General Information
Due to the overwhelming interest in the first departure with Jan Wegener in 2027, we have secured a second date!
The Galápagos Islands have a way of resetting your senses. Raw, volcanic, and alive with wildlife that evolved in complete isolation, these islands offer a photographic experience unlike anywhere else.
This expedition brings you into this surreal landscape with Jan Wegener, whose bird photography, teaching, and distinct fine-art approach have shaped a global community of photographers. Known for his precise use of color and elegant compositions, Jan brings more than twenty years of field experience to every moment in the islands.
Over eight days, you’ll travel by private yacht to remote coasts, explore otherworldly lava terrain, and photograph wildlife that seems to pose without hesitation. Jan’s guidance goes from anticipating behavior to refining your creative choices both in-camera and in post. Jonas Paurell joins as co-leader, adding his thoughtful, detail-driven style to create a balanced, supportive environment for photographers at any level.
This tour is built for experimentation and elevating your craft. It’s a rare chance to build a meaningful portfolio in one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations, guided by a photographer whose influence and expertise have inspired thousands.
Guides
Jan Wegener
Professional Photographer
Jan Wegener is a professional wildlife photographer, educator, and content creator, best known for his striking bird portraits and educational photography videos.
Originally from Germany and now based on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, Jan has spent over two decades developing a signature style that blends fine art aesthetics with modern bird photography.
Through his popular YouTube channel and online masterclasses, Jan teaches photographers around the world, how to capture and edit stunning avian images using both Lightroom and Photoshop. His work has been featured by leading camera brands and in various international publications, and he continues to inspire others to connect more deeply with nature and create images they’re truly proud of.
Read more about Jan's work here: www.janwegener.com
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 talks, educative assignments and hands-on teaching in the field. Jonas will also be sharing his knowledge and expertise from photographing the Galapagos Islands.
More info here.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival Day in Quito
All-day arrivals and pick-up from Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre (UIO) in Quito, Ecuador. On arrival, you will be transferred to our hotel close to the airport for easy transfer for our early morning flight to the Galapagos Islands the following morning.
If you’re eager to explore Quito’s rich culture and history, consider arriving a couple of days early to experience the beautifully preserved colonial Old Town, one of the most charming in all of South America.
Day 2 | Quito – Galápagos | Embarkation Day
Our day starts early in the morning, with breakfast, a quick briefing on the tour, and then a short flight towards the Galápagos Islands. As we arrive on the islands, we will have our first glimpse of a unique array of wildlife found nowhere else on the planet. This living laboratory of evolution, which inspired Darwin’s groundbreaking ideas, is now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its global ecological significance.
Day 3 - 8 | Expedition Cruise
Each day brings a new island, a new mood, and a fresh mix of wildlife that feels very approachable. You might start your morning with sea lions drifting next to you through turquoise shallows, spend the afternoon with iguanas piled across warm basalt, and finish the day watching frigatebirds flying across a beautiful sky.
The Galápagos rewards patience and curiosity, and these days are built to give you both. Our yacht functions as a moving studio, carrying us from one distinct environment to another. Some sites are stark and volcanic, others soft with sand and coastal vegetation. You’ll hike short trails, explore tide lines, take Zodiac rides into quiet coves, and slip into the water to snorkel among turtles, rays, and swirling schools of fish. No two landings feel alike, and the diversity of life keeps your eye sharp.
Throughout the journey, Jan and Jonas will be out in the field with you, offering guidance as moments unfold, from recognizing subtle shifts in behavior to shaping stronger, cleaner compositions. Each landing presents something new, giving you room to try different techniques, rethink your approach, and build confidence shot by shot.
Day 9 | Galápagos – Quito
We will enjoy one final outing before disembarking and saying farewell to the islands. A return flight will bring us back to Quito in the late afternoon. From there, you can catch an international connection or stay the night in the city. You’ll leave the Galápagos with full memory cards, new skills, and a gallery of incredible images.
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
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
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
Accommodation
In Galapagos, we will be staying in a fantastic modern 5-Star luxury yacht that has been chartered for our group. With amenities like a jacuzzi on deck, you'll be able to relax with beautiful views.
For our stay in Quito, we will be lodged in a quality hotel not far from the airport.
Additional Information
The Weather
June is a great time to visit the Islands. It is in the transition from the warm season into the cooler, drier months. Expect a mix of sunny mornings, building clouds in the afternoon, and occasional short showers.
Sea conditions are generally calm, ideal for smooth navigation and excellent snorkeling. Water temperatures average around 21–24°C (73–77°F), while daytime air temperatures range from 24–29°C (75–84°F).
Quito:
Thanks to its equatorial location and elevation at 2,850 meters (9,350 ft), Quito enjoys a mild, spring-like climate year-round. In May, daytime temperatures typically range between 19–22°C (66–72°F), with cooler evenings around 9–11°C (48–52°F). You can expect a mix of sunshine and passing showers, often in the afternoon, but they are usually short. Dressing in layers and bringing a light waterproof jacket is more than enough to stay comfortable.
Food
All main meals are included, starting with breakfast on day 2, and finishing with breakfast on day 9. Kindly be in touch with any dietary restrictions.
Partners are Welcome
The focus of this expedition is on photography, as all expeditions by Terra. But that doesn’t mean that this isn’t perfect for your partner as well! As this is a true once in a lifetime opportunity, accompanying partners, adult children, or friends, whether they are photographers or not, are also welcome. There is plenty for non-photographers to experience on this adventure. For non-photographers we do recommend brining binoculars and a smartphone camera.
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. This is a ship-based expedition. All excursions from the ship will be done using a zodiac/dinghy (an inflated rubber boat) and landings will be on beaches and rocky shorelines. It is crucial that you can get in and out of a dinghy with ease and have a good sense of balance and a good general state of fitness. The longest walk that we will do on land will be approx. 3-4 hrs in a slow pace that allows for photography.
Price & Details
Included:
Wildlife and landscape photography in unforgettable locations
Expert guidance from professional photographers and naturalist guides who know the islands inside out
Guided photo walks and dinghy excursions led by certified guides
Snorkelling sessions accompanied by a qualified guide
All park entrance fees (except the Galapagos Tourist Tax, currently $200, payable in person)
A structured photography curriculum to strengthen your wildlife and landscape skills
Post-processing workshops in Lightroom, including screen recordings for participants to keep
All accommodations in Quito and on the private yacht throughout the program
Daily breakfasts, lunches, and dinners (from breakfast on Day 2 through breakfast on Day 9)
Airport transfers to/from Mariscal Sucre Airport in Quito on Days 1, 2, and 9
Round-trip economy flights between Quito and the Galapagos, according to the itinerary
Excluded:
Personal photography equipment
Outdoor clothing and gear
Meals on the arrival day
Snacks during excursions
Alcoholic and soft drinks
International flights to and from Ecuador
Galapagos Tourist Tax (currently $200, cash payment upon arrival)
Gratuities for local crew and staff
Personal travel insurance — required for all participants (must include health, accident, repatriation, cancellation, and personal liability coverage)
Price: $13395
Bookings open only to the waiting list until 12 March 2026! Bookings from anyone not on the waiting list will be handled on 12 March.
30% deposit is due to secure your reservation, remaining 70% is due 180 days before the start of the tour. The price includes shared twin room (or double room if travelleing as a couple). Single occupancy is only possible by purchasing 2 spots for single use!
Cancellation Terms:
Once the expedition status is "confirmed" the deposit is non-refundable. The balance payment is refundable up to 180 days before the start of the expedition, after that the full payment is non-refundable and cancellations are not accepted. This is due to the special rules and arrangements for this unique expedition in the Galapagos and the chartering of an entire private yacht. We strongly recommend all partipants to have traveller's insurance that refund your non-refundable payment if you need to cancel a trip for unforeseen reasons.
Expedition Status: PENDING!
Tour Operator: Terra Expeditions LLC, this tour is governed by Terms and Conditions
Participants: Minimum 12 - Maximum 16
Start: Quito - Ecuador, June 07, 2027 - Mariscal Sucre Quito Airport
End: Quito - Ecuador, June 15, 2027 - Arrival back at Mariscal Sucre Quito Airport in the late afternoon (time TBC)
We reserve the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, and unforeseen circumstances.