Exotic Bird & Nature Photo Tour
2009 Ecuador Western & Eastern Andes
Mindo, High Andes, Guango Reserve

Mindo Valley
Finca Angel Paz
Bellavista Reserve
Papallacta Pass
Guango Reserve

December 5-13, 2009
(9 days, 8 nights)

Price $TBA

Sat
Dec 5

Quito
Hotel Sebastian

Included Meals: BLD

Evening get-together for orientation and meeting other participants.

Sun
Dec 6

Septimo Paraiso Reserve
Milpe Bird Sanctuary
Septimo Paraiso Lodge

Included Meals: BLD

After early breakfast, depart for Mindo arriving at Septimo Paraiso Lodge mid-morning. Mid-day photograph hummingbirds at feeders. After lunch drive downslope to Milpe Bird Sanctuary. Remainder of day photographing birds at sanctuary, arriving back at lodge before dinner.

Mon
Dec 7

Finca Angel Paz
Septimo Paraiso Reserve
Septimo Paraiso Lodge

Included Meals: BLD

Very early departure for Finca Angel Paz, arriving while it's still dark. Walk down trail to Cock-of-the-Rock lek. Make photographs at lek. Then watch and photograph antpittas lured onto the trail by Angel Paz. Remainder of morning photographing forest birds and birds at hummingbird feeders. Mid-day back at Septimo Paraiso. Photograph hummingbirds mid-day. After lunch and rest, wander forest trails, enjoy the spa at the lodge, and photograph birds on the private reserve around the lodge.

Tues
Dec 8

Septimo Paraiso
Bellavista Reserve
Bellavista Lodge

Included Meals: BLD

Early breakfast, check-out, and departure for Bellavista Cloud Forest reserve. All morning photographing hummingbirds at feeders and other specialty birds in the cloud forest.

Wed
Dec 9

Bellavista Reserve
Quito
Hotel Sebastian

Included Meals: BLD

Most of day photographing birds at Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve. Depart after lunch for Quito. Overnight in Quito.

Thurs
Dec 10

Papallacta Pass
Guango Lodge

Included Meals: BLD

Early departure for Papallacta Pass. Photograph birds while ascending the pass. Visit Cayumbe Reserve above the pass to photograph Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, all the while keeping an eye out for Andean Condors soaring overhead. Arrive at Guango Lodge late afternoon.

Fri
Dec 11

Guango Reserve
Guango Lodge

Included Meals: BLD

Early morning photographing specialty birds in the gardens around the lodge. Mid-day photograph hummingbirds at feeders. Late afternoon relaxing, photographing birds in the gardens, or photographing hummingbirds at the feeders.

Sat
Dec 12

Guango Reserve
Quito
Hotel Sebastian

Included Meals: BLD

Morning photography of birds in the gardens around hte lodge. After lunch departure for Quito, again looking for Andean Condors above Papallacta Pass. Arrive Quito by late afternoon.

Sun
Dec 13

Quito
 

Included Meals: None

End of tour. International flights home.