Birding Near Colombia’s CapitalYou will finally be able to cross off a variety of exotic species from your birding bucket list on this Surroundings of Bogota birding tour. The experience has been carefully designed to introduce you to an array of bird species found in the Eastern Andes of Colombia. Explore diverse ecosystems that surround the capital city of Bogota, including wetlands, paramo and montane forest with average altitudes between 2,700 and 3,900 meters above sea level. Spot species such as Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus), Brown-breasted Parakeet (Pyrrhura calliptera), Green-bearded Helmetcrest (Oxypogon guerinii), Silvery-throated Spinetail (Synallaxis subpudica) and more. We will also visit one of Colombia’s most unique cathedrals, exposing you to a mixture of birding and Colombian culture. EXPERIENCE TYPE Birding, Eco-Tourism & Culture |
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La Florida is a green heaven of nearly 200 acres inside the urban matrix of Bogotá. At this park, you will have the opportunity to see over 40 species, including endemic and threatened bird species. The lake has an area of open water and some reeds along the borders, great for spotting rails, ducks and other wetland specialities.
Chingaza National Natural Park covers 190,000 acres of paramo, Andean forests and East Andean foothill forests. Most of the park is covered by the paramo ecosystem where you will find a variety of birds, including the Colombian national bird: the majestic Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus).
This natural park is located just half an hour by car from Bogota. It is located next to a huge rock canyon that protects the cloud forest of Chicaque and ancient oak forests. 258 species of birds have been recorded there.
The capital city of Colombia has grown around La Candelaria, the famous colonial neighbourhood where most of the historic sites, museums and ancient churches are located. Practically every street corner in La Candelaria marks an important event in Colombian history.
The charming town of Zipaquira is famous for its salt mines and for the Salt Cathedral. This must-see cathedral was built inside the network of monumental chambers and tunnels that were left behind when commercial mining operations ceased. The walk-through Stations of the Cross inside the mine are a poignant representation of Jesus' last steps, and they culminate in a three-part cavernous subterranean cathedral.
We will meet you at the airport to take you to your hotel in Bogota. In the evening, we will have a welcome dinner.
Overnight: Bogota - Hotel Hacienda Royal Meal Plan: Dinner
Your first birding experience starts at La Florida Park, a small wetland considered the best spot to see the Bogota Rail (Rallus semiplumbeus) and other endemic species.
Then, we will spend the rest of the day in the historic area of the city, La Candelaria. This neighbourhood is adorned with interesting architectural styles and museums. We will admire the world's largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold at the Gold Museum and get panoramic views of the city from the top of Cerro de Monserrate.
Overnight: Bogota - Hotel Hacienda Royal Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, we will go to Chicaque Natural Park located half an hour South of Bogota. The park is located next to a huge rock canyon that protects the cloud forest of Chicaque and ancient oak forests. 258 species of birds have been recorded there, hopefully we will be able to see: Brown Tinamou (Crypturellus obsoletus), Andean Guan (Penelope montagnii), Black Inca (Coeligena prunellei), Golden-bellied Startfrontlet (Coeligena bonapartei) and the rare migrant Cerulean Wabler (Dendroica caerulea).
At the end of the day, we will go to Guasca to spend the night.
Overnight: Guasca - Hotel Cafe de la Huerta Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will spend the day birding in Bosque Guajira (Guajira Forest). In this forest, you can see some of the following bird species: the Spinetail Silvery-throated (Synallaxis subpudica), Rufous- browed Conebill (Conirostrum rufum), Sword Billed Hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera). Also, when walking in the forest, we may be able to admire the Chestnut-crowned antpitta (Grallaria blakei), some mountain tanagers and several hummingbirds at feeders strategically placed along the way.
Overnight: Guasca - Hotel Cafe de la Huerta Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We will continue our birding experience around Chingaza Natural Park. This area is famous because of its spectacular scenery of montane elfin forest and paramo. Plus, this is where you can find most of the Eastern Andean highland (near) endemic bird species. We will also visit a quaint hummingbird observatory to spend a few hours enjoying nearly 25 species of hummingbirds feeding in the gardens surrounding the Spanish-style house.
At the end of the day, we will go back to Bogota.
Overnight: Bogota - Hotel Hacienda Royal Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You cannot leave the city without visiting one of its main highlights: The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira. This cathedral, located 50 km north of Bogota and built inside the caves of an old salt mine, is a true testimony to the miners' faith in a higher power and one of the most notable achievements of Colombian architecture.
At the end of this visit will go back to Bogota. Depending on your request, we will drop you at the airport or at the hotel.
Overnight: Breakfast Meal Plan:
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.
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.
