FAQs
At IceMonkeyTours, we’ve gathered the FAQs based on our travelers’ inquiries about our Photo Tours. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, please reach out to us directly. We’re here to assist you and make your Photo Tour experience unforgettable.
Can I join a trip without being a photographer?
Absolutely! Regardless of your photography skill level, whether you’re a beginner, expert, or just want to travel with your smartphone, our tours are designed for everyone. You’ll always be accompanied by our team of expert photographers who will share their knowledge during the photo tour, providing you with a unique experience.
What is a photo tour?
A photo tour is much more than just a getaway; it’s a perfect fusion of your passions for photography and discovering new horizons. At IceMonkey Tours, we understand the essence of this art, and that’s why we design expeditions to unique destinations ideal for photography enthusiasts. We don’t just take you to common places; we always seek exclusive itineraries, less-traveled spots, and magical corners where nature and culture come together, allowing you to capture the best photographs.
Our trips are meticulously planned, tailored to the time we know is needed to wait for that perfect moment, that ideal light, allowing you to capture that dream photo that will not only be etched in your camera but also in your memory. You’ll travel in small groups, ensuring a more personalized experience and granting you access to key locations, guaranteeing the best shots in optimal lighting conditions.
But what truly sets us apart is our team. At IceMonkey, we collaborate with the world’s finest photographers, including our CEO, Jose David Riquelme, a renowned photographer who has received global accolades. With his expertise and guidance, as well as that of our talented team, we guarantee each journey will be an unforgettable experience where you’ll learn, enjoy, and most importantly, capture memories that will last a lifetime.
Is there a photography workshop during the trip?
At IceMonkey, we believe in a full immersion into the photographic experience. Throughout the journey, our guide, who is also a professional photographer from our team, will be at your full disposal. They will not only assist you during travels but will also share invaluable insights and offer optional talks and viewings at the end of the day. It’s vital to understand that this isn’t just a photography course in an exotic location, but an on-site practical workshop. With IceMonkey, you’ll have the guidance of an expert photographer who will help you progress in your photographic journey and introduce you to spots with exceptional photographic potential.
How can I book a trip?
At IceMonkey Tours, we invite you to embark on your adventure from the get-go. You can fill out the booking form available on each trip page, making your choice and planning straightforward. Our team of experts is on hand to assist you every step of the way, recognizing that the magic of the journey begins with the preparation. We offer a wide range of meticulously described destinations on our website, and with just a deposit, you secure your spot on the chosen expedition. With us, anticipation and planning become an integral part of your journey. We look forward to being part of your next adventure!
What's included in the trip?
When you embark on an adventure with IceMonkey, we aim for your experience to be as seamless and enriching as possible. That’s why we’ve designed our packages to include all the essentials and more. With us, your trip includes:
- Transfers: From the moment of your arrival to your departure, we provide all transfers in a comfortable private vehicle, ensuring you move with ease and safety throughout the itinerary.
- Accommodation: You won’t have to worry about where to rest after a day filled with photographic emotions. We offer accommodation in comfortable hotels, with your booking including a shared double room.
- Meals: We know a good day starts with a good breakfast. That’s why all breakfasts are included in your package, providing you with the necessary energy for your daily adventures. Additionally, on some of our trips, we offer full board, so you can enjoy all meals without any concerns.
- Photographic Guidance: It’s not just a trip; it’s a photographic experience. You’ll have the guidance and advice of our professional photographers, who will help you capture the best moments and enhance your photographic skills.
- Bilingual Guide: To ensure you fully understand and immerse yourself in the experience, we provide guides fluent in both English and Spanish, facilitating communication and understanding throughout the trip.
At IceMonkey, we strive to offer a comprehensive experience, taking care of every detail so all you have to do is enjoy and capture the most memorable moments. We hope you’ll join us on this unique adventure!
How far in advance should I book?
To ensure an optimal experience with IceMonkey Tours, we recommend making your reservation at least 2 months in advance. Since our groups are small, this allows us to provide adequate and personalized attention to each traveler. As specialists in photographic journeys, we understand the importance of preparation and planning, and we’ll do everything possible to assist and guide you through this process. Booking in advance secures your spot in the group and enables us to offer you the best experience possible. We look forward to having you on our next photographic adventure!
When is the final payment due?
To confirm and finalize your booking with IceMonkey Tours, a deposit of 1,000 US dollars is required. It’s important to note that spots will not be reserved without this initial deposit. As for the final payment, it should be made 60 days prior to the trip’s start date. Adhering to these deadlines is essential to guarantee your participation and ensure an optimal experience on our photographic tour. We look forward to having you join us on this amazing adventure!
What is the cancellation policy?
At IceMonkey, we recognize that attending our workshops and photographic trips requires prior planning and commitment. However, we also understand that unforeseen events or circumstances might arise, forcing you to cancel your participation. Therefore, we’ve established a clear cancellation policy to protect both your interests and ours:
- If you cancel more than 150 days before the workshop’s start date, we will offer a full refund of any payments you’ve made.
- If you cancel between 150 and 91 days before the workshop starts, you’ll be refunded 50% of the reservation.
- If cancellation occurs between 90 and 61 days before the workshop begins, you’ll receive a 35% refund of the reservation.
- If you decide to cancel within the 60 days leading up to the workshop’s start, unfortunately, we won’t be able to provide any refund.
We hope this policy offers clarity and confidence as you plan your experience with IceMonkey. We’re here to assist you every step of the way.
How many people are in each group?
Is a technical knowledge level required?
There’s no specific technical level required to join our trips. We welcome and embrace everyone with an adventurous spirit and a desire to uncover the magic behind each shot. Moreover, with the guidance and expertise of our CEO, Jose David Riquelme, renowned in the photography world, we assure you that you’ll learn and be inspired at every step of the journey, regardless of your experience level. With IceMonkey, every trip is an opportunity to grow as a photographer!
Can I travel with a companion?
Of course! At IceMonkey, we understand that traveling is often an experience best enjoyed when shared. If you choose to attend with a companion, it’s important for both of you to know that, while it is a photographic journey and photography guides many of our activities, it’s not just that. It’s also an opportunity to immerse oneself in the destination, savor its wonders, and share what we’re passionate about: photography. We aim to balance the photographic experience with the full enjoyment of the trip, creating unforgettable moments in each destination.
What clothing do I need for a photographic trip?
The clothing and gear you’ll need largely depend on the destination. Generally, we recommend lightweight, non-cotton clothing and dressing in layers. The attire for a photographic journey will vary based on the chosen destination. In our technical sheet, we provide a list of essential and recommended materials tailored to the type of trip. It’s crucial to make the right selection so that every traveler feels comfortable and fully enjoys the experience.
Do I need to manage my travel visas?
While we can’t handle visas for you, we can provide links to companies that offer this service and assist you in the application and management process.
What photographic equipment should I bring?
At IceMonkey, we are professional photographers and will advise you on the most suitable photographic equipment for the type of trip. Your choice will depend on your photography level: while some travelers opt for professional gear, others prefer their smartphones. Our priority is for you to capture wonderful images. Therefore, we offer a consultancy service on the most appropriate equipment, the conditions of each destination, and how to make the most of it.
Is medical and travel insurance mandatory?
Yes, medical and travel insurance is mandatory for all trips with IceMonkey Tours. However, if you wish, our team can include one of our travel insurance options in your package.
Do I need to be in good physical shape?
Our trips are designed for anyone in reasonable shape. Some of our journeys may visit remote areas with limited medical facilities, so it’s essential to be in good health.
Is there an age limit?
Minors between the ages of 13 and 17 can only participate if they are accompanied by their parents. Our tours are not suitable for children under 13 years old.
Are international flights included?
Our trips do not include international flights. However, we can assist you in booking flights to reach your destination.
Should I tip the local guide?
Our local guides work hard to ensure you have a memorable experience. It’s important to consider that the custom of tipping will depend on the destination, as it’s more common in some cultures than others. It’s always a personal decision, but a gesture that can show your appreciation for their dedication and effort.
What communication methods will be available?
On our trips, many of the hotels and public places offer Wi-Fi service. However, since many locations are remote, communication might be limited.
Can you customize a trip?
At IceMonkey, every traveler is unique, and so should their experiences be. If you have a specific destination or idea in mind, we’re more than willing to tailor to your wishes and needs. Just give us a call or write to us, sharing your desired journey and requirements. Our team of experts, with extensive experience in organizing photographic expeditions, will get to work to design an itinerary that meets your expectations.
PHOTO
TOURS
Utah Workshop
Discover one of the most photogenic regions on the planet on this 8-day photography workshop in Utah, a journey designed for photographers seeking unique landscapes, spectacular light, and a deeply creative experience.
We will explore iconic national parks as well as lesser-known locations where silence, shape, and the colors of the desert create truly unforgettable scenes. Stone arches, endless canyons, towering rock spires, and dramatic skies will be our playground.
This workshop is designed to photograph at a relaxed pace, understand light, refine composition, and bring home powerful images—from capture in the field to the final edit. Each day is carefully planned to take full advantage of the best light, with constant guidance and a personalized approach.
A journey to experience the landscape, photograph with intention, and return with a collection of images that will mark a before and after in your portfolio.
Spain Wildlife
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day wildlife adventure in the heart of Andalusia. Explore the untamed beauty of Adamuz, a Mediterranean haven where ancient holm oaks shelter Iberian lynxes, Spanish imperial eagles, and a vibrant variety of birdlife. Your journey begins in historic Toledo and leads south to the Sierra Morena, where quiet hides offer a front-row seat to nature’s raw spectacle. From golden light filtering through the dehesa to the haunting call of nocturnal mammals, every moment is a chance to capture the wild spirit of southern Spain.
Bolivia Uyuni Salt Flat
Get ready to immerse yourself in the fascinating beauty of Bolivia on a photography trip that will leave you breathless
Morocco
Experience a captivating photo tour with IceMonkey Tours in Morocco, capturing ancient cultures, stunning landscapes, and vibrant colors through your lens. Explore, learn, and create unforgettable memories.
Namibia
Namibia is for photographers, one of Africa’s best kept secrets.
Less known and less visited than the parks of Eastern and Southern Africa, Namibia’s treasures remain more hidden,
revealed to those seeking a truly different adventure.
Spain (Tenerife)
Welcome to the Tenerife 2026 Photography Tour. Join us as we explore the island’s most photogenic landscapes, from the majestic El Teide volcano to perfect sunset beaches. You’ll learn how to plan, capture, and process astrophotography alongside specialist José D. Riquelme, taking advantage of the best nights to photograph the Milky Way. This unforgettable visual experience is designed for photographers of all levels who want to capture the unique beauty of Tenerife.
Total Eclipse Spain
Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the heart of Spain during the Total Solar Eclipse of August 12, 2026. Over 8 days we will explore the medieval city of Toledo, the desert landscapes of the Bardenas Reales, the waterfalls and caves of the Monasterio de Piedra, and the historic corners of Soria.
The highlight will be the observation and photography of the eclipse from the iconic Molino de Malanquilla, under pristine dark skies. This adventure combines history, nature, and astronomy for an unforgettable photographic journey.
Highlands Iceland
"Welcome to the Iceland Highlands Photography Tour! Discover the raw beauty of Iceland's dramatic landscapes, from majestic waterfalls and rugged mountains to vast lava fields and remote highlands. Join us on this unforgettable photographic adventure through one of the world's most stunning and diverse terrains."
Iceland
Join IceMonkey Tours for an unforgettable photo tour in Iceland. Experience the magic of the Arctic, capturing stunning landscapes and unique moments on this exceptional photo tour.
Lofoten islands
Join us for an unforgettable photography journey through the dramatic landscapes of the Lofoten Islands, far above the Arctic Circle. Over nine days, we will explore one of Norway’s most iconic regions, where sharp mountains rise directly from the sea, fishing villages cling to the coastline, and light constantly reshapes the landscape.
South Africa Safari Workshop
In this joint workshop, photography and editing combine to take your skills to the next level. During the five intensive days, you will have the opportunity to capture the majesty of African wildlife and landscapes under the expert guidance of Álvaro Cubero. He will teach you how to get the most out of your equipment in every shot, exploring angles, lighting, and compositions so that each photograph tells a unique story. Afterward, in the editing phase, José D. Riquelme, a master in the art of editing, will take you step-by-step through his workflow, teaching you advanced post-processing techniques.
Costa Rica Wildlife
Join us on a unique photo expedition through the wildest ecosystems of Costa Rica. Over 10 days, we’ll explore cloud forests, tropical jungles, and mangroves in search of iconic birds like the resplendent quetzal, king vulture, hummingbirds, tanagers, motmots, and many more.
We’ll have exclusive access to 11 strategic feeders, perfect for capturing clean shots with great light and natural backgrounds. Locations include San Gerardo de Dota, Guápiles, Boca Tapada, Río Tárcoles, and San Ramón—each offering incredible wildlife photography opportunities.
The entire trip is guided by experts in nature and photography, with hands-on field sessions and editing guidance. A journey designed to enjoy, learn, and return with images that tell powerful stories.