General Information
Join Steve Perry and Terra Photography Expeditions for a breathtaking 8-day escape into the heart of the Amazon Rainforest.
Just a short four-hour flight from Miami, you’ll find yourself immersed in one of the most extraordinary ecosystems on Earth—the UNESCO-designated Yasuní Biosphere. This biodiversity hotspot is home to over 4,000 plant species per square kilometer, 596 bird species (a third of all native birds in the Amazon), iconic mammals like the elusive jaguar and the tapir, vibrant amphibians, ancient reptiles such as the mighty anaconda, and a staggering 100,000+ species of otherworldly insects. Add to that the mischievous antics of several monkey species, and you have an endless array of photographic opportunities at every turn.
Led by renowned photographers Steve Perry, Rose Perry and Jonas Paurell, this expedition is designed to hone your rainforest photography skills in one of the most visually stunning environments on the planet. Learn to master the interplay of light filtering through the dense canopy, refine techniques for capturing elusive birds in flight, and transform the smallest details—like an iridescent beetle or a small frog—into striking visual narratives. Alongside Steve and Jonas, our expert naturalist guide will share deep insights into the Amazon’s intricate web of life, revealing the hidden wonders that many visitors overlook.
With a small group limited to twelve participants, you’ll enjoy personalized instruction, exclusive access to prime photographic locations, and an immersive, once-in-a-lifetime experience in one of the last great wildernesses on Earth.
Are you ready to capture the Amazon like never before?
Guides
Steve Perry
Creative Guide
Steve Perry is an award winning professional photographer, writer, and educator specializing in wildlife photography. In addition to leading workshops all over the world, he has also published multiple books, articles, and how-to videos designed to help his fellow nature photographers bring their skills up to the next level. His work has been featured in various calendars and magazines, including but not limited to Outdoor Photographer, National Wildlife Federation, Lake Superior Magazine, Popular Photography, Shutterbug, as well as dozens of other conservation and calendar publications.
More info here.
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 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.
Rose Perry
Assistant Expedition Leader
Rose Perry is an assistant tour leader, dedicated to ensuring that participants get the most out of their experience. As the wife of Steve, she has extensive field experience. Rose's core interest lies withing the realm of wildlife videography where she is able to offer insightful guidance, helping guests refine their vision and technique. Whether you're looking to document fleeting animal behaviors or craft cinematic nature sequences, Rose can provide hands-on instruction to elevate your storytelling. With her warm, approachable nature and wealth of experience, Rose is always ready to assist, inspire, and help make your adventure unforgettable.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival Day | March 13, 2026
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 hotel, 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.
Day 2 | 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 3 - 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 | March 20, 2026
As we say goodbye to this pristine rainforest, we reverse the 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 tour:
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
Wildlife Portraits and Environmental Portraits - How to make your wildlife photography stand out
Workflow - Learning and implementing a workflow to achieve consistent quality in your photography
Post-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
Masks - Using masks in Lightroom
Sharpening - Sharpening techniques
Black & White - Editing for powerful BW images
Noise Reduction - Techniques for clean photographs
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 some variations in temperature and precipitation. During March, 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 can be reached by walking a few kilometers on forest trails.
Price & Details
Included:
Landscape and wildlife photography in unforgettable locations
Two professional photography guides & local naturalist guide who know the areas
Guided walks
Local transportation to and from the locations
All park entrance fees
Post-processing workshops in Lightroom, 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 on the arrival and departure day
Excluded:
Photo equipment
Outdoor clothing and equipment
Snacks and alcoholic drinks
Flights to and from Quito, 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: $ 7495 per person in shared twin room.
35% deposit is due to secure your reservation, remaining 65% is due 120 days before the start of the tour. The price includes shared twin room occupancy. Single room occupancy available at a $ 2000 extra charge, subject to availability.
Status: Pending!
Participants: Minimum 8 - Maximum 12
Start: Quito - Ecuador, 13 March 2026, approx. at 2 PM
End: Quito - Ecuador, 20 March 2026, approx. at early afternoon (TBC)
Tour Operator: Terra Expeditions LLC
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