Designed for photographers seeking intimate encounters with some of Colombia’s most spectacular bird species, this compact photo expedition focuses on the rich cloud forests and Andean landscapes of the Central Andes. Combining carefully curated feeder setups, hummingbird gardens, forest-edge photography stations, and high-Andean habitats, the route offers exceptional opportunities to photograph many of Colombia’s most colorful and sought-after birds in a relaxed and productive setting. From the dazzling Multicolored Tanager and Toucan Barbet to iconic species such as the Yellow-eared Parrot, Buffy Helmetcrest, Crescent-faced Antpitta, and Andean Cock-of-the-rock, participants will experience an extraordinary diversity of photographic scenarios across cloud forests, wax palm valleys, páramos, and coffee landscapes. Blending world-class bird photography with scenic Andean landscapes and comfortable lodges, this itinerary offers an ideal short-format photography experience in Colombia.
Duration: 14 Days - 13 Nights.
Group Size: 4 - 8 Participants.
Tour Start: Cali (CLO)
Tour End: Medellín (MDE)
Airport Info:
Cali - Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO).
Medellín - José María Córdova (MDE).
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ITINERARY - THE CENTRAL ANDES COLOMBIA PHOTO EXPEDITION
Day 1.
Arrival Cali, a representative will take the group to the hotel.
Day 2.
Today, we will visit a local project near km 18. This place is surrounded by a large public-private natural area of cloud forest. This destination will give us the start of an incredible photography expedition in which endemic and colorful species will be the protagonists. During the day, we will be able to enjoy a variety of species that come to the feeders, including the endemics Multicolored Tanager, Chestnut-Wood Quail, and Colombian Chachalaca. Other specialties in this place are Red-headed Barbet, Golden-naped, Black-capped and Golden Tanagers, Andean Motmot, Acorn Woodpecker, Chestnut-capped Brushfinch, Black-winged Saltator, Green Honeycreeper and Hummingbirds such us Bronzy Inca, Booted Racket-tail, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Green Hermit, Steely-vented Hummingbird, Andean Emerald.
Day 3.
This day, we are heading to Doña Dora, a family bird-watching project nestled in Colombia's biogeographically rich Chocó region. We'll kick off our day with a brief stop at a small cliff, known as the habitat of the elusive Lyre-tailed Nightjar. Then, we'll make our way to the ultimate destination, the protagonist of the place, the Toucan Barbet, will welcome us. Other highlights of this place are Chestnut-headed Oropendola, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Rufous-throated, Silver-throated, White-lined and Glistening-green Tanagers, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Tricolored Brushfinch, Hummingbirds like the stunning Violet-tailed Sylph, Empress Brillant, Green Thorntail, Rufous-gaped Hillstar, Crowned Woodnymph, White-whiskered Hermit.
Day 4.
This morning will be dedicated to enjoying the well bird photography scenarios that the hotel has, especially for Hummingbirds. Interesting species will be a delight for photography: Western and Andean Emeralds, Black-throated Mango, and Steely-vented Hummingbird. The site has also fruit feeders that will give us opportunities to photograph species like Lineated Woodpecker, Green Jay, and Yellow-backed Oriole. In the afternoon we will transfer to our next destination: Cajamarca.
Day 5.
Our main target during the morning is to photograph one of the most iconic species: The Yellow-eared Parrot. Our journey will lead us to a private reserve where these magnificent birds make their home. This will be a truly delightful experience combined with the stunning landscape of the majestic wax palm, Colombia's national tree. The afternoon is spent at the feeder’s whit second chances to photograph Tolima Blossomcrown, Tolima Dove, and Indigo-capped Hummingbird, and other wonders like Crimson-backed Tanager, Andean Motmot, Andean Emerald, Sparkling Violetear and White-tipped Sicklebill.
Day 6.
Today, we'll spend time by the river near the lodge, focusing our efforts on photographing the elusive Torrent Duck. While on this endeavor, we could also capture images of other specialties, such as the Torrent Tyrannulet. Along the road to our next destination, keep an eye out, as we may spot the endemic Yellow-headed Brushfinch. After lunch, our expedition will take us to another destination.
Day 7.
Our adventure leads us to a private reserve serving as a crucial biological corridor connecting the Paramo ecosystem of Nevados National Park with its buffer zone. Renowned as a premier birding hotspot in Colombia, our quest begins with the elusive Bicoloured Antpitta. Feeders will provide out other bird treasures such as the Blue-winged Mountain – Tanager, Masked Flowerpiercer, Blue-capped Tanager, Green-and-black Fruiteater, and could possibly photograph Buff-necked Mountain- Tanager, Additionally, we'll have the chance to get other antpittas, including the Chestnut-crowned, Slate-crowned, and endemic Brown-banded Antpittas, often drawn to the feeders.
Day 8.
An intrepid adventure will take us to this reserve in 4x4 vehicles. Moreover, we'll have the chance to photograph some striking birds at feeding stations, including the Black-billed Mountain Toucan, Ocellated Tapaculo, Lacrimose and Hooded Mountain-Tanagers, Black-collared Jay, Bicolored and Slate-crowned Antpitta, hummingbirds like the dazzling Long-tailed Slyph, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Buff-tailed Coronet, Collared Inca, and Tourmaline Sunangel.
Day 9.
Today we will visit a family-run project that harmonizes sustainable livestock practices with biodiversity conservation efforts. Upon our early arrival, visitors may be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of elusive species such as the Crescent-faced Antpitta and Ecuatorial Antpitta, along with a dazzling array of hummingbirds, including the Sword-billed Hummingbird, Black-thighed Puffleg, Collared Inca, Tyrian Metaltail, Buff-winged Startfrontlet, Mountain Velvetbreast. Among the most pampered residents are the Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Andean Guan, Gray-browed Brushfinch, Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant offering an unforgettable experience amidst the natural splendor of the Andes.
Day 10.
Nevados National Park boasts the remarkable Buffy Helmetcrest, one of the world's most astonishing hummingbirds found exclusively in this region. Encompassing approximately 55 hectares of snow-capped peaks, paramos, and sub-paramos within Colombia's central mountain range, this natural haven offers the chance to spot iconic species such as the Andean Condor, Stout-billed Cinclodes, Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant, Pale-naped Brushfinch, and the critically endangered Rufous-fronted Parakeet, endemic to the area.
Day 11.
After breakfast, we'll embark on a scenic drive spanning at least 5 hours to reach Jardin Antioquia. It is renowned as one of the most iconic and symbolic towns southeast of Antioquia. Jardin captivates visitors with its traditional architecture, highlighted by its magnificent Cathedral, rendering the town unparalleled in charm. Moreover, it offers the best and easiest opportunity to witness the jewel-like beauty of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, making it a must-visit destination on our journey.
Day 12.
Bambusa is a charming family-owned project tucked away amidst lush coffee fields. Its owner has thoughtfully set up a stage adorned with bird feeders, offering an ideal spot to enhance our day's bird-photography experience. Birds possibly here are White-lined Tanager, Crimson-backed Tanager, Scrub Tanager, Streak Saltator, Chestnut-capped Brushfinch, Yellow-backed Oriole, Green Jay. After lunch, we will towards to Medellín.
Day 13.
Today we will visit the coffee and cacao agroforest of Finca El Toche, nestled in the verdant hills of San Rafael. As we walk along shaded trails and stop at the hummingbird and fruit feeders, you’ll have the opportunity to photograph a variety of colorful species such as the Silver-beaked Tanager, Long-billed Starthroat, Bar-crested Antshrike, White-mantled Barbet, Collared Aracari, Red-crowned Woodpecker, Rufous Motmot, and Speckled Tanager. After this rewarding bird photography session, we’ll return to the hotel to rest and prepare for the journey back home — ending this unforgettable photography adventure across Colombia.
Day 14.
A day of travel from the hotel to the airport to catch our flights back home. Departure.
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).
