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.
Trip Details
Tour Highlights
Witness the spectacular lek of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock in Antioquia.
Tatamá Natural Park: Experience the biodiversity of this Andean region hotspot, perfect for birdwatchers.
Discover a rich variety of endemic birds in the Choco Biodiverse ecosystem.
Embark on a scenic journey along the Magdalena River, Colombia's principal waterway, rich in biodiversity.
Next Departures
Invalid Date Format
Invalid Date Format
Invalid Date Format
Thematics
Birdwatching
Photography
Wildlife
Itinerary
DAY 1
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 w...
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.
Read More
L, D
1h30
Hacienda Balmoral (or similar)
220 km / 5h20
DAY 2
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 ...
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.
Read More
B, L, D
Hacienda Balmoral (or similar)
40 km / 1h30
DAY 3
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 ...
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.
Read More
B, L, D
Rio Claro Natural Reserve (or similar)
DAY 4
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 Coc...
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.
Read More
B, L, D
Hotal La Casona en Jardin (Antioquia) (or similar)
310 km / 6h30
DAY 5
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 revo...
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.
Read More
B, L, D
30 min
Mirador Ingruma (Riosucio) (or similar)
55 km / 2h50
DAY 6
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 a...
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.
Read More
B, L, D
Mistrato Birds Home (or similar)
60 km / 2h
DAY 7
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 h...
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.
Read More
B, L, D
Montezuma Rainforest EcoLodge (or similar)
105 km / 3h30
DAY 8
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 o...
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.
Read More
B, L, D
Montezuma Rainforest EcoLodge (or similar)
22 km / 4h
DAY 9
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 ...
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.
Read More
B, L, D
Hacienda Venecia Coffee Farm (or similar)
140 km / 3h30
DAY 10
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...
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.
Read More
B, L, D
20 min
Hacienda Venecia Coffee Farm (or similar)
120 km / 4h
DAY 11
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.
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.
Read More
Price Details
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
Northern Screamer
The Northern Screamer (Chauna chavaria), also known as the Black-necked Screamer, is a large species...
Discover
Boat-billed Heron
The boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius), colloquially known as the boatbill, is an atypical member of...
Discover
Amazon Kingfisher
The Amazon Kingfisher (Chloroceryle amazona) is a medium-sized kingfisher of tropical lowlands. Found singly or...
Discover
Rufescent Tiger-Heron
The Rufescent Tiger-Heron (Tigrisoma lineatum) is a species of heron in the family Ardeidae. It...
Discover
Red-rumped Woodpecker
The Red-rumped Woodpecker (Dryobates kirkii) is 16.5 cm long and weighs 28g., small, relatively drab...
Discover
White-bearded Manakin
Fairly common and widespread through much of South America. Males are distinctive with white throat,...
Discover
Rufous Motmot
The Rufous Motmot (Baryphthengus martii) has a green body, a rufous-colored cap, and a long,...
Discover
Collared Aracari
The Collared Aracari (Pteroglossus torquatus) has a black body with a yellow chest band and...
Discover
Beautiful Woodpecker
The Beautiful Woodpecker (Melanerpes pulcher) is a colourful bird about 18 cm (7 in) long....
Discover
Sooty Ant-Tanager
The Sooty Ant-Tanager (Habia gutturalis) is a species of bird in the cardinal family (Cardinalidae);...
Discover
White-breasted Wood-Wren
The White-breasted Wood-Wren(Henicorhina leucosticta) has a very small, stub-tailed wren of humid tropical lowland forest....
Discover
Blue-winged Mountain Tanager
The Blue-winged Mountain Tanager (Anisognathus somptuosus) is a colorful bird species found in the mountainous...
Discover
Silver-throated Tanager
The Silver-throated Tanager (Tangara icterocephala) found in Central and South America's humid forests; characterized by...
Discover
