The Cloud Forest of Ecuador,
Quito & the Galápagos Islands

Wildlife • Landscape • Culture • History

15 Days | June 18th-July 3rd, 2027
or 6/18-6/25 | Cloud Forest & Quito
or 6/22-7/3 | Quito & Galápagos

Some destinations simply change the way you see the natural world. The cloud forest of Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands are two of them. Join me for fifteen carefully planned days in the country, as our small group journeys from the mist-covered cloud forests of the Andes to the legendary islands that forever changed our understanding of life on Earth. Every stage of this expedition has been chosen with nature lovers, adventurers, and photographers in mind—not simply to visit remarkable places, but to spend meaningful time in them, observing animal behavior, and creating compelling images.

Into the Cloud Forest

Our adventure begins with an overnight stay in Quito before venturing into Ecuador's magnificent cloud forest for three nights. These forests are among the richest ecosystems on the planet, where orchids drip from moss-covered branches, morning mist filters through ancient trees, and every flowering shrub seems alive with movement.

For photographers, this is hummingbird heaven. Dozens of species visit carefully positioned feeding stations at our lodge, conservancies, and wildlife refuges, creating endless opportunities to capture everything from razor-sharp flight images to intimate portraits revealing every iridescent feather. At each location, we'll also search for an extraordinary collection of wildlife that includes colorful toucans, brilliantly patterned barbets, elegant tanagers, curious coatis, and the elusive tayra.

Quito: A Colonial Masterpiece

Returning to the capital, we'll spend two days and nights exploring one of South America's most beautiful historic cities. Nestled high in the Andes, Quito's remarkably preserved colonial center offers elegant plazas, grand churches, winding streets, vibrant markets, and a rich cultural heritage that provides a striking contrast to the wild landscapes we've just experienced.

There will be time to explore, photograph, relax, enjoy exceptional Ecuadorian cuisine, and prepare for the next chapter of the expedition.

Exploring the Enchanted Isles

Our expedition continues aboard a first-class motor catamaran, our floating home for seven unforgettable days and nights among the enchanted Galápagos Islands. Traveling by yacht allows us to reach remote islands and secluded visitor sites inaccessible to day visitors, awakening each morning in a new landscape shaped by volcanic forces and millions of years of evolution. Comfortable accommodations, exceptional cuisine, and spacious observation decks provide the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation between daily excursions.

Each island reveals a different chapter in the Galápagos story. Walk across ancient lava flows where marine iguanas bask in the equatorial sun. Observe blue-footed boobies performing their intricate courtship dances, magnificent frigatebirds displaying brilliant scarlet throat pouches, and waved albatrosses soaring effortlessly above the Pacific. Giant tortoises move through lush highlands much as they have for centuries, while playful sea lions often approach swimmers and snorkelers with remarkable curiosity.

With an expert naturalist guide leading every excursion, you'll explore pristine beaches, volcanic landscapes, mangrove lagoons, and crystal-clear waters that teem with marine life. Daily opportunities to photograph wildlife from exceptionally close distances make the Galápagos one of the world's premier destinations for nature photography.

Itinerary Overview:

• Day 1, June 18 – Flights to Quito. Overnight in central Quito.

• Days 2-5, June 19-22 – Tandayapa Bird Lodge. Three nights in the cloud forest near Mindo with visits to local conservancies, wildlife refuges, hummingbird gardens, and a few surprises. We will also have plenty of time to observe and photograph the numerous hummingbirds and other wildlife at our lodge.

• Days 5-7, June 22-24 – Casa Santa Clara, Quito. We return to Quito after a visit to Mitad Del Mundo, the equator line on the edge of town. You will have plenty of time to explore the beautiful plazas, old churches, wonderful museums, and countless shops in old-town. Those just coming for the Galapagos will join us the first evening. Those ending their trip in Quito will depart on the 24th, arriving home on the 25th.

• Days 7-14, June 24-July 1 – M/C Monique. 8 days, 7 nights aboard one of the newest ships sailing the Galápagos Islands. Scheduled excursions include Floreana, Espanola, San Cristobal Santa Fe, South Plaza, Santiago, Bartholomew, Genovesa and Santa Cruz Islands. We will get to witness the giant tortoises in the Santa Cruise Highlands and explore the history of the islands at the San Cristobal Interpretive Center. Every day will bring opportunities to snorkel with marine life, paddle board in a lagoon, relax on a beach, or explore nature and wildlife with our expert naturalist.

• Day 14, July 1 – Return flight to Quito. After breakfast and a last excursion, we fly back to Quito for one last opportunity to explore the city. Overnight in central Quito.

• Day 15, July 2 – Quito and flights home. The morning and lunchtime is yours to rest, explore, shop, or visit one more museum. We depart in the late afternoon for the airport and our over-night flights home.

• Day 16, July 3 – Arrive Home
 

What’s Included:

✅ All meals and drinks (excluding alcohol and a few lunches)
✅ Wonderful accommodations in old-town Quito, the cloud forest, and the islands. 
✅ All in-country transportation and logistics, including flight to/from the Galápagos Islands
✅ Galapagos national park entry fee and transit control card
✅ Expert naturalist, local guides and drivers
✅ Tips for our Galapagos naturalist, boat crew, local guides, lodge staff, and drivers
 

What’s Not Included:

❌ International airfare to/from Quito
❌ 3 lunches on your own
❌ Personal travel insurance 

Reserve Your Spot:

If you've dreamed of exploring, and perhaps photographing, Ecuador's breathtaking diversity — from Andean landscapes and cloud forests to the iconic wildlife of the Galápagos aboard a first-class expedition catamaran — this carefully crafted, small-group trip is for you. I invite you to join me on an unforgettable journey of exploration, discovery, and extraordinary photography.

Trip Price:
Cloud Forest & Quito (6/18-25): $2,600
Quito & Galápagos Islands (6/22-7/3): $11,700
Cloud Forest, Quito & Galápagos Islands (6/18-7/3): $13,300
Single supplement: 50%

Deposit: 25%
(deposit is non-refundable, but may be transferable) 

Balance due: 90 days prior to departure.