January 4–13, 2028 · Wild Sumaco extension January 13–16

Limited to three photographers plus your guide.

Price, Ecuador (January 4–13): $3,795 per person shared room / $4,395 private room

Price, Wild Sumaco extension (January 13–16): $1,795 per person shared room / $1,945 private room

The cloud forests around Mindo on the western slope of the Andes are among the best places in the world to photograph tropical birds. Hummingbird feeders draw dozens of species at arm's length, fruit feeders bring in tanagers, toucans and barbets, and local reserves have habituated antpittas that come out of the forest to be fed. We finish high in the Andes near Antisana National Park, with Andean Condors, high-elevation specialties and glacier-capped volcanoes. An optional extension crosses the Andes to Wild Sumaco Lodge in the eastern foothills, with a whole new set of birds.

Highlights

• Eight days based in one place in the Mindo area, working the best reserves and feeders at a relaxed pace

• Hummingbird feeders with dozens of species at arm's length, including Sword-billed Hummingbird

• Habituated antpittas, including Giant, Moustached and Chestnut-naped

• Andean Cock-of-the-rock lek at dawn

• Andean Condors and páramo specialties at Antisana National Park

• Optional Wild Sumaco extension in the eastern Andean foothills

Itinerary at a glance

• Day 1 · Tue, January 4: Quito to Mindo

• Day 2 · Wed, January 5: Zuro Loma and the old Nono–Mindo road

• Day 3 · Thu, January 6: Antpittas and the Cock-of-the-rock

• Day 4 · Fri, January 7: Hummingbirds and tanagers

• Day 5 · Sat, January 8: The lower foothills

• Day 6 · Sun, January 9: The Chocó lowlands

• Day 7 · Mon, January 10: Back to the upper cloud forest

• Day 8 · Tue, January 11: A last morning, then Antisana

• Day 9 · Wed, January 12: Antisana National Park

• Day 10 · Thu, January 13: Quito airport, then home or on to Wild Sumaco

• Ext. Day 1 · Thu, January 13: Over the Andes to Wild Sumaco

• Ext. Days 2 and 3 · Fri–Sat, January 14–15: Wild Sumaco Lodge

• Ext. Day 4 · Sun, January 16: A last morning, then home

Included

• Lodging

• All ground transportation in Ecuador

• Guide fees

• Reserve and park entrance fees

• Wild Sumaco extension: all meals at the lodge

Not included

• Meals (main trip)

• International airfare

• Tips

To book or ask questions, email Greg at greglavaty@gmail.com or use the contact form.