The privileged geographical conditions of this region have made protected areas refuges for thousands of species of fauna and flora. Its beauty and great variety make Colombia the ideal destination for nature lovers, this is a special country for wildlife photography. The options and opportunities are many, but we are going to focus on the search for two big cats: the Puma and the Jaguar; a giant of the Andean forests: the Mountain Tapir and variety of Birds. That is why we have put together a team and a set of services for you to enjoy the experience to the fullest. During this itinerary we will explore part of the three slopes of the Andes mountain range (Cordillera de Los Andes), and the Orinoco region (Llanos Orientales). A guide experienced in wildlife monitoring and photography will accompany us for you to live a memorable experience.
Trip Details
Tour Type
Customizable
Private
Shared
Thematics
Birdwatching
Photography
Wildlife
Itinerary
DAY 1
Bogota
Reception at the airport in Bogota, the Andean capital, and transfer to your hotel. Journey time approx. 30 minutes.
Reception at the airport in Bogota, the Andean capital, and transfer to your hotel. Journey time approx. 30 minutes.
Casa Deco in a Junior Suite room (or similar)
30 min
DAY 2
Yopal - Hato La Aurora
Transport from Hotel Casa Deco to Bogota airport, approx. 30m. Domestic flight to Yopal (The maximum weight allowed is 15kg per piece of luggage, any excess will incur an additional cost to be paid directly at the airpo...
Transport from Hotel Casa Deco to Bogota airport, approx. 30m. Domestic flight to Yopal (The maximum weight allowed is 15kg per piece of luggage, any excess will incur an additional cost to be paid directly at the airport). Depart Yopal by 4×4 for the Hato La Aurora reserve, crossing the department of Casanare, in the heart of the Llanos. Arriving at the Juan Solito ecolodge welcomes you to its charming facilities, built with local materials in keeping with the architecture of the region. Through the various activities on offer, you can discover the surrounding incredible wildlife: primates, variety of birds, pumas and others mammals that populates these magnificent landscapes.
Read More
B, L, D
Juan Solito EcoLodge (or similar)
198 km // 4h30
DAY 3
Hato La Aurora
After breakfast, Jeep safari in the reserve to get to know the Hato la Aurora, an hour and a half from the hotel. We observe wildlife such as the mighty Jaguar, Capybaras, White-tailed Deer, Alligators, Cattle, Wild Hors...
After breakfast, Jeep safari in the reserve to get to know the Hato la Aurora, an hour and a half from the hotel. We observe wildlife such as the mighty Jaguar, Capybaras, White-tailed Deer, Alligators, Cattle, Wild Horses, a large number of birds such as Herons, Plovers, Owls, Ibises and a variety of other countless species that inhabit these lands. For lunch, we enjoy meat with a variety of side dishes and many other delicacies. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon. If the sun has already set, meet the nocturnal fauna and, sky permitting, enjoy some stargazing. Dinner at the hotel and, if we still have some strength left, we can enjoy an explanation and demonstration of the llanera harp, poems, traditional folk songs.
Read More
B, L, D
Juan Solito Ecolodge or Hammocks (or similar)
8h (Safari)
DAY 4
Hato La Aurora
For this day, we can choose one of the following two options:
1. Horseback riding in the reserve, where we discover the many species of birds and Howler Monkeys that live in these forests.
2. A boat tour of the reserve t...
For this day, we can choose one of the following two options:
1. Horseback riding in the reserve, where we discover the many species of birds and Howler Monkeys that live in these forests.
2. A boat tour of the reserve to admire the beauty of the surrounding landscape. We can fish on the river and enjoy the sunset at the end of the day.
Transport: according to the selected routes
Read More
B, L, D
Juan Solito Ecolodge (or similar)
DAY 5
Encanto de Guanapalo
You’ll arrive at the first Hato in the Nature Reserve, where you’ll spend the next two nights. Settle in and visit the house: you’ll meet the family, the workers and learn about the local history. Typical lunch at the Ha...
You’ll arrive at the first Hato in the Nature Reserve, where you’ll spend the next two nights. Settle in and visit the house: you’ll meet the family, the workers and learn about the local history. Typical lunch at the Hato and free time to relax in the hammocks in the shade of the tall trees lining the river. In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a safari tour by 4×4 (summer) or tractor (winter), through the Reserve’s immense savannahs. Admire the unique landscape and ecosystem of the Llanos Orientales, and observe whole families of capybaras, numerous herons and multicolored egrets and many other local mammals, reptiles and birds. Enjoy the famous Llanos sunset.
Read More
B, L, D
Hato La Palma (or similar)
3-4h (Safari)
DAY 6
Encanto de Guanapalo
A day dedicated to the search for local wildlife. We get up at dawn to enjoy the sunrise and the birdsong that accompanies it. We can observe the animals around the house in these early hours. After breakfast, we set off...
A day dedicated to the search for local wildlife. We get up at dawn to enjoy the sunrise and the birdsong that accompanies it. We can observe the animals around the house in these early hours. After breakfast, we set off for a canoe trip on the river that runs through the Nature Reserve. We can admire the animals along the water’s edge, such as Capybaras, Crocodiles and a wide variety of Birds. In the afternoon, we head further into the Reserve on a tractor safari. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot Anaconda, Deer, Anteater, Fox and Puma. Arriving at the magnificent Garcero de Altamira, a key breeding ground for Herons and Egrets circling the water mirrors at sunset.
Read More
B, L, D
Mata de Palma (or similar)
4h (Safari)
DAY 7
Guanapalo - Yopal - Pereira
We rise at dawn to admire the sunrise, and take a short walk through the savannah and woods to observe the local wildlife and the magnificent llaneros landscape. Breakfast and free time to rest and enjoy our last moments...
We rise at dawn to admire the sunrise, and take a short walk through the savannah and woods to observe the local wildlife and the magnificent llaneros landscape. Breakfast and free time to rest and enjoy our last moments in the Reserve. Transfer from the Reserve to Yopal. Before our departure for the airport, a little free time to browse the craft stores and discover the town. NOTE: Program subject to change according to conditions. Domestic flight to Pereira. Maximum baggage weight is 23kg, any excess will incur an additional cost to be paid directly at the airport. Our guide will be waiting for us at Pereira airport to take us to the Otun Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, where we’ll spend the night.
Read More
B, L, D
2h
Otun Quimbaya Sanctuary (or similar)
3h40
DAY 8
WildLife at Otun Quimbaya
Visit to the Otún Quimbaya reserve (2000 m, cold, rainy climate). A local guide accompanies us to discover the verdant surroundings garden and forest. Some of the most representative species are Crab-eating Fox, Tayra, ...
Visit to the Otún Quimbaya reserve (2000 m, cold, rainy climate). A local guide accompanies us to discover the verdant surroundings garden and forest. Some of the most representative species are Crab-eating Fox, Tayra, Torrent Duck, Cauca Guan and Red-ruffed Fruitcrow.
Transport to Cabaña El Cedral, the trip takes around 40m, but we’ll be making plenty of stops along the way to try and spot some of the region’s many bird species. Venturing into these territories is also a fantastic opportunity to catch a glimpse of the region’s emblematic animal, the Andean Tapir!
Read More
B, L, D
Cabaña El Cedral (or similar)
12 km // 40m
DAY 9
Otun Quimbaya - Montezuma
Early in the morning, we set off from El Cedral towards the Montezuma Rainforest Ecolodge. Our transport takes its time to add new bird species to our checklist. Before lunch (free on the way), we look for some of the fo...
Early in the morning, we set off from El Cedral towards the Montezuma Rainforest Ecolodge. Our transport takes its time to add new bird species to our checklist. Before lunch (free on the way), we look for some of the following species:
Arrival to Montezuma Rainforest Ecolodge, in the afternoon offers us the chance to enjoy hummingbird garden. At the gateway to Tatama Natural Park, home to over 550 species of birds, 450 species of orchids and 700 species of butterflies. The lodge is located at the entrance to the park, 13 km from the summit, making it the perfect base for exploring the park.
Read More
B, L, D
Miontezuma Rainforest Ecolodge (or similar)
3h50m
DAY 10
Birdwatching at Tatamá Natural Park
This is one of the Andean region’s most biodiverse sites near the Pacific Ocean. In Montezuma, birdwatchers, butterfly enthusiasts and orchid lovers find an ideal place to explore the incredible abundance of life in a na...
This is one of the Andean region’s most biodiverse sites near the Pacific Ocean. In Montezuma, birdwatchers, butterfly enthusiasts and orchid lovers find an ideal place to explore the incredible abundance of life in a natural ecosystem of virgin rainforest located in one of the planet’s major biodiversity hotspots and one of Colombia’s great natural treasures: Tatamá. The park covers 51,900 hectares of primary Western Andean tropical and subtropical forest, temperate cloud forest and páramo habitat, and is a source of water for rivers in all directions. It is home to over 550 bird species, 450 orchid species and 700 butterfly species. Enjoy the 1st FULL-DAY of activity (4WD, local guide, picnic)
Read More
B, L, D
Miontezuma Rainforest Ecolodge (or similar)
20 km // 4h
DAY 11
Birdwatching at Tatamá Natural Park
We will walk the same path as the previous day, only this time we will focus on those bird species that were left over from the first day. We will be in the field all day, the food will be picnic style. Enjoy the 2nd FUL...
We will walk the same path as the previous day, only this time we will focus on those bird species that were left over from the first day. We will be in the field all day, the food will be picnic style. Enjoy the 2nd FULL-DAY of activity. Program the schedules according to your check-list.
Some special birds:
Read More
B, L, D
Miontezuma Rainforest Ecolodge (or similar)
20 km // 4h
DAY 12
Montezuma Rainforest to Pereira
This morning’s birding activity will depend on the flight schedule. Please note that you must be in the waiting room 2 hours before for domestic flights and 3 hours before for international flights.
This morning’s birding activity will depend on the flight schedule. Please note that you must be in the waiting room 2 hours before for domestic flights and 3 hours before for international flights.
Hotels
Casa Deco
Hotel Casa Deco is a beautiful, charming building, with a very art-deco style in La Candelaria, in Bogotá's historic center. You will easily access the tourist attractions, like the Gold Museum, the Modern Art Museum, and the Botero Museum. The Hotel includes a splendid terrace on the rooftop with the perfect view of the Cerros. The rooms are the perfect combination of European elegance with the local Colombian charms. The decoration is very colorful, with many works of art imitations. Some of the rooms have a balcony or a small terrace, where you will be able to admire the many beauties of La Candelaria.
Juan Solito Ecolodge
|
$$$
Located 180km away from Yopal, in the Llanos area, the ecolodge Juan Solito welcomes you in its small structure built with local materials, in complete harmony with the local architecture and with the Aurora natural Reserve. The hotel offers 7 rooms with its own private bathroom, and only welcomes a small amount of travelers, 21 at a time. Camping or hammocks are also available. The ecolodge is an ecological building so there will be no air conditioning system and the electricity is limited to 4 hours at night. Several activities are available in the hotel to let you enjoy the surrounding ecosystem. Lunch and dinner are included.
El Encanto de Guanapalo
|
$$$
El Encanto de Guanapalo is a natural reserve of 9,000 hectares in Colombia, 110 km from Yopal, formed by the family inheritance of grandfather Gerardo Zambrano in 3 "Hatos" typical of the region, which since 1908 work to preserve the natural wealth, tradition and culture of the Casanare region (Colombia). Category: Excursion. Includes: Room with breakfast, lunch, dinner, excursion, local guide,
Santuario Otún Quimbaya
|
$$$
Located 16 km from the city of Pereira, this lodge is inside the reserve and offers all the basic amenities. About 90% of the protected area corresponds to natural forests, in different stages of succession, and mature forests. In addition to the red howler monkeys and the charismatic torrent ducks, you can also observe the Cauca guan, an endemic species that usually roosts near a beautiful wooden observation tower in the surrounding Andean jungle. It offers restaurant service.
Refugio El Cedral
This resting point is located very close to the Otún Quimbaya Sancturary Flora and Fauna, sharing characteristics in the ecosystem present in the middle basin of the Otún River. A simple and comfortable space surrounded by Andean jungle that receives the local farmers who live in the upper part of the mountains, but the star visitor is one of the great mammals of the Andes, the Woolly Tapir or Andean Tapir. It is an easy and unique opportunity to record this enigmatic and special animal.
Montezuma Rainforest EcoLodge
|
$$$
Family Ecolodge located in one of the most biodiverse areas of the world, has 12 rooms with comfortable beds equipped with bathroom, hot water shower and electricity. Delicious homemade meals based on typical Colombian cuisine are offered to suit all types of dietary preferences (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.). Bird feeders, flowers and fruit trees surround the lodge, attracting every day a great variety of hummingbirds, tanagers, creepers, euphonias and many other species.
Price Details
Included
Meals indicated in the program
Accommodation in standard hotels
Transportation in comfortable vehicles
Tour leader and English speaking guide
Local guides specialized in the region
Local transportation
Homestay / Hut accommodation
Boat transportation
Not Included
Domestic flights
International flights
Additional drinks and meals
Medical insurance
Expenses not specified in the program
Tips
Minimum Deposit
30% (The last payment must be completed 45 days prior to the start of the trip.)
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 .
Spotted Species
Here is a non-exhaustive list of Animal Species you can spot during this tour
Amazon Kingfisher
The Amazon Kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazona) is a medium-sized kingfisher of tropical lowlands. Found singly or...
Discover
Black-collared Hawk
Attractive chunky hawk of marshes and wetlands. Usually seen perched quietly near water, waiting to...
Discover
Burrowing Owl
The Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) is a small, long-legged owl of open grassy habitats. Appears...
Discover
Capybara
The capybara is the largest rodent in the world. They have a robust, barrel-shaped body,...
Discover
Crab-eating Fox
The Crab-eating Fox (Cerdocyon thous), also known as the forest fox, is a medium-sized canid...
Discover
Horned Screamer
The Horned Screamer (Anhima cornuta) is a enormous, ungainly ogre of a bird. Found around...
Discover
Jabiru
The Jabiru is a huge white stork with a bare black head and neck except...
Discover
Roseate Spoonbill
The roseate spoonbill is a large wading bird native to the Americas. It has a...
Discover
Rufescent Tiger-Heron
The Rufescent Tiger-Heron (Tigrisoma lineatum) is a species of heron in the family Ardeidae. It...
Discover
Scaled Dove
The Scaled Dove (Columbina squammata) is a dove of generally discreet habits, that walks in...
Discover
Scarlet Ibis
Unmistakable, beautiful orange-red ibis with black wingtips. Breeding adults have black bills, pink at other...
Discover
Scarlet Macaw
The Scarlet Macaw is a brilliant and iconic parrot species found in the forests of...
Discover
Jaguar
The Jaguar (Panthera onca) is a large, powerful feline with a robust build. Adult jaguars...
Discover
Neotropical River Otter
The Neotropical river otter is a medium-sized otter species with a slender, elongated body and...
Discover
Hoatzin
The Hoatzin is such a bizarre and unique bird that it almost has to be...
Discover
