Colombia: Rainforests and Misty Mountains (custom comfort)

Colombia: Rainforests and Misty Mountains

Bird-watching in an Andean paradise

From the breathtaking cloud forest of La Florida to the birding mecca of Rio Blanco, this trip showcases the best of what Colombia has to offer to bird-watchers. We leave from Cali and slowly wind our way to the Andean mountains, taking in the truly astonishing variety of avian species this country boasts. Whether you’d like to book this trip in ‘comfort mode’ or ‘adventure mode’, get in touch and we’ll make it your dream journey.

Included

Excluded

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Cali

We'll collect you from the airport and take you to your accommodation. There, we'll gather together in the evening to introduce ourselves and go over the particulars of the trip.
Day 2: La Florida and La Conchita Reserve

A short 40-minute drive from Cali lies a breathtaking cloud forest nestled atop the Western mountain range, boasting an impressive array of over 350 bird species. This place annually draws in many passionate ornithologists and birdwatchers alike. We will start our journey in La Florida, a wonderful place to observe several species of birds that are endemic, such as the Colombian Chachalaca, Multicolored Tanager, Chestnut Wood-Quail and hummingbirds like the Booted Rackettail and the White-throated Daggerbill. Afterward, we will visit the birdwatching spot La Conchita, where we can find species of colorful birds such as the Golden-naped Tanager, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Red-headed Barbet, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, the amazing Scaled Antpitta and hummingbirds like the Blue-headed Sapphire, Brown Violetear, Andean Emerald, Purple-throated Woodstar, Long-tailed Sylph, Tawny-bellied Hermit, Bronzy Inca. Renowned for its equal importance to the region’s ecological and conservation efforts, this beautiful spot serves as a sanctuary not only for birds, but also for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in nature’s beauty.
Day 3: Doña Dora Reserve

Doña Dora is a local bird conservation icon. She owns a reserve that protects birds, insects, and flowers from the Anchicayá forest. This is a relaxing place to photograph birds, enjoy coffee, homemade meals, take a nap in a hammock, or enjoy a walk in nature. We will be in the reserve looking for some special birds like the Toucan Barbet, Orange-Breasted fruiteater, Black Solitaire, Black- chinned Mountain-tanager, Glistening-green Tanager and more.
Day 4: San Felipe Reserve and transfer to Otún Quimbaya

San Felipe Birding Nature Reserve is situated in a prime location for birdwatching enthusiasts. With approximately 170 species spotted within the reserve, including captivating birds like the Blue- necked Tanager, Golden Tanager, Flame-rumped Tanager, Green Jay, and Andean Motmot, it’s a haven for bird lovers. The feeders attract a diverse array of hummingbird species, along with other migratory birds, creating a vibrant spectacle of nature. The reserve offers all the necessary infrastructure for visitors to fully immerse themselves in the birdwatching experience. From well-equipped hides for birdwatching and photography to spacious paths and gardens, a welcoming reception area, delicious food options, a souvenir shop, relaxing rest spaces, and sanitary services, we ensure that every aspect of your visit is comfortable and enjoyable.
Day 5: Otún Quimbaya Sanctuary

A mere 15 kilometers from the city of Pereira lies the breathtaking Otún Quimbaya Sanctuary, nestled amidst the picturesque western flank of the Central Mountain Range. Encompassing an impressive 90% of protected natural forests, in different states of succession, and mature forests. A privileged spot for birdwatching, boasting species accounting for 16% of all birds reported in Colombia. In the early morning, and no doubt with the distraction of the sound of the Howler Monkeys, we will take a walk along an open quiet road to connect with several sought-after birds, including the elusive Hooded Antpitta and the endemic Cauca Guan, Multicolored Tanager and Crested Ant-tanager. Apart from these endemics, there are other good species to be found: Red-ruffed Fruitcrow, Andean Motmot, Chestnut- breasted Wren, Moustached Antpitta, Golden-headed Quetzal, Collared Trogon, Wattled Guan, Rusty- winged Barbtail, Plumbeous-crowned Tyrannulet, Ashy-headed Tyrannulet, Black-billed peppershrike, Rufous-naped Greenlet. Also, this place is well known for being the best site to see the mysterious Mountain Tapir. After lunch, our journey will lead us to the charming city of Manizales. Along the way, we’ll make strategic stops to admire the beauty of a nearby cascading river, where we might be fortunate enough to spot remarkable avian species such as the Torrent Tyrannulet, Torrent Duck, and White-capped Dipper, among others.
Day 6: Tinamú Reserve

Tinamú Reserve beckons as a haven for birdwatchers. Just a leisurely 30-minute drive from the city of Manizales, this reserve is home to over 270 species of birds. This charming place is a jewel in the Coffee Region, spread out over 12 hectares of lush secondary humid forest. With over 40 years of dedicated conservation and reforestation efforts, this oasis has become a magnet for a wide variety of wildlife. This natural reserve has numerous trails where we will look for endemics such as Grayish Piculet, Colombian Chachalaca and Parker’s Antbird. Other specialties include Golden-collared Manakin, Gray-headed Dove, Moustached Puffbird, Andean Motmot, Blue-lored Antbird, Jet Antbird, Speckle-breasted Wren, Guira Tanager and Golden-rumped Euphonia. At the feeders, we can see near-endemics such as Western Emerald and Scrub Tanager, beside commoner species as Green Honeycreeper, Blue-necked Tanager, Crimson-backed Tanager, Steely-vented Hummingbird, Andean Emerald, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Green Hermit, White-vented Plumeleteer, Black-throated Mango, Lesser, Brown and Sparkling Violetears.
Day 7: El Color de mi Rêves Reserve

El Color de mis Rêves Birding manages two forest reserves in the Central Andes and has dedicated its own property to conservation. Surrounded by a reserve spanning over 6,000 hectares of native forest, this sanctuary attracts a diverse array of birds, including the hummingbirds Tourmaline Sunangel and Black-thighed Puffleg, the striking Black-billed Mountain-Toucan, the curious Bicolored Antpitta, the majestic Ocellated Tapaculo, the beautiful Black-collared Jay, Andean Pygmy-Owl, and Crimson-mantled Woodpecker. These reserves constitute a crucial natural resource for the region and nearby cities, providing water and generating rainfall necessary for hydroelectric power (Colombia heavily relies on hydroelectric power to meet its electricity needs). The cloud forests of the reserves are also rich in biodiversity, boasting a plethora of plants, trees, mosses, orchids, fungi, mammals, and more, making them ideal destinations for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike.
Day 8: Rio Blanco Reserve

Rio Blanco is one of the best birding sites in Colombia. It is a in particular a mecca for lovers of the more elusive, skulking birds, as this was the first location in Colombia to develop antpitta feeders! This enormous cloud forest reserve boasts a remarkable biodiversity, providing refuge for numerous species in danger of extinction. It hosts 362 species of birds, including 13 Colombian endemics, 30 migratory species, and 13 threatened species. Moreover, you may also catch a glimpse of elusive mammals such as the Mountain Coati. We will walk into the reserve and begin with the local warden taking us to multiple feeding areas where we can get close views of the endemic and once almost impossible to see Brown-banded Antpitta, the near-endemic Bicolored Antpitta, The Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, and the charismatic Slaty-crowned Antpitta. During our day in this reserve, we will look for the many specialties in the reserve including Masked Saltator, Rusty-faced Parrot, Golden-plumed Parakeet and Bar-bellied Woodpecker. Also, we will spend some time looking at Hummers including White-throated Daggerbill, Speckled hummingbird, Long-tailed Sylph and Bronzy Inca.
Day 9: Hacienda el Bosque

Hacienda el Bosque is a picturesque countryside estate situated just a short 30-minute drive from Manizales. This enchanting farm has an impressive altitude gradient, ranging from 9,185 to 12,795 ft, offering a captivating journey through a variety of ecosystems: From verdant pastures for meat and dairy cattle to expansive stretches of high Andean and páramo forests, this cherished sanctuary has been meticulously managed for over 40 years. This place contains a number of feeder stations for hummingbirds and tanagers where we can see Collared Inca, White-bellied Woodstar, Mountain Velvetbreast, Sparkling Violetear, Lesser Violetear, Tourmaline Sunangel, Tyrian Metaltail, Buff-Winged Starfrontlet and the sought-after Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan and the White-throated Quail-Dove. However, the main attraction are some one of the most enigmatic antpitta species: the Crescent-faced Antpitta, and the Central-Andes member of the Rufous Antpitta complex, the Equatorial Antpitta.
Day 10: Nevados National Park

We will explore the enchanting elfin forests and paramos of this expansive park, home of endemic species including the rare and local Rufous-fronted Parakeet and Black-thighed Puffleg. As we begin our journey amidst the verdant elfin forests, we’ll look for fascinating species such as the Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Viridian Metaltail, Golden-breasted Puffleg, Paramo Tapaculo, Ocellated Tapaculo. Feeding flocks may also include Golden-fronted Whitestart, Sedge Wren, Plain-colored Seedeater, Paramo Seedeater, Andean Pygmy Owl, White-browed Spinetail, Brown-backed Chat-tyrant, Andean Tit-Spinetail and White-chinned Thistletail. Another popular highlight here is the delightful endemic Buffy Helmetcrest. We will look for this amazing bird in yellow flowering bushes amidst the typically stunted páramo vegetation. Also on the wish list here is the usually very vocal and sometimes showy Tawny Antpitta, alongside Stout-billed Cinclodes, Andean Lapwing, Crowned Chat-tyrant, and Many-striped Canastero.
Day 11: Termales del Ruiz and transfer to Bogotá

We will wake up to the bustling chorus of many high Andean forest birds and enjoy the bird life around our hotel. 17 species of hummers can be seen here, including Shining Sunbeam, Great Sapphirewing, Golden-breasted Puffleg, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, and the incredible Rainbow-bearded Thornbill. In the morning we will explore the trails and feeders of Termales del Ruiz, where we can see beautiful and colorful tanagers such as the Hooded Mountain-Tanager, Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager and the Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager. Transfer to the airport to catch the flight to Bogotá.
Day 12: Sumapaz National Park

The Sumapaz Páramo is an exceptional location situated within the Eastern Andean Mountain Range in the province of Sumapaz. This vast páramo habitat is recognized as the world’s largest and promises a breathtakingly magnificent landscape. The goal of this trip is to see some of the most elusive birds, such as the Bearded Helmetcrest, Apolinar’s Wren, and the Bogota Rail. We’ll also be looking for the exquisite Bronze-tailed Thornbill, Chestnut-winged Cinclodes, and Many-striped Canastero, among other species. Other species we hope to see include the Andean Tit Spinetail, Paramo Seedeater, Plain-colored Seedeater, and the majestic Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle.
Day 13: transfer to Bogotà airport

Transfer to the airport your return flight home.

$6,995

/ person sharing*

Request info here

*non-binding price indication

Colombia: Rainforests and Misty Mountains

Bird-watching in an Andean paradise

Included

Excluded

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Cali

Day 2: La Florida and La Conchita Reserve

Day 3: Doña Dora Reserve

Day 4: San Felipe Reserve and transfer to Otún Quimbaya

Day 5: Otún Quimbaya Sanctuary

Day 6: Tinamú Reserve

Day 7: El Color de mi Rêves Reserve

Day 8: Rio Blanco Reserve

Day 9: Hacienda el Bosque

Day 10: Nevados National Park

Day 11: Termales del Ruiz and transfer to Bogotá

Day 12: Sumapaz National Park

Day 13: transfer to Bogotà airport

$6,995

/ person sharing*

Request info here

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