

Ecuador Herping Tour
The Herping Tour
8 nights & 9 Days Tour
Tour Information
Our Ecuador herping tour in Ecuador will take you to some of the most bio diverse parts of the world and you will be able to see and photograph some of the most unique wildlife found in Ecuador. On this tour you will learn how not only how to make great images of herps but also learn how to find them and photograph them in the wild. Our herping program supports various local communities as we work directly with the people on the ground!
BASIC INFORMATION

Medical
Please consult with your doctor regarding general travel vaccinations and check the CDC website for more information.

Insurance
We strongly recommend you purchase trip insurance that includes trip cancellation and medical coverage while overseas.

Internet Access
Most lodges have free WIFI in the reception/dining area.

Electricity
Electrical outlets are US-style. Those coming from Europe or Asia may need travel adapters. We will send more info after signup.

Airport
You should arrive to and depart from Ecuador's Mariscal Sucre International Airport. Our representative will be waiting to provide your private transfer to a family run lodge nearby.

Certified
All of our services are conducted by fully licensed travel, lodge, and transport operators. This is part of our commitment to providing a professional travel experience.
Cost (In USD)
$4000
Tour Dates
Main Tour – Maximum 6 - 8 people per group.
1. Jan. 16 – 25, 2022
2. Feb 2nd - Feb 11th, 2022
Tour Specifics
1. Easy/Moderate walking/Most activity is at the feeders
2. Intermediate Photographers
3. Land and Water Photography
4. Non-Photographers / Birdwatchers: Accepted
Our well planned Ecuador herping tour in Ecuador will focus on endemics like the Pinocchio cutin to specialities like the Fleischmann's Glass Frog, this tour will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for our participants.
Our tour starts in Cali and ends in Pereira.
- Opportunity to photograph the Darwin and Wallace poisonous frog, Cope's Vine Snake and more such stunning species.
- Guided photography with expert local guidance to make the best images of the target species and more.
- Our all-inclusive tours help you enjoy a stress-free, safe, photography focussed days coupled with local lodging and culinary experience.
It is recommended that each participant bring the following equipment:
- A digital SLR and your longest telephoto lens preferably 300mm or more
- A macro lens
- A sturdy tripod or monopod
- You may also bring your flash with a flash bracket
- Pack a ton of memory cards
- Release cable
Tour Pace
Easy to Moderate
ITINERARY
Upon arrival you will meet our representative at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport, Quito and transfer to your hotel near the city centre in Quito.
- Overnight at hotel in Quito, meals are not included this day
- Elevation: 2808m
The adventure begins early in the morning of day 1 at the hotel, after breakfast by private car we will go to Tena in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Approximately 5 hours later we will arrive to the lodge. In this wonderful ecosystem we will stay for 3 nights, in which we will have the possibility to see some amphibians and reptiles. These include the Garden Tree Boa (Corallus hortulanus), Rainbow boa (Epicrates cenchria), Giant Parrot Snake (Leptophis ahaetulla), Ecuador Poison frog (Ameerega bilinguis), Map Treefrog, (Hypsiboas geographicus), Broad-headed woodlizard (Enyalioides laticeps), Tiger striped monkey (Phyllomedusa tomopterna), Tarsier Monkey-frog (Phyllomedusa tarsius), Amazon Clown-frog (Dendropsophus sarayacuensis), Santa Cecilia Cochran Frog (Teratohyla midas), Two-lined Forest-Pitviper (Bothriopsis bilineata), Small-eyed Toadhead (Bothrocophias microphthalmus), Fer-de-Lance (Bothrops atrox), among others.
During the second part of the trip we will submerge in the province of Cotopaxi, a journey that will last approximately 6 hours, crossing beautiful sceneries until we arrive to one of the most interesting forests that we can found, the astonishing Chocó Forest, a unique, biodiverse but unfortunately very threatened ecosystem. In this area we will stay for 3 nights, thus having the opportunity to observe a wide list of amphibian and reptile species; Among the most important and beautiful are the Eyelash Palm pitviper (Bothriechis schlegelii), the Western Basilisk (Basiliscus galeritus), the Neoselva’s Treefrog (Boana picturatus), Blomberg's Tree Boa (Corallus blombergi), Cope's Vine Snake (Oxybelis brevirostris), Fleischmann's Glass Frog (Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni), Rana de Cristal de Mache (Cochranella mache), among others.
In the next morning (7th day) after breakfast, after approximately 5 hours by car we will arrive to Mindo, a small, beautiful and touristic town, which concentrates a great diversity of birds, amphibians and reptiles. The Tropical Andes comprises one of the most important Hotspots of this trip. In addition to its great biodiversity, this area is characterized by the endemism of a variety of species. During these two nights we can observe the Pinocchio cutin (frog) (Pristimantis appendiculatus), Emerald crystal frog (Espadarana prosoblepon), Darwin and Wallace poisonous frog (Epipedobates darwinwallacei), palm tree frog (Hypsiboas pellucens), the moss cutin (frog) (Pristimantis crucifer), the Ecuadorian lizard (Anolis aequatorialis), The Ecuador Sipo (Chironius grandisquamis), and with some luck the incredible Pinocchio lizard - (Anolis proboscis), among other incredible species.
This morning our transport partners will drop you for your respective international departures from the Quito airport.
Ecuador herping tour : Day 1
Upon arrival you will meet our representative at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport, Quito and transfer to your hotel near the city centre in Quito.
- Overnight at hotel in Quito, meals are not included this day
- Elevation: 2808m

Ecuador herping tour : Day 2-4
The adventure begins early in the morning of day 1 at the hotel, after breakfast by private car we will go to Tena in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Approximately 5 hours later we will arrive to the lodge. In this wonderful ecosystem we will stay for 3 nights, in which we will have the possibility to see some amphibians and reptiles. These include the Garden Tree Boa (Corallus hortulanus), Rainbow boa (Epicrates cenchria), Giant Parrot Snake (Leptophis ahaetulla), Ecuador Poison frog (Ameerega bilinguis), Map Treefrog, (Hypsiboas geographicus), Broad-headed woodlizard (Enyalioides laticeps), Tiger striped monkey (Phyllomedusa tomopterna), Tarsier Monkey-frog (Phyllomedusa tarsius), Amazon Clown-frog (Dendropsophus sarayacuensis), Santa Cecilia Cochran Frog (Teratohyla midas), Two-lined Forest-Pitviper (Bothriopsis bilineata), Small-eyed Toadhead (Bothrocophias microphthalmus), Fer-de-Lance (Bothrops atrox), among others.

Ecuador herping tour : Day 5-6
During the second part of the trip we will submerge in the province of Cotopaxi, a journey that will last approximately 6 hours, crossing beautiful sceneries until we arrive to one of the most interesting forests that we can found, the astonishing Chocó Forest, a unique, biodiverse but unfortunately very threatened ecosystem. In this area we will stay for 3 nights, thus having the opportunity to observe a wide list of amphibian and reptile species; Among the most important and beautiful are the Eyelash Palm pitviper (Bothriechis schlegelii), the Western Basilisk (Basiliscus galeritus), the Neoselva’s Treefrog (Boana picturatus), Blomberg's Tree Boa (Corallus blombergi), Cope's Vine Snake (Oxybelis brevirostris), Fleischmann's Glass Frog (Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni), Rana de Cristal de Mache (Cochranella mache), among others.

Ecuador herping tour : Day 7-8
In the next morning (7th day) after breakfast, after approximately 5 hours by car we will arrive to
Mindo, a small, beautiful and touristic town, which concentrates a great diversity of birds,
amphibians and reptiles. The Tropical Andes comprises one of the most important Hotspots of this trip. In addition to its great biodiversity, this area is characterized by the endemism of a variety of species. During these two nights we can observe the Pinocchio cutin (frog) (Pristimantis appendiculatus), Emerald crystal frog (Espadarana prosoblepon), Darwin and Wallace poisonous frog (Epipedobates darwinwallacei), palm tree frog (Hypsiboas pellucens), the moss cutin (frog) (Pristimantis crucifer), the Ecuadorian lizard (Anolis aequatorialis), The Ecuador Sipo (Chironius grandisquamis), and with some luck the incredible Pinocchio lizard - (Anolis proboscis), among other incredible species.

Ecuador herping tour : Day 9
This morning our transport partners will drop you for your respective international departures from the Quito airport.
End of Tour

Tour Motive
Our Ecuador Herping tour in Ecuador will focus on endemics like the Pinocchio Lizard ( Anolis proboscis) to specialties like the Fleischmann’s Glass Frog (Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni). This tour will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for our participants.
Our tour starts and ends in Quito.
Photo Opportunities
- Opportunity to photograph the Darwin and Wallace poisonous frog, Cope's Vine Snake and more such stunning species.
- Guided photography with expert local guidance to make the best images of the target species and more.
- Our all-inclusive tours help you enjoy a stress-free, safe, photography focussed days coupled with local lodging and culinary experience.
Cost (In USD)
$4000
TOUR DATES
Main Tour – Main Tour – Maximum 6 - 8 people per group
1. Jan. 16 – 25, 2022
2. Feb 2nd - Feb 11th, 2022
Tour Specifics:
1. Easy/Moderate walking/Most activity is at the feeders
2. Intermediate Photographers
3. Land and Water Photography
4. Non-Photographers/Birdwatchers: Accepted
Tour Pace
Easy to Moderate
Photo Gallery
Suggested Equipments
It is recommended that each participant bring the following equipment:
- A digital SLR and your longest telephoto lens preferably 300mm or more
- A macro lens
- A sturdy tripod or monopod
- You may also bring your flash with a flash bracket
- Pack a ton of memory cards
- Release cable
Click on the link below for some questions you may have:
Testimonials
Tour Leader

Passionate photographer and nature lover. He has worked in photographic projects, environmental education, and tourism and scientific research. Author of the Guide of Amphibians and Reptiles of Selva Virgen and various other scientific and photographic works.

Supreet Sahoo An avid birdwatcher and photographer from Austin, U.S. Supreet's work has been featured in reputed publications like the BBC Earth, National Geographic Spain and Sanctuary Asia.
Click on the link below for some questions you may have:
- A 'non-refundable' deposit of USD 1000 of the Tour fee as booking amount
- The remaining balance is due in full 90 days before the start of the tour
- All figures per person
- Failure to make payments within this timeline could result in tour cancellation
- Lodging as specified.
- Meals as specified
- Stainless steel flask for water.
- Private transfers to and from hotels on first and last days.
- Land transportation during the tour
- Professional driver/photo/nature guide and private transportation in spacious tour bus.
- Guide and Photography Skipper services
- Entrance fees for all described activities.
- Taxes on all services listed above.
- Non-mealtime snacks or meals not included.
- Non-mealtime soft drinks and bottled water.
- Visa fees
- International/personal airfare
- Insurance
- Phone calls
- Laundry
- Tips
- Cost of hospitalization and evacuation, if necessary
Photo Gallery
Registration
- To register for the tour, fill out and submit the form below. A 'NON-REFUNDABLE' deposit of USD 1000 per person of the tour cost is required to confirm your spot.
- The remaining balance is due in full 90 days before the start of the tour
- All figures per person. Failure to make payments within this timeline could result in TOUR CANCELLATION
Payment can be completed by credit card/PayPal or bank transfer. If you would like to mail a check, that option is available as well
Please read all the Terms & Conditions for cancellation/refund policies and other important information.
Book Your Tour With Us In 6 Easy Steps

1. Confirm your spot for the tour by paying the advance using the registration form.

2. Receive an acknowledgement email from us confirming your booking along with a welcome package and forms.

3. Book your international travel

4. Send us your travel details along with the signed package.

5. We will send you a final invoice along with some more important pre-travel details.

6. Make your full payment and pack your bags for the best Tropical experience.

1. Confirm your spot for the tour by paying the advance using the registration form.

2. Receive an acknowledgement email from us confirming your booking along with a welcome package and forms.

3. Book your international travel.

4. Send us your travel details along with the signed package.

5. We will send you a final invoice along with some more important pre-travel details.

6. Make your full payment and pack your bags for the best Tropical experience.
FAQs
Important Note
- Travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers
- Tropical Photo Tours holds the rights to modify a reservation at any time during a workshop. As a company, we always try to comply with what we have promised but due to several unforeseeable circumstances such as weather, natural calamity, political, environmental, cultural we may have to make changes to our reservations.
- All amounts are in USD unless specifically mentioned otherwise.
Email us at info@tropicalphototours.com or call us at +1-512-803-8049/512-806-6469 if you’d like to talk first.
Tour Leader

Passionate photographer and nature lover. He has worked in photographic projects, environmental education, and tourism and scientific research. Author of the Guide of Amphibians and Reptiles of Selva Virgen and various other scientific and photographic works.

Supreet Sahoo An avid birdwatcher and photographer from Austin, U.S.
Supreet's work has been featured in reputed publications like the BBC Earth, National Geographic Spain and Sanctuary Asia.
Testimonials
Bird Photography And Beyond
About Us
Since our inception, we have curated unique Bird Photography tours, customized Photography Travel Tours and fun-filled photography sessions in over 5 countries!
Tropical Photo Tours LLC is a US Based photography tour company helping birders from all over the world visit and experience the rainforest birding and photography.
Reach Us
Address:
2414 Elkhorn Ranch Rd, Leander, Texas – USA 78641
Email:
info@tropicalphototours.com
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