Andean Bears

A Wildlife Photography Adventure into the cloud forests of Ecuador

A wildlife journey into the Ecuador Cloud forest

Step into one of the most unique wildlife photography experiences on Earth.

This expedition takes you deep into the Ecuadorian cloud forest—home to the elusive

Andean bear, South America’s only bear species.

Join Ursus Expeditions as we explore Bear Canyon, widely considered the most reliable location in the world to see and photograph these bears in the wild. Over years of conservation work, this region has become a sanctuary where bears move naturally through moss-covered forests, waterfalls, and steep canyon walls offering unmatched photographic opportunities.

Tour Dates:

February 13-19, 2027

Location:

Ecuador

Cost:

$4200

Reserve Your Spot

Tour Highlights

  • Guaranteed Bear encounters

    Have near daily chances to experience one of the rarest bears in the world

  • Expert Wildlife Guides

    We have years of experience tracking wildlife and understanding the behaviors of Bears and how to safely interact with them

  • Photography Opportunity

    With a wildlife-focused trip, you can hone your wildlife photography skills with personalized instruction on how to best photograph the Wildlife seen

  • Riverside Accommodations

    Stay in handpicked eco-lodges with stunning views of the Tawa Reservoir and Denva River.

  • Authentic South American food

    Enjoy delicious, freshly prepared meals, offering a true taste of local culture.

  • Small-Group Experience

    We limit our group size to ensure intimate wildlife encounters and personalized experiences.

  • Conservation-Focused Travel

    Learn about India’s bear and tiger conservation efforts and how your trip supports wildlife protection initiatives.

A black bear climbing a moss-covered tree in a green forest.
A mother bear and her two cubs resting amidst dense green and brown foliage in a forest setting.
Two young black bear cubs playfully confront each other in a lush green forest area surrounded by bushes and plants.
Two black bears in a forested area with green foliage and a rocky background.
Pink flowering trees in front of a green mountainside with a waterfall in the distance.
Lush green mountains with terraced fields and a winding river at the valley bottom, framed by tree branches.
A black bear cub with a pink tongue sticking out, climbing a moss-covered tree in a dense forest.
A black bear walking on a log in a forest with green foliage in the background.

Itinerary

Day 1

    • Arrive at Quito Airport, where we will greet you and after lunch, transfer you to the lodge on the edge of Bear canyon

    • Enjoy a welcome dinner & orientation with your guides and fellow photographers.

Days 2-5

    • Daily early Treks into Bear canyon searching for and photographing Bears

    • Photography workshops & review sessions every evening.

    • Guided nature walks & landscape photography opportunities during free time.

Day 7

    • Morning breakfast, then farewell gathering.

Pricing & Availability

Cost: $4,200 USD
Deposit Required: $1,000 USD (Non-Refundable)
Final Payment Due: 90 Days Before Departure

Tour Dates

February 13-19, 2027

Cancellation Policy:
If you need to cancel, we will attempt to fill your spot—if successful, your payment will be refunded. Otherwise, trip payments are non-refundable. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.

Quick Facts:

Tremarctos ornatus: The Andean bear

The Andean bear, also known commonly as the spectacled bear, is the last surviving member of its line of short-faced bears, and the only bear in South America!

Notable for their distinctive light-colored facial markings that some thought resembled eyeglasses or “spectacles”, with each individual bear having a unique pattern like a fingerprint. allowing for documentation and tracking of individuals.

Andean bears have a unique diet, being largely herbivorous, consisting of fruits, vegetation, and bromeliads. But they are also known to eat insects and small mammals when the opportunities present themselves.

These bears are adapted to high-altitude environments, often dwelling in cloud forests and páramo ecosystems at elevations of up to 15,000 feet.

Endangered Status: The Andean bear is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • With a new cable system designed to allow guests to descend to and ascend from the river comfortably and safely, hiking demands are low and only require the trek to where the bears are within the canyon.

  • Every focal range from 24-600mm can be of of use on this tour!. The wider perspectives are great to showcase the lush jungle mountain scenery around us. but having a good zoom is a necessity for the Wildlife we will be seeing.

  • March typically doesn’t receive much rain, however, it will be important to pack sturdy rain gear and rain protection for your camera equipment just in case.