Ecuador anyone? - DPChallenge Forums

03/12/2009 08:58:37 PM · #1

ecuador details

Would anyone be keen to do this trip?

The leader of the trip has been to Ecuador a few times, he is a friend of mine that I have travelled with a few times.

Message edited by author 2009-03-12 21:00:53.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

03/12/2009 11:45:49 PM · #2

ok just a bump....
doesn't anyone like the Amazon?

violinist123

Canon EOS-6D

03/13/2009 12:14:05 AM · #3

Shoot me a pm.

yakatme

Lytro Illum Light Field Digital

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

03/13/2009 06:44:35 AM · #4

Originally posted by ellamay:

doesn't anyone like the Amazon?

Absolutely. I've been planning on going for years. I had been going to a lot of other places instead until about two years ago knowing that I would eventually get there. But business slowed to a crawl and I'm in the middle of "restructuring" and lowering my overhead expenses drastically. My plan will work and soon as I complete it then I will be ready to start enjoying travel, photography, and life in general again.

I looked over the itinerary and it looks great. However, Ecuador is not an expensive place and this trip is not budget oriented. I used to travel often to Central America and the Carribean with only two reservations, airfare and car rental, and I found my own way to some incredible places. I know that there is a lot that comes with this trip that one couldn't manage without the guides and professional instruction. I just wonder if it would actually justify the price tag or if I would be disappointed that I didn't arrange my own trip once I got there. In other words, is this trip and all that it includes truly worth what it costs above what it would to do it on your own?

I haven't been to the Amazon yet but I definitly want to go. I will certainly consider this trip. When do you think that this trip will take place?

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

03/13/2009 04:44:09 PM · #5

Will send some PM's in a bit!

pamelasue

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

03/13/2009 05:50:02 PM · #6

Originally posted by yakatme:

Ecuador is not an expensive place and this trip is not budget oriented. I used to travel often to Central America and the Carribean with only two reservations, airfare and car rental, and I found my own way to some incredible places. I know that there is a lot that comes with this trip that one couldn't manage without the guides and professional instruction. I just wonder if it would actually justify the price tag or if I would be disappointed that I didn't arrange my own trip once I got there. In other words, is this trip and all that it includes truly worth what it costs above what it would to do it on your own?

I'd also LOVE to go on this trip ... but that is a concern that I have as well ... I have friends that traveled there prior to our trip to Peru and they had an amazing time for not a lot of money ... I'm afraid I'll have wanted to plan it on my own and save lots of cash ...

Please do post when you've decided on dates and I'll see what I can swing ...

k4ffy

03/13/2009 06:02:00 PM · #7

how much does something like this cost?

BAMartin

Apple iPhone 5

03/13/2009 06:25:24 PM · #8

Price: (Prices may vary based on availability of lodges, size of group, and season of travel.)

If 2 people - $3,940 USD per person

If 3 people - $3,355 USD per person

If 4 people - $3,115 USD per person

Single Supplement - $656 USD

I have to agree with some of the other posters. I traveled to Ecuador to adopt my daughter. I spent 6 weeks there, visiting many wonderful places and did not spend this much money. I think that planning the trip yourself to save money is the way to go. Ecuador is not as dangerous for travelers as some other countries south of our borders.

violinist123

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

03/13/2009 06:44:00 PM · #9

Originally posted by BAMartin:

Did you bring along a tour guide/photographer and rent land vehicles to cruise around the interior? I'm assuming extra cost for the guy's time/expenses and land transport and it doesn't seem bad at all compared to what I priced out for myself last year (no guide, rolling the dice on taxis/busses to get around and hopefully arrive).

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

03/13/2009 07:31:00 PM · #10

If I had the time, I'd love to go on this... it's *not* that expensive for a 2-week photo-oriented, guided trip. A lot of what you are paying for, over and above the travel cost, is the arrangements and the knowledge of *where* to go for the photo ops. There are also a lot of transportation expenses, e.g. round trip plane fare to the Amazon.
I've seen one-week workshops in much less desirable locations that don't cost much less.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4.0G IF-ED

03/13/2009 08:18:54 PM · #11

I have not been there, so to me, I agree with Kirbic that it is worth paying a bit more to 'get to the good places fast' so that I do not have to scout out every place.
I also prefer not to travel alone (which I would be doing) I am sure that the trip will get 4 people so really 3115. 00 So 1500.00 a week.... that is about the same as an all inclusive to mexico?

Potential dates to follow.

OH yeah

email Bill if you want to ask him questions
info@billgozansky.com

his website is listed under the "ecuador details" in the first post or here
//www.//www.billgozansky.com/

Message edited by author 2009-03-13 20:25:23.

jbsmithana

Nikon D300

03/13/2009 09:04:10 PM · #12

Originally posted by ellamay:

The link did not work for me but I corrected it here.

Message edited by author 2009-03-13 21:04:38.

jbsmithana

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4.0G IF-ED

03/13/2009 09:13:25 PM · #13

I may be interested depending on when. My time is pretty booked from now though summer but maybe fall or winter 2009 /10. As for price it is not bad for this type of tour. I know a guy who does bird watching tours in Ecuador and the Amazon and the fees are about the same, even without the photography emphasis and his have groups of 6-8.

I'll keep an eye on this thread. Thanks for the notice.

edit: to correct faulty typing fingers

Message edited by author 2009-03-13 22:30:52.