Expeditions Central Andes Birding Tour

Arrive at any time. We will pick you up at the airport in Pereira and drive you to your hotel in Manizales. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, crossing diverse landscapes of the Coffee Region.

From Pereira, at 1,411 meters above sea level, the route begins in Andean forests surrounded by coffee plantations and valleys rich in birdlife. As we ascend toward Manizales, at 2,160 meters, the scenery transforms into cloud forests, with misty canopies and cooler conditions. Approaching the highlands, we enter the páramo ecosystems, unique habitats that host endemic species and offer spectacular views of the Central Andes.

Upon arrival at Tinamu Birding Lodge, guests will be able to start birdwatching right away along the nearby trails and around the main house. If arrival is at midday, a fresh local lunch will be served, followed by time to rest.

Later in the afternoon, before night falls, we will take advantage of the remaining light to observe birds at the feeders near the lodge, where colorful tanagers, hummingbirds, and other species are often seen.

Note: As domestic flights are not included, please book a flight arriving before 11:00 a.m. in Pereira

Note: We recommend choosing the earliest flight of the day to maximise your time. If you need assistance or wish to include the flight, please contact us.

Overnight: Tinamu Reserve
Meal Plan: Lunch

Very early in the morning, we will depart for the Río Blanco Reserve, one of Colombia’s premier birding destinations and a designated Important Bird Area (IBA). Upon our arrival, we’ll begin exploring the reserve’s well-maintained trails, enjoying the early morning bird activity. After an hour of birding, we’ll pause for breakfast before continuing our walk along the ecological trails.

Río Blanco protects vital cloud forest and páramo ecosystems, which are home to over 350 bird species, including the endemic Brown-banded Antpitta and the near-endemic Bicoloured Antpitta. We may also spot five species of Tapaculo, along with other wildlife such as armadillos, spectacled bears, and butterflies. Around midday, we’ll stop for lunch and appreciate the peaceful surroundings of this essential watershed, which provides water to the city of Manizales. 

In the afternoon, we’ll continue our birding expedition, heading to a strategic viewing point that’s perfect for observing forest-dwelling species and taking in the beauty of this remarkable conservation area.  

At the end of the day, we will return to the hotel to relax and enjoy a delicious dinner

Overnight: Tinamu Reserve
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early in the morning we will birding a cross the traisl to tinamu , after braskfast we will depart to hacienda el bosque and Termales del Ruiz, two premier high-altitude birding sites near the Páramo del Ruiz that offer outstanding opportunities to observe a wide range of Andean species. 

Hacienda El Bosque, located between 2,800 and 3,900 meters (9,514 to 12,790 feet), offers a variety of habitats including pastures, high Andean forests, and páramo ecosystems. The property is well-equipped with strategically placed feeders that attract numerous species. Notable birds here include the Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Crescent-faced Antpitta, Barred Fruiteater, White-throated Quail-Dove, and Hooded Mountain-Tanager.

We spend de rest of the day to birding at haienda el bosque at midday we have a lunch and continue to birding , at the end of the day you can rest and have a dinner at the restaurant of hotel.

Overnight: Lodge Hacienda el Bosque
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Early in the morning, we will depart for birding along the Road to Los Nevados, exploring habitats that range from paddocks and elfin forest to bamboo patches and high-altitude páramo. This area is excellent for observing near-endemic hummingbirds such as the Black-thighed Puffleg and the Golden-breasted Puffleg.

By midday, we will arrive at Termales del Ruiz, a hummingbird observatory where feeders attract a dazzling variety of species, including the Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Viridian Metaltail, Glowing Puffleg, Great Sapphirewing, and the striking Buffy Helmetcrest. Here you will also enjoy lunch with views of the surrounding páramo.

In the afternoon, we will continue birdwatching and immerse ourselves in the beauty of the landscape, with the option to relax in the natural thermal hot springs. At the end of the day, we will return to Hacienda El Bosque to rest after an exciting day of birding in the Central Andes.

Overnight: Lodge Hacienda el Bosque
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Today, we will travel by car from Hacienda El Bosque to Hotel Kumanday, located near Otún Quimbaya in the Coffee Region. The drive takes about 2 hours, crossing the Central Andes through valleys and cloud forest landscapes.

Upon arrival at Hotel Kumanday, you will have time to settle in and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we will begin birdwatching in the areas surrounding the hotel, with good chances to spot species such as the Red-ruffed Fruitcrow, the Cauca Guan, and colorful tanagers typical of the Central Cordillera.

We will spend the night at Hotel Kumanday, ready for the full birding experience in the surrounding areas of the Otún Quimbaya Reserve the next day.

Overnight: Hotel Casa Kumanday
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

We will spend the day birding in the Otún Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, a nationally protected area spanning 1,208 acres of pristine Andean cloud forest. Situated between 5,741 and 7,382 feet above sea level, this sanctuary is nestled within the larger Otún River watershed, making it a vital habitat for wildlife. Over 300 bird species have been recorded here, including notable residents such as the Torrent Duck, Cauca Guan, Wattled Guan, and Chestnut Wood-Quail. The sanctuary’s rich biodiversity and diverse elevations create an ideal environment for birdwatching, offering opportunities to observe both rare and endemic species in their natural cloud forest habitat.  

Overnight: Hotel Casa Kumanday
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Your adventure in Colombia ends today. At the time required, we will transfer you to the airport.

Note: Check out before 12 pm. As the flights are not included, please book a late afternoon or evening flight.If you require any assistance, please contact us.

Overnight:
Meal Plan: Breakfast