Going to Ecuador in the fall - tips?

[archeophoto]

My wife and I are going to Ecuador for three weeks in the fall. We plan about a week for the Galapagos Islands and then we have two weeks on the mainland. We are not rich and the Galapagos Islands will be pretty expensive already, so I'm looking for some tips for things to do that are nice and photogenic but bank account friendly. What do you guys recommend? I will be taking a DSLR and a Rolleiflex.

 

[j j]

Wonderful country for visiting and for photography. Galapagos is expensive but if you are staying on a boat (as most do) you may have few extra costs as meals, guiding, transport and beds are included in the deal. Galapagos is in itself photogenic. Fabulous landscapes. Wildlife is approachable so a 300mm lens is enough for most uses.


tortoisescape by jj birder, on Flickr


santiago cactus-scape by jj birder, on Flickr

And don't forget to take pics of the tourists!


Magnificent Frigatebirds and audience by jj birder, on Flickr

You don't say where in Ecuador you are going but assuming Quito you have the old colonial town as well as places such as this on your doorstep (taken an hour or two outside the capital heading east).


humbolt was here by jj birder, on Flickr

And this is an hour or two heading west (towards Mindo).


view from yanacocha by jj birder, on Flickr

The Amazon (Rio Napo) area is spectacular too, should you get the chance.


big sky by jj birder, on Flickr

If you click through these pictures to my Flickr site I have sets from each slope of the Andes, Rio Napo and most of the most commonly visited Galapagos islands.

You are sure to have fun there!

 

[archeophoto]

Thanks jj_birder. Very nice photos, also on your Flickr account. Did you book your boat to the Galapagos Islands from abroad or when you were there?

 

[j j]

Thank you for your kind comment. I made the arrangements before I left UK and booked through a birding lodge in Mindo. You can book from home or when there: everywhere in Ecuador seems to sell trips to Galapagos!

I went for a smallish boat to try and keep some intimacy as you spend a lot of time on board and because the larger boats/ships offload quite a crowd at each island. You are escorted constantly by park guides (for good reason) so I also booked a few nights at the end on Santa Cruz where you have freedom to roam. You can stay on Santa Cruz and do day trips to several of the islands if you prefer that to a cruise.

 

[rso]

i did my trip through gadventures, $2000 plane ticket + $2000 for the tour (approx), all meals included, Galapagos only.
Bring a waterproof camera as you will get to swim with sea turtles, penguins and sea lions. For on lands and birds I have a d50 with a 18-200 and 50 1.4G. I didn't feel the need for anything else.
agree with j_j that wildlife is approachable...heck they are within 1 inch of your feet and hands
my sets are here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151387945306767.1073741832.507701766&type=1&l=a45799ec35