Short Trips southwest colombia birding tour

Private Tour

From $0 - 6 days

Adventure to Colombia’s Southwest

Visit the habitats of fascinating endemic and migratory species during this unforgettable birding tour in southwest Colombia. We will cover a variety of different landscapes: from the wetlands, lakes and mountains of the Andes towering 2,800 meters above sea level, to the tropical rainforest of the Pacific Coast. You will have the chance to see a large number of aquatic birds, including endemic and migratory species, at the spectacular Laguna de La Cocha and Isla de La Corota. You will visit the Pacific rainforest in La Planada Nature Reserve (IBA) to see endemic and endangered species such as the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan (Andigena laminirostris). Finally, we will observe a great community of hummingbirds (31 species) in Río Ñambí Nature Reserve (IBA) before visiting a beautiful famous sanctuary.

EXPERIENCE TYPE Birding, Eco-Tourism & Culture

Tour Highlights

What to Expect

Essential Information

Tour Highlights

Laguna de La Cocha

Located in the southwestern region of the Colombian Andes, La Cocha is the country's second-largest natural body of freshwater. It was recognised as a wetland of international importance under the RAMSAR convention. This Andean lake is located 2,800 meters above sea level and sits 20 kilometres from the capital city of Pasto. About 140 bird species have been registered in La Cocha, including threatened species related to high Andean wetlands such as Yellow-billed Pintail (Anas georgica) and Colorado Duck (Anas cyanoptera). This beautiful lake is also houses a large number of migratory boreal and austral birds.

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Fauna & Flora Sanctuary Isla de La Corota

This peaceful island is located in Laguna de La Cocha and is the smallest natural protected area in Colombia. It is an integral part of the entire wetland ecosystem of La Cocha and is the perfect place to spot aquatic birds.

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La Planada Nature Reserve

Located in the Pacific side of the Andes Mountains, La Planada is part of the Chocó biogeographic region. It is one of the most bio-diverse coastal tropical rainforests in the world. Nearly 283 bird species have been registered here including endemic and endangered species such as the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan (Andigena laminirostris). La Planada Nature Reserve is also a great place to observe spectacled bears, the last remaining short-faced bear species.

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Rio Ñambi Nature Reserve

Nestled in the Pacific coastal foothills of Nariño (one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world) this nature reserve is an IBA with 354 registered bird species. At Rio Ñambí, we will find a great community of hummingbirds (31 species), as well as an extensive variety of butterflies and large animals such as the ocelot, the jaguar and the anteater. At night, we can observe nocturnal plants and animals, such as fluorescent fungus.

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San Juan de Pasto

Also known as Pasto, the capital of the department of Nariño sits in the southwestern region of Colombia with a spectacular view of the Galeras Volcano. This city is famous for its beautiful churches and architecture, as well as for the Black and White Carnival.

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What to Expect

Detailed Itinerary

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DAY 1 Travel to Pasto & City Tour and Transfer to La Cocha

Early in the morning, we will pick you up at your hotel in Bogota for your flight to Pasto. After arriving in Pasto, we will have a city tour to see some of the most iconic places of this charming city.

In the afternoon, we will transfer you to your hotel in La Cocha, Colombia’s biggest natural lake.

Overnight: La Cocha - Hotel Chalet Guamez
Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner

DAY 2 Birding in La Cocha

There are more than 50 natural reserves around La Cocha. One of the best reserves is El Encanto, which covers nearly 2.5 ha of paramo. The Grey-breated Mountain Tucan is surprisingly common here. The Mountain Cacique (cacicus chrysonotus), Speckle-faced (pionus tumultuosus) and Bronze-winnged parrots (Pionus chalcopterus) amongst other species can also be spotted.

We will also spend some time at La Corota Island to see even more bird species.

Overnight: La Cocha - Hotel Chalet Guamez
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3 Birding in La Cocha and Visit of the Sanctuary of Las Lajas,

We will spend the morning exploring another natural reserve around La Cocha before travelling to the magnificent Sanctuary of Las Lajas, one of the most unique churches in the world. It was built atop a bridge spanning a gorge below the village of Las Lajas.

We will spend the night in Ipiales.

Overnight: Ipiales
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4 Birding in Rio Ñambí

Today we will go to Río Ñambí Natural Reserve, located in one of the most biodiverse regions of the world. This reserve protects nearly 1,000 ha of pristine rain forest with a high degree of endemism. It is a paradise for observing specialties of the Western Andes and Pacific Rainforest that are difficult to see elsewhere. We will have the opportunity to see more than 30 hummingbird species.

The evening is to explore the reserve and see the unique fluorescent fungus and other plants and nocturnal animals.

Overnight: Rio Ñambí Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5 Birding in Rio Ñambí and La Planada

We will continue exploring Rio Ñambí in the morning and have the chance to see the near endemic Violet-tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus coelestis) and Rufous-breasted Antthrush (Formicarious rufipectus) amongst other birds.

Then, we will go to La Planada, a natural reserve located in the Pacific slope of the Eastern Andes. This reserve covers 3,200 ha of primary and secondary wet forest with more than 283 species registered here, including the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan (Andigena laminirostris) and Club-winged Manakin (Machaeropterus deliciosus).

Overnight: La Planada Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6 Birding in La Planada and Flight to Bogota

We will continue exploring other sectors in La Planada Nature Reserve to see more birds, possibly including near-threatened species such as the Orange-fronted Barbet (Capito squamatus) and the Toucan Barbet (Semnornis ramphastinus).

Overnight:
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Essential Information

What's Included

Airport pick up and drop off
5 nights' accommodation
Domestic flights
Private ground transport
Meals as defined in the itinerary
Experienced local birding guides fluent in English
Entry tickets to all natural parks and reserves mentioned in the itinerary
Entry tickets to all touristic places mentioned in the itinerary

What's Not Included

International flights
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Tips & other discretionary expenses

How to Book

If you wish to book this tour, please click on the yellow "Book Now" button, select the date, number of people, complete the details and go through a secured online payment platform.

If you have any question or whish to change something, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Accommodations

We have carefully chosen the right accommodations with different styles and standards depending on the cities, small towns or natural reserves visited. We personally ensure that each property has the right combination of features such as cleanliness, location, friendly staff and good service.

Amazing tour company

I have traveled throughout the world and worked with many tour companies. Uncover Colombia is the most organized, detailed and responsive tour company I have worked with. Every guide that was provided is an amazing and enthusiastic person. Accommodations were incredible. Overall , nothing can top it ! USE UNCOVER COLOMBIA and you won't be disappointed.

– Richard, January 2026

Bespoke tour of the highlights of Colombia with a focus on nature

Uncover Colombia put together an itinerary for us based on our love of nature, scenery, and hiking, and our desire to see some of the best the country has to offer. We loved their suggestions and we have felt looked after every step of the way - hotel bookings, transfers, internal flights, guides...

– Ellie, January 2026

Amazing

Beatriz was a wonderful tour guide for visiting Guatape city from Medellin. She went out of her way to help me find shoes before we officially started our tour because my shoes got ruined in the rain the day before and I had nothing proper to wear. She has a clear love for the city she grew up in and that personal connection to it made the tour and information she shared more genuine and meaningful.

– Rahma, January 2026

Colombia travel

We traveled three weeks across Colombia – from Bogotá, Villa de Leyva, Barichara, Medellín, the Pacific coast of Nuquí, the Coffee Region, Tayrona National Park, and finally Cartagena. In one word: exceptionally well organized. Excellent guides, seamless transfers, and an organization where everything worked exactly as planned.

– Damjan, December 2025

What about it? Look no further!

We have travelled to just under 80 countries around the world, often on our own, sometimes, when the country had some problems, relying on an agency; something we decided to do for Colombia as well. I must say that UncoverColombia is absolutely among the best tour operators I have ever met. The organization is immaculate, precise and very accurate...

– Cinzia and Luca, August 2025

A professional tour operator

Uncover Colombia did a great job in arranging accommodation, transport which included 4 domestic flights and meals. Most importantly, they have assigned tourist guides who are professional, friendly and passionate. They are sometimes funny and always helpful.

– S L, August 2025

Blown Away

Every detail was taken care of, the destinations are world class, communication was excellent. I would give them 6 out of 5 if I could. The guide UC booked for us was exceptional. He knew his stuff, was very good with e-bird, he was an interesting guy and an overall good bean. Our tour actually started in Barranquilla...

– Derek, April 2025

Tour of Medellin and local villages.

Sol, our tour guide, was amazing. We did a three day tour of Medellin and local villages nearby. Sol shared her vast knowledge of the political and social recent history of the region. She led the tour at our pace. She was lovely to be with. The driver was very cautious. It was a great experience.

– Lynn, February 2025

Great to work with!

Uncover Colombia was fantastic to work with! We had a 12 day itinerary and everything went very well. The agency reps were very flexible before and during the trip even when we requested last minute changes. They always did their best to accommodate us. The assigned contact person during the trip was always reachable and responsive...

– Gary, December 2024

Great organization - even at short notice!

My girlfriend and I wanted to visit Colombia, but were late in the planning. We reached out to Uncover just a couple of weeks before our departure and they were able to organize the whole tour in just a few days, and for a more than fair price...

– David, December 2025

We highly recommend!

We had a FANTASTIC experience with Uncover. Nidia and her team organized the most magical 4-day trip to the Colombian Coffee Region. I am Colombian but needed assistance as I wasn’t familiar with the area. We went to the Cocora Valley, Rafting down a river, had a fabulous coffee farm experience and even visited a cacao farm where we got to make artisan chocolate. We traveled with our school aged children...

– Daniela, July 2024

3 Week Tour of Colombia

We feel very fortunate to have chosen Uncover Colombia. Your guides were passionate and professional and informative, the accomodation was exceptional at every stop and most impressively, we were aware of you constantly checking in our wellbeing. We return to Australia with an awareness of Colombia’s variety, vitality and positivity.

– Mal & Michelle, July 2024

Amazing tour with Uncover Colombia - San Agustin, Tierradentro and Tatacoa

My mother and I did a 5-day trip to San Agustin, Tierradentro and the Tatacoa dry forest/desert with Uncover Colombia. It was absolutely brilliant. The communication was great and Nidia helped us to ensure that the trip was tailored to our needs and wishes. Our driver, Jesus, and guide, Jorge, were very friendly and Jorge was very knowledgable...

– Gary, July 2024

Highly Recommended

Uncover Columbia, specifically Helena (who handled all logistical questions pre-trip) Sergio (our amazing guide) helped make an unforgettable 4 day experience as part of our honeymoon.

– Mates, July 2024

Want to know more?

get in touch

All our tours are private and can be customised. Just complete our tailor-made tour form or give us a call. We’re flexible and happy to design the most suitable Colombia tour for you!

Have a question or need some help with your booking?

Short Trips southwest colombia birding tour

Adventure to Colombia’s Southwest

Laguna de La Cocha

Fauna & Flora Sanctuary Isla de La Corota

La Planada Nature Reserve

Rio Ñambi Nature Reserve

San Juan de Pasto

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1 Travel to Pasto & City Tour and Transfer to La Cocha

DAY 2 Birding in La Cocha

DAY 3 Birding in La Cocha and Visit of the Sanctuary of Las Lajas,

DAY 4 Birding in Rio Ñambí

DAY 5 Birding in Rio Ñambí and La Planada

DAY 6 Birding in La Planada and Flight to Bogota

What's Included

What's Not Included

How to Book

Accommodations

Amazing tour company

Bespoke tour of the highlights of Colombia with a focus on nature

Amazing

Colombia travel

What about it? Look no further!

A professional tour operator

Blown Away

Tour of Medellin and local villages.

Great to work with!

Great organization - even at short notice!

We highly recommend!

3 Week Tour of Colombia

Amazing tour with Uncover Colombia - San Agustin, Tierradentro and Tatacoa

Highly Recommended

Want to know more?

get in touch