From Amazon to Andes Ecuador Bird Photography Workshop
A ten-day small-group photography workshop linking Ecuador's Amazon rainforest, cloud forest and high Andes with David Swindler.
About this tour
Photograph Ecuador's birds across three very different landscapes on this ten-day small-group workshop with David Swindler and specialist local guides. The journey begins in Quito, continues by domestic flight and river transport into the Amazon, then climbs through cloud forest to the high Andes.
Amazon sessions include forest birding, river travel and a clay lick where colorful macaws may gather. In the cloud forest, the program adds hummingbird photography, a private multi-flash setup and a visit to an Andean Cock-of-the-rock lek. The final high-altitude section searches páramo and Andean landscapes for condors and other mountain birds before returning to Quito.
The published 2027 departure runs from 16 to 25 April and is limited to six participants. Nine nights of accommodation, all meals during the workshop, domestic flight, private ground and river transport, permits, local guides and photographic instruction are included. International flights, alcohol, travel insurance and personal expenses are not included. Wildlife is unpredictable, so no species or photographic result can be guaranteed.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Ecuador.
Birds you can spot
Rupicola peruvianus
target
Vultur gryphus
target
Theristicus branickii
target
Phalcoboenus carunculatus
target
Oreotrochilus chimborazo
target
Andigena laminirostris
target
Patagona gigas
target
Semnornis ramphastinus
target
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Quito
Arrive in Quito, meet the workshop team and prepare for the journey across Ecuador's major photographic regions.
Day 2
Fly to the Amazon and continue by river
Take the included domestic flight into the Amazon and transfer by private ground and river transport to the rainforest lodge.
Day 3
Amazon clay lick photography
Concentrate on the Amazon clay lick photography experience, working with the guides and adapting the session to bird activity, light and weather.
Day 4
Flexible Amazon photography day
Use a flexible day in the Amazon, with locations and activities chosen according to current conditions and wildlife opportunities.
Day 5
Return toward the Andes
Leave the Amazon by river and air, then continue toward the cloud-forest section of the workshop.
Day 6
Cloud-forest hummingbird photography
Photograph hummingbirds and other cloud-forest birds, including a private multi-flash session.
Day 7
Cock-of-the-rock lek and cloud forest
Visit an Andean Cock-of-the-rock lek and continue photographing birds across cloud-forest sites.
Day 8
Cloud forest photography and return to Quito
Spend the day photographing in the cloud forest, then return to Quito later in the day.
Day 9
High-Andes photography and return to Quito
Photograph in high-Andean habitats, then return to Quito that evening.
Day 10
Departure from Quito
Transfer to the airport for departure. Airport transportation is included, and no photography session is scheduled.
Locations & map
- Quito - Pichincha Ecuador (Arrival and departure base in the Andean highlands.)
- Ecuadorian Amazon - Amazon Basin Ecuador (Lowland rainforest, river and clay-lick habitat.)
- Northwestern Cloud Forest - Pichincha Ecuador (Humid cloud forest and hummingbird gardens.)
- High Andes - Andean Highlands Ecuador (High-elevation páramo and mountain landscapes.)
Availability & pricing
Availability is confirmed after your inquiry.
Single traveler supplement: USD 1,000
Included
- Nine nights of accommodation - Double-occupancy program lodging.
- All meals during the workshop - Published program meals.
- Domestic flight and private ground and river transport - Transport used within the workshop program.
- Birding and photography guides - English-speaking specialist guide plus local guides and instruction by David Swindler.
- Permits, fees and private hummingbird session - Published program permits, gratuities and private multi-flash hummingbird session.
- Boots and rain ponchos - Available for the rainforest section.
Not included
- International flights - Travel to and from Ecuador is not included.
- Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses - Not included in the workshop price.
- Travel insurance and passport or visa costs - Participants arrange their own documents and insurance.
Transport & stays
Accommodations
- Workshop hotels and rainforest lodge Double occupancy
Policies & FAQ
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
How large is the group?
The workshop is limited to six participants.
Is the workshop physically demanding?
The operator rates the program as moderate. It combines rainforest, cloud-forest and high-altitude field sessions, so participants should be comfortable with changing terrain and elevation.
Are specific birds guaranteed?
No. The program visits strong habitats and uses specialist guides, but all sightings depend on weather and natural wildlife activity.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.