Wild Colombia: Giants of the Andes (Chingaza & Coffee Zone)

Overview

In this short trip we will go in search of the largest and most emblematic animals of the Andes. We will explore some of the most biodiverse regions of Colombia: the Páramo de Chingaza, the Otún Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, and the mountains around the Los Nevados National Park in the coffee region. The targets will be 3 of the largest mammals of the Andes: the Spectacled Bear, the White-tailed Deer and the Andean Tapir. We will also be able to encounter a variety of birds, especially the Andean Condor. It will undoubtedly be an exciting week for lovers of wildlife photography, landscapes and coffee culture.

Itinerary

DAY 1

Bogota

Reception at the airport in Bogota, the Andean capital, and transfer to your hotel in the colonial center of the city.

Reception at the airport in Bogota, the Andean capital, and transfer to your hotel in the colonial center of the city.

Casa Deco or similar 30

DAY 2

Chingaza Natural Park

Early in the morning we will travel by 4×4 vehicle to cross the Chingaza National Natural Park, on the way we can have some encounters with the local fauna while we discover the high mountain ecosystem “Paramo”. After se...

Early in the morning we will travel by 4×4 vehicle to cross the Chingaza National Natural Park, on the way we can have some encounters with the local fauna while we discover the high mountain ecosystem “Paramo”. After settling in the Monterredondo Refuge, we will move to the sector of the Chingaza Lagoon and the Plantas del Camino Trail. It will undoubtedly be a day of long walks and wild landscapes, experiencing the different conditions in which we will be able to see the Spectacled Bear, as well as other species that inhabit the paramo.

Trails of the day: Plantas del Camino and around Monterredondo.

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L, D 2h Monterredondo lodge or similar 6h30

DAY 3

Ecopalacio Conservation Area

On our second day of exploration we will move to the Ecopalacio Mountain Refuge. During the 4×4 trip we will make several stops to hike the Laguna Seca trail and the mining area. This area, formerly affected by mining, h...

On our second day of exploration we will move to the Ecopalacio Mountain Refuge. During the 4×4 trip we will make several stops to hike the Laguna Seca trail and the mining area. This area, formerly affected by mining, has been under restoration for 30 years. Here we will be able to observe the processes of passive restoration of the paramo ecosystem and the plants involved in this healing process. We will also observe the geological formations of different glacial epochs and the history of the limestone.

Trails of the day: Laguna Seca and around Ecopalacio lodge.

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B, L, D 3h Ecopalacio lodge or similar 4h

DAY 4

Otun Quimbaya

Transfer EcoPalacio – Bogota (Airport) – Pereira (Airport) – Otun Quimbaya Natural Park

After breakfast we will travel to the airport in Bogota to fly to Pereira. Al aterrizar, nos trasladaremos a la cu After arrival, w...

Transfer EcoPalacio – Bogota (Airport) – Pereira (Airport) – Otun Quimbaya Natural Park

After breakfast we will travel to the airport in Bogota to fly to Pereira. Al aterrizar, nos trasladaremos a la cu After arrival, we will travel to the otun river basin, where we will find the otun quimbaya flora and fauna sanctuary and the El Cedral conservation area, a sector where it is possible to see one of the most difficult species of tapirs to find in their natural environment: the Andean Tapir. This sector of the central Andes is also known as one of the hotspots for bird watching, the most emblematic being the endemic Cauca Guan and the fantastic Torrent Duck.

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B, L, D 30 min El Cedral lodge or similar 4h30

DAY 5

Flora and Fauna Sanctuary

During this second day we will enjoy the Andean forest conservation areas in the Otun Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary and Otun River Basin.

Important advise: the Andean Tapir is an almost nocturnal animal, so it will ...

During this second day we will enjoy the Andean forest conservation areas in the Otun Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary and Otun River Basin.

Important advise: the Andean Tapir is an almost nocturnal animal, so it will be afternoons and evenings of patience, waiting times and good luck. Don’t forget some extra lighting and a good coat. In the morning and midday hours we will be looking for encounters with Red-howler Monkeys and different species of birds that inhabit these beautiful and well-preserved Andean forests.

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B, L, D 2h El Cedral lodge or similar 1h

DAY 6

La Ruta del Condor

La Ruta del Condor (Condor Route) is a social project that brings together different local initiatives with the objective of strengthening community tourism in this coffee region in the areas near the Los Nevados Nationa...

La Ruta del Condor (Condor Route) is a social project that brings together different local initiatives with the objective of strengthening community tourism in this coffee region in the areas near the Los Nevados National Natural Park. On this route we find the best opportunities to observe the Andean condor as it flies over the nests located on the rocky walls of these forests cared for by the farmers who live nearby. At the end of the day we will rest in a comfortable and traditional hacienda in the middle of coffee plantations.

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B, L, D 2h Hacienda Venecia or similar 5h30

DAY 7

Hacienda Venecia – Pereira (Airport)

This birwatching activity and coffee tour 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 birwatching activity and coffee tour 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.

B 1h15

Trip Details

Hotels

Refugio Ecopalacio

Refugio Ecopalacio is located 52 km from the city of Bogota in the protective forest reserve of the Blanco and Negro rivers in the buffer zone of the Chingaza National Park. It provides ecotourism guiding services with a focus on environmental education, bird watching, restoration activities, and hiking. The lodging service is in three (3) rooms with double beds, electricity with solar panels and shared bathrooms with hot water. Surrounded by gardens and Andean forests that are the ideal space for nature lovers.

Restaurant Spa

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.

Wifi Restaurant Spa

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.

Wifi Restaurant Bar

Gallery

Spotted Species

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

Andean Condor

The Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) has black plumage with a white collar of feathers around its neck. It has a bald head and neck, and males have a fleshy comb...

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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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Black-billed Mountain Toucan

The Black-billed Mountain Toucan (Andigena nigrirostris) is a colorful bird species found in the andean forests from Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador to extreme northwest Peru. It feeds on fruits and insects...

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Green Jay

The Green Jay (Cyanocorax yncas) is a colorful and noisy tropical bird. It belongs to the New World jays that are found in the Americas. Adult birds are variable in...

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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.