pure
andes

Capture colonial architecture, golden churches and the traditional plazas of the world's first UNESCO World Heritage city — with hands-on coaching on composition and exposure in high-altitude light. After lunch we drive north to Imbabura Province, land of Ecuador's most celebrated textile artisans, chasing golden hour across lakes and picturesque towns. We overnight at a colonial historic hacienda.

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 Papallacta area — waterfalls, lakes, mountain scenery and an overwhelming diversity of flora and fauna. Afternoon dip in the natural volcanic hot springs.

A highlight of this trip: Cotopaxi National Park. Shoot the perfect cone, look for condors, deer, Andean wolves and other wildlife — then stay out for an astrophotography session under clear Andean constellations.

Morning at Cotopaxi NP's main attractions, then on to Posada de Tigua — a century-old hacienda with amazing indoor ranch-daily-life photo opportunities.

The amazing Quilotoa volcanic lake — green and turquoise water and bucolic indigenous scenes for unique photos. Then we drive to the Chimborazo area for a second astrophotography opportunity.

Visit the oldest Christian church in Ecuador and the Devil's Nose railway, then explore Ingapirca — the most important Inca imperial ruins in Ecuador. Night in Cuenca.

Photo city tour of Ecuador's most beautiful city — astonishing colonial architecture, vibrant markets, picturesque corners. After lunch, Cajas National Park for fine-art mountain compositions. Night in Cuenca.

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