Cultural Photography Tours & Trips in Ecuador

Head to the Guayama Community bee farm and ceramic workshop in the Andes highlands, where you'll photograph artisans crafting traditional pottery. Check out the colorful Tigua art at Julio Toaquiza's gallery near Quilotoa, seeing indigenous painting techniques passed down through generations. The turquoise waters of Quilotoa's volcanic crater lake offer great photo opportunities from multiple viewpoints, then you'll photograph locals at the Shandia community lodge deep in the Amazon rainforest near Tena.

Photograph colonial masterpieces at Quito's La Compañía church with its ornately sculptured façade and Independence Square's Government Palace. See artisans making superfino Panama hats in Sigsig using traditional Toquilla straw weaving techniques. Document the gold filigree work at Chordeleg's jewelry workshops and walk through Cuenca's UNESCO World Heritage historic center with its dual cathedrals and vibrant flower markets along Plaza Mayor.

Get up for sunrise at the turquoise Quilotoa crater lake sitting at 10,400 feet elevation, then head to Julio Toaquiza's gallery where you'll see indigenous artisans creating Tigua paintings. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island to photograph giant tortoises up close. Hike up Sierra Negra volcano on Isabela Island for views of volcanic landscapes, then snorkel with sea lions and marine iguanas at Tijeretas on San Cristóbal Island.

Visit Otavalo workshops where artisans demonstrate traditional backstrap loom techniques, transforming raw wool into intricate textiles using methods passed through generations. The small district of Sigsig showcases Toquilleras crafting Ecuador's famous Panama hats from Toquilla plant straw. UNESCO-listed Santa Ana de los Rios de Cuenca square features dual cathedrals, colonial buildings, and the eclectic-style Todos los Santos church with beautifully painted ceilings.