Travel Blog Capture Colombia's Birdlife: A Birdwatching & Photography Adventure

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing a Multicoloured Tanager with your own eyes, or better yet, through your lens, Colombia is calling. With more bird species than any country on Earth (yes, over 1,900!), Colombia is a magnet for serious birders and wildlife photographers.

Our 16-day birdwatching and photography itinerary was proven to be the best way to cover the country's must-see birding spots. It’s a truly authentic experience designed by passionate locals.  From the Muisca Antpitta and the cock of the Rock to the Santa Marta Parakeet, this route was carefully crafted to maximize both quality and quantity. Plus, I'm happy to share it with you, along with key tips if you’re planning to follow the same path.

“I’ve birded in cloud forests, deserts, and coastal mangroves, but nothing prepared me for Colombia. It’s not just the birds that will blow your mind, it’s the warmth of the people, the variety of landscapes, and yes, the fried arepas". That's what one of our birders shared after joining us on this itinerary last time, and they weren’t alone!

Each region below includes target species, personal insights, and useful eBird links so you can preview checklists and get ready for your trip.

Bogotá & Eastern Andes (High Andean Forest & Páramo)

1. Muisca Birding Reserve, Guasca  

This reserve is a high Andean forest and páramo ecosystems located at over 3,200 meters above sea level. You’ll bird among frailejones, mist, and mountain silence.

Target species:

• Muisca Antpitta (Grallaria rufocinerea)

• Black-billed Mountain-Toucan (Andigena nigrirostris)

• Andean Potoo (Nyctibius maculosus) — a mystical night guardian

• Bronze-tailed Thornbill (Chalcostigma heteropogon)

You can see a full list of birds at eBird Hotspot – Guasca area

Clothing tip: It’s cold up there. Bring layers, a windproof jacket, gloves, and a beanie.

2. Botanical garden Bogota - José Celestino Mutis 

This urban green space is surprisingly bird-rich, great for a warm-up walk before heading into the field.

You might spot:

• Sparkling Violetear (Colibri coruscans)

• Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis)

• Striated Heron (Butorides striata)

You can see a full list of birds at eBird Hotspot – Jardín Botánico

Ecosystem note: An oasis of native and exotic flora that attracts both resident and migratory birds.

Tip: Casual stop, no need for hiking boots, but it's a good option to spend the morning before taking a flight to a different city. So, bring binoculars and enjoy a coffee near the hummingbird garden.

Cauca Valley in the Western Andes

1. Bosque de La Florida Reserve - KM 18 

Located in the Western Andes, these cloud forests are famed for feeder setups and close-range bird photography.

Photographer’s favorites:

• Multicoloured Tanager (Chlorochrysa nitidissima) – electric and endemic

• Golden-winged Manakin (Masius chrysopterus)

• Booted Racket-tail (Ocreatus underwoodii)

You can see a full list of birds at eBird Hotspot – La Florida KM 18

Clothing tip: Cool and damp. Bring light rain gear and grip-soled boots for muddy trails.

Photography tip: Soft morning light + feeder stations = unbeatable portraits.

2. Anchicayá River Canyon (Doña Dora) 

A legendary tropical river valley where cloud forest meets Chocó lowlands.

Must-sees:

• Velvet-purple Coronet (Boissonneaua jardini)

• Toucan Barbet (Semnornis ramphastinus)

• Crested Ant-Tanager (Habia cristata)

You can see a full list of birds at eBird Hotspot – Anchicayá Upper

Did you know? In just 150 square meters near the river, birders can log over 60 species before lunch.

Central Andes & Coffee Region

1. Otún Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary

This protected cloud forest is rich in endemics and riverine species.

Target birds:

• Cauca Guan (Penelope perspicax) — Endangered and endemic

• Torrent Duck (Merganetta armata)

• Red-ruffed Fruitcrow (Pyroderus scutatus)

You can see a full list of birds at  eBird Hotspot – Otún Quimbaya

Clothing tip: Waterproof boots, light rain jacket, and long sleeves for biting insects.

Photography tip: Use misty backlight creatively, especially when shooting from forest trails.

2. Los Nevados National Park - Termales del Ruiz 

Páramo and snow-capped volcanoes define this high-altitude park.

Specialties include:

• Buffy Helmetcrest (Oxypogon stuebelii) — Páramo hummingbird endemic

• Rufous-fronted Parakeet (Bolborhynchus ferrugineifrons)

You can see a full list of birds at eBird Hotspot – Los Nevados

Reminder: Gloves are essential, camera buttons freeze fast in early-morning cold.

Jardín (Southwestern Antioquia)

1. Cock-of-the-Rock Lek & Ventanas Cloud Forest  

This colourful colonial town offers easy access to lek and cloud forest birding.

Top performers:

• Andean Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus)

• Red-bellied Grackle (Hypopyrrhus pyrohypogaster) — endemic

You can see a full list of birds at eBird Hotspot – Jardín Lek and eBird Hotspot Ventanas cloud forest

Tip: Sunrise hikes to the lek are noisy, dramatic, and unmissable. Bring light gloves and a headlamp.

Caribbean Coast & Sierra Nevada

1. Los Flamencos Sanctuary 

A dry forest and coastal lagoon zone near Riohacha.

Species to look for:

• Vermilion Cardinal (Cardinalis phoeniceus)

• Buffy Hummingbird (Leucippus fallax)

• Tocuyo Sparrow (Arremonops tocuyensis)

• Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)

• White Ibis (Eudocimus albus)

You can see a full list of birds at eBird Hotspot – Los Flamencos

Cultural note: The nearby Wayuu Indigenous community crafts bags and textiles inspired by bird motifs.

2. El Dorado Reserve & San Lorenzo Ridge 

This is Colombia’s most famous endemic hotspot, located high in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Must-see endemics:

• Santa Marta Parakeet (Pyrrhura viridicata)

• Santa Marta Brushfinch (Atlapetes melanocephalus)

• Santa Marta Woodstar (Chaetocercus astreans)

Bucket list moment: Watch the sunrise from El Dorado's birding deck with the Caribbean Sea below, it’s unreal.

What to Pack for Bird Photography in Colombia

• DSLR or mirrorless camera with 400–600mm lens

• Compact tripod or monopod

• 10x42 binoculars

• Pack in layers (Waterproof layers for both humid lowlands and alpine chill)

• Quick-dry clothing

• Insect repellent

• Yellow-fever vaccine 

• Gloves and hat for high-elevation spots

• Headlamp for night birding (especially for potoos and owls)

• Field notebook or eBird map downloaded

• Extra batteries, SD cards, and rain covers for gear

Why book this tour?

If you are looking for a Birdwatching and Photography Tour in Colombia, and want to explore some of the country’s most breathtaking ecosystems, from misty páramos and lush cloud forests to sunlit coastal sanctuaries. This is the tour for you. You’ll be perfectly positioned to photograph rare and dazzling bird species like the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, brilliant tanagers, jewel-like hummingbirds, and elusive mountain endemics. With our expert English-speaking birding local guides, private transport, domestic flights, and hand-picked eco-lodges, every detail will be taken care of so you can focus on spotting incredible birds and enjoy the amazing landscapes.

Start planning your birding adventure

• Check the full Itinerary here

• Contact us if you have any questions

• Explore Colombia Hotspots on eBird

• Read reviews of our birding experiences on TripAdvisor

• Follow us on our social channels for more tips

Share with your traveller friends!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Paola Rodriguez

Paola is passionate about travelling to explore new places and cultures. Her love for learning other languages led her to pursue an MBA in Taiwan, where she seized every opportunity to explore Asia, visiting countries like Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, and Korea. After finishing her studies, Paola returned to Colombia and joined the Uncover Colombian team to continue working in Tourism and promoting her country.