Ecuador’s Amazon: Yasuní Wildlife Photo Extension

Photograph the diverse wildlife of Yasuni National Park

Captured on Ecuador’s Amazon: Yasuní Wildlife Photo Extension; All photos by Ralph Lee Hopkins.

Photo-Exclusive Pre-Voyage Galápagos extension:

Led by a National Geographic Photography Expert and Lucas Bustamante, Ecuadorian photographer and founder of Savia Fund.
Three days immersed in the jungle and rivers of Yasuní National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
Stay in the middle of it all at Napo Wildlife Center, just 20 cabins with all the amenities set on the banks of a black-water lagoon, created, operated and handled by the local community.
With 10 species of monkey, resident giant river otters, a nearby clay lick attracting macaws and parakeets, observation towers and access to the wild, photographic opportunities are extraordinary.
Paddle through the jungle with an expert local naturalist and a professional photographer
Just a short flight from UNESCO-designated historic Quito, largest, best preserved colonial center in the Americas.

DEPARTURE DATES:

National Geographic Photography Expert Michael Melford: January 10, 2025. (Pre-trip extension departs January 5, 2025)
National Geographic Photography Expert Lucas Bustamante: August 15, 2025. (Pre-trip extension departs August 10, 2025)
National Geographic Photography Expert Jennifer Hayes: September 26, 2025 (pre-trip extension departs Sept 21, 2025)

Galápagos is one of the most surprising places on the planet, and, if you’re like most people, you’ll be reaching for your camera to capture it all. That’s why we have National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions certified photo instructors on every departure. Or you can join a Photo Expedition and travel alongside National Geographic Photography Experts on select departures aboard National Geographic Endeavour II. They will be at your side on deck and in the field to provide inspiration, advice, and tips throughout the expedition.

And if that's not enough, join us for this photo-exclusive pre-voyage Galápagos extension to Napo Wildlife Center—a remarkable base for nature photography. Limited availability. Maximum 16 guests.

Day 1 - Arrive Quito

Arrive this evening and transfer to the convenient and comfortable Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel, just a few minutes from the airport. Ask about arriving early to explore more of Quito and the Andean Highlands.

Day 2 - Quito/Napo Wildlife Center

Meet fellow travelers and your photo leaders over breakfast and transfer to the airport for the 30-minute flight to Coca, gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon. Continue by motorboat and canoe, getting your cameras ready for paddling black water Añangu creek. After a brief orientation and photo tips, we start shooting on the way to the majestically situated Napo Wildlife Center. After settling into your cabin, we head for the 120-foot canopy tower at the lodge for photography at sunset. We will talk about all the photographic opportunities and excursions during the next days after dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 3-5 - Napo Wildlife Center

During the next three full days, we explore this unique rainforest: visit the remarkable parakeet and macaw clay lick, one of the great animal spectacles; hike along the forest trails to visit the local indigenous Kichwa community; explore the lake and creeks by dugout canoe with expert local guides; and climb several canopy towers built in the pristine forest. Enjoy the different bird flocks like tanagers, toucans, and, with luck, troops of different monkey species from a perch atop a towering Ceiba tree. You are in, and over, the jungle in a privileged perch for nature and wildlife photography. Since photographing wildlife takes expertise and location but also time, we have the luxury of four nights in this amazing place. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - Napo Wildlife Center/Quito

After breakfast, we return by river to Coca for a midday flight back to Quito. Upon arrival, transfer to the convenient Wyndham Airport hotel. Remainder of the evening and dinner at leisure to rest, relax and prepare for adventures ahead. (B,L)

Day 7 - Quito/Galápagos

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Galápagos and your photo adventures aboard.

Costs & What's Included

Occupancy

Cost per person 2024-25

Cost per person 2025

Double Occupancy

$3,329

$3,495

Single Occupancy

$4,385

$4,600

Cost Includes:

Accommodations, meals as indicated, sightseeing tours, transfers in conjunction with group recommended flights.

Not included:

Personal Items, international or domestic airfare (to and from mainland and Galapagos, and flights Quito-Coca-Quito). Galapagos flights are approximately $550 and Coca flights $325, subject to change. These flights are ticketed by National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions and issued locally.