East, Central and Southwest Colombia Birding Tour | Uncover Colombia

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Colombia birding tour

Expeditions east, central and southwest colombia birding tour

Private Tour
From $0 - 15 days

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

Colombia Birding Holiday
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.

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 - Hotel Hacienda Royal
Meal Plan: Dinner

DAY 2 Birding at La Florida and Flight to Pereira

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 eat lunch and take an afternoon flight to Pereira, where you will spend the night at a coffee farm. You may even see some birds surrounding the house and the green areas of the farm.

Overnight: Coffee region - Hotel Finca del Cafe
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3 Visit of a Coffee Plantation and Birding in Otun Quimbaya Sanctuary

Since coffee production is an important part of Colombia’s culture, we will start the day by visiting the coffee plantation of the farm to learn all the details of the coffee-making process, from planting the coffee beans all the way through the picking and roasting process. We will finish this experience with a great cup of coffee before starting the journey towards Otun Quimbaya.

You will spend the afternoon and early evening birding at this beautiful flora and fauna sanctuary where clouds drench the mountains with misty rain and where more than 300 bird species can be seen.

Overnight: Otun Quimbaya Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4 Birding in Otun Quimbaya Sanctuary and Rio Blanco Reserve

We will spend the morning exploring the natural reserve where Cauca Guan (Penelope perspicax) and Chesnut Wood-Quail (Odontophorus hyperythrus) amongst many others bird species can be spotted. Then, we will go to Rio Blanco, one of Colombia’s best birding sites and a very interesting place for lovers of skulking species.

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

DAY 5 Birding in Rio Blanco Nature Reserve

We will spend the day exploring this reserve and have the chance to see no less than seven species of Antpitta, including the endemic Brown-banded (Grallaria milleri) and the near-endemic Bicoloured Antpitta (Grallaria rufocinerea), plus 5 species of Tapaculo, including Ash-coloured (Myornis senilis) and Ocellated (Acropternis orthonyx)

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

DAY 6 Birding in Paramo del Ruiz and Flight to Bogota - Guasca

Paramo del Ruiz is a protected area situated below Ruiz Volcano. Its landscape is a combination of paddock, elfin forest, patches of bamboo and paramo. This area is a great spot to see two near-endemic hummingbirds: the Black-thighed puffleg (Eriocnemis derbyi) and Golden-breasted puffleg (Eriocnemis mosquera). 

We will go to a hummingbird observatory to see nearly 25 bird species. In the afternoon, we will fly to Bogota and then transfer to Guasca.

Overnight: Guasca - Hotel Cafe de la Huerta
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7 Birding in Bosque Guajira

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

DAY 8 Birding in Chingaza Natural Park and Hummingbird Observatory

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.

 

Overnight: Bogota - Hotel Hacienda Royal
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9 City Tour in Bogota and Travel to Pasto – Transfer to La Cocha

We will spend the day visiting the historic area of Bogota, 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.

In the afternoon, we will fly to Pasto and then go to La Cocha, Colombia’s biggest natural lake.

 

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

DAY 10 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 11 Birding in La Cocha and Visit 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 12 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 13 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 14 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).

Then, we will go to the airporrt for a flight back to Bogota.

Overnight: Bogota - Hotel Hacienda Royal
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 15 End of the tour. Transfer to the airport for flight back home

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

Overnight:
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Essential Information

What's Included

  • Airport pick up and drop off
  • 14 nights' accommodation
  • Domestic flights
  • Private ground transport
  • Meals as defined in the itinerary
  • Birding & local tour guides fluent in English
  • Entry tickets to natural parks and reserves mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entry tickets to museums and tourist locations mentioned in the itinerary

What's Not Included

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

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.

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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