This compact expedition through southern Colombia explores one of the country’s most extraordinary ecological transitions, connecting the high Andes, páramo ecosystems, cloud forests, and Amazonian foothills within a highly productive birding route. Following the legendary Trampolín de las Aves corridor, participants will experience dramatic changes in landscapes and bird communities while searching for some of the region’s most remarkable specialties, including Chestnut-bellied Cotinga, Emerald-bellied Puffleg, Golden-plumed Parakeet, Ivory-billed Aracari, Moustached Antpitta, and numerous Andean and Amazonian species. From the high-altitude wetlands of Laguna de la Cocha to the rich forests of Putumayo and Huila, this journey offers an exceptional combination of biodiversity, endemism, and unforgettable scenery across the Andean–Amazon transition.
Duration: 10 Days - 9 Nights.
Group Size: 4 - 8 Participants.
Tour Start: Pasto Colombia (PSO)
Tour End: Pitalito (PTX)
Airport Info:
Pasto - Antonio Nariño (PSO).
Pitalito - Contador Airport (PEI).
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ITINERARY - ANDES TO AMAZON BIRDING TOUR – EXPRESS
Day 1. Arrival Pasto
Upon arrival at the airport in Pasto, one of our representatives will welcome you and transfer you to our lodge near the beautiful Laguna de la Cocha, a scenic high-altitude lake surrounded by wetlands and montane forest. Depending on our arrival time and weather conditions, we may have the opportunity to enjoy some light birding around the lodge and nearby areas, searching for species such as Andean Teal, Andean Guan, Northern Slaty Brushfinch, Southern Lapwing, Masked Flowerpiercer, Brown-bellied Swallow, Andean Siskin, and Rufous-collared Sparrow while acclimatizing for the exciting days ahead.
Day 2. Páramo de Bordoncillo & Laguna de la Cocha
Today we’ll head into the high Andes to explore the Páramo de Bordoncillo, one of the most important páramo ecosystems in southern Colombia. This high-mountain habitat plays a critical role in water regulation and carbon storage, and it's home to a range of highly specialized and often endemic bird species. We’ll embark on a moderate to challenging hike across this rugged landscape, surrounded by frailejones, moss-covered ground, dwarf trees and panoramic views. Our main goal will be to spot páramo specialties such as the Emerald-bellied Puffleg, Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant, Golden-crowned Tanager, Masked Mountain-Tanager, Purple-backed Thornbill, Agile-tit Tyrant and the highlight Chestnut-bellied Cotinga. In the afternoon, we’ll board a boat and venture into the peaceful waters of Laguna de la Cocha, navigating through reedbeds and forested shores. This excursion offers chances to observe wetland and aquatic species such as the Andean Duck Andean Gull, Slate-colored Coot, Yellow-billed Pintail, and possibly the elusive Subtropical Doradito.
Day 3. Trampolin Upper part
Today we embark on one of the most scenic and biologically diverse journeys in Colombia, traveling from Laguna de la Cocha to Mocoa via the legendary Trampolín de las Aves route. This winding road—famous among birders and biologists—takes us through a spectacular transition from high Andean páramo to the lush, humid Amazon foothills. As we descend, the landscape shifts dramatically—from open páramo dotted with frailejones to dense cloud forest and finally to the tropical greenery of the Andean-Amazon interface. This altitudinal gradient offers an exceptional opportunity to observe a remarkable change in bird communities, with highland species gradually giving way to more tropical ones. We may witness species turnover that includes Mountain Tanagers above, giving way to Yellow-throated Tanager, Chestnut-bellied Thrush, Scarlet-rumped Cacique, Handsome Flycatcher, Deep-blue and Bluish Flowerpiercers, Maroon-tailed Parakeet, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Many-banded Aracari, Violaceus Jay, among others wonders.
Day 3. Trampolin lower part
Today we’ll dedicate our time to birding along the lower part of the Trampolín de las Aves, one of the most species-rich roads in Colombia. This area, nestled in the transition zone between the Andean slopes and the Amazon basin, harbors an exceptional level of biodiversity. As we bird along the road’s lower stretches, we’ll be on the lookout for Amazon foothill specialties such as the Mixed flocks are common here and can yield surprises at any moment.
Day 4. Finca Discossura
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Day 5. El Escondite
Today we’ll visit El Escondite Reserve, a remarkable conservation project near Villagarzón in the heart of Putumayo. Once a cattle farm, this land has been lovingly restored by its owner, Hernando Rodríguez, who has spent decades reforesting and allowing the Amazonian forest to regenerate naturally. His deep commitment to conservation and regenerative tourism has turned the reserve into one of the region’s most inspiring models of ecological recovery. With over 350 bird species recorded, El Escondite offers an exceptional variety of habitats—from mature rainforest and river edges to secondary growth—all supporting an incredible diversity of birdlife. During our visit, we’ll explore forest trails in search of species such as toucanets, cotingas, gnateaters, antbirds, and other Amazonian specialties that thrive in this revitalized ecosystem. This will be a meaningful day of birding, enriched by the story of a place where conservation and biodiversity go hand in hand.
Day 6. Playa Rica & Amazon Pink Dolphins
Today we venture to Playa Rica on the banks of the Putumayo River, where a leisurely boat excursion will bring us close to the river’s rich avian and mammalian life. As we glide among riverine forests and wetlands, we’ll target iconic freshwater species, beginning with the legendary Amazon river dolphin, a charismatic and endangered Amazonian cetacean endemic to Colombia’s rivers. On board, our expert guides will also scan for a stunning roster of river-edge birds: Ringed, Amazon and Green Kingfishers, Scarlet‑crowned Barbet, White‑eared Jacamar, Swallow‑winged Puffbird, Black‑fronted Nunbird, and Long‑billed Woodcreeper, among many others. Those eager for more may spot Horned Screamer, Ivory‑billed Aracari, Yellow‑tufted Woodpecker, White‑throated Toucan, and Plum‑throated Cotinga as we pass through lush wetland forest.
Day 7. Kofán & Mocoa
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Day 8.
Traveling from the Putumayo region toward Pitalito, our route enters the biodiverse landscapes of Huila—a striking corridor within the Andean–Amazon transition. Along Route 45 (km 30–50 on the Pitalito–Mocoa road), cloud forests offer excellent birding with chances to spot Crested Quetzal, Semi-collared Hawk, White-rumped Hawk, and rarer species like Barred Antthrush and Deep-blue Flowerpiercer Approaching Reserva El Encanto, located just ~22 km from Pitalito in Palestina, birders will appreciate its well-maintained trails, feeding stations, and diverse altitudinal habitats. The reserve supports over 270–400 species, including endemics like the Golden-eared Tanager, Tolima Dove, Flame-faced Tanager, Black-chested Fruiteater, and specialty antpittas. With amenities ranging from hummingbird and fruit feeders, photography hides, and knowledgeable local guides, El Encanto is a premier stop for enriching the itinerary with high-diversity birdwatching just beyond Pitalito.
Day 9. El Encanto
Early in the morning, we’ll ascend toward the highlands of Huila to visit Finca Drymophila, located along the road that leads to Cueva de los Guácharos National Natural Park—Colombia’s oldest national park and a vital stronghold for Andean biodiversity. This area marks a key transition between cloud forest and humid montane forest, forming a biological corridor critical for both endemic and threatened species. Finca Drymophila, named after the Rufous-breasted Antpitta (Grallaricula drymophila), offers excellent birding trails through mature forest and restored habitat. The location is renowned for harboring rarities and endemics such as the Moustached Antpitta, Chestnut-crested Cotinga, Golden-plumed Parakeet, Green-and-black Fruiteater, and Black-billed Mountain-Toucan. It’s also a promising area for spotting antpittas and tapaculos, some of the most elusive birds in the Andes. This morning will be dedicated to exploring this high-quality habitat with the goal of connecting with these highland specialties, while enjoying breathtaking views of the Eastern Andes and the upper Magdalena valley.
Day 10. Transfer out for Depature
After an unforgettable journey through Colombia’s southern Andes and Amazonian foothills, we’ll coordinate your transfer to the Pitalito Airport for your outbound flight. This marks the end of our expedition—one filled with remarkable bird sightings, breathtaking landscapes, and meaningful cultural encounters.
Our tours include all of the meals beginning with breakfast on day 2 until lunch on the last day in Colombia. They also include lodging from the night before the start of the tour until the last night of the selected tour, as well as land transportation, a local guide, water and snacks.
The tour does not include: flights (except for those mentioned in the itinerary), alcoholic beverages, tips, phone calls, sim-cards for phones, extra baggage payment, laundry service, or any other expenses of a personal nature.
Note: It is possible that due to unforeseen circumstances or forces of nature, we may be forced to modify the itinerary or change the local guide without informing you previously. However, we will do everything in our power to ensure that the tour stays as close as possible to your initial itinerary.
Registration
Before enrolling, we recommend contacting a Birding & Herping consultant to answer any questions or concerns. It is necessary to register through the website. After registering, you will receive a form via e-mail, which must be completed in full, signed and sent back via email. Likewise, you must make a down payment of $ 150 USD per person, which will be discounted from the total value of the tour once the minimum number of participants has been reached. The minimum quota of a tour is two people up to a maximum capacity of 8 people. If the minimum quota has not been reached by the registering deadline down payment will be reimbursed minus a minimum percentage for bank charges.
Registration for the tour becomes effective once you have met these two requirements: The registration form and down payment
Note: Please refrain from purchasing airline tickets without verifying that the minimum quota has been completed and you have been notified by the Birding & Herping team.
Payment and cancellation policy
Once the registration process has been confirmed by the Birding & Herping team, you must pay the entire amount within a maximum period of 90 days before the start date of the tour. You can make the payment by bank transfer or through a PSE payment link.
If you request to cancel the tour less than 90 days prior to the departure date, a 20% charge will apply. If the cancellation is made less than 30 days from the departure date, a 30% charge will apply as well as any bank fees.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is essential in case of accidents or illnesses that may occur during the tour. Check with several companies that can provide you with travel policies and choose the one with the most coverage possible, including common illnesses such as colds or stomach problems.
Local flights
Local flights to destinations such as the Colombian Pacific, the eastern plains or southern Colombia may be delayed due to weather conditions or as a result of delays relating other flights at major airports in cities such as Bogotá, Medellín or Cali. Due to these types of circumstances, we have planned the itinerary, so that they do not coincide with the last day of the tour, which will avoid complications for flights returning home.
A tour in Colombia that exceeds all your expectations requires planning. The following recommendations have been designed in order to instruct you to make your trip in Colombia as safe, comfortable and pleasant as possible.
1. It is commonly known that our country has history of violent struggle; However, a peace process has opened a world of opportunities for local communities, many of them victims of armed conflict, to seek alternatives such as ecotourism to improve their living conditions and to enhance their culture and love for their territory. All the places proposed in each of our tours guarantee the safety and integrity of the people who are partnering with us.
2. Climate: you must be prepared for several possible weather conditions during a tour in Colombia: humid forests (between 0 and 1000 meters above sea level), dry forests (between 500 and 1000 meters above sea level), Andean forests, high Andean and páramos (between 1400 and 4000 msnm / XX feet). Include in your luggage comfortable clothing, waterproof clothing, long-sleeved shirts that protect from sun and mosquitoes, jackets for colder weather and waterproof boots.
3. Physical demand: each tour has its own physical demands. There will be routes that require long walks on trails with different types of inclines and/or unpaved roads. In the itinerary you will find out more specific details concerning the routes and the level of difficulty. We recommend you inform the team (Staff) of any physical or medical condition before the tour.
4. Health precautions and medicine: Before taking your trip, visit your trusted doctor, so they can recommend the most appropriate medicines and vaccines to take in case of acquiring any disease during your trip.
a) Vaccines against yellow fever, hepatitis and tetanus are recommended before traveling to Colombia, especially if you visit humid areas such as the Pacific or the Amazon.
b) Medicines: Remember to bring medicine (if possible in their original packaging), that you may require for any previously existing medical condition as well as common medicines that can help with headaches, flu and upset stomach.
c) Prevention: Use insect repellent at all times and wear long-sleeved clothing, thereby avoiding acquiring diseases such as dengue or related diseases transmitted through insects.
d) Always use sunscreen and a hat; stay hydrated during the walks on the tour in order to prevent problems caused by heat stroke.
5. Food and hydration: Inform the team about dietary restrictions and allergies. During your stay in Colombia, we recommend eating as much well-cooked food as possible, including vegetables; drink water only and exclusively from a bottle, avoid drinking water from the tap even if the staff tell you that it is safe (filters or purifying tablets can be used in an emergency). The guide will watch over your well-being and inform you of safe places to eat.
6. Necessary documentation: In Colombia, only a passport is required to enter the country; Verify that the expiration date is not before the end of the tour and always carry it in your carry-on baggage.
7. Money and ATMs: The Colombian currency is the Colombian PESO (COP). We recommend withdrawing enough money to cover expenses of a personal nature or those that are not stipulated within the Tour. In Colombia, there are several places including towns, terminals, shopping centers, gas stations that have ATMs readily available. If you are in need of one, do not hesitate to ask your guide, or the driver to make a stop.
8. Internet: Some of the places described in the tour, especially hotels, have Internet access; others have little or no coverage and are restricted to social areas, but not in each room. Request detailed information about the places within the itinerary where you can access the internet if you require it.
9. Equipment: Because Colombia is a Neotropical country, electronic equipment may be at risk due to humidity. We recommend bringing dry bags, a humidifier, cleaning equipment and other items that guarantee that your equipment does not suffer from humidity.
a) Insure your equipment during your trip: consult with a company that guarantees the protection of your equipment in case of damage, moisture problems, loss or theft; While the places we are visiting are guaranteed to be safe, it is better to be sure. Birding & Herping is not responsible for the loss, damage or theft of your equipment.
b) If for some reason your equipment suffers some unforeseen setback, we can provide some equipment such as cameras, lenses and binoculars (depending on the references) with a rental cost.
10. Tips: Tips are voluntary; you are not obliged to give them. However, if you consider that the people serving you have offered a good service you are at liberty to do so.
11. Follow the instructions: It is very important that you follow the recommendations or instructions of the guide. He is the person in charge of your safety and well-being, he knows every detail of the itinerary and the limits that apply to certain species of fauna or flora. He can be flexible with some things as long as they do not affect the welfare of the group and the fauna.
12. Fauna and flora: Our team is trained and know the places to visit; however, nature is unpredictable and the success of an observation depends on certain factors, many of which may be beyond our reach. We recommend consulting the team as to the most appropriate seasons to observe certain species in Colombia, this will make your stay and observation much more successful.
13. The Extraction of fauna, flora, genetic material, as well as the cultural heritage of Colombia is illegal and is penalized by the authorities (law 599 of 2000 and Decree 1608 of 1978, law 397 of 1997).
14. The sexual exploitation of children, sex tourism and other forms of abuse against minors (law 1336 of 2009), or child labor exploitation is completely prohibited and is also penalized by the Colombian authorities (Law 1098 of 2006 ).
15. Birding & Herping defends equality of race or gender (law 1482 of 2011, modified by law 1752 of 2015).
