A Photography & Wildlife Expedition

Dawn Discovery & Canopy Exploration

Your second day begins at 6:00 AM, immersing you in the vibrant morning activity of the Chocó Cloud Forest. You will head out for an early-bird observation session to witness the forest waking up, followed by a walk to the iconic observation tower. From this vantage point, you will have a breathtaking, bird’s-eye view of the canopy, perfect for photography and spotting rare species in their natural habitat.

Afternoon Trek & Lodge Refinement

Following your morning heights, you will embark on a guided, moderate-paced hike through the lush forest floor, designed to provide a closer look at the unique biodiversity of the reserve. After returning to the lodge, you will enjoy a curated lunch featuring fresh, local ingredients. Your evening is focused on relaxation and reflection, concluding with a gourmet dinner at the lodge that highlights regional flavors, allowing you to recharge for the adventures ahead.

Morning Immersion Begin your day with a gourmet breakfast at the lodge, overlooking the mist-covered peaks of the Chocó. Following breakfast, we embark on a moderate-paced hike to the Mashpi Mariposarium (Butterfly House). This provides a rare, close-up opportunity to photograph the intricate life cycles and vibrant patterns of endemic butterflies, a highlight for any photography enthusiast.

The Hummingbird Sanctuary After exploring the Mariposarium, we continue our walk to the Hummingbird Observation area. This is a premier location for birders and photographers, allowing you to capture these high-speed, iridescent creatures at eye level in their natural feeding environment. The afternoon remains open for you to refine your shots or enjoy a quiet, catered lunch back at the lodge, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the cloud forest.

Farewell to the Cloud Forest & Journey to Quito After a final breakfast immersed in the Chocó canopy, we depart the Mashpi Reserve to begin our transit into the heart of the Andes. We will travel through the dramatic landscape changes from the lush, humid cloud forest back into the crisp, high-altitude air of the Andean corridor.

A Cultural Anchor in Quito Upon arriving in Quito, you will check into Casa Gangotena, an exquisite, boutique hotel located directly in the heart of the city’s historic center. This afternoon is yours to enjoy at a moderate pace, exploring the surrounding colonial architecture or simply relaxing in the elegant atmosphere of the hotel. Your evening is reserved for a refined, gourmet dinner within the hotel, providing a sophisticated transition from the wild biodiversity of the previous days to the rich heritage and culture of the Ecuadorian highlands.

Morning Transit to the Northern Andes

We depart Quito today, journeying north into the fertile Imbabura province to reach the legendary Hacienda Zuleta. This historic 17th-century estate is a cornerstone of Andean heritage, offering a serene environment where the legacy of Ecuadorian culture is preserved alongside a stunning, protected natural landscape.

Afternoon Highland Exploration

After settling into your room, we head out for a moderate-paced exploration of the vast estate grounds. This is a prime opportunity to photograph the famous Zuleta horses, which roam freely across the expansive, high-altitude pastures. Whether you are observing the horses in the dramatic afternoon light or learning about the estate’s long-standing conservation and community programs, the day is designed to connect you deeply with the spirit of the highlands. We conclude the day with a traditional, gourmet highland meal, showcasing the farm-to-table excellence that makes this property a unique highlight of your expedition.

Today we prioritize a visit to the Condor Huasi Project, an internationally recognized conservation initiative managed by the Galo Plaza Lasso Foundation. Here, you will gain exclusive insight into the vital work of rescuing, rehabilitating, and reintroducing the majestic Andean Condor into the wild. This is a powerful, educational experience that highlights the critical importance of protecting these birds and their fragile páramo ecosystems.

Today, we depart the historic lowlands of the north and journey into the dramatic, high-altitude landscapes of the Cotopaxi National Park. As we ascend, you will witness the shift in flora and terrain—from the lush green valleys of Imbabura to the stark, breathtaking "páramo" (high-altitude moorland) that defines the shadow of the Andes’ most iconic volcanoes.

Arrival at Tambopaxi Lodge

We arrive at Tambopaxi Lodge, uniquely positioned at the base of the mighty Cotopaxi Volcano. The lodge serves as your basecamp for exploring this rugged, volcanic frontier. The afternoon is dedicated to acclimation and photography; the landscape here is defined by wide-open plains, sweeping volcanic views, and the constant, towering presence of snow-capped peaks. We enjoy a dinner at the lodge, perfectly designed for the high-altitude climate, allowing you to settle in for two nights at the heart of one of the most stunning geological corridors in South America. Here we can do a light hiking and observe nature.

We rise early to capture the golden hour as it illuminates the snow-capped summit of the Cotopaxi Volcano. The morning light on the volcanic plains offers unparalleled photography opportunities, with the expansive páramo grasslands glowing under the shadow of the peaks. We head toward the Limpiopungo Lagoon, a serene, high-altitude sanctuary where you can photograph wild horses and a variety of highland bird species against the dramatic reflection of the volcano in the glacial waters.

The Amazonian Transit Your Amazonian adventure begins with a morning flight from Quito to Coca. Upon arrival, your expedition guide will be waiting to facilitate a seamless transition into the rainforest. This is a day defined by the journey itself: you will board a private motorized boat for a 5-hour expedition down the Napo River, witnessing the forest transition from secondary growth to pristine primary jungle.

Arrival at the Lodge Upon reaching the Sani community port, you will transfer to a traditional canoe for a 30-minute paddle through blackwater channels—a serene experience that allows for intimate wildlife spotting. Your arrival culminates in a 30-minute immersive trek through the forest to reach Sani Lodge. After settling into your bungalow, the remainder of the afternoon is dedicated to acclimation and an introductory walk, followed by a locally sourced dinner as you listen to the night chorus of the Amazon.

Dawn at the Licks We start early in the morning to catch the morning activity at the famous clay licks. This is a premier photographic experience, offering the rare chance to witness and capture vibrant macaws and parrots in their natural feeding behavior.

Birds-Eye Canopy Following this, we ascend the Sani Canopy Tower. Elevated high above the rainforest floor, this vantage point provides unmatched opportunities for bird photography, including toucans, tanagers, and primates, all within the immersive green expanse of the canopy.

Primary Forest Expedition Today is dedicated to the absolute heart of the Yasuní Biosphere. After an early breakfast, we embark on a comprehensive trek through the primary forest, led by your expert naturalist guide. The focus of the day is "silent observation"—moving at a moderate, mindful pace to maximize our chances of spotting and photographing the rich avian life that thrives in the mid-story and understory.

Canopy & Understory Birding The Yasuní region is world-renowned for its bird diversity. Throughout the trek, we will dedicate time to observing species such as manakins, trogons, and motmots. Your guide will help you identify the unique vocalizations and behaviors of these birds, providing a rare, up-close look at the intricate relationships between the forest flora and its feathered inhabitants. Whether you are aiming for high-speed action shots or intimate portraits of vibrant plumage, this deep-jungle trek offers some of the most rewarding wildlife photography opportunities of the entire trip.

Aquatic Exploration & Evening Reflection After a jungle-inspired lunch, we spend the afternoon navigating the blackwater lagoons by canoe. This quiet mode of transport allows us to reach hidden areas of the reserve where aquatic birds—like the prehistoric-looking Hoatzin—are often found. As we return to the lodge for your final Amazonian dinner, the day concludes with the powerful, immersive soundscape of the rainforest at night, perfectly capping off your deep-jungle expedition.

The Final River Transit

We rise at 5:00 AM for a final, quick breakfast before boarding our canoe. This early departure allows us to traverse the blackwater channels and the Napo River while the jungle is most active. You will arrive at the Coca airport in time for your flight back to Quito, completing your transition from the Amazonian basin back to the Andean highlands.

Rest & Preparation in Quito

Upon arrival in Quito, we will transfer you to the Wyndham Quito Airport. Given that many international flights depart late in the evening or at midnight, this hotel provides the ideal "base camp" for your final hours in Ecuador. You will have a day room available to shower, rest, and organize your gear before your late-night departure. The hotel’s proximity to the terminal ensures a stress-free transition, allowing you to reflect on your 12-day expedition across Ecuador’s diverse ecosystems before heading to your international gate.