Birdwatching Tours | Western and Central Colombian Andes | Uncover Colombia

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Colombia Birding tour

Expeditions western and central andes birding tour

Private Tour
From $0 - 15 days

Birding & Culture in the Andes of Colombia

This birdwatching tour in Colombia’s Western and Central Andes is perfect for intrepid birders looking to encounter diverse birdlife and culture with astonishing mountains, lush coffee plantations, deep valleys and rivers. 

We will start this adventure in Bogota by visiting Chingaza and Chicaque Natural Parks, then travel to the coffee region to explore natural reserves such as Rio Blanco, Tinamu and Otun Quimbaya Sanctuary. Then, we will also venture to Montezuma, a humid cloud forest of the Choco slop in the Western Andes home to various endemic birds in Colombia. Then, we will travel to Jardin to visit the Cock of the Rock Lek and the Yellow-eared Parrot Reserves.  


EXPERIENCE TYPE Birding, Eco-Tourism & Local Traditions

Colombia birdwatching tours
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 La Florida and Historic Tour in Bogota

We will visit La Florida Regional Park very early in the morning to start our first birding experience in Colombia. La Florida is a wetland in the western area of Bogota, where you will have the opportunity to see some of the special endemic bird species found in this area, such as the Bogotá Rail, Apolinar's Wren and Noble Snipe.

After visiting La Florida, we will take you back to the city to see 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 4 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
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4 Travel 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 the hotel near Otun Quimbaya.

Overnight: Casa Kumanday
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 5 Birding in Otun Quimbaya Sanctuary

We will spend the morning birding in Otun Quimbaya. We will be hiking along its well-maintained network of hiking trails and around the main road that goes through the natural park, which is also a very good area for birding. After our birding adventure, we’ll visit a coffee plantation to explore the coffee-making process, from bean planting to picking and roasting. 

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

Overnight: Casa Kumanday
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6 Otun Quimbaya. Transfer to Montezuma

We will spend the morning birding in Otun Quimbaya. We will hike along its well-maintained network of trails and around the main road that goes through the natural park, which is also a very good area for birding.

Then, from Otun Quimbaya, we will drive for about four hours to Montezuma, located on the Western Andes Choco slope. Montezuma is part of the Chocó bioregion, one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. This is one of the few places where the endemic Bangsias Gold-ringed and Black-and-Gold Tanager are present. In total, 11 endemic and at least 37 near-endemic species can be seen along the road. 

Overnight: Montezuma Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7 Birding in Montezuma Road

We will spend the day birding along a road through nearly 13 km of pristine forest covering altitudes from 1,400 m to 2,200 m. In this area, we may see the endemics Munchique Wood-wren and Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer. We will also see some nice species, including Flame-faced Tanager, Glossy-black Thrush, Barred Fruiteater, Finch, and Black-and-gold, Rufous-throated, and Golden-chested Tanagers.

Late in the afternoon, we will go back to the lodge.

Overnight: Montezuma Lodge
Meal Plan:  Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 8 Montezuma Reserve. Transfer to Tinamu Reserve

After more birding in Montezuma, you will start the journey towards 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.

Overnight: Tinamu Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9 Birding in Tinamu Reserve

We will spend the day birding in Tinamu Reserve. 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.

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

DAY 10 Birding in Rio Blanco Nature Reserve

We will spend the day exploring the Rio Blanco Nature Reserve, a renowned conservation site and IBA already recognised as one of the best birding sites in Colombia. The reserve protects crucial cloud forest and paramo ecosystems, where more than 350 species of bird have been recorded, including the endemic Brown-banded Antpitta and the near-endemic Bicoloured Antpitta. Additionally, we may encounter five species of Tapaculo, such as the Ash-coloured Tapaculo and the Ocellated Tapaculo.

In addition to birdlife, the reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, such as armadillos, spectacled bears, and butterflies. It is also an important watershed that provides water to the city of Manizales. The reserve has various trails and feeders where we can spend the day birding.  

Overnight: Tinamu Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11 Transfer to Jardin. Visit Cock of the Rock Lek Reserve

In the morning, we travel to Jardin. It will take approximately 3.5 hours. In Jardin, we will visit the Cock of the Rock Lek Reserve dedicated to protecting the vibrant Andean cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus). This bird is the reserve's primary attraction, known for its striking red-orange plumage and unique courtship displays. The reserve is named after the “lek,” a communal breeding ground where male cocks-of-the-rock gather to perform elaborate dances and calls to attract females. There is also a good chance to see the endemics Red-bellied Grackle and Crested Ant Tanager at this place.

Overnight: Jardin
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 12 Yellow-eared Parrot Reserve & Ventanas Feeders

Today, we will visit the Ventanas sector to see the critically endangered Yellow-eared Parrot (E) at the Loro Orejiamarillo Reserve (Yellow-eared Parrot Reserve).  

You can also see other species such as Chestnut-crested Cotinga, Red-bellied Grackle, Tanager Finch, White-capped, Red-hooded, Golden-crown, and Saffron-crowned Tanagers, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Black and Chestnut Eagle, Golden-headed Quetzal, Slaty Brush Finch and more. 

Overnight: Jardin
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 13 Transfer to Medellin with a stop at La Romera Reserve

After breakfast, we will start the journey to Medellin, the second-largest city in Colombia. On the way to Medellin, we will stop at La Romera Reserve, a hidden gem known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. This reserve spans around 235 hectares and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including over 160 bird species, such as the Red-bellied Grackle, a near-threatened endemic species. We will spend some time birding here before going to Medellin.

Upon arrival in Medellin, we will go to the hotel.

Overnight: Medellin
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 14 Arvi Park and Flower Farm

To finish our birding adventure in Colombia, we will start the day with a cable car ride towards Arvi Park, a breathtaking nature reserve in the hills of Medellín. During the cable ride, you will get great panoramic views of the city and the park's forest.

The park is a fabulous place for hiking and birding. It offers well-marked trails to explore different areas and see wildlife. After exploring Arvi Park, we will visit Santa Elena, a small town known for its rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes. It is also famed for its annual flower festival, which showcases the region’s floral beauty and cultural festivities. is famous for its vibrant flower industry.

We will visit a local flower farm in Santa Elena to learn about the cultivation process. The farm owner will tell you stories of their traditional techniques, which have been passed down through generations. You will also participate in a hands-on flower-arranging activity and learn how locals compete to make stunning arrangements for annual parades that draw visitors worldwide. Depending on the season, you might even witness the delicate process of flower harvesting.

At the end of the tour, we will drop you back off at your hotel.

Overnight: Medellin
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 15 End of the tour. Fly back home

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

Overnight:
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Essential Information

What's Included

  • Airport pick up and drop off
  • 14 nights' accommodation (double occupancy)
  • Domestic flights
    • Bogota – Pereira
    • Luggage allowance: 1 bag of a maximum 23 kg - Cabin: 1 bag of a maximum 10 kg
  • Private ground transport
  • Meals as defined in the itinerary
  • Birding and 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
  • Daily insurance during the activities

What's Not Included

  • International or domestic flights
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Tips and other discretionary expenses
  • Early check-in or late checkout 
  • 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

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

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

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

A top trip to Colombia

My wife and I planned a 3 week trip to Colombia, with Nidia at Uncover Colombia. The advice and planning were first class across a range of activities. At every stage we received extra help. The guides were absolutely top class. I much prefer to deal with small travel companies who really know the country they operate in, and have had some excellent experiences, but Nidia and Uncover Columbia are the best A mark of 11 out of 10.

– David, February 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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