andes &
amazon

Capture colonial architecture, golden churches and the traditional plazas of the world's first UNESCO World Heritage city — with hands-on coaching throughout. After lunch we drive north to Imbabura Province, chasing golden hour across lakes and picturesque towns, and overnight at a colonial historic hacienda with baroque art in every corner.

Visit the volcanic lake of Cuicocha, then walk the Otavalo indigenous market for portraits and textiles. Night at the colonial hacienda.

Drive through the inter-Andean valley to the eastern slopes of the Andes. Waterfalls, lakes, mountain scenery, and an overwhelming diversity of flora and fauna — then an afternoon hot spring dip.

Cloud forests, hummingbirds and our first touch of the Amazon — one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Local indigenous cultures are easy to spot, yet not so easy to portray: a real photographic challenge.

A full day to explore and capture the jungle and its inhabitants — waterfalls and canyons, flora and fauna at the reach of the hand. Opportunities are everywhere.

A full day visiting an animal rescue center and indigenous communities, where locals are welcoming and used to being photographed — the perfect chance for authentic portraits.

We leave the jungle for the subtropics and explore Baños — the picturesque town that survived the Tungurahua eruption. Canyons, waterfalls and rivers accompany us along the way; the city itself offers endless photo opportunities.

Pailón del Diablo — the most impressive and powerful waterfall in Ecuador. Along the way, several bird species to spot, including the beautiful cock-of-the-rock.

After breakfast we drive back to Quito — reviewing favorite frames on the way.