short trips to amazing locations near our lodge. We will visit a clay lick to see parrots and parakeets, scan the trees for howler, squirrel and tamarind monkeys, watch the rivers for giant otters, caiman, iguanas and more, go out at night for frogs and insects, and peek under giant tree leaves for roosting bats. We will take a walk to one of the tallest trees in the forest and climb the stairs into its canopy as we photograph birds at this impressive elevation.
From bird and mammal photography to macro, during the day and at night, this is a photographic adventure with subjects at every turn. The colors, the sights, the sounds, they will excite your senses and spark your creativity!
Sani, A Boutique Lodge in the Heart of the Amazon: Our lodge is an oasis nestled within rich lagoons of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Sani, is run by the local Kichwa tribe that has historic roots within this jungle. The lodge is in the heart of the Amazon with palm-thatched cabins connected via a boardwalk to the spacious outdoor deck and other common areas all overlooking the river and jungle beyond.
Just 3 people per canoe: Enjoy the gentle paddle as we go through the mangroves and lagoons as we photograph and enjoy the bird life and other wildlife we encounter. We limit each canoe to just 3 people, giving you room for your camera gear and even your tripod!
Experience with the Kichwa Tribe: Our Kichwa guides here have become like family over the years. They will share the wildlife and richness of their jungle and community with you. We will visit the heart of the village, enjoy the foods and hear their stories.
Two photography instructors
Our tour is designed for photographers of all skill levels. You’ll have two instructors, Steve and Nicole, by your side throughout, to advise as you capture images of a lifetime.
Nature Lover’s Trip: While we cannot offer a discount on this trip due to our need to keep the group size small, this is a terrific trip for the non-photographer who loves spending time with wildlife. We actually have a number of non-photographers who love nature join our trips because we are not only fun to travel with but also spend time with wildlife, watching and enjoying the behaviors and activity.
Fitness Level: Easy. For most of this extension, we will be riding in canoes paddled through the lagoons by our Kichwa guides. You will need to be able to get in and out of the canoe from a dock (not land). Our night time macro photography involves walking along boardwalks close to the lodge. One of our field trips to a canopy tree to photograph birds in the treetops requires a walk of about 15 – 20 minutes along a fairly flat trail but there are about 75 stairs up to get to the top.