Danny Howard
Ecuador February 22nd-March 1st, 2018
Galapagos Islands Add on March 1st-March 4th, 2018
Travel to Ecuador with photographer Danny Howard and guide Jose Ormaza. Jose was born and raised in Quito but now lives and works in Chicago USA.
He has for the last 4 years guided tours from Chicago to Ecuador on behalf of the American Embassy, taking American historical musical groups to music festivals all over the country. His knowledge and contacts will be invaluable. He will also be our bilingual translator on the trip.
We will travel between 3 cities in Ecuador and visit Volcanoes, Waterfalls, South American Arts & Crafts markets, and Historic Old City capitals. We have 10 places available on this amazing trip. Our goal is to help you produce photographs that you are delighted with, as well as being able to learn different photo techniques in interesting landscapes.
REGISTER NOW - FILL IN THE CONTACT FORM
Day 1– Fly from Chicago to Quito, Ecuador. On arrival we will transfer to Otavalo. (1 & 1/2 hour drive) Settle into hotel
Day 2 - Explore Otavalo and one of the largest outdoor markets in South America with wonderful Andean crafts and colors. After lunch we will head to Peguche to explore an Inca Mountain and photograph the wonderful waterfalls.
Day 3 - Early rise to visit Cuicocha Crater Lake under Cuicocha Volcano. This promises to give us spectacular landscape views (weather permitting) . After lunch we will photograph El Lechero , the sacred tree, believed to carry the soul of a cursed lover who fell in love with a chap from a rival family. We will then drive 90 minutes to the capital of Ecuador, Quito.
Day 4 - Exploring the old City and historic district of Quito we will visit San Francisco Plaza, Basilica de Voto National, Casa Gangotena. We will finish the day on La Rondo street.
Day 5 - We make an early start to ride up the side of a dormant Volcano Pichincha in a cable car. We make a visit to the Guayasamin Museum and Chapel built by sculptor and painter Oswaldo Guayasamín.
Day 6 - We leave Quito to travel to the "Middle of the Earth" the actual line of the Equator. Heading to the Nambillio Cascades we will have the opportunity to choose the difficulty level of our hike to picture Waterfalls and local wildlife and fauna.
Day 7 - Early rise (4am) to visit the Paz de las Aves Bird Refuge. (Toucan, Cocks of the Rocks, Anpittas, Hummingbirds and many more) After the tour we will have breakfast at the refuge before heading back to the hotel for a little recovery , then we will visit chocolate makers El Quetzal, and take a tour "From Bean to bar". After dinner we will go to the Frog Concert and see and hear about nocturnal animal activities!
Day 8 - Drive back to Quito and head back to Chicago.
Day 8 - Added on Galapagos Islands Trip. Fly from Quito to GI. We will head to our hotel to settle in then head to Puerto Ayaora the center of town. Head to Tortuga Bay for sunset.
Day 9 - The beginning of the day will be spent at the Santa Cruz Fish Market. Here we will watch the local fisherman bring in the catch of the day. Heading out to El Chato Tortoise Reserve we will mingle with the Giant Turtle population in their own habitat, before finishing the day at Bellavista Lava Tunnels.
Day 10 - We will visit the Charles Darwin Research Center before having the opportunity view marine Iguana's and White Tipped Sharks in the canals.
Day 11 - Fly to Quito and then back home.
What's Included:
> 7 Days of photography in beautiful Ecuador
> Full Accommodations at all locations - Double Occupancy (Single Occupancy can be obtained
at an extra cost.) Please ask for more information.
> Breakfast every morning
> All in-country transportation
> An itinerary personally planned by Danny Howard and Jose Ormaza
> Every day a full day of shooting with instruction from Danny Howard
> Access to Danny Howard after the trip to work on post processing
> Bilingual Guide
ADD ON PACKAGE AT A SEPARATE PRICE
> Galapagos Islands - 3 nights 4 days
> Flights to and from Quito
> Accommodation (Double Occupancy)
> Breakfast
> $100 Tourist payment as a non national
What's not included
> Airfare to Ecuador and back to the United States
> We will provide one ride at a set time from the airport to our first accommodation
for students (Majority of students will determine the pick up time of arrival at airport)
> We will provide one ride at a set time from the accommodation to the airport
for students (Majority of students will determine the drop off time arrival at airport)
> Lunch, Dinner, and other personal necessities
> Travel Insurance (Highly Recommended)
> Cost of Trips and entrance to activities and parks (Not to exceed $100)
> Galapagos Islands Add on. All entrance fees. Some tours can be expensive.
IMPORTANT STUFF TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO;
> Travel Insurance is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! We will make every effort to do our best
to be fair, we cannot promise to make full refunds in the event of cancellation due to events beyond our control.
> Travel Itinerary and accommodation subject to change.
> We recommend that you bring at least one (two preferred) external Hard drives on the trip to store photographs daily
> A laptop or computer to make any edits during the trip or to discuss post processing while you are there.
> Upon registration we will send you a complete list of necessities and details for the trip
> The deposit and balance are not refundable unless someone else can fill your spot.
The cost of the trip to Ecuador is $1950 per person and includes everything listed above.
To confirm your place on this trip please make a cheque or cash payable to Danny Howard of $1000.Online we can accept payment via Zelle (email ezbeats@hotmail.com) or Paypal can also be accepted for a small transaction fee of $10.
The final payment of $950 will be due one month prior to departure.
The add on trip to the Galapagos Islands will be a further $1450. To confirm your place on this trip please make a cheque or cash payable to Danny Howard of $600. Paypal can also be accepted for a small transaction fee of $10.
The final payment of $850 will be due one month prior to departure.
Please feel free to ask any questions before you book or before we go. Our goal is to create fun and interesting International photography trips.
