Colombia Coffee Zone: Birdwatching with Local Communities

Overview

Immerse yourself in the lush landscapes and vibrant culture of Colombia’s Coffee Zone on this unique tour. Enjoy expert-led birdwatching excursions in the breathtaking Anaime Wax Palm Valley and Otún Quimbaya Sanctuary, spotting exotic species like the Andean condor and colorful hummingbirds. Experience the rich coffee culture with a visit to a traditional plantation, and connect with local communities, discovering their traditions and daily life. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Colombia’s stunning scenery and warm hospitality.

Itinerary

DAY 1

Pereira - Otun River Basin

The Otún river basin is located in northwestern Colombia, in the Central Andes mountain range, south of the department of Risaralda. The wealth of water, flora and fauna of the upper Otún River basin deserves to be pres...

The Otún river basin is located in northwestern Colombia, in the Central Andes mountain range, south of the department of Risaralda. The wealth of water, flora and fauna of the upper Otún River basin deserves to be preserved in the best way, but also to be admired by its visitors. It includes territories in the Los Nevados National Natural Park, the Otún Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, and the Ucumarí Nature Reserve. In this place we can find impressive mammal species such as the Mountain Tapir (Tapirus pinchaque), Crab-eating Fox (Cerdocyon thous) and Red-howler Monkey (Alouatta seniculus). Also charismatic birds such as the Torrent Duck (Merganetta armata), Red-ruffed Fruitcrow (Pyroderus scutatus) and the endemic Multicolored Tanager (Chlorochrysa nitidissima) and Cauca Guan (Penelope perspicax).

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D Refugio El Cedral or similar 1h30

DAY 2

Otun River Basin (Full-Day)

A day to explore the Andean forests of the Otún Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary in search of groups of Red-Howler Monkey, the emblematic and endemic Cauca Guan, and also the Mountain Tapir, which is one of the largest...

A day to explore the Andean forests of the Otún Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary in search of groups of Red-Howler Monkey, the emblematic and endemic Cauca Guan, and also the Mountain Tapir, which is one of the largest mammals in the Andes.

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B, L, D Refugio El Cedral or similar 2h

DAY 3

Santa Emilia Nature Reserve

After breakfast we will embark on a trip to the small town of Belén de Umbría: coffee landscapes, local culture and cloud forests in the mountains of the western cordillera. The Santa Emilia Regional Natural Park (PNR) i...

After breakfast we will embark on a trip to the small town of Belén de Umbría: coffee landscapes, local culture and cloud forests in the mountains of the western cordillera. The Santa Emilia Regional Natural Park (PNR) is located on the eastern slopes of the Cordillera Occidental within an altitudinal range of 1700-2750 meters above sea level. The refuge is managed by local campesino organizations, who will be our hosts and guides for a 2 to 3 hour hike to find the meeting place of the Andean cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus), an unforgettable and unique moment in nature.

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B, L, D 3h Refugio Santa Emilia or similar 3h

DAY 4

Mistrató (Neblina Birding)

In the morning we will cross the mountains with the plantations coffee to head to the Municipality of Mistrató, and approach the mountainous and jungle region of Chocó biogeographic. In the afternoon, we visited some ter...

In the morning we will cross the mountains with the plantations coffee to head to the Municipality of Mistrató, and approach the mountainous and jungle region of Chocó biogeographic. In the afternoon, we visited some terraces and observation towers to enjoy the presence of hummingbirds, tanagers and charismatic Club-winged Manakin (Machaeropterus deliciosus), some endemic species.

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B, L, D Refugio Neblina Birding or similar

DAY 5

Mistrató - Chinchiná (Rio Claro)

In the morning we will have more time to enjoy the terraces, observation towers and some paths surrounded by Andean forests. In the afternoon, we headed to the Municipality of Chinchina, to learn about a family project o...

In the morning we will have more time to enjoy the terraces, observation towers and some paths surrounded by Andean forests. In the afternoon, we headed to the Municipality of Chinchina, to learn about a family project of bird-friendly coffee crops, the perfect opportunity to also look for the birds of the coffee forest.

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B, L, D Finca Don Miguel or similar

DAY 6

Ruta del Condor

This route is a tour of 8 paths in the municipality of Villamaría, located in the south-central region of the department of Caldas, in which the culture, customs and traditions of the coffee-growing people stand out; The...

This route is a tour of 8 paths in the municipality of Villamaría, located in the south-central region of the department of Caldas, in which the culture, customs and traditions of the coffee-growing people stand out; The locals are the main actors in the visits and activities and nature is the protagonist. In addition to the opportunity to see condors, toucans and many other birds fly over, it is also home to the Indigo-winged Parrot (Hapalopsittaca fuertesi). We will have to take a walk in the Andean heights, an apportunidy to watch this species of endemic parrot. At the end of the day we will rest in a comfortable and traditional coffee farm.

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B, L, D Hacienda Venecia or similar

DAY 7

Paramo del Ruiz

Get to know the ecosystem near the Nevado del Ruiz Volcano (altitude 4100 masl, cold climate). Very early in the morning we will head to the páramo, a unique ecosystem of the Andes where live very particular species such...

Get to know the ecosystem near the Nevado del Ruiz Volcano (altitude 4100 masl, cold climate). Very early in the morning we will head to the páramo, a unique ecosystem of the Andes where live very particular species such as the endemic hummingbird Buffy Helmetcrest (Oxypogon stuebelii), the possibility to see the Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus), the Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager (Anisognathus igniventris) and the Shining Sunbeam (Aglaeactis cupripennis).

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B, L, D Hacienda Venecia or similar

DAY 8

Hacienda Venecia, coffee tour

Hacienda Venecia coffee tour and bird watching in the gardens before departure to the airport. Transfer to Pereira airport

Hacienda Venecia coffee tour and bird watching in the gardens before departure to the airport. Transfer to Pereira airport

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Trip Details

Gallery

Spotted Species

Here is a non exhaustive list of Animals Species You can spot during this tour

Blue-winged Mountain Tanager

The Blue-winged Mountain Tanager (Anisognathus somptuosus) is a colorful bird species found in the mountainous regions of Colombia. It has a predominantly blue plumage, a black face mask, and white...

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Silver-throated Tanager

The Silver-throated Tanager (Tangara icterocephala) found in Central and South America's humid forests; characterized by its silver-colored throat. Small tanager, overall lemon-yellow but not super bright; usually looks a bit...

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Velvet-purple Coronet

The Velvet-purple Coronet (Boissonneaua jardini) is a colorful hummingbird species found in the forests of Colombia. It has a predominantly green plumage, a vibrant purple throat, and a long, curved...

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Violet-tailed Sylph

The Violet-tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus coelestis) is a colorful hummingbird species found in the forests of Colombia. It has a green body, a violet tail, and a long, curved bill. It...

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Andean Motmot

The Andean Motmot or Highland Motmot (Momotus aequatorialis) is a colorful near-passerine bird found from northern Colombia to western Bolivia. Is in general typical of its family: It is a...

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White-necked Jacobin

The White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora) is a rather large, spectacular hummingbird of humid tropical lowlands that favors forest edges, adjacent clearings with scattered trees and flowering bushes, and gardens. Feeds...

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Club-winged Manakin

The Club-winged Manakin (Machaeropterus deliciosus) is the unique and entertaining manakin found in lush cloud forest in western Ecuador and western Colombia. Feeds on berries, usually at middle levels in...

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Green Honeycreeper

The Green Honeycreeper (Chlorophanes spiza) is a small green tanager. One of the most distinctive features of this species is the slender, slightly decurved bill, which is mostly yellow. Are...

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Blue-headed Parrot

Blue-headed parrots (Pionus menstruus) are noisy birds and make light, high-pitched squeaking sweenk calls. They eat fruit and seeds, and sometimes grain. They roost communally in palm and other trees,...

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Rufous-tailed Hummingbird

The Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (Amazilia tzacatl) is a medium-sized hummingbird in the "emeralds", tribe Trochilini of subfamily Trochilinae. It is found from east-central Mexico through Central America and Colombia into Ecuador...

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Bay-headed Tanager

The Bay-headed Tanager (Tangara gyrola) is a vibrantly-colored, tropical bird that occurs in Costa Rica, Panama, and in much of northern South America. The Bay-headed Tanager also is genetically diverse,...

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Andean Teal

The Andean Teal (Anas andium) is an small duck found in high elevation lakes and wetlands from Venezuela, Colombia to southern Ecuador. Dark grayish-brown overall with spotted breast and fine...

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Terms & Conditions

The terms of sale may differ based on the nature of your trip and how close your departure date is. Please review our conditions here for more information.

Practical Information

Colombia is a country located in South America, known for its rich cultural history, diverse landscapes, and warm, welcoming people. It offers a wide range of experiences from its Caribbean beaches to its Andean mountains.

Reasons to Go

1. Stunning natural landscapes
2. Rich cultural heritage
3. Delicious cuisine
4. Vibrant cities like Bogota and Medellin
5. Affordable travel destination.

Country Facts

- Official Name: Republic of Colombia
- Location: South America- Time Zone: GMT-5
- Capital: Bogotá
- Population: ~51 million
- Official Language: Spanish
- Government: Unitary presidential constitutional republic
- Economy: Emerging market economy

Regions at a Glance

Bogotá: The capital city, known for its museums, and vibrant culture.
Medellín: Known as the "City of Eternal Spring" for its pleasant climate.Cartagena: A historical city with beautiful colonial architecture and nearby beaches.

Tourist Attractions

- Cartagena's Walled City (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Tayrona National Park- The Coffee Cultural Landscape
- The Lost City (Ciudad Perdida)
- Medellin's Metrocable

Money Matters

- Currency: Colombian Peso (COP)
- Credit cards are widely accepted in cities but less so in rural areas
- ATMs are plentiful

Packing List

- Light, breathable clothing for the coast
- Warmer layers for mountain regions
- Rain jacket, hiking boots

Healthcare Requirements

- Tap water is generally safe in cities but should be purified in rural areas.
- Street food is generally safe but use your judgment.

Culture

Colombia has a rich cultural landscape influenced by Indigenous, Spanish, and African heritages. From the rhythms of Cumbia and Vallenato to the nation's love for soccer, Colombia is a tapestry of traditions.

Accommodation

- Hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs are widely available.
- Budget options from $20/night, mid-range $40-$80, luxury $100+
- Generally safe for solo female travelers, but always take standard precautions.

Visa Requirements

- Illegal drugs are severely punished
- Respect local traditions and customs
- Public displays of affection are generally accepted but may be frowned upon in rural areas.

Emergency Contact Numbers

Police: 112
Medical emergency: 112
Embassy: Check for your country's embassy contact

Electricity, Plugs, and Voltage

- Plug type: Types A and B
- Voltage: 110V
- Frequency: 60Hz

Climate

Tropical near the coast and in the lowlands, cooler in the mountains. Light clothing for the coast, warmer layers for the mountains.

Public Transportation

- Public buses and TransMilenio in Bogotá
- Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available
- Domestic flights for long distances

Language Spoken

Spanish is the official language. Basic English is understood in tourist areas.
- Useful phrases: "Hola" (Hello), "Gracias" (Thank)

Sustainability Tips

- Use refillable water bottles
- Respect local customs and natural habitats
- Opt for eco-friendly accommodation and tours

Useful Apps & Websites

- Google Translate for language translation
- Uber or local taxi apps for transportation
- TripAdvisor for reviews and recommendations

Colombia offers a rich travel experience that caters to all types of travelers. From its diverse landscapes to its vibrant culture, Colombia is a destination that should not be missed. Check out other resources on our website for more information.