Wild Colombia: Bogota - Antioquia - Eje Cafetero 11D/10N
A tour designed for nature lovers who enjoy wildlife photography. During 11 days we will visit places in different ecosystems: urban gardens, tropical forests, high Andean and cloud forests, coffee plantations and the paramo. Accompanied by a guide with experience in photography and the support of expert local guides, we will go in search of hummingbirds, tanagers, toucans, primates and other wildlife species. You will experience the landscape changes in different thermal floors, from the altitude of the savannah of Bogota (2600m) to descend to the Magdalena River Valley (380m), and then ascend through the mountains of the biogeographical Choco in the Tatama Natural Park (2800m) and the Andean heights of the paramo surrounding the Nevado del Ruiz Volcano (4200). Finally, we will enjoy the coffee landscape declared cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO.
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Day 1: Bogota - Hummingbird's - Balmoral
Day 2: Cuchilla de Bellavista (I.B.A) - Balmoral
Day 3: Charca de Guarinocito - Rio Claro
Day 4: Rio Claro - Jardin de Rocas
Day 5: Mirador El Roble - Riosucio (Caldas)
Day 6: Visit to El Sutu (Mistrato)
Day 7: Pueblo Rico - Montezuma Rainforest
Day 8: Tatama Natural Park (Full-Day 4x4)
Day 9: Montezuma - Hacienda Venecia Coffee Farm
Day 10: Parque Nevados
Day 11: Hacienda Venecia - Pereira (Airport)
Jardin Encantado (Hummingbird Garden, San Francisco): Enjoy a pleasant moment of tranquility and relaxation enjoying the beauty and color of the hummingbird in all its splendor and in direct contact...
Hacienda Balmoral (Victoria, Caldas) a territory that captivates with its meandering rivers and lush vegetation that inspires a connection with nature.
The Cuchilla de Bellavista Integrated Management District is located in the extensive inter-Andean valley of Magdalena Medio, near to the municipality of Victoria (Caldas).
More than 90 species of birds can be observed in the Charca de Guarinocito, including the Boat-billed Heron and, the near-endemic Northern Screamer which is in near threatened status.
The Rio Claro Natural Reserve has implemented a sustainable development model whose main objective is the conservation of the last tropical forests that exist in the basin of the Rio...
The Jardin de Rocas Natural Reserve (Jardin, Antioquia) is a conservation, research, environmental education and sustainable tourism initiative established in 2013 by Biologist Luis Orlando Marulanda PhD in Ecology. It...
Mirador El Roble is one of those authentic experiences where a family has revolved their life around bird watching tourism. Doña Lucía and Martín have created a great experience for...
El Sutu (Mistrato) is located north of the municipality of Mistrato (Risaralda), is characterized by having a Choco Montano ecosystem, giving it the privilege of having a great variety of...
Hacienda Venecia is located near the city of Manizales (Caldas), in a privileged place in the Central Andes Mountain Range. If you are a bird watching enthusiast, do not miss...
This National Park showcases the beauty of the Colombian Andes. It features snow-covered mountains, paramo landscapes, and high-altitude lakes.
Country
- Colombia
Thematics
- Birdwatching
- Photography
- Trekking
- Wildlife
Bogota - Hummingbird's - Balmoral
Starting time 6:30 am. Bogotá - Jardín Encantado (75km/2h30). A good place to start the trip. This garden attracts more than 25 species of hummingbirds out of the more than 160 that have been classified in Colombia. We will have 1h30 to enjoy this hotspot. We will continue to Villa de Guaduas (70km/2h), a stop for lunch and a walking tour to appreciate the colonial architecture. After this break, we will drive 60km/1h20 to Hacienda Balmoral, the ideal place to relax. In the large gardens we can easily observe Toucans, Parrots and some species of Tanagers. In the afternoon we will take a short hike into the tropical forests looking for several groups of primates such as the White-Footed Tamarin (endemic), the Red Howler Monkey and the Martejas. During the hike we will also visit forests of Guadua (a kind of bamboo) on the banks of small rivers of pristine waters.
Cuchilla de Bellavista (I.B.A) - Balmoral
At dawn we will move to Cuchilla de Bellavista, located 15 km (20 min) from the hacienda. This mountainous area of the municipality of Victoria is home to some species of endemic birds and others of special interest for its particular beauty. For these reasons it has been declared by BirdLife International as I.B.A (Important Bird Area). We will go into humid and tropical forest trails looking for the emblematic Sooty Ant-Tanager (Habia gutturalis, endemic), the special Beautiful Woodpecker (Melanerpes pulcher, endemic) and some species of Manakin. In the afternoon we will return to the hacienda to continue with birdwatching and more opportunities to encounter the primates.
Charca de Guarinocito - Rio Claro
Early in the morning we will travel to "Charca de Guarinocito" (23km/20min). A tour around this water body alternating boat rides or walking trails (estimated time: 3-4h), to discover different species of waterfowl such as Southern Screammer, Boat-billed Heron, Kingfisher and other birds. Our next destination is the Rio Claro Natural Reserve (112km/2h), where we will have lunch. In the afternoon we explore the caves surrounded by tropical forests, where the enigmatic Guacharos (Oilbirds) live. In the evening we have the opportunity to do a tour in search of amphibians, reptiles and insects.
Rio Claro - Jardin de Rocas
Transfer from Rio Claro to the municipality of Jardin (Antioquia) (310km/6h30). After settling into the hotel and a rest, we will visit the nature reserve "Jardin de Rocas" to marvel at a Lek of the emblematic Andean Cock-of-the-rock, undoubtedly one of the best spots to photograph this species of bird.
Mirador El Roble - Riosucio (Caldas)
Mirador El Roble is located in the Andean mountain range on a secondary road that connects the municipalities of Jardín (Antioquia) and Riosucio (Caldas. This is one of those authentic experiences where a family has revolved their life around bird watching tourism. Doña Lucía and Martín have created a great experience for birders from all over the world. It is the opportunity to observe different species of antpittas, hummingbirds, tanagers and other birds. The Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, Chami Antpitta and the endemic Yellow-eared Parrot stand out for their beauty and peculiarity.
Visit to El Sutu (Mistrato)
El Sutu (Mistrato) is located north of the municipality of Mistrato (Risaralda), is characterized by having a Choco Montano ecosystem, giving it the privilege of having a great variety of endemic birds, a privilege for any birdwatcher. To get to El Sutu you can easily reach it in a four-wheel drive vehicle. The trail is the communication route to the Embera Chami indigenous reserve. Among a variety of species that can be found are Gold-ringed Tanager and Club-winged Manakin.
Pueblo Rico - Montezuma Rainforest
Transfer from El Sutu (Mistrato) to the municipality of Pueblo Rico (Risaralda) and after a break, we head to Montezuma Rainforest EcoLodge. We will spend the afternoon in the gardens to photograph different species of hummingbirds and tanagers that feed on the flowers and feeders.
Tatama Natural Park (Full-Day 4x4)
Montezuma Rainforest Ecolodge is one of the gateways to Tatamá National Natural Park, one of the most biodiverse places in the Andean region near the Pacific Ocean. At Montezuma, birdwatchers, butterfly enthusiasts and orchid lovers find an ideal place to explore the amazing abundance of life in a pristine natural rainforest ecosystem located in one of the planet's main biodiversity hotspots and one of Colombia's great natural treasures: Tatamá. The park encompasses 51,900 hectares of primary tropical and subtropical rainforest of the western Andes, temperate cloud forest and páramo habitat, and is a source of water for rivers in all directions. It is home to more than 550 species of birds, 450 species of orchids and 700 species of butterflies.
Montezuma - Hacienda Venecia Coffee Farm
Hacienda Venecia is located near the city of Manizales (Caldas), in a privileged place in the Central Andes Mountain Range. If you are a bird watching enthusiast, do not miss the opportunity to explore the landscape and enjoy some of the 260 species that can be found. If you are a bird photography enthusiast, you can visit the bird lodge next to the lush coffee plantations.
Parque Nevados
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). After lunch we will back to coffee farm.
Hacienda Venecia - Pereira (Airport)
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.
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.
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