Ecuador
Ecuador with Roy Toft: a Nature Photographer’s Paradise!
Join award-winning wildlife photographer Roy Toft on this immersive photography workshop in Ecuador, designed to capture the country’s stunning biodiversity from sea level to the heights of Yanacocha. Explore diverse regions like Mindo, Mashpi, Santa Rosa, and Sumaco, photographing everything from mountain toucans and tanagers to the iconic Andean Cock of the Rock, plus myriad hummingbirds. With expertly planned itineraries, each location offers unparalleled opportunities for macro, landscape, and bird photography. Along the way, we’ll even make a nocturnal quest for the almost unbelievable-looking Pinocchio Lizard.
Our Ecuador photography tour is tailor-made for passionate wildlife and nature photographers, offering an extraordinary opportunity to capture the mesmerizing beauty of Ecuador’s diverse flora and fauna.
PHOTOGRAPHY TARGETS AND HIGHLIGHTS
- Vibrant and colorful tropical bird species, such as Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Toucan Barbet, and the striking Andean Cock of the Rock
- A dazzling variety of hummingbirds, including Gorgeted Sunangel, Sword-billed Hummingbird, and Violet-tailed Sylph
- Chocó endemics like Moss-backed and Flame-faced Tanagers
- Elusive cloud forest species, such as the enigmatic Pinocchio Lizard
KEY LOCATIONS
Yanacocha, Mindo, Mashpi, Santa Rosa Bird Lodge, Septimo Paraiso, Guango, Sumaco Lodge, Antisana National Park
EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit the Zuro Loma Reserve to photograph the Sword-billed Hummingbird, Chestnut-naped Equatorial Antpitta, and Ocellated Tapaculo.
- Photograph at Santa Rosa Reserve with its setups designed for capturing tanagers, toucans, and hummingbirds.
- Explore Paz de las Antpittas Reserve to observe Andean Cock of the Rocks and photograph the famously friendly antpittas.
- A special nocturnal search for the remarkable Pinocchio Lizard.
- Journey to the paramo landscapes of Antisana National Park, home to the Andean Condor and unique high-altitude species.
More Details
Accommodations
San Jose del Puembo (2 nights), Santa Rosa Bird Lodge (2 nights), Septimo Paraiso Lodge (3 nights), Guango Lodge (1 night), Cabañas San Isidro (1 night), Sumaco Lodge (2 nights)
Weather and climate
In October and November, Ecuador’s weather varies with elevation. The highland regions, like Yanacocha and Antisana, experience cooler temperatures ranging from 45°F to 65°F (7°C to 18°C), with occasional mist and rain. In contrast, the cloud forest and foothill regions, such as Mindo and Santa Rosa, are warmer, with temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C). This period generally falls in the transition from the dry season to the rainy season, so participants should be prepared for a mix of sunny days and some rain showers.
Tour Details
Price: $6,577 per person, double occupancy
Single Supplement: $350
Included: Lodging, meals, in-country transportation, guides, park entrance fees.
Not Included: Passport fees, visa fees, International airfare, alcoholic beverages, personal items, tips, travel insurance.
From: Quito (UIO)
Minimum Participants: 6
Participant Limit: 10
Activity Level: Easy
Deposit: A 30% deposit is required to reserve space on this tour.
Tour Leaders: Roy Toft and local guide
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Natural Selections Tours thanks Zeiss Optics in partnering with us to advance birding, ecotourism, and conservation. Zeiss Optics is a world leader in quality optics products and service, and we are proud to work together making our world a better place by seeing beyond, together!