Ecuador | Cloud Forest Photography with Emily Carter
About this trip
Embark on a photographic journey into the cloud forests of mainland Ecuador, led by Emily Carter. Situated high in the Andes Mountains, Ecuador's cloud forests are known for their unique wildlife and particularly their abundance of colorful bird life, much of which is endemic to the Chocó bioregion. Spend several days exploring and photographing in the region's forest reserves, gardens, and private properties.
Highlights
- Photograph the fast-moving, gem-toned hummingbirds at Alambi Cloud Forest Reserve, where more than 30 different species have been recorded.
- Observe tanagers, aracaris, toucanets, barbets, and other avifauna at the family-run San Tadeo Birdwatching.
- Learn about a community project dedicated to restoring habitat for the critically endangered Black-breasted Puffleg.
- Visit a butterfly farm with an exhibition of 25 butterfly species.
Meet your leader
Emily J. Carter
Emily J. Carter is an award-winning and published nature and wildlife conservation photographer based in Annapolis, Maryland.
Her work has been seen in numerous juried art exhibits, and published print including books, magazines and newspapers. Her work has also been displayed in several solo art exhibits in the Maryland area, including the National Wildlife Visitor’s Center.
With a corporate background in Human Resources and extensive years in the travel and hospitality industry, she holds a Master’s Degree in Global Management. Her photographic journey began when she was a teenager and has always enjoyed photography as a way of connecting to the world around her.
She is a seasoned international traveler, who is fluent in English and Spanish. Emily’s passion for photography has been shared in a wide variety of photography classes in the metro Washington D.C. area for the past seven years, and has juried several photography contests, as well as offered presentations through camera clubs and Mid-Atlantic Nature Visions.
Website: www.emilycarterphotography.net/
Puembo
Jan 12, 2024
Upon arrival transfer to the hotel for overnight.
Overnight at Rincon de Puembo
Mindo
Jan 13, 2024
Depart early this morning toward Mindo. En route, stop at Alambi Cloud Forest Reserve for hummingbird observation. The reserve sits over two major valleys and covers a large range of altitudes (4,750 to 7,210 feet) with several different habitats. Over 300 bird species have been recorded either at the feeders or in the reserve at Alambi, including more than 40 kinds of hummingbirds. Along the way, there will be several stops to look for birds like the Toucan Barbet, Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, and Beautiful Jay. While driving down to the lower altitudes of the subtropical forest region, be on the lookout for Blue-winged Mountain Tanager and White-winged Brushfinch. Stop at Mirador Guaycapi Café for lunch and photography. Continue to Mindo for check-in, an orientation, and dinner. The lodge has an amazing garden area with plenty of feeders to attract the birds.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Sachatamia
Mindo
Jan 14, 2024
Early morning birding and photography along the grounds of Sachatamia Lodge and its 300-acre private reserve. Visit and have lunch at Birdwatchers House & Lodge, where several bird blinds and a hummingbird garden offer great opportunities for capturing bird images in a natural setting. Return to Sachatamia later this afternoon. Dinner at hotel.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Sachatamia
Mindo
Jan 15, 2024
Today visit the feeders at the family-run San Tadeo Birdwatching, where you can easily observe more than a dozen different types of birds, including hummingbirds, tanagers, aracaris, toucanets, and barbets. Return to Sachatamia for lunch then depart for Bellavista stopping en route at various birding locations.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Bellavista Lodge
Puembo
Jan 16, 2024
Early morning birding at Bellavista. After breakfast and check out head to Yanacocha for lunch and to walk the gardens before returning to Puembo. Arrive at Rincón de Puembo in time to freshen up before a farewell dinner this evening.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Rincon de Puembo
Depart
Jan 17, 2024
Breakfast and local birding. Lunch on own before transferring to the airport in time for your flight(s) home.
Breakfast- included