General Information
Join a perfect weeklong escape from everyday life. Just a short 4-hour flight from Miami, you will find a world full of wonders.
This expedition takes you deep into the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, specifically to the UNESCO Yasuní Biosphere – a biodiversity hotspot teeming with over 4,000 plant species per square kilometer, 596 bird species (one-third of the total native bird species in the entire Amazon rainforest), iconic mammals like the elusive jaguar and the tapir, colorful amphibians, and ancient reptiles such as the Anaconda. Additionally, there are more than 100,000 species of alien-like insects and, of course, several species of monkeys. Photographic opportunities abound at literally every turn.
The expedition will be led by Jonas Paurell, an experienced photographer who will delve into the intricacies of rainforest photography, tailoring his insights to the specific environment and equipment you're using. Learn to read the light filtering through the canopy, discover techniques for capturing elusive birds in flight, and understand how to transform even the smallest insects into captivating subjects. Alongside Jonas, we will have an expert naturalist guide who not only possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of the Amazon's diverse flora and fauna but also unlocks the hidden secrets of the jungle.
With a small group, limited to a maximum of 8 participants, you'll enjoy personalized guidance and unparalleled photographic opportunities, ensuring an intimate and enriching experience.
Guides
Jonas Paurell
Creative Guide & Expedition Leader
Jonas is the founder of Terra Photography Expeditions. He has been a photographer for well over 20 years. He is a certified International Mountain Leader (UIMLA) that has spent a lifetime exploring the world's wild areas. Jonas loves working with developing photographers to strengthen their technical foundation and support them to unleach their inner creativity. Jonas achieves this through engaging lectures, educative assignments and hands-on teaching in the field.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival Day | Quito
All-day arrivals and pick-up from Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre (UIO) in Quito, Ecuador. With international flights arriving from all corners of the globe, including a mere 4-hour flight from Miami Airport, accessing Quito is easy. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to our city lodge, conveniently located a short distance from the airport. Most international flights arrive in the late afternoon.
In the evening, we will gather for a refreshing drink, a tour briefing, and a delightful welcome dinner. This is also an great opportunity to do some night time street photography.
Day 2 | Quito
After a good night’s sleep and a relaxed breakfast, we will visit the highlights of the Quito's historic centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The capital of Ecuador was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city. Despite several earthquakes, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic centre in Latin America. There will be plenty of opportunity for interesting street photography in the old colonial city centre. We will also make sure to have time to explore a local market for more photography as well as some souvenirs. After a day exploring, we will have an early dinner at one of our favourite restaurants with an amazing view overlooking the old town and the volcanoes in the distance.
Day 3 | Quito – Yasuní National Park
In the early morning, we will take a short 30-minute flight to the port city of Coca, located deep in the Amazon, and our gateway to the rainforest. From there, we embark on a scenic motorized canoe ride (around two hours) through an intricate network of waterways, entering the heart of the pristine Yasuní Biosphere Reserve.
On arrival, we will have a short briefing, a refreshing drink, and prepare to enjoy a first afternoon photography session. Our adventure has begun; get ready to immerse yourself in a realm full of life and wonders.
Day 4 - 7 | Yasuní National Park
For the next days, we will be far from civilization and deep in what is considered to be the most biologically diverse place on earth (not the second most biodiverse – the number one!). We will negotiate lush jungle trails, where every step reveals something new - iridescent wings of exotic butterflies, playful monkeys swinging through the canopy above, and over 596 species of birds soaring overhead. Each moment offers a chance to capture nature's most breathtaking performances.
We will also silently navigate along winding waterways by canoe so as not to scare away the animals. Prepare to be amazed by the intricate system of rivers that feed this magical reserve.
As night falls, the jungle comes alive with a symphony of sounds, and under the expert guidance of our guides, you'll unveil the secrets of nocturnal creatures, from luminous frogs to creepy crawlers. With every click of your camera shutter, you'll document the untamed beauty of the Amazon, creating a visual memory that will transport you back to this enchanted wilderness time and time again.
In the evenings, we will also enjoy the luxuries of our lodge with incredible food and great company. In between our excursions, we will have time for relaxation, theoretical photography teaching, and, of course, image editing workshops.
Day 8 | Yasuní – Quito
As we say goodbye to this pristine rainforest, we reverse the staggeringly beautiful journey by canoe back to Coca, and then we'll take a morning flight back to Quito. Carrying with us not only stunning photographs but also cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the Amazon and Yasuní’s fragile beauty.
Curriculum
All Terra Photography Expeditions follow a proven curriculum that aims to teach the theory behind photography in a dynamic way that directly translates into easily actionable processes in the field. As we move through nature we also go through an introduction to the skills and knowledge required to be safe in the great outdoors.
Photography Techniques Covered on the Expedition
Storytelling - Telling stories and evoking emotions within the context of landscape and wildlife photography
Composition - A comprehensive introduction to the theory of composition, including the elements of art and principles of design
Process - Learning and implementing a process to achieve consistent quality in landscape and wildlife photography
Focusing - A science-based method for focusing to make your images sharp
Long exposure and filters - Long exposure and the use of Neutral Density (ND) filters, especially related to moving water and clouds
Panorama photography - exposing and merging multiple images
Multiple exposures and graduate filters - Achieving correctly exposed images in challenging conditions using graduated filters and multiple exposures (exposure bracketing)
Finding locations - Using maps, weather services and other tools to identify potential photography locations and times.
Processing Techniques:
Workflow - Full post production workflow in Lightroom
Colour Balance - Using Lightroom to get the colour right
Contrast - Using Lightroom to apply contrast
Shaping Light - Using local adjustments to shape and sculpt the light
Luminosity Masks - Using luminosity masks in Lightroom
HDR Images - Different techniques for blending multiple exposures of the same image
Panoramas - Stitching multiple panoramas together
Sharpening - Sharpening techniques
Black & White - Editing for powerful BW images
Photoshop and Layers - Using Photoshop layers to build up image adjustments
Accommodation
During this tour, we will be staying in a well-situated and well-equipped luxury lodge located deep in the Amazon rainforest. The lodge has all the amenities you could desire, including a panoramic view of Pilchicocha Lagoon and the surrounding forest, and a 43-meter tall observation tower that will give you access to an incredible view above the trees. It is so perfectly blended into the wild surroundings that it is simply another extension of the rainforest, you’ll get to share your breakfast with giant otters and alligators that dive under the platform. And from the hammock on your balcony, you’ll get to rest while elusive monkeys and sloths sort their way across the trees.
Additional Information
The Weather
Yasuní has a typical Amazon rainforest climate. The weather remains relatively consistent throughout the year, with only minor variations in temperature and precipitation. During November, you can expect temperatures ranging from 23°C to 30°C (73°F to 86°F) and you should be prepared for warm and humid conditions year-round, with the potential for rain showers at any time.
Bugs and Insects
Contrary to what is often portrayed in Hollywood movies, being in the rainforest is generally not uncomfortable. Yes, there are insects and mosquitos, but nothing long-sleeved trousers, long-sleeved shirts, and some insect repellent can’t take care of.
Food
All main meals are included. Kindly be in touch with any dietary restrictions.
Leave No Trace Policy
Terra Photography Expeditions has a strict leave-no-trace policy. This policy is also applied to how we share information about fragile ecosystems that we gently and respectfully visit. This means that we have withheld exact locations from the itinerary. This is because we do not want to contribute to large-scale tourism. You are welcome to get in touch if you'd like to discuss the itinerary before applying to join. Thank you for your understanding.
How Challenging?
This expedition has a Lowland Workshop effort level.
Our Lowland Workshops are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of participants. Most of our locations are situated along roadsides or can be reached by walking a few kilometers on well-maintained trails. For winter workshops the conditions can sometimes be snowy and on not maintaned paths.
Price & Details
Included:
Landscape and wildlife photography in unforgettable locations
Professional photographer & guide who know the areas
Guided walks by qualified guides
Local transportation to and from the locations
All park entrance fees
Post-processing workshops in Lightroom and Photoshop, with screen recordings which the participants can keep
All accommodations
All breakfast, Lunches and Dinners (exept on the Arrival and Departure Day which includes dinner and breakfast respectively)
Airport pick-up and drop-off to/from Aeropuerto Mariscal Sucre
Excluded:
Photo equipment
Outdoor clothing and equipment
Snacks and alcoholic drinks
Flights to and from Ecuador
Insurance. All participants are required to have their own insurance appropriate for this tour such as health, accident, mountain rescue, repatriation, cancellation, personal liability, etc.
Price: $ 4895 per person in shared twin room.
30% deposit is due to secure your reservation, remaining 70% is due 60 days before the start of the tour. The price includes shared twin room occupancy. Single room occupancy available at a $ 1700 extra charge.
Status
To be confirmed
Participants: Minimum 4 - Maximum 8
Start: Quito - Ecuador, 9 Nov 2024, approx. at 2 PM
End: Quito - Ecuador, 16 Nov 2024, approx. at noon
We reserve the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, and unforeseeable circumstances.
This tour is governed by the Terms and Conditions