We begin our journey with a two-hour drive northwest of Quito to the enchanting Mindo Cloud Forest, a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Explore the lush greenery and encounter a variety of colorful butterflies, including the Blue Morpho and the Glasswing, fluttering in the sunlight. Capture the magnificent display of hummingbirds, such as the Violet-tailed Sylph and the Booted Racket-tail, as they feed on vibrant flowers. In the afternoon, visit a local chocolate factory to learn about the process of making some of the world's finest chocolate. As night falls, venture deeper into the forest to photograph nocturnal creatures like the Kinkajou and the tiny Olinguito.

Hotel: Terra Bambu

Meals Included: B, L, D

Today starts early at 5:00 AM with a 30-minute drive followed by a 30-minute hike into the heart of the Mindo Cloud Forest. Here, you'll witness the melodious songs of toucans and tanagers. Experience the incredible sight of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, with its brilliant orange feathers and unique mating rituals. Later, visit a nearby reserve to photograph more toucans and tanagers. In the afternoon, hike to Nambillo Waterfall for a refreshing break. Spend the late afternoon photographing birds from the hotel restaurant balconies.

Hotel: Terra Bambu

Meals Included: B, L, D

After breakfast, embark on a two-hour car journey to Maquipucuna, a pristine cloud forest teeming with wildlife, including the elusive Andean spectacled bear. Capture these majestic creatures on camera as you explore the dense vegetation. You may also encounter other fascinating species such as the Golden-headed Quetzal, the Long-wattled Umbrellabird, and the Blue-banded Toucanet. After dinner, participate in a nocturnal exploration to search for amphibians, insects, and possibly mammals.

Hotel: Maquipucuna Lodge

Meals Included: B, L, D

Immerse yourself in the stunning natural surroundings of the Maquipucuna Cloud Forest. Focus on photographing a wide array of colorful birds, particularly toucans and hummingbirds. With over 349 bird species, this forest is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Look for toucanets, macaws, and an active Cock-of-the-Rock Lek. Enjoy birdwatching opportunities and short hikes that offer encounters with monkeys, tortoises, frogs, and various birds.

Hotel: Maquipucuna Lodge

Meals Included: B, L, D

Drive one and a half hours to experience the unique sensation of standing on both hemispheres at the Equator. Visit a local family that has conducted extensive research on the Equator, and learn about the history and culture of ancient civilizations related to this landmark. After a traditional lunch, continue to the hacienda.

Hotel: Hacienda La Jimenita

Meals Included: B, L, D

After breakfast, drive for two hours to the Antisana Ecological Reserve. Witness the graceful flight of the Andean condor against a backdrop of vast landscapes and towering peaks. The reserve is also home to other avian species such as the Carunculated Caracara, Black-faced Ibis, and Andean Lapwing. In the afternoon, travel to the hacienda at the entrance of Cotopaxi National Park.

Hotel: Hacienda Tambopaxi

Meals Included: B, L, D

Explore the iconic Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Capture the stunning vistas and rugged terrain. The Cotopaxi National Park is home to wildlife like the Andean Fox, Andean Deer, and Andean Gull. Enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped peak and the vast páramo ecosystem, a unique high-altitude grassland teeming with life. Relax in the afternoon while watching the sunset over Cotopaxi Volcano.

Hotel: Hacienda Tambopaxi

Meals Included: B, L, D

After soaking in the best views of Cotopaxi Volcano, travel back to Quito (a little over 2 hours), stopping for a traditional lunch en-route. Arrival in Quito in the afternoon and check-in to your hotel.  We conclude the journey this evening with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate the natural beauty of Ecuador's many ecosystems we visited and the warmth hospitality of the people we met along the way.  Overnight in Quito.

Hotel: Go Hotel Quito (5*)

Meals Included: B, L, D

During breakfast we get to reflect on the incredible memories and stunning images captured during our journey.  In our brief visit we experienced many places and saw a great diversity of ecosystems, all beautiful in their own way, and captured photos that are keepsakes for our spirit.  

At an appointed time, we will transfer you to the airport.  Our departure schedule leaves the hotel three hours before your flight.  The ride is just shy of an hour which should give you plenty of time to check into your international flight.

For domestic departures, it is recommended that we arrive at the airport 1.5 hours before your scheduled flight.  For international departures, our goal is to arrive 2 hours before your flight to allow for necessary procedures.  

Hotel: None

Meals Included: B (included with hotel reservation)

This concludes our services, and we wish you safe travels and fond memories of your remarkable journey in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador.