OVERSEAS TRAVEL
<> It is recommended, but not imperative, that you arrive a day early to be fresh and on time for the trip!
<> Early arrival also enables you to explore the gateway city should you wish.
<> A late flight arrival on day 1 of the trip might entail you having to find your own way to the first hotel, if not close to the airport.
<> Please note that the ending date of the trip is the day of your departure flight. Please arrange your flights accordingly.

Clients from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australasia should depart their home country a day or two prior to Day 1, so that the commencement of this photography tour isn't missed.

JANUARY 7th  |  Arrive Ecuador
Arrive Quito late in the evening. You will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in Quito.
QUITO,  1 night

JANUARY 8th  |  To the Cloud Forest
After an early breakfast together with one of Ecuador’s top birding guides we will set off towards the cloud forest. Located on the slopes of the Andes as they run down towards Ecuador’s coastal planes, large areas of the Ecuadorean cloud forest remain untouched by man and have one of the highest diversity of epiphytes (plants that grow on top of other plants) anywhere in the world, with an array of orchids and other stunning tropical flora. The forest, which is less than two hours from Quito, boasts some 9,000 species of plant with over 320 bird species recorded in the valley in close proximity to our accommodations. The area around the lodge has lots of easy trails and is literally buzzing with hummingbirds with over 20 different species spotted in a single day. The place is quite simply spectacular. The location of the lodge also allows us to visit some of the best reserves in the area including a butterfly reserve.
When returning to Quito on the the afternoon of the 9th of January we will pause for various images, as always, and detour to the Equator monument.
CLOUD FOREST, 1 night

JANUARY 9th + 10th  |  The Andes
After an early breakfast we set off across the Andes to the North of Quito and onto the Saturday Otavalo Market, the largest and most colorful in the Andes with fantastic photographic opportunities of people, scenery, colours and textures. We will have lunch in a leading local restaurant returning to Quito in the late afternoon. Dinner and and late light photography as always.
QUITO, 2 nights

JANUARY 11th to the 18th  |  The Galapagos Islands
Flight to Galapagos Islands in the morning, with the next 8 glorious days/7 nights spent cruising between the islands of the Galapagos Archipelago on the beautiful first class catamaran named the Nemo I. For information in regard to the boat go here or here.

We shall be photographing on the following islands:
South Plaza:  A great island with a large population of Land Iguanas and the chance to see the Cactus Finch alongside the Small and Medium Ground Finches. Along the cliffs there are Red-billed Tropicbirds nesting, and a large sea lion colony.

Espanola:  A favourite island of many with wonderful seascapes and the chance to see the beautiful Waved Albatross along with Blue Footed Boobies, Galapagos Hawk, Masked Boobies, Swallow-tailed Gulls, Lava Lizards, Marine Iguanas and sea lions. Gardener Bay on the island is one of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago, with sea lions and it's own Espanola Mockingbird. This island becomes more active as the afternoon goes on so we'll extend our stay here as long as possible.

Bartolomé:  The home of the classic Galapagos view of pinnacle rock. Also a large population of Galapagos Penguins which we get the chance to see above the water, plus below for those who enjoy snorkeling.

Rabida:  The island has a red sandy beach with a population of California Sea Lions and Galapagos Fur Seals, a nesting site of Brown Pelicans, and one of the best snorkeling sites in the archipelago with the chance to see Reef Sharks, Yellow-Tailed Surgeon Fish and Sea Lions playing underwater.

Floreana:  A stunning volcanic landscape, with lagoons that are home to flamingos, waders and a host of shore birds. Also home to the famous ‘Post Office Bay’.

North Seymour Island:  Here you can point your cameras at the large Magnificent Frigate bird and the Blue-footed Booby colonies. There are also California Sea Lions, Marine Iguanas, Lava Herons, Lava Gulls, Brown Noddies and Swallow-tailed Gulls.

Santa Fe:  The swimming and snorkeling around this island is wonderful, with sea lions, rays and a host of colorful fish. The island is also home to its own unique species of Land Iguanas.

Santa Cruz:  One of the biggest Islands where we'll visit the Charles Darwin research station, along with the high lands were we will have a chance to see some giant Tortoises in the wild.

Overview of the island itinerary:
1:  To the Galapagos Islands airport of Baltra. Bachas Beach stop.
2:  North Seymour and South Plazas
3:  Española Island, Gardner Bay and Punta Suarez
4:  Floreana Island, Post Office Bay and Punta Cormorant
5:  Santa Fe Island, and Charles Darwin Station in Puerto Ayora
6:  Bartolome and Puerto Egas
7:  Rabida Island and Sombrero Chino
8:  Caleta Tortuga Negra, then flights back to Quito from the airport in Baltra

Notes:
:: We'll photograph on the islands morning and evening, and move from island to island during darkness and/or around midday.
:: Some islands are 'wet' landings, and others dry. The pre-trip information, and assistance during the trip will help you stay as dry and comfortable as possible.
:: As there will be a decent amount of free time while on the boat, I'll devote some time to reviewing client's work, and offer up suggestions in regard to improving composition and exposure etcetera. I do of course give out advice while in the field too!  For those interested, I'll also conduct Adobe PhotoShop sessions with the knowledge gleaned also being applicable to whatever software you use to fix your images.
:: If you'd like to snorkel - a waterproof camera or a protective camera housing recommended - you'll be able get closer to water-bound creatures than you'd ever think possible. Birds in flight, ocean sunrises and sunsets plus much more.
:: Please note that scuba diving is not permitted from our boat the Nemo 1.
:: Snorkeling is encouraged, but is not compulsory!
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS off-shore boat, 7 nights

JANUARY 18th  |  To Quito
Flights back to Quito in the afternoon. Farewell meal together in a leading local restaurant with live Andean music.
QUITO, 1 night

JANUARY 19th  |  Flights home
Transport to Quito airport for your flight home.