Mainland Ecuador,
All-inclusive, Hummingbird and Tropical Rainforest Bird Photography, Add-On Tour
Examples of the photos you could get if you join this tour...
About the tourSince we’ll all be in Ecuador at the end of our Galapagos tour, I’ve decided to stay a few days and to chase after hummingbirds and other tropical species with a smaller group of interested Galapagos attendees.
Mainland Ecuador straddles the equator between Columbia and Peru. It is jam-packed with more diversity than many nations ten times its size. There are exuberant cities, tropical rainforests, ice-capped volcanoes, and palm-fringed beaches all in an area about the size of the state of Nevada. We’ll want to at least experience some of the incredible rainforest while here - and we’ll do that by visiting a couple of cloud forest reserves during this add-on tour - where hummingbird photography will be our main focus, with other tropical birds also on our wish-list. Ecuador’s animal and plant biodiversity is astounding. This small Andean nation boasts 1600 bird species, 4500 butterfly and 3500 orchid varieties. Each of the two lodges we'll visit has different birds and a variety of unique opportunities to photograph a wide variety of birds up close. Learn how to use flash to stop the motion of hummingbirds, get frame filling portraits of colorful birds or sit back and simply enjoy watching the acrobatic antics of these wonderful flying bundles of energy. With or without a camera - it is pure nature entertainment that lasts all day long. This is a wildlife photo tour, which means we’ll be traveling together and I will be photographing alongside you. Our time will be spent working on mostly hummingbird (and some other bird types) photography. One-on-one image review, and group critique sessions are optional as space and time allow.
We will stay at 2 different cloud forest lodges. All lodging, transportation and meals are included. We will be a group of 8 participants and me, your leader. ItineraryOn May 4th, 2020 we'll wake up in Quito after finishing up our Galapagos tour the day before. We'll say goodbye to those folks who attended the Galapagos tour but won't be joining us on the add-on tour. During the morning we'll be transferred by mini-bus to our first rainforest lodge (drive time of about 1-2 hours). After checking in and getting settled we'll start shooting our first hummingbirds. Species of special note here include the Blue Flowerpeircer and the amazing Swordbill Hummingbird.
May 5-6, 2020 - All day shooting hummingbirds with plenty of time to rest, relax and enjoy three hearty meals/day at the lodge. Evenings or mid-day breaks to share images, talk about techniques for hummingbird photography or to sit around the lodge with a coffee or an adult beverage. Possible option of a hike in the rainforest simply to birdwatch. May 7, 2020 - After breakfast we transfer to our second rainforest lodge (drive time of 3-4 hours). Check in and get settled then see what new species of birds await us at this place. Special birds here include the Booted Rackettail, the Longtailed Sylph and possibly toucanets. May 8-9, 2020 - All day shooting birds with plenty of time to rest, relax and enjoy three hearty meals/day at the lodge. Evenings or mid-day breaks to share images, talk about techniques for bird photography or to sit around the comfortable lounge with a beverage of choice. May 10, 2020 - Transfer to Quito and our familiar hotel near the airport. If flying out today please don't book a flight before 8pm. Those flying out the next day (May 11th) have 1 more night in Quito for a last group dinner before we all go our separate ways. May 11, 2020 - Fly home this day. |
About youAll levels of photographers are welcome on my tours, from the beginner to the seasoned pro. Anyone with any type of camera is welcome, but for real hummingbird images, a true DSLR camera will provide the best results. Your lens should have the 35mm equivalent of 400mm (minimum) for this Ecuador hummingbird tour. More telephoto power is useful as well. I'll be bringing a Tamron 150-600mm lens, which will be the perfect lens range for this tour. You'll also want a tripod and separate flash unit for your camera (detailed packing list will be sent to all participants).
You should be reasonably fit and able to walk over sometimes rough terrain for this trip. You should feel comfortable climbing up steep, large steps and standing for long periods of time while working on hummingbird photos. Contact me with any and all questions. I'd love to hear from you! Summary of Essentials, Cost, etc.
When: May 4-11, 2020
Where: Begins in Quito, Ecuador on May 4, 2020 and ends in Quito, Ecuador on May 11, 2020 Cost: $2,795/person (in double occupancy rooms) (single supplement is $425 if you want your own room) Limit: Max. 8 participants Tour cost Includes:
Not included in tour cost: Roundtrip airfare from your home town to Quito, Ecuador. airport transfers/taxis in Quito, Alcoholic drinks, excess baggage fees, tips for driver/guide/lodge staff, Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry services, etc. PaymentPersonal checks are preferred for all payments.
A welcome packet will be sent to you after receipt of a $1,000 trip deposit. Email me about using Paypal. Deposits and any personal check payments should be sent to: Don Mammoser 12503 Venable Creek Street Parker CO 80134 Especially for this trip: I highly recommend trip insurance. Please read my policies page before sending any money 
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