Join myself and Terra Photography on a photography expedition in Ecuador exploring three of Earth's most iconic natural wonders. From the Amazon, to the cloud forest and finishing on a private yacht in the Galapagos, this is a trip that provides a once in a lifetime experience of some of the planets most unique biomes.
Our first stop is the UNESCO Yasuní Biosphere Reserve in the upper Amazon basin – a biodiversity hotspot teeming with over 4,000 plant species per square kilometer, 596 bird species, iconic mammals like the elusive jaguar and the tapir, colorful amphibians, and ancient reptiles such as the Anaconda. Additionally, there are more than 100,000 species of alien-like insects and, of course, many species of monkeys. Photographic opportunities abound at literally every turn while we soak up the incredible experience of being in the Amazon rainforest, a truly magical place.
Our second stop is Mindo’s enchanting cloud forest, located in the Choco Andino region with its unique flora and fauna. The landscapes of the cloud forest are otherworldly with hundreds of waterfalls, and Mindo is considered a one of the best places in the world for hummingbird photography.
Our final stop is Galapagos UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which probably needs no introduction. The Galapagos Islands consist of thirteen large islands and their geographical isolation have given rise to a high degree of biodiversity with more than 45 endemic bird species, 42 reptile species, 15 mammal species and 79 fish species living there and coexist harmoniously with the local population. We’ll explore these incredible islands by private chartered yacht which will be our home for five days while we photograph on the islands, as well as snorkelling the ocean around them.
This tour is limited to 12 participants with 2 photographic guides, and like all my workshops is designed to ensure that you can focus on photography while we take care of everything else. From the outstanding accommodation, great food and of course a tour that’s structured to maximize your opportunities to get great images whilst improving your skills as a photographer. In the field we’re on hand to provide as much support, advice or guidance as you want, and we’ll back this up with theory, critique and post-processing techniques.
Partners are absolutely welcome on this trip as this is the kind of experience that even someone who’s not interested in photography can enjoy, even the kind of partner that would never pick up any camera other than the phone. Aside from the excitement of having wildlife encounters and experiencing nature in its purest state, the Amazon lodges have a fantastic spa, yoga sessions, canoe excursions, and other activities to enjoy, and in the Galapagos there’s snorkelling and swimming in the crystal clear ocean.
THE ACCOMMODATION
During this tour, we will be staying in some of the most exclusive lodges the Amazon has to offer, along with a private 5 start yacht, chartered only for our group, with which we’ll explore the Galapagos islands.
THE WEATHER
June offers a great opportunity to explore both the rainforest and the Galapagos Islands. In the Amazon region, temperature may range between highs of 24°C (75°F) and lows of 18°C (64°F). In Galapagos, the temperature ranges between highs of 26°C (79°F) and lows of 21°C (70°F). June is the end of the rainy season in Galapagos, which is the best time of year to visit.
FOOD
All main meals are included throughout the tour. Kindly be in touch with any dietary restrictions.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND LOCAL ETHOS
Terra Photography Expeditions has a strict leave no trace policy.
IMPORTANT NOTE
This tour is different from my other tours in that due to the nature of the boat charter, we have limited time to sell it, and all bookings must be complete by Monday 6 May in order for it to be sustainable .
PRICE
$11,995
(Price is for shared occupancy. Unfortunately due to the nature of the accommodation single occupancy is only possible by purchasing two places)
GROUP SIZE
10-12
EXPERIENCE
All levels of photography, and non-photographing partners are also welcome. This is the kind of trip that can be “experienced” as well as photographed.
PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY
This expedition has a LOW EFFORT RATING. We can expect to be out around 7 hours per day with light trekking. Previous trekking experience is not necessary. More info about effort levels here.
WORKSHOP INCLUDES
Landscape and wildlife photography in unforgettable locations
Professional photographers & guides who know the areas
Guided walks by qualified guides
Local transportation to and from the locations
All park entrance fees (except the Galapagos Tourist tax that must be paid in person)
Post-processing workshops in Lightroom and Photoshop, with screen recordings which the participants can keep
Theory and critique sessions
All accommodations
All breakfast, lunches and dinners (starting at dinner on day 1, and finishing with breakfast on day 13)
Airport transfer to/from Aeropuerto Mariscal Sucre, Quito Start: Quito - Ecuador, 16 Jun 2025,
End: Quito - Ecuador, 28 Jun 2025
NOT INCLUDED
Snacks and alcoholic drinks
Flights to and from Ecuador
Galapagos tourist tax (at the moment 100 USD paid in CASH only)
Insurance. All participants are required to have their own insurance appropriate for this tour such as health, accident, mountain rescue, repatriation, cancellation, personal liability, etc.
ITINERARY
ITINERARY
DAY 1 | ARRIVAL DAY
All-day arrivals and pick-up from Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre (UIO) in Quito, Ecuador. On arrival, you will be transferred to our lodge not far from the airport. In the evening we will meet for a refreshing welcome drink, tour briefing, and welcome dinner.
DAY 2 - 5 | QUITO - YASUNÍ NATIONAL PARK
In the early morning, we will take a short flight to Coca, a port city deep in the Amazon and our gateway to the rainforest. From there, a two-hour riverboat ride will take us deep into the heart of the Amazon, and finally, a canoe will take us the final stretch to our luxury eco-lodge, surrounded by incredible nature and wildlife. On arrival, we will have a short briefing from the local naturalist guides and then get ready for our first wildlife adventure in the afternoon. The journey has now finally begun.
For the next few days, we will be far from civilization and deep in what is estimated to be the most biologically diverse place on Earth)! The park is home to at least 596 bird species (incredibly one-third of the total native bird species for the entire Amazon rainforest), 121 reptile species, 382 fish species, 117 bat species, and over 100,000 species of insects – and this is only what has been documented so far. So, get ready to experience the Amazon rainforest, from now on we will focus our efforts on trying to capture troops of capuchin monkeys swinging through the labyrinth of trees, the howling howler monkeys welcoming us with their loud screams, vibrantly coloured frogs, an incredible array of alien-like insects and if we are lucky, we might even have a glimpse of the elusive jaguar. In the evenings we will enjoy the luxuries of our lodge with good food and great company.
DAY 6 -8 | MINDO CLOUD FOREST
After spending a few days in the deep rainforest, we will head to our next great location: the famous cloud forest of Mindo in the Choco Andino Region. A unique ecosystem more often than not covered in clouds. Located in between the cold highlands and the warm humid rainforests.
We leave Yasuní the same way we came, by canoe, riverboat, and a short flight, and then transfer over to a bus for a short two-hour ride to our lodge in the middle of the clouds.
During our time here the we’ll immerse ourselves in the enchanting cloud forest of Mindo, another biodiversity hotspot full of avian wonders and mossy nature. Expect to photograph a plethora of hummingbirds covered in colourful feathers as they fly between exotic orchids, toucans sorting their way through the trees, and many other birds. There’s also great landscape photography here and we’ll also focus on the many beautiful waterfalls cascading as we trek through this unique biome.
DAY 9 | MINDO - QUITO - GALAPAGOS
We depart Mindo to catch a morning flight towards the Pacific Ocean for our next adventure. Welcome to yet another wonder of the world, where you will be astonished by a landscape sitting at the intersection between land and water. Galapagos is filled with animals that cannot be found anywhere else on Earth. It’s no wonder why Charles Darwin found inspiration in the Galapagos to develop the theory of evolution, and it's also why UNESCO declared the islands a World Heritage Site.
Or home for the journey is a 5-star private yacht. In the afternoon we will have our first outing and get straight into the unique flora and fauna.
DAY 10 TO 12 | GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
These volcanic islands have it all for photographers: natural landscapes that take your breath away and a plethora of unique wildlife to capture on camera. For our journey, we will go to some iconic locations that will show you the vast life that is contained in the Galapagos. Each day or night our yacht will be repositioned so that we have a new place to discover. On land we expect to photograph giant tortoises, land iguanas, penguins, various bird species, including the famous blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds and many other species. We will also have the opportunity for some snorkelling as no visit to the Galapagos Islands is complete without discovering what lies underneath the surface – expect schools of colourful fish, stingrays and sharks.
DAY 13 | GALAPAGOS - QUITO
After our last excursion, we will leave the Enchanted Islands and take a flight back to Quito. Our tour will be officially concluded on arrival at the airport, but to best suit your travel plans, we can provide an optional extra night at a the airport hotel if you have a late flight, or a flight the following day. Lunch at the airport is not included.
WHAT WE DO (AND WHAT WE WANT YOU TO GET FROM OUR WORKSHOPS)
Our aim is to take you to beautiful locations and give you every opportunity to get great images while improving your technique over the course of the workshop. We believe that spending plenty of time each day means that participants get into a shooting rhythm and can quickly put into practice new skills as they are learned. We ensure we spend plenty of time with everyone in the field so from the beginning of your time with us we can identify your photographic level and what you’d like to focus on. We can then tailor the sessions to your precise needs and provide each participant with plenty of one-to-one tuition both in the field and in the post processing sessions.
We believe that editing is an integral part of getting the absolute best out of an image but we understand that the range of participant’s skill levels and familiarity with post processing techniques varies greatly. Because of this we make the most of having small groups to provide 1-to-1 editing sessions in the morning that are tailored to each participant's skill levels, and which can potentially range from the basics of editing a RAW file in Lightroom to more complex techniques like using layers and luminosity masks in Photoshop.
Additionally, we’ll have sessions the theory behind photography in a dynamic way that directly translates into easily actionable processes in the field, as well as critique sessions towards the end of the trip.
Finally, we want to share with you our passion for nature and landscape photography in this incredible place. We’ll quickly build a great learning environment where people feel comfortable together and at ease with asking questions and making the absolute most of the trip.. We aim to make your experience here in the beautiful landscapes of the Amazon and Galapagos a memorable one and a trip from which, as well as getting some great images from amazing locations, you’ll also go home having had a true adventure with great company in a very special place.
TECHNIQUES COVERED IN THE EXPEDITION
IN THE FIELD
Understanding the light and choosing the best exposure
Composition. Balance and harmony, leading lines and creating depth.
Shutter speeds for wildlife photography
Lens choice. From the wide-angle vista to getting in tight with a telephoto lens
Selecting focus
Controlling light in scenes with a wide dynamic range using multiple exposures
Photographing in low light beneath the canopy
Shooting in the bright sunny weather
PROCESSING
Deciding which direction to take post processing according to the mood of an image
Using Lightroom to apply contrast locally
“Shaping” the light using contrast tools in Photoshop and Lightroom to bring attention to certain parts of the image
Different techniques for blending multiple exposures of the same image
Stitching multiple panoramas together
Finishing touches for processing to give images dramatic punch
Sharpening images
THE GUIDES
ANDY MUMFORD - CREATIVE GUIDE
Andy is a Lisbon based professional landscape and travel photographer. Andy grew up in the UK loving nature and travel and took up landscape photography over a decade ago. Since then he has travelled extensively photographing all over the world and his photography and articles have featured in publications and books worldwide. He is a passionate photographer teacher and has been leading both group and one-to-one workshops for five years.
He is a Fuji X Photographer and a brand ambassador for Fujifilm in Portugal, although he also has extensive experience with Nikon and Canon cameras
JONAS PAURELL - CREATIVE GUIDE & EXPEDITION LEADER
Jonas is the founder of Terra Photography Expeditions. He has been a photographer for well over 20 years. He is a certified International Mountain Leader (UIMLA) that has spent a lifetime exploring the world's wild areas. Jonas will be leading the expedition.
Jonas loves working with developing photographers to strengthen their technical foundation and support them to unleach their inner creativity. Jonas achieves this through engaging lectures, educative assignments and hands-on teaching in the field.
READ TESTIMONIALS FROM MY WORKSHOPS
REGISTRATION
To register for the workshop we require a deposit of 30% of the total amount.
The workshops is run through Terra Photography, my partner Jonas Paurell’s workshop company . You just need to complete the booking form on my his site by clicking the button below. Jonas or his wife Veronica will then get back you with details on how to pay the deposit.
Terra Photography’s terms and conditions can also be viewed by clicking on the lower button, and if you have any questions at all you can contact me via email here