Extend your trip with – Macro photography in Chocos lowland rainforest, Ecuador 3rd-6th May 2027. Read more here…
SOME HIGHLIGHTS
- Excellent opportunities to see and photograph a wide variety of beautiful hummingbirds at close range, including the spectacular Sword-billed Hummingbird – the only bird in the world with a bill longer than its own body
- We hope to enjoy the Purple-throated Woodstar, one of the smallest hummingbirds, whose behaviour most closely resembles that of a bumblebee
- Excellent opportunities to see and photograph the emblematic bird, the Andean Cock-of-the-rock
- We encounter colourful and diverse birds from the families of toucans, barbets, and the highly varied tanagers
- Visits to pristine cloud forests with giant trees featuring buttress roots, towering tree ferns, twisting lianas, and moss-covered tree trunks
- Visit to a salt lick in the Amazon rainforest, where we have the chance to experience several species of parrots coming down to drink. One of the true wonders of the Amazon
- We will encounter many primates during the journey, and with a bit of luck, we may see the pygmy marmoset, the world’s smallest primate
- We experience the thrill of silently paddling along small winding waterways in the Amazon rainforest, where new discoveries seem to await around every bend in the river
- Visits to magnificent canopy towers where we experience “canopy species” – the incredible diversity of life found high up in the treetops
- In the high-altitude grasslands of the Andes, we have the chance to see the spectacled bear, the only bear species in South America
- The tour leader will show you their best locations, and you will receive individual photography guidance and tips in a small group of like-minded photographers
There are places in the world where nature feels larger, wilder, and more alive than anywhere else. Ecuador is one of those places. Despite being a relatively small country, it contains some of the planet’s most spectacular natural environments – from the snow-covered volcanoes of the Andes to the rainforests of the Amazon, from mist-covered cloud forests to the tropical Pacific coast. For nature photographers, Ecuador is an almost endless landscape of colours, contrasts, and encounters with wildlife.
Here we can experience hummingbirds in the morning light, condors soaring above high-altitude plains, and the intense greenery of the rainforest filled with monkeys, parrots, and exotic insects. Light changes rapidly between different elevations and climates, creating fantastic opportunities for varied photography throughout the journey. Ecuador is also one of the most species-rich countries in the world per square kilometre – a paradise for landscape photographers as well as bird, macro, and wildlife photography enthusiasts.
What makes Ecuador so special is the diversity. Within just a few days, we can travel from high volcanic landscapes to tropical rainforest filled with unique wildlife. Few countries offer such immense biological and geographical variation over such short distances. For nature photographers, this means a journey filled with contrasts and creative possibilities. Here there are opportunities to work with everything from dramatic landscapes and action-packed bird photography to intimate macro images and documentary-style nature stories.
But perhaps it is above all the atmosphere that stays with you. The morning mist in the cloud forest. The intense sounds of the rainforest in the darkness of night. Ecuador is not just a destination – it is a nature experience that leaves a lasting impression. For those searching for the next great photography adventure, Ecuador is a country that exceeds expectations. Here, nature’s full drama, colour, and vitality await – ready to be captured through your lens.
ANDEAN GRASSLANDS, PÁRAMO
The highest-altitude sections on our tour take us into the Andes, where towering volcanoes, deep valleys, and traditional mountain villages create a spectacular backdrop. Several national parks protect vast páramo landscapes – the high-altitude grasslands typical of Ecuador that stretch above the tree line towards alpine glaciers and snow-covered peaks. Mornings can bring crystal-clear air and golden light slowly sweeping across the volcanic summits.
For landscape photographers, this is a dream setting. Volcanoes rise majestically above the plains, often surrounded by layers of mist and dramatic cloud formations. The wildlife is equally fascinating. With patience and a bit of luck, we may have the opportunity to see the spectacled bear.
During our visit to the open páramo landscape, we will also encounter beautifully flowering shrubs where we search for the stunning Ecuadorian Hillstar hummingbird, a species found only here and in southern Colombia. We also have the chance to see the giant hummingbird, the largest hummingbird species in the world.
ANDEAN CLOUD FORESTS
On the slopes of the Andes, the landscape changes dramatically. Here, cloud forests spread out – lush, mist-covered forests where the air is filled with moisture and birdsong. For many nature photographers, this is one of the absolute highlights of the journey.
The cloud forests are famous for their extraordinary birdlife. Hundreds of species can be found here, especially the famous hummingbirds. At specially designed feeding stations, we can get very close to these tiny jewels as they hover with incredible precision.
This is also where we can photograph species such as toucans and colourful tanagers. All lodges and reserves we visit are specially adapted for nature photographers, with open-air hides and photography areas. Birds are attracted to these locations with flowering trees, bushes, orchids, perches, and specially designed hummingbird feeders.
Macro photographers will also find endless subjects. Orchids, butterflies, frogs, and insects in incredible colours are hidden throughout the vegetation. The combination of high humidity and biodiversity means that almost every walk offers new photographic opportunities.
The cloud forest is also a place where atmosphere can take centre stage. Here, photography is not only about the subject – but also about capturing the feeling of the environment.
CHOCO FOOTHILLS
On the western slopes of the Andes in Ecuador lies the so-called Chocó foothills – one of the world’s most species-rich and humid natural regions. The landscape is dominated by dense cloud forest. Almost every day, the forest is covered by mist and low clouds drifting in from the ocean and becoming trapped along the mountain slopes.
The constant humidity creates exceptionally lush vegetation. Trees are often covered with mosses, lichens, ferns, and epiphytes – plants that grow on other plants without harming them. Branches hang heavy with orchids and bromeliads, and everywhere you hear the sound of flowing water from small streams and waterfalls. The air feels cool and moist, filled with the scents of soil, flowers, and rain.
The wildlife in the Chocó foothills is just as impressive as the vegetation. Hundreds of bird species occur here, including toucans, hummingbirds, and the spectacular Andean cock-of-the-rock. The hummingbirds are especially famous in this region, with many species shimmering in blue, green, and purple as they move between flowers.
AMAZON RAINFOREST
Further east lies the Amazon, the world’s largest rainforest. Photography here is an experience that engages all the senses. Colours are deep, sounds are constant, and life is everywhere – in the treetops, along the rivers, and in the dense undergrowth.
Our journey into the Amazon takes place by boat along the mighty Napo River. Once there, we travel in small canoes while our guides paddle along narrow waterways where every bend can reveal new encounters with wildlife. There are opportunities to photograph monkeys, caimans, sloths, and an incredible diversity of birds. Early mornings on the river often provide magical conditions with mist over the water and reflections in the calm surface.
Macro photography is especially exciting here. Brightly coloured poison dart frogs, unusual insects, and detailed plants offer endless subjects. Night photography can become one of the most memorable experiences of the trip, as the rainforest comes alive with nocturnal species and mysterious sounds.
The Amazon is not only about photographing animals – it is about capturing the feeling of the planet’s most vibrant ecosystem. Here, nature’s richness can feel almost overwhelming.
PHOTOGRAPHIC LEARNING
Throughout the tour, our photographic leader will continuously provide guidance and instruction adapted to your experience and skill level. We will have theoretical sessions focusing on composition and how to create images that are “more than just documentation”. Since we will have opportunities to use multiple flashes during the tour, we will also have a dedicated session on multi-flash photography. You do not need to bring your own flashes for this session, as equipment will be provided.
This special session offers exceptional opportunities to create extremely detailed images where the full beauty and brilliance of the birds can truly be captured. However, bringing your own flash is recommended for the other night excursions we will do during the trip.
Itinerary
Day 1 (Dinner)
Arrival in Quito and transfer to our hotel located in the Puembo Valley, close to Mariscal Sucre International Airport and the capital city of Quito. In the evening, we enjoy a welcome dinner where we have the opportunity to introduce ourselves. We will also have a short briefing about the activities planned for the following days.
Day 2 (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)
Early in the morning (around 6:00 a.m.) we begin our journey to the high-altitude cloud forest. Our first stop is at Nono, where we will photograph antpittas from a hide.
We will then search for a forest-dwelling owl, the White-throated Screech Owl. And of course, the aerodynamic masters – the hummingbirds – including the famous Sword-billed Hummingbird, Velvet-purple Coronet, Black-tailed Trainbearer, Sapphire-vented Puffleg, and around ten additional species.
After lunch, we continue down towards the Nanegalito area. Here we will visit a location with an exceptionally high diversity of hummingbirds (up to 23 species have been recorded). We will have excellent opportunities to photograph hummingbirds perched or feeding close to us, including species such as the Purple-throated Woodstar, Rufous-breasted Brilliant, Andean Emerald, Green-tailed Trainbearer, and Violet-tailed Sylph.
Day 3 (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)
In the morning, we will spend time in a hide, attempting to photograph birds such as the Masked Trogon and Rufous Motmot.
After breakfast, we visit a reserve to photograph the colourful Plate-billed Mountain Toucan (Andigena laminirostris) and the Toucan Barbet (Semnornis ramphastinus).
As throughout the cloud forest, hummingbirds are constantly present, and here we will focus on species such as the Velvet-purple Coronet and Green-tailed Trainbearer. Around 7–9 hummingbird species can be found here.
At night, we will do a macro photography session, searching for the famous Pinocchio Lizard, as well as lizard species such as Anolis aequatorialis and Anolis gemmosus. We will also look for frogs including Hyloscirtus alytolylax and the glass frog Nymphargus grandisonae.
Day 4 (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)
After breakfast, we travel to a transition zone between the cloud forest and the biologically rich Chocó forest (1,700–750 metres above sea level). Here we will search for birds including several species of tanagers, the Crimson-rumped Toucanet, and the Rose-faced Parrot.
After lunch, we will search for one of the most iconic birds of the cloud forest and the world: the Andean Cock-of-the-rock. The males gather at traditional display sites, where they perform spectacular courtship displays of songs and dances to attract females.
Day 5 (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)
In the morning, we travel to another reserve to search for and photograph birds.
In the afternoon, we return to our hotel for some rest. For those interested, there will be opportunities for a multi-flash photography session, focusing on hummingbirds.
In the evening, we visit a location where we search for one of the world’s most beautiful frogs, the Imbabura Tree Frog, as well as the lizard Enyalioides oshaughnessyi, the glass frog Espadarana prosoblepon, and possibly one or more snake species.
Day 6 (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)
After breakfast, we travel to a new area where we will take our final photographs of the cloud forest and its beautiful wildlife. The area is home to several toucan species and also supports a top predator – the tayra (Eira barbara), a member of the mustelid family.
After completing our photography session, we begin our journey back to Quito.
Day 7 (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)
From Quito, we travel to Antisana Ecological Reserve.
In the morning, we head to the Iscos area to try to photograph the Andean Condor soaring above the valleys. This area is also home to the Giant Hummingbird, the largest hummingbird species in the world.
We will also spend time searching for the elusive spectacled bear, the only bear species found in South America.
Day 8 (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)
We take a morning flight, approximately 45 minutes, from Quito to Coca (Francisco de Orellana), crossing the eastern Andes.
In Coca, we board comfortable covered canoes. We travel for around two and a half hours, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the Napo River and a snack along the way.
Later, we transfer from the motorised canoes to electric vehicles that take us to our bungalows.
In the afternoon, we make an attempt to see the world’s smallest monkey, the pygmy marmoset.
Day 9 (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)
We begin the day by enjoying sunrise from a high observation tower, offering magnificent views over the lowland rainforest and the Napo River. From here, we can see many bird species that spend much of their time in the canopy, including toucans and aracaris.
We then continue to a hide near a so-called salt lick (mineral-rich sites visited by parrots), where we can witness one of the Amazon’s most spectacular natural displays. With patience, we wait for dozens of colourful parrots of different species to descend to the ground for their first meal of the day.
At these strategic locations, we may observe around 11 species of parrots and parakeets, and possibly even the Red-and-green Macaw.
In the afternoon, we explore the forest searching for different monkey species, such as squirrel monkeys, capuchins, golden-mantled tamarins, and red howler monkeys. With luck, we will encounter several species and capture beautiful images of the rainforest.
At night, we conduct a herping session, searching for frogs, including the Ecuadorian Poison Frog, as well as snakes, boas, and other nocturnal species.
Day 10 (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)
After breakfast, we once again board quillas – smaller canoes made from tree trunks and skilfully manoeuvred by our local guides.
Paddling quietly helps avoid disturbing wildlife, allowing us to approach animals more closely.
We travel upstream along a beautiful smaller waterway rich in birdlife until reaching a small lake. Here we search for the Black Caiman, the largest caiman species in the world, which can exceed 5 metres in length.
At the lake, we will also look for the magnificent Giant Otter.
In the afternoon, we search for birds, insects, and other small species and, with some luck, may have visits from otters and caimans.
Day 11 (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)
We leave the lodge early in the morning and travel by fast motorised canoes back to Coca on the Napo River.
Our return flight from Coca to Quito will be arranged according to the airline’s schedule.
In the evening, we enjoy a small farewell dinner.
Day 12 (Breakfast)
Departure to Quito Airport after breakfast.
Photographic leader
Magnus Martinsson, born in 1964, is a photographer, author and biologist, living on Gotland since 1988. He has since devoted himself to nature conservation issues in the profession. His interest in nature and photography has taken him on a large number of trips around the world and also gained in-depth knowledge of the Gotland homeland. Magnus contributes in various ways to conveying his knowledge to a broad public. He is a frequently hired speaker, excursion and tour guide. Magnus Martinsson is responsible for photography and text in a large number of publications. As a member of Naturfotograferna, he is one of the leading nature photographers in the country.
