FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I book a spot in your tour? Expand When is the right time to book a tour? Expand

The sooner the better!! As the spots get filled up fast and it is hard to predict when, so, once you have decided your destination just go ahead and book your spot instantly!

Do you have an option for single occupancy accommodation, if yes, then what is the cost? Expand

The cost of single occupancy/supplement is detailed on the photo tours pages.

If I am a solo participant and do not wish to opt for a single supplement. How do I go about it? Especially if there is no one ready to share the room? Expand

Since all lodges and hotels, we are associated with charge single supplements, we will have to book you a single room at the supplement price mentioned for each tour. Alternatively, we can also find a perfect roommate for you based on your gender, age, and interests. If a roommate is not available, the single supplement will be charged. Please note that we calculate the cost of the single supplement by taking the actual cost of a single room and subtracting one-half the cost of a double room (plus any applicable taxes).

Can I bring along a friend or family member with me? Expand

Of course, you can, and we will glad to have them over! If your partner or any other family member would like to join the photo tour, you can email us for non-photographer partner discount. Please note that though your guest cannot participate in the daily photographic activities they will not be bored as there are several activities that will keep them busy at the lodges, while you capture those amazing birds in the forests.

If I plan to arrive a day early, can you help? Expand

Sure! We’ll be happy to make your reservations to ensure that you get to the same hotel that we have booked for the official first night of the tour and include your extra day cost in the final payment. Since airport transfers are included, it does not matter if you arrive a day early or leave a day later

Do you provide Visa assistance? Expand Visa requirement varies depending on your place of origin and passport. While we do not directly provide Visa services, we can help guide you to get one, we recommended checking the respective country’s consulate websites for more clarification.
It is advisable that you complete and get the necessary visa prior to your tour start date, to avoid a last-minute rush. How many people are booked on a group tour? Expand

We keep our group very small so that we can give equal attention to everyone. The maximum group size is 6-8 photographers, not including the tour leader representing our company.

Is the Airfare included in the cost? Expand

Airfare is not included in the trip cost but if have queries regarding flights and connections we will be glad to help you out with the suggestions.

What are the payment and cancellation terms? Expand • A ‘non-refundable’ deposit of USD 1000 of the Tour fee as booking amount to reserve your spot
• The remaining balance is due in full 90 days before the start of the tour. If you would like to pay the remaining balance in installments, please let us know.
• All figures in USD per person
• Failure to make payments within this timeline could result in tour cancellation
• A deposit is your commitment to joining the workshop. These deposits don’t typically sit in an account, they are used to cover initial expenses for the workshop like hotel reservations, park permits/fees and guided tour deposits. Due to these expenses, deposits are non-refundable and tour payment made is subject to a cancellation fee.

CANCELLATION TERMS

If Cancelled By You: Expand • More than 60 days before the start of the tour: Refund of workshop payment (not including deposit), less $100 convenience fee.
• 60 – 45 days before the start of the tour: Refund of 50% of workshop payment (not including deposit), less $199 convenience fee.
• Less than 45 days before the start of the tour: No refunds will be given, and all payments will be forfeited. Full payment is required no later than 45 days prior to departure. If full payment is not received by this date you will be notified by email. If you do not respond within 3 business days, your spot will be forfeited and offered to participants on the waiting list.
Please note: The date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for calculation of the cancellation fees.
CANCELLED WORKSHOPS: If we are forced to cancel a workshop for any reason, your entire payment will be transferred to another comparable workshop within one calendar year When do we receive our tickets and final instructions? Expand Our team will send you airport pickup, lodging and other necessary details, 2 weeks prior to your tour start date. It is important that you send your flight details/arrival-departure time as soon as you book your tickets.
In case of delay, please email info@tropicalphototours or call +1 512-803-8049/512-806-6469. What vaccinations are required? Expand It’s is very important to check the CDC website and check for health and vaccination advisories before you travel to the rainforests for ZIKA, Yellow Fever etc.
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Any vaccinations required must be administered under the supervision of a professional guidance.

What Camera Gear and other essentials should I pack? Expand • Your Digital SLR full-frame camera
• Your longest telephoto lens preferably 300mm or more
• A wide-angle lens if you are interested in capturing landscapes
• You can also bring your flash with a flash bracket
• Pack a ton of memory cards
• A macro lens is highly recommended
• A sturdy tripod or monopod is required
• Release cables Other essentials:
Good hiking boots, Laptop, memory card readers, bug spray, sunscreen, silica gel sachets to keep your camera dry. Since, it is likely that there might be rain and mosquitoes especially in dense rainforests, so you must pack your rain jacket and a bug jacket. What is the most appropriate type of luggage to bring? Expand

It is advisable that you pack light as you will need to carry them along with you. We suggest you carry one bag for the camera gear, one bag for your clothes and other handbag or backpack to keep the essentials handy. You can also carry a small satchel to carry your personal items or important documents that you might need frequently.

What medicines do I need to carry? Expand We advise you to carry your personal medical kit along with a first aid kit.
You can carry medicines that are for common illnesses like colds, cough, fever, diarrhea, altitude sickness, headaches, heartburn or severe acidity and sore throats to name a few. Those who take regular medication for hypertension, blood sugar, allergy, and asthma should carry an adequate supply of medicines.
We tend to travel to remote places, it is best you have your medicines handy. Though most of our trips require moderate stamina, it is best if you are high on energy and stay fit to get the most out of the experience.
Please note that this is a general information, it is recommended that you check with your physician and doctor to determine what medicines you need to carry. How is the weather during the tours? Expand

As we will be traveling to Amazonian rainforests and Tropical rainforests expect tropical weather with mists hanging in the air early morning and occasional light showers. In higher altitudes you can expect it to be cold, so carry a light jacket or throw with you. There might be rain, so a rain jacket and high boots will come in good use.

Do I need Medical & Travel Insurance? Expand

It is highly recommended that you take both.

Make sure to check the terms and conditions of the policy carefully, especially, how much coverage will you get and what are the limits. Since there are restrictions for each insurance policy so do read through the terms and conditions carefully and keep a printed copy of the same handy during travel.
Tropical Photo Tours do not take the liability for your flight cancelations, medical expenses, gear damage, accidents, natural disasters, extended stays, and other unforeseen emergencies. Will I get Internet/Mobile Coverage? Expand

While most countries support International Roaming, local numbers can be procured from airports for voice calls. It is important to note that some of our birding areas do not have networks. Internet is not available at most lodges and when available, are limited to the dining areas.

What if my questions aren’t listed here? Expand

Our team will get back to you with assistance.

Our aim is to make bird and wildlife photography accessible to everyone! Come join us on our next adventure in the rainforests.

Contact Us > or call us at
+1-512-803-8049 / 512-806-6469 if you’d like to talk first. Monday-Saturday
9:00 AM-6:00 PM

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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Brazil Bird Photo Tour
Brazil Jaguar Photo Tour
Peru Photo Tour
Texas Bird Photo Tour

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