Which Species Will You Add to Your List?Spot some of the bird species you’ve been dreaming about seeing in Colombia’s breathtaking East, Central and Southwest Andes regions. The remarkable differences of the ecosystems and climates in these areas allow you to spot a wide variety of endemic species. In fact, the Río Ñambí Natural Reserve is one of the most bio-diverse regions of the world. Spot species such as Yellow-billed Pintail (Anas georgica), Colorado Duck (Anas cyanoptera), Buffy Helmetcrest (Oxypogon stuebelii), Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan (Andigena laminirostris) and more. This tour also compliments birding with cultural activities and sightseeing for a holistic birding holiday in Colombia. EXPERIENCE TYPE Birding, Eco-Tourism & Local Traditions |
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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.
Rio Blanco is an important IBA and conservation area that is already recognised as one of the best bird watching sites in Colombia. The reserve has an altitudinal range of between 2,239 and 3,699 meters, covers an area of 7,949 acres and protects cloud forests and paramo. More than 335 species have been recorded here, including several endemics and endangered species.
This national protected area was created in 1996 and belongs to the "Bosques del Oriente de Risaralda" IBA (Important Bird Area). It is located on the west slope of the Central Andes in an area well recognised for its biological richness and of course its birds. The sanctuary covers 1,208 acres between 1,749 and 2,250 meters above sea level, where clouds drench the mountains with misty rains.
Target species: Wattled Guan, Torrent Duck, Crested Ant-Tanager, Red-ruffed fruitcrow, Cauca Guan, Sickle-wing Guan,Chestnut Wood-Quail, Stiles’s Tapaculo,Hooded Antpitta, Bronze-winged Parrot, Bar-crested Antshrike, Red-ruffed Fruitcrow,parker’s antbird and Crested Ant-tanager.
This sanctuary is one of the most unique churches in the world. It was built atop a bridge spanning a gorge below the village of Las Lajas.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
At the hotel, we will check again your itinerary to make sure everything is clear, help you with anything you may need and give you some practical information about Bogota and Colombia. Depending on the time of your arrival, you may have some time to start exploring the city on your own or just to relax.
Overnight: Bogota – Hilton Garden inn Meal Plan:
We will pick you up early in the morning from your hotel and head towards Fute Nature Reserve, located about 1.5 hours outside Bogotá in the municipality of Bojacá. The vehicle will take us to a nearby point, and from there, we will walk approximately 200 meters uphill to reach the entrance. Nestled in an Andean forest ecosystem, this reserve offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography, with easily accessible trails and a rich diversity of hummingbirds and other native bird species.
Overnight: Bogota – Hilton Garden inn Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
We will pick you up early in the morning from your hotel and head towards Muisca Birding and surroundings of Bosque Guajira in Guasca, located just two hours from Bogotá. In this incredible area, we’ll go birding through páramo and cloud forest habitats at approximately 2,800 to 3,200 meters above sea level. Some of the target species are the Muisca Antpitta (Grallaria rufocinerea), Black-billed Mountain-Toucan, Andean Potoo, Bronze-tailed Thornbill and many more species.
At the relevant time, we will transfer you to the airport for a flight to Pereira. Upon arrival in Pereira, we will transfer you to Reserva Tinamu.
Tinamú Nature Reserve is an exceptional destination for birdwatching, thanks to its well-maintained trails and observation points. Located in the coffee region, this reserve is home to over 260 bird species. It spans 11 hectares of tropical rainforest, situated between 1,200 and 1,300 meters above sea level. Visitors to the reserve can observe a variety of birds, including colorful hummingbirds, motmots, tanagers, woodpeckers, and even the elusive Tinamu, which the reserve is named after.
Upon arrival, we’ll make the most of the remaining daylight by doing some birdwatching along the nearby trails. Afterwards, there will be time to relax and settle in before the adventures planned for the next day.
Overnight: Tinamu Reserve Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
We will spend the day birdwatching at the Tinamu Reserve, a sanctuary known for its rich biodiversity and excellent birding opportunities. Early in the morning, after enjoying a coffee or tea to kick off the day, you will join your guide to begin the birdwatching experience.
Soon after, you’ll explore one of the reserve’s scenic trails, taking advantage of the soft morning light to spot some of the area’s most iconic bird species. After returning for breakfast, the adventure will continue along well-maintained trails and observation points that provide ideal conditions for birdwatching. Around midday, we’ll take a break for lunch and enjoy the beautiful gardens of the lodge, which are the perfect spot to relax and continue observing birds in a more tranquil setting.
Throughout the day, we’ll have the chance to see a variety of fascinating species, including the Little Tinamou, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Sickle-winged Guan, Colombian Chachalaca, Western Emerald, Greyish Piculet, Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant, and Marble-faced Bristle-Tyrant, among many others.
Overnight: Reserve Tinamu Meal Plan: Breakfast, 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, you can relax and enjoy a delicious dinner.
Overnight: Rio Blanco Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, we will go birdwatching near the hotel. After breakfast, we will embark on our journey to a lodge near Otún Quimbaya, which takes about 2.5 hours.
Once we arrive, we will explore the surrounding area, which is full of excellent birding opportunities. One of the best stopping points is the first bridge, located just before the gate over the Otún River. From this location, we have a good chance of spotting species such as the Torrent Duck, Torrent Tyrannulet, and Black Phoebe. It's an ideal spot to pause and observe these birds in their natural habitat.
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.
At the end of the day, we will go to the airport for your flight to Bogota. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel.
Overnight: Hilton Garden Inn Meal Plan: Breakfast
Early in the morning we will pick you up to transfer to the airport for your flight to Ipiales. Upon arrival at San Luis Airport, your journey begins with a visit to the breathtaking Las Lajas Sanctuary, a neo‑Gothic masterpiece spanning the Guáitara River canyon. While admiring its dramatic architecture and panoramic views, you’ll spot species such as the Striped‑throated Bush‑Tyrant and the Torrent Duck, perfectly blending birdwatching with cultural discovery.
Next, a short stop at Potosí offers the chance to observe the Giant Hummingbird and the White‑capped Dipper along pristine mountain streams — a highlight for photographers and bird enthusiasts alike.
The experience concludes with lunch in Ipiales and check‑in at the Hotel Loft, where comfort awaits after a morning filled with natural wonders and cultural treasures. This itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking to maximize a half‑day with a balance of birding and heritage in southern Colombia
Overnight: Ipiales – Hotel Loft Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Early morning visit to Potosí, where the highlight is the Giant Hummingbird perched along the mountain slopes. If staying at Andariegos Lodge, you may also encounter the elusive Curve‑billed Tinamou in the nearby forest. After this rewarding start, enjoy a hearty breakfast before continuing the journey.
The route then takes you towards Ricuarte, with a short stop at Nalnoa wetlands. Here, the Andean Duck is a key target, along with possible sightings of migratory species depending on the season.
Finally, the day concludes at Granja Chimangual, Panamal, a hotspot for the dazzling Turquoise Jay, whose vibrant plumage adds a spectacular finish to the itinerary.
At the end of the day, you will be transferred to your rural lodge in the Ñambí area, where you can rest and prepare for the next stage of birding in one of Colombia’s most biodiverse regions.
Overnight: Monte Loro lodge ot La Nutria lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Begin the morning with birdwatching at the lodge feeders before breakfast, then head towards Bangsias on the Barbacoas route, targeting specialties such as the Moss‑backed Tanager, Esmeraldas Antbird, Stub‑tailed Antbird, Rufous‑brown Solitaire, Yellow‑collared Chlorophonia, Chocó Vireo, Black Solitaire, Green Honeycreeper, and Indigo Flowerpiercer. Lunch will be served at Aves y Flores, or if traveling early, at Chucunés before continuing to La Planada Reserve. In the afternoon, transfer to La Planada with a stop at Chucunés to enjoy birding around the lodge before dinner, rounding out a diverse day of feeders, forest, and reserve highlights.
Overnight: La Planada lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Spend the entire morning birdwatching in the reserve, focusing on specialties such as the Silver‑beaked Mountain Toucan, Toucan Barbet, Streaked Antbird, Hoary Puffleg, and Yellow‑breasted Antbird. At midday, continue with birding and lunch at Reserva El Bosque, enjoying the diversity of forest species. In the afternoon, transfer to La Cocha, where birding around the hotel before dinner provides a serene close to a day that balances high‑altitude toucans, forest antbirds, and lakeside habitats.
Overnight: Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Early in the morning, depart for Bordoncillo to target specialties such as the Masked Mountain Tanager, Equatorial Antpitta, Chestnut‑bellied Cotinga, Golden‑crowned Tanager, and Sapphire‑winged Hummingbird. By late morning, continue birding at the lake, focusing on Andean Duck, Ecuadorian Rail, Subtropical Doradito, and Andean Gull. In the afternoon, transfer to Pasto, with possible midday birding along the Río Pasto, where highlights may include Tufted Tit‑Tyrant, Cinereous Conebill, Black‑billed Shrike‑Tyrant, and Hooded Siskin, rounding out a diverse day across high‑altitude forests, wetlands, and urban habitats.
Overnight: V1501 Hotel Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
At the time requested, we will transfer you to the airport for your international flight back home.
Note: Hotel check-out before 12pm
Overnight: None Meal Plan: Breakfast
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.
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Want to know more?get in touchAll 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! |