Travel Blog Best Birding Spots in Colombia with the Western and Central Andes Birdwatching Tour

Colombia is often described as the bird capital of the world, with nearly 2,000 recorded species, It is home to more birds than any other country, and it’s one of the favorite ones for birding tours. Nowhere is this diversity more evident than in the Western and Central Andes, two ranges where cloud forests, páramos, and lush valleys create the perfect conditions for an extraordinary variety of birdlife. From brilliantly tanagers and hummingbirds, to the iconic Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, these mountains offer some of the most unforgettable birding tours in South America.

Why the Western & Central Andes?

Colombia’s Western and Central Andes stand out as some of the best birding tour destinations in the world. Whether you are scanning the páramo for hummingbirds, marveling at a Cock-of-the-Rock lek, or following the chatter of tanager flocks in the cloud forest, each day brings something new and unforgettable.

The Andes in Colombia split into three ranges, and both the Western and Central chains are known for:

• High endemism: species like the Cauca Guan occurs here and nowhere else.

• Variety of habitats: from humid Chocó forest to páramo grasslands above 3,000 meters.

• Easy connections: many hotspots are accessible from charming towns and coffee-growing regions.

Top Birding Spots in the Western & Central Andes

Chingaza National Park

Just a short drive from Bogotá, and you will experience one of the most incredible birding tours in Colombia, Chingaza protects vast tracts of páramo and high Andean forest. It’s one of the best places to look for the Brown-breasted Parakeet, a Colombian endemic, as well as Masked Trogan, Golden-fronted Whitestart, and high-altitude hummingbirds. Birding here comes with sweeping views of misty valleys and crystal-clear lagoons.

Rio Blanco Nature Reserve

Considered one of the most famous birding reserves in the Central Andes, Río Blanco near Manizales is especially renowned for its antpitta feeding stations, where shy species such as Bicolored Antpitta and Chestnut-crowned Antpitta come into view. The reserve also shelters Masked Saltator, White-capped Tanager, and numerous mixed flocks in its humid montane forests.

Otun-Quimbaya Fauna & Flora Sanctuary

This Central Andes cloud forest near Pereira is a stronghold for several Colombian endemics. It is one of the best places to spot the Crested Ant-Tanager, as well as Chestnut Wood-Quail and the impressive Cauca Guan. Dawn walks along the forest trails often reveal mixed flocks of tanagers and hummingbirds.

Montezuma Road (Western Andes)

Montezuma Road is legendary among birders. Rising from low montane slopes into pristine cloud forest influenced by the Chocó region, it offers the chance to see species like the Munchique Wood-Wren, Chocó Vireo, and the haunting Black Solitaire. Few places in Colombia combine such accessibility with such richness.

Tinamu Nature Reserve

Close to Manizales, Tinamú is both comfortable and highly productive for birding. Feeders attract an ever-changing cast of hummingbirds and tanagers, while trails reveal species like the Little Tinamou, Motmots, and a variety of antbirds. For bird photographers, this is a dream location thanks to its reliable sightings.

Jardin and the Cock-of-the-Rock Lek

The town of Jardín is not only picturesque, it also offers the spectacular sight of male Andean Cock-of-the-Rock displaying at a lek near the village. It’s one of the most dramatic birding shows in the Andes. The surrounding forests are also home to the recovering population of Yellow-eared Parrots.

Los Nevados National Park and the Páramos

Above the tree line, the páramo landscape feels otherworldly. Strange plants like frailejones dominate, and specialized species like the Buffy Helmetcrest survive in these cold, high-altitude conditions. Visiting Los Nevados is a chance to see some of the most unique birds in Colombia against the backdrop of snow-capped volcanoes.

Best time for a Birding Tour in the Andes

Birding is possible year-round in Colombia, though the driest months (December–March and July–August) often offer the best conditions. Mornings bring the most activity, so early starts are essential. Be prepared for changing weather, pack layers and rain gear. With so many hotspots spread across different elevations, planning a route that maximizes your time in the field can be challenging. That’s why many birders choose guided itineraries that cover the Western and Central Andes efficiently, making sure no key species are missed along the way.

A Birdwatcher’s Dream in Colombia

The Western and Central Andes are not just places to see birds and take birding tours in Colombia, they are landscapes full of culture, history, and natural beauty. Coffee farms, traditional towns, and warm local hospitality enrich the journey, making birding here an immersive experience.

If you are inspired by the idea of exploring these regions, you can join a specialized birdwatching tour in Colombia through the Western & Central Andes. Designed with birders in mind, it visits all the main hotspots mentioned above, combining comfort with access to some of the most biodiverse corners of Colombia.

For birders looking to combine lifelist additions with the adventure of exploring vibrant landscapes, this region of Colombia is hard to beat.

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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.