Colombia Birding and Beach Tour | Uncover Colombia

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Colombia Birding and Beach Tour

Expeditions birding and beach colombia tour

Private Tour
From $0 - 12 days

Perfect for Birding and Culture Enthusiasts!

This tour is perfect for novice birders and travellers looking for a bit of sun and beach at the end. With a knowledgeable guide by your side, you will encounter diverse birdlife and culture in various regions of Colombia adorned with astonishing mountains, lush coffee plantations, deep valleys, and rivers.

You will explore different ecosystems like wetlands, paramo, montane forest and mangroves while having the opportunity to spot the majestic Andean Condor, Bogota Rail, Chesnut Wood-Quail, Black-thighed puffleg, Golden-breasted puffleg, Black-billed mountain toucan and many more. You'll visit historic cities like Bogotá and Cartagena, and experience the charm of a traditional coffee plantation. To top off your adventure, unwind on Mucura Island, where you can relax and enjoy the pristine beauty of the Caribbean coast.


EXPERIENCE TYPE Birding, Eco-Tourism & Local Traditions

Colombia Birding Tour
Tour Highlights
What to Expect

Detailed Itinerary

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DAY 1 Join tour in Bogota

Arrive at any time. We will pick you up at the airport and drive you to your hotel in Bogota. Depending on the traffic, the drive from the airport takes around 30-45 minutes.

Bogotá, the largest city in Colombia, is located in the Andes at 2,640 meters above sea level, and due to this high altitude, its weather is like spring year-round, with chilly mornings and warm afternoons. 

This cosmopolitan city uniquely blends colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers, offering an interesting variety of cultural activities like museums,  art galleries, and theatres. Bogotá is also home to various natural areas that provide great opportunities for birding, hiking, and outdoor adventures, making it a perfect destination for the adventurous traveller.

Overnight: Bogota
Meal Plan: None

DAY 2 Birding in Bogota Botanical Garden and Historic Tour

To start a birding adventure in Bogota, what better place than the Botanical Garden Jose Celestino Mutis! Founded in 1955, this garden is a green haven inside the city. It features a variety of ecosystems, reflecting Colombia’s rich biodiversity, from the Andes to the Amazon jungle. It will be a perfect introduction to the different ecosystems found in Colombia and a great opportunity to see resident and migrant birds in Bogota.

Bogota’s Botanical Garden is home to 49 bird species including the Rufous-browed Conebill, White tailed Kite, Yellow-backed Oriole, Rusty Flowerpiercer, and Short-eared Owl.

After visiting the botanical garden, we will go to La Candelaria to see some of the most iconic places in Bogota's historic centre. We will visit the world's largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold at the Gold Museum and check out the artistic work of Fernando Botero, Colombia's most famous painter and sculptor, at the Museo Botero. We will glimpse the diversity of architectural styles on display in the historic neighbourhood of La Candelaria and capture spectacular panoramic views of the city from the top of Cerro de Monserrate.

Overnight: Bogota
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 3 Birding in Chingaza Natural Park and Hummingbird Observatory in La Calera

We will pick you up early in the morning from your hotel and head towards Chingaza Natural Park, an Important Bird Area about 2 hours outside Bogota. This stunning natural park is known for its diverse ecosystems like páramo, cloud forests, and high-altitude lakes, providing a habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna. The iconic frailejón plant, unique to the páramo, thrives here, along with spectacled bears, white-tailed deer, Andean condors, and over 200 bird species. We will spend about 3 hours in the park's surrounding areas to see endemic species, such as the Silvery-throated Spinetail.  You may also have the chance to see the Coppery-bellied Puffleg, Glowing Puffleg, Longuemare´s Sunangel, Bronze-tailed Thornbill, Mountain Velvetbreast, Blue-throated Starfrontlet, Sword-billed hummingbird, Tyrian Metaltail, and Great sapphirewing amongst many more.

Then, we will visit a hummingbird observatory in La Calera that attracts over 20 species, including the stunning Long-tailed Sylph, Sword-billed Hummingbird, and Andean Emerald. We will watch these colourful creatures flit around the garden and the feeders, which offers good photography opportunities. We will take you back to the hotel at the end of this tour.

Overnight: Bogota - Hab hotel or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4 Fly to Pereira. Visit a Coffee Plantation

In the morning, we will transfer you to the airport for a flight to Pereira in the coffee region. Upon arrival in Pereira, your tour guide will be waiting for you to start your birding adventure in this region of Colombia. However, as Colombia is famous for its delicious coffee, you cannot leave the country without visiting a coffee farm to learn about coffee-making, from planting and hand-picking ripe cherries to drying beans under the sun. You will also have a tasting session, during which you will experience the bold, aromatic flavours of Colombian coffee in action. 

At the end of the tour, we will go to Tinamu reserve where you will spend the night

Tinamu is a beautiful reserve of approximately 15 ha of dry forest at 1,225 metres of altitude. Around 260 bird species distributed in 47 families have been registered at this reserve. The most numerous families are flycatchers (Tyrannidae) with 41, tanagers (Thraupidae) with 25, warblers (Parulidae) with 18 species, and hummingbirds (Trochilidae) with 22. We will start exploring the reserve in the late afternoon.

Overnight: Ecolodge Tinamu Reserve
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 5 Birding in Tinamu Nature Reserve

Your guide will meet you at the hotel to start birding. The reserve’s well-maintained trails and observation points offer ideal conditions for birding. We will have the chance to see Little Tinamu, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Sickle-winged Guan, Colombian Chachalaca, Western emerald, Grayish Piculet, Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant and Marble-faced Bristle-Tyrant amongst many more.  

After a very early adventure birding, you will enjoy a delicious breakfast and continue your adventure exploring new paths. At lunchtime, you will relax amid beautiful gardens, surrounded by the serenity of nature. At the end of the day, you will transfer to the Paraíso Verde hotel to rest and recharge.

Overnight: Paraiso Verde Lodge
Meal Plan:  Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6 Birding in El Color de mi Reves

Today, we will visit El Color de Mi Revés, a cloud forest and glamping area near Manizales, where you can find nearly 90 bird species, including the Black-billed Mountain-Toucan and Ocellated Tapaculo. 

Your guide will meet you at the hotel and take you to the meeting point, where you'll receive instructions before starting birdwatching. You’ll spot tanagers, guans, and toucans, followed by a delicious breakfast. Then, the adventure will continue by searching for Grallaria species, hummingbirds, and possibly the Black-collared Jay. 

We will return to the hotel at the end of this visit.

Overnight: Paraiso Verde Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7 Visit Hacienda El Bosque and Termales del Ruiz near Paramo del Ruiz

In the morning, we will travel to Hacienda El Bosque, where the main attraction is the feeding station set up to view the incredible Crescent-faced Antpitta. 

Then, after lunch, we’ll go near Paramo del Ruiz, a protected area below Ruiz Volcano. Its landscape is a combination of paddock, elfin forest, patches of bamboo and paramo. This area is great for spotting two near-endemic hummingbirds: Black-thighed puffleg and Golden-breasted puffleg . We will also visit a hummingbird observatory to see nearly 25 bird species, including near-endemic Black-thighed Puffleg, Rainbow bearded Thornbill, Viridian Metaltail, Glowing and Golden-breasted Pufflegs, Great Sapphirewing also It has feeders for Lacrimose and Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanagers, Pale-naped and Gray-browed Brush-Finches and buffy helmetcrest. 

Overnight: Paraiso Verde Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 8 Travel to Cartagena

You can spend some time early in the morning birding around the hotel, where more than 200 bird species have been registered. They have feeders, which are great for photography. You may have the chance to see the Little Tinamu, Colombian Chachalaca, Sickle-winged Guan, White-collared Swift and Golden-olive Woodpecker, amongst many more.

Later, you will travel to Cartagena de Indias, a beautiful city with a vibrant history and culture. As you step into the heart of Cartagena, you are immediately transported back to the colonial era, with its cobblestone streets, brightly coloured colonial buildings, and imposing stone walls that once protected the city from pirates and invaders. The air is filled with the aroma of local delicacies and the sounds of street performers, making every stroll an immersive experience.

Overnight: Cartagena
Meal Plan: Breakfast

DAY 9 City Tour in Cartagena and visit La Boquilla

Early in the morning, we will go to La Boquilla, a small fishing village 7 km north of Cartagena. La Boquilla sits on the northern tip of a narrow peninsula, bordered by the sea on one side and the Ciénaga de Tesca on the other.     

At La Boquilla, we will take a trip in a wooden canoe through the mangrove forest in La Cienaga de Tesca. During this trip, you will see some native and migratory birds and learn about the flora and other fauna in this ecosystem. You will learn local fishing techniques like how to cast a net and set crab traps.

After learning to fish in the mangrove forest, we will eat lunch in a local home by the water. This is where you will learn more about the locals’ daily lives, fishing tools, and culture. Lunch will be a delicious seafood meal that is popular along Colombia’s Caribbean coast. After Lunch, we will explore Cartagena during the afternoon city tour covering the Castillo de San Felipe and the old city surrounded by the impressive walls built during Spanish rule to protect the city against enemies and looters.

The Castle of San Felipe is the greatest and strongest fortress ever built by the Spaniards in any of their colonies. It was built on the San Lazaro hill and defended the city from many attacks, including a British siege in 1741. The old town is the historic heart and soul of Cartagena. We will walk around its cobbled streets, visiting or passing by the main historical sites. 

You will have the afternoon to relax at the hotel or continue exploring the old city. Admire its architecture and immerse yourself in its romantic atmosphere while sightseeing the sunset

Overnight: Cartagena
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 10 Transfer to Isla Mucura in San Bernardo Islands

Today, we will travel to Isla Mucura, a coral island located in the Archipelago of San Bernardo, about 50 miles (80 km) south of Cartagena. This Island has perfect white sand and turquoise waters. 

At the required time, we transfer you to the pier in Cartagena to take a boat to the San Bernardo Islands. The journey is approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival, you will check-in at the hotel and have a day to enjoy the beautiful beach and tropical landscape of this island.

Overnight: Isla Mucura - San Bernardo Islands
Meal Plan: Breakfast

DAY 11 At leisure in Isla Mucura

You will have the day to relax by the beach and enjoy this paradisiac island.

Overnight: Isla Mucura - San Bernardo Islands
Meal Plan: Breakfast

DAY 12 End of the tour in Cartagena

After breakfast, you will take a boat back to Cartagena. The boat departs at 10 a.m. and arrives at 12 p.m. Upon arrival in Cartagena, we will transfer you to the airport for your flight home.

Please contact us if you wish to add an extra day in Isla Mucura or Cartagena.

Overnight:
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Essential Information

What's Included

  • Airport pick up and drop off
  • 11 nights' accommodation (double occupancy)
  • Domestic flights:
    • Bogota - Pereira 
    • Pereira - Cartagena
  • Luggage allowance: 1 bag of maximum 23 kg - Cabin: 1 bag of maximum 10 kg
  • Private ground transport
  • Meals as defined in the itinerary
  • Local English-speaking tour guides specialised in birdwatching
  • Entry tickets to all tourist attractions mentioned in the itinerary
  • Daily insurance during the activities included in the itinerary

What's Not Included

  • International flights
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Tips and other discretionary expenses
  • Airport taxes, when not included in the ticket
  • Early / late check-in on the first/last day of the tour
  • Travel Insurance

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.

Accommodation

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 2023

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. I can highly recommend using Uncover Colombia for your trip!

– Nora, February 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

Every day a different experience and not a moment wasted

Uncover Colombia did a wonderful job of providing me with a itinerary covering some of the best of Colombia's many highlights covering cities and villages, mountains and beaches, and more, and accommodating my own wishes and preferences. Every day was a different experience and a chance to see something completely different from my own life, not a moment was wasted and I never felt rushed.

–  Robert McTaggart, March 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 2023

4 day Amazonas Tour

It was actually two whole days plus two half days. Everything was well organized. I was accompanied by our guide Sergio from the first to the last minute. He was very nice, helpful and knowledgeable. The program was very exciting and I felt safe and in good hands at any time.

– Rob, February 2023

A perfect organization!

I'm the Italian President of CIGV (Club Internazionale Grandi Viaggiatori) and I decided to organize the trip to Colombia for 14 club members selecting Uncover Colombia agency. The program they made has been fantastic, touching the most interesting sites of this country but also their, guides, drivers and hotel selection I found simply perfect. Not a mistake, never a delay. I would recommend this agency to everyone...

– Luca, January 2023

Great tour of Salt Cathedral

Myself and my wife did a private tour with Juan Carlos to the Salt Cathedral. The tour and Juan Carlos were both great. He had an intimate knowledge of the Salt Cathedral having worked there previously, and also knew a lot about the nearby town and local area. It's a really fascinating structure, and would definitely recommend visiting it if you're in Bogota.

– Barra M, January 2023

Arranged an incredible two week trip

We had an amazing two weeks tour arranged by Uncover Colombia for our honeymoon. Nidia suggested great hotels and activities and made adjustments based on our feedback. All our tour guides were friendly, knowledgeable and professional with excellent English. Great activities in a beautiful country. They've got a UK-base so are ATOL protected - reassuring given uncertainty with travel at the moment. 

– Louise, October 2022

Fantastic 15 day Tour of Colombia

We selected Uncover Colombia after reading their great reviews online and it was definitely the right choice. They were the best communicators and within a few emails back and forwards, we had tailored our perfect tour. We spent 15 days traveling Colombia, with all connections, accommodation and activities being handled by Uncover...

– Ben, September 2022

7 extra days in Colombia

We needed a tailored tour to follow a wedding we were attending and wanted to make the most of our travels. Nidia was helpful, responsive and excellent in organising our trip from Periera to Medellin, Cartagena and Bogota. Everything worked like clockwork. Our 3 guides (one for each place) were also perfect, Andreas, Roberto & Camilo. They knew their stuff, were responsive and very personable.

– Daniel, August 2022

 

Local experts of "Uncover Columbia" is the best

They Organized activities in Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena for the two of us. They modified the activities to our needs of seeing wilderness as well as a local culture. Been around the word a few times, we were a little demanding as well. They came thru on everything at a very reasonable price.. Pays to have local organizers like them who truly know Columbia and the needs of the Clients...

– Dolly, December 2021

THANK YOU

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