Ecuador – Galapagos Islands
The highlight of our adventure to the Galapagos Islands is a 10-night cruise. During the cruise, you will have a chance to photograph much of the iconic species of the islands including giant tortoises, flightless cormorants, waved albatross, and many, many more. In addition, we will have the opportunity to observe sea lions and photograph their interactions.
For those who wish, there are chances to snorkel in the Galapagos underwater paradise! Gorgeous schools of colorful fish, sea lions, and marine iguanas await! With a 10-day cruise, we will be able to fully explore the islands and wildlife that make Galapagos so special.
After the cruise, we will spend three days visiting the famous Mindo area, photographing the cloud forest species that live there. Our focus will be bird photography, with ample time for macro as well. Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries on earth, and Mindo is known for its many species of hummingbirds. The giant antpitta and cock-of-the-rock are among the famous residents of this area.
If you want to visit the Amazon rainforest and photograph a parrot clay lick and other rainforest species, we can add a pre-extension to the Ecuadorian Amazon.
ITINERARY (With Extension)
Gustafson Photo Safari 2025 – Ecuador & Galapagos Islands: Amazon pre-extension
April 13 – 18, 2026
BLD = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Monday |
04/13/2026 |
Quito |
San Jose de Puembo |
You will be met and escorted to your hotel upon arrival in Quito. This is an arrival day, and no meals or activities are included.
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Tuesday |
04/14/2026 |
Amazonia |
Sacha Lodge (BLD) |
This morning, we will head to the airport after breakfast (included on the main Ecuador program) for the short flight to Coca (50-pound luggage limit). This flight takes you over the Andes Mountains’ majestic snow-covered peaks and down over 8500 feet into the Amazon Region. Arrival in the port town of Puerto Francisco de Orellana, locally known as Coca, where you will be met by a bilingual guide and taken to a private dock. Here we will pause for a snack and to use the restrooms before boarding our covered motorized canoe for a 2-hour, 50-mile trip down the sediment-rich waters of the Napo River. Upon arrival at Sacha Lodge’s 5000-acre private reserve, you will take your first walk along a raised boardwalk through dense flooded palm forest where several species of monkeys are often seen. The path leads to Pilchicocha Lake, where we board canoes and are paddled out to the lodge. Crossing the lake, we will get our first glimpses of the abundant wildlife in this area.
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Wednesday |
04/15/2026 |
Amazonia |
Sacha Lodge (BLD) |
A typical day at Sacha begins at sunrise or earlier to take advantage of the cool morning hours when the rainforest’s animals are most active. Photography opportunities are everywhere, even right outside our rooms. Our schedule will be determined each day depending on local conditions. In the afternoon, canoe rides and walks begin around 3:00 and often continue into the evening, when the nocturnal insect and frog chorus begins. Several trails lead through pristine terra firme forest, where 150-foot kapok trees tower above and roots form huge buttresses to support the trees. Others follow strategically raised boardwalks in seasonally flooded forests, where walking on the ground would be nearly impossible most of the year due to the ground. One of the best ways to get around and look for birds, monkeys, and giant river otters is via canoe along tannin-rich blackwater creeks and lakes, where luxuriant lianas, orchids, bromeliads, and palm trees thrive. From the prehistoric-looking Hoatzin to tiny pygmy marmoset monkeys, each day brings a new experience. During free time at the lodge, swimming and piranha fishing are not to be missed. After dinner, night walks and canoe trips, with the aid of flashlights, often reveal creatures seldom seen during daylight. Caimans (of the alligator family) and giant insects rule the forest after sunset.
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Thursday |
04/16/2026 |
Amazonia |
Sacha Lodge (BLD) |
Today we will have more wildlife experiences in store, including the unique perspective of photographing birds from above on the canopy towers and suspended walkways, and a visit to the parrot clay lick on the Napo River.
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Friday |
04/17/2026 |
Amazonia |
Sacha Lodge (BLD) |
Today we will have more wildlife experiences in store, including the unique perspective of photographing birds from above on the canopy towers and suspended walkways, and a visit to the parrot clay lick on the Napo River.
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Saturday |
04/18/2026 |
Quito |
(BL) |
After breakfast, you will depart from the lodge, take one last walk on the boardwalk to the river, and then take a two-hour motorized canoe ride back to Coca for your 35-minute flight back to Quito. Tonight’s accommodations are part of your main program. The rest of the group will arrive in Quito today.
Gustafson Photo Safari 2025 – Ecuador & Galapagos Islands: Natural Treasures & Amazing Wonders
April 18 – May 2, 2026
ITINERARY
BLD = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Saturday |
04/18/2026 |
Quito |
San Jose de Puembo |
Upon arrival in Quito, you will be met and escorted to your hotel. This is your arrival day, and no meals or activities are included.
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Sunday |
04/19/2026 |
Quito |
San Jose de Puembo (BLD) |
Photography at the grounds of the lodge in the morning. Please suggest an activity for the afternoon that is somewhat in the vicinity and photography oriented.
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Monday |
04/20/2026 |
Mindo |
Sachatamia Lodge (BLD) |
This morning, depart for Mindo, making several stops along the Paseo del Quinde eco-route, also known as Nono-Mindo Road. The first stop is at Yanacocha Biological Reserve. Clinging to the slopes of Pichincha Volcano at an altitude of approximately 10,000 feet, comprising 2,371 acres of mostly elfin Polylepis forest, this protected area was established to safeguard the critically endangered and endemic Black-breasted Puffleg. Other high-altitude species include Andean Guan, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Golden-breasted and Sapphire-vented Pufflegs, Great Sapphirewing, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Rufous and Tawny Antpittas, Ocellated and Blackish Tapaculos, Black-chested and Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanagers, Golden-crowned Tanager, and many more. After lunch in the reserve, head straight to our lodge, Sachatamia Lodge, for a chance to check in, relax, freshen up, and enjoy dinner.
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Tuesday |
04/21/2026 |
Mindo |
Sachatamia Lodge (BLD) |
Depart early from the lodge with a packed breakfast toward Mashpi Amagusa, the last foothill forest directly connecting to the lower subtropical western forest of Ecuador. Its unique location makes it attractive to those looking for the highest biodiversity regions with Chocó endemic birds. The altitude range is 2,450 to 5,600 feet. Chocó endemics that can be seen in the reserve or along the road include Rose-faced Parrot, Orange-fronted Barbet, Toucan Barbet, Orange-breasted Fruiteater, Moss-backed Tanager, Chocó Vireo, Long-wattled Umbrellabird, and brightly colored passerines like the Indigo Flowerpiercer. Enjoy lunch with stunning views at La Belle Vue Lodge before returning to Sachatamia for more photo ops along the trails before dinner.
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Wednesday |
04/22/2026 |
Mindo |
Sachatamia Lodge (BLD) |
This morning, depart toward Refugio Paz de las Aves, located near Nanegalito (13 miles northeast of Mindo, at 4,590 feet). Ángel Paz, resident and owner of the refuge, decided to protect his property and convert it into a sanctuary for antpittas and cocks-of-the rock. Recently, the reserve has become popular as it is easy to spot at least three species of antipittas: Great, Yellow-breasted, and Mustached Antpitta. Other birds seen in the area are the Crested and Golden-headed Quetzals. Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Hosteria Mariposas de Mindo to photograph 25 species of butterflies. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
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Thursday |
04/23/2026 |
Quito |
San Jose de Puembo (BLD) |
Spend the day at Mindo. After lunch, transfer back to Quito. Dinner at the hotel.
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Friday |
04/24/2026 |
Galápagos |
Tip Top II (BLD) |
Fly from mainland Ecuador to Baltra. After boarding M/C Tip Top II, attend your first orientation and have a light snack. After lunch, disembark on Mosquera Islet, a reef of rocks and coral and a great white sand beach. Observe colonies of sea lions, Brown Pelicans, Blue-footed Boobies, and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Enjoy a welcome cocktail with the entire crew on board the boat, followed by dinner. Each night during the cruise, there will be an orientation to discuss the events of the day and the next day’s plans.
*Cruise itineraries are subject to change without prior notice for various factors, including, but not limited to: safety, weather, mechanical breakdown, unforeseen emergencies, and the discretion of the Captain, Guide, and the Galapagos National Park.
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Saturday |
04/25/2026 |
Galápagos |
Tip Top II (BLD) |
After breakfast, go ashore at Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, a perfect place to get a feel for the islands’ volcanic origin. Look for new plant growth among the two distinct types of lava, pahoehoe and a’a. Return to the boat for lunch, followed by an excursion on Rábida Island, distinguished by its red sand beaches. Here you can observe marine iguanas, sea lions, Blue-footed Boobies, Masked Boobies, and Brown Pelicans. Walk to a small saltwater lagoon where you can see Galápagos Flamingos. This evening, enjoy a presentation by your Galapagos guide before dinner.
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Sunday |
04/26/2026 |
Galápagos |
Tip Top II (BLD) |
Today, visit Espinosa Point on Fernandina Island to observe a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, Flightless Cormorants, and clumps of lava cactus. In the afternoon, take a panga boat ride around the islets of Elizabeth Bay to look for marine iguanas, marine turtles, seabirds, shorebirds, herons, Galápagos Penguins, and Blue-footed Boobies. Tonight, attend an orientation to learn about conservation efforts to protect the islands.
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Monday |
04/27/2026 |
Galápagos |
Tip Top II (BLD) |
This morning, disembark on Isabela Island at Urbina Bay, a coral area at the base of Alcedo Volcano with land iguanas, Flightless Cormorants, and giant tortoises. Return to the yacht for lunch. In the afternoon, take a panga ride around Tagus Cove, between the shoulders of two volcanic craters, protecting it from the open sea. Observe marine iguanas, sea lions, and a variety of birds, including Galápagos Penguins, Flightless Cormorants, and Blue-footed Boobies. This evening enjoy a presentation by your Galapagos guide before dinner.
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Tuesday |
04/28/2026 |
Galápagos |
Tip Top II (BLD) |
After breakfast, land at James Bay (Puerto Egas) on Santiago Island to walk and observe sponges, snails, hermit crabs, a variety of shore birds, barnacles, the endemic four-eyed blenny, marine iguanas, and sea lions. Visit Bartolomé Island in the afternoon to hike to the summit. During the hike, it’s possible to observe colonies of marine iguanas and lava lizards. On the summit, you’ll see an impressive view of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone of Pinnacle Rock, one of the most iconic sights in the archipelago.
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Wednesday |
04/29/2026 |
Galápagos |
Tip Top II (BLD) |
After breakfast, land on Chinese Hat (Sombrero Chino), a small island off the coast of Santiago Island. From the rocky shoreline, you can observe Galápagos Penguins, eagle rays, sea lions, and marine iguanas. This afternoon, land at Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz Island, where you can see land iguanas and walk to a hypersalinic lagoon (saltier than the ocean) to observe flamingos, Common Stilts, White-cheeked Pintails, and other bird species.
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Thursday |
04/30/2026 |
Galápagos |
Tip Top II (BLD) |
After breakfast, disembark and take the bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to visit the native forests and the Twin Craters, two formations caused by the collapse of surface material caused by underground fissures. Then, visit a local farm to see giant tortoises in the wild and have lunch. Return to Puerto Ayora. Visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center and Interpretation Center inside the Charles Darwin Research Station. Return to the yacht for dinner and nightly orientation.
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Friday |
05/01/2026 |
Quito |
San Jose de Puembo (BD) |
After breakfast, take an early morning walk along the coast and the interior of North Seymour Island. Underground seismic activity uplifted this low, flat island from the sea. Observe Blue-footed Boobies, which nest from May to November, as well as marine iguanas, pelicans, frigatebirds, shore birds, sea lions, and the endemic palo santo trees. Return to the yacht and navigate to the pier, where you’ll disembark at 9 am. Your guide will accompany you on the bus ride directly to the airport. Lunch at the airport is on your own today. Enjoy the afternoon in Quito at leisure before gathering for a farewell dinner at the hotel this evening. For those departing this evening, you will be taken to the Quito International Airport for your flight(s) home.
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Saturday |
05/02/2026 |
Quito |
(B) |
Today, you will transfer to the airport for your flight home.