cauca valley colombia birding tour

Private Tour

From $0 - 5 days

Discover the best birding spots in the Cauca Valley

This birding tour takes you deep into the heart of the Cauca Valley, one of Colombia’s most diverse and rewarding regions for birdwatching. Home to over 500 bird species, including various endemics species, Chocó specialties, and iconic Neotropical birds, this region offers an unforgettable experience for passionate birders. This tour was specifically designed to showcase a variety of ecosystems such as cloud forests, wetlands, tropical lowland rainforests, and high-altitude páramos, offering exceptional birding opportunities across diverse habitats.

During this adventure, you'll explore renowned hotspots such as Km 18 and Bosque de La Florida, which are key destinations for spotting the Multicolored Tanager, hummingbirds, and active mixed flocks. You will also visit the Anchicaya Reserve and the lush Pacific rainforest of San Cipriano, where you’ll search for tropical and Chocó-endemic species like the Toucan Barbet and Chocó Toucan. At Laguna de Sonso, one of the top wetland reserves in Colombia, you’ll encounter aquatic and forest-edge birds in a rich and dynamic environment.

EXPERIENCE TYPE Birding, Eco-Tourism & Endemics Species

Tour Highlights

What to Expect

Essential Information

Accommodation

Tour Highlights

Cauca Valley

Laguna de Sonso (Sonso Lagoon)

Sonso Lagoon (Laguna de Sonso) is a protected wetland in Valle del Cauca, renowned for its diverse species of aquatic and wetland birds. It is home to herons, ducks, and various migratory species, making it a highly attractive site for ornithologists and photographers. Well-maintained trails and elevated viewing platforms offer ideal spots for birdwatching, particularly during the early hours when avian activity peaks.

Target species: Ruby-topaz Hummingbird, Red-capped Cardinal, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Yellow-hooded Blackbird, Osprey, Snail Kite, Ringed Kingfisher, Purple Gallinule, Greater Ani, Amazon Kingfisher and the remarkable Horned Screamer

Photo by : Osprey Ecolodge

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KM 18 - Bosque La Florida Birding

Km 18 is recognized as one of the best birdwatching spots near Cali, nestled in the lush cloud forests of the Western Andes. Located along the road from Cali to Buenaventura at around 1,900 meters above sea level, this area is known for its outstanding bird diversity and accessibility.

Bosque La Florida, a private reserve within Km 18, offers well-maintained trails, bird feeders, and observation points, making it ideal for both birdwatchers and bird photography enthusiasts. Thanks to its elevation and forest cover, the area hosts an impressive number of hummingbirds, tanagers, woodcreepers, and Andean forest species. Over 340 species have been recorded here, and bird activity is constant throughout the day, especially around feeders.

Target species: Multicoloured Tanager, Golden-winged Manakin, Red-headed Barbet, Chestnut Wood-Quail, Little Tinamou, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, Booted Racket-tail, Speckled Hummingbird, and Montane Woodcreeper.

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Anchicaya River Canyon

In the heart of the Anchicayá River Canyon in Valle del Cauca, Doña Dora stands as an iconic destination for birdwatching in Colombia. This natural haven, surrounded by lush rainforest and mountains, offers a unique experience of biodiversity. Within just 150 square meters, visitors can spot between 28 and 60 bird species each day. The vibrant colors, melodic songs, and fascinating behaviors of the birds make every visit truly remarkable.

One of the most striking species is the Toucan Barbet, known for its multicolored plumage and symphonic call. Since 2010, Doña Dora has welcomed birdwatchers, biologists, and photographers from around the world. Her conservation efforts have made this site a model for community-based ecotourism.Doña Dora Birding has recorded over 500 bird species in the Anchicayá area, which includes four endemic species, 54 near-endemic species, and 10 threatened species.

Target species: Green Hermit - Velvet-purple Coronet - Purple-bibbed Whitetip - Toucan Barbet -Spot-crowned Barbet - Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager and Crested Ant-Tanager.

Photo by: Elber Sanchez

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San Cipriano Nature Reserve

San Cipriano Nature Reserve, nestled in Colombia’s lush Cauca Valley, is a hidden gem of biodiversity and ecotourism. This tropical rainforest reserve is part of the Chocó biogeographic region, one of the most biologically diverse areas on the planet. Accessible via a unique “brujita” rail cart ride, the journey itself is an adventure through dense jungle and rivers.The reserve is home to over 300 bird species, including toucans, trogons, motmots, and more. Its rich ecosystem also supports amphibians such as poison dart frogs and a variety of reptiles, butterflies, and mammals.

Target species: Rose-faced Parrot, Black-breasted Puffird, Spot-crowned Barbet, Choco Toucan, Yellow-throated Toucan, Black-chested Jay, Blue-headed Parrot, Rusty-margined Flycatcher, Russet-backed Oropendola, Southern Rough-winged Swallow and Band-rumped Swift.

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What to Expect

Detailed Itinerary

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DAY 1 Travel to Cali. Transfer to Cauca Valley Lodge

Arrive at your convenience in Cali, where your tour guide will be waiting for you at the airport. From there, you will head to Hacienda El Diamante, a serene retreat located just outside the city. In the evening, you will enjoy a delightful dinner at the charming lodge, featuring dishes made with the latest harvest.

Hacienda El Diamante also offers exceptional birding opportunities right on the property, making it a paradise for nature lovers at any time of day.

Note: Check-in after 3pm

Overnight: Hacienda El Diamante
Meal Plan: Dinner

DAY 2 Birding at Sonso Lagoon

We will depart at 6:00 a.m., heading to a true natural paradise: Sonso Lagoon, 30 mins away from the hotel. There, we will take a boat tour along the majestic Cauca River, the second most important river in Colombia, exploring its channels surrounded by vibrant nature, perfect for contemplation and birdwatching.

Laguna de Sonso, covering approximately 2,045 hectares is a key site for observing both aquatic birds and those of the dry forest. These ecosystems are rich in biodiversity and attract migratory and resident species, each hosting more than 180 bird species, including herons, ducks, and birds of prey.

Recognised as a RAMSAR site, Laguna de Sonso is the last major wetland in Valle del Cauca and serves as a vital refuge for endemic and migratory species. Then, We will go to Araucana to spend the night there. This location is approximately 2.5 hours by car.

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

DAY 3 Birding at the Anchicaya River Canyon - Doña Dora

Today, we will be visiting the Anchicayá River Canyon, located within the Farallones de Cali National Natural Park, which is one of Colombia’s premier birdwatching destinations. Nestled on the western slope of the Andes, this area is among the most biodiverse regions on Earth, featuring an incredible variety of flora, fauna, and endemic species.

We will begin our experience at Doña Dora Birding at 5:00 a.m. From there, we will take a walk to the Cock-of-the-rock lek, where the brightly colored males perform their stunning courtship displays in the heart of the Andean forest. This breathtaking natural spectacle is well worth the early start.

At Doña Dora, a hidden birding paradise in the Andean forest, we will have the opportunity to spot everything from hummingbirds to tanagers. This reserve is dedicated to protecting the birds, insects, and flowers of the Anchicayá forest. It is a peaceful and relaxing spot that is perfect for bird photography, with standout species such as the Brown Inca and Dusky Chlorospingus offering great opportunities for capturing memorable shots.

Upon our return, we will begin birdwatching from the lower-level balcony, which provides an excellent vantage point to observe various hummingbirds up close. From the first floor, visitors can also see tanagers, euphonias, woodcreepers, and many other bird species typical of the premontane humid forest. We will spend the night at Araucana Lodge, located approximately 50 minutes away by car.

Overnight: Cali - Araucana Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4 Birding at Km 18 - Bosque La Florida

Today, We'll explore the lush cloud forests of Km 18, one of Colombia’s most iconic birding hotspots. Your morning begins in Bosque La Florida, where feeders and garden trails offer close encounters with dazzling species like the Multicolored Tanager, Golden Tanager, and Buff-tailed Coronet. Accompanied by an expert guide, we’ll venture into nearby forest trails to spot mixed flocks and elusive species such as the Andean Solitaire and Scaly-naped Amazon. With breathtaking scenery, rich biodiversity, and excellent photographic opportunities, this immersive day in the Western Andes is a must for any birding enthusiast.

Overnight: Cali- La Araucana Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5 Birding at Cauca Valley Lodge & End of the tour

In the early morning, you will spend approximately two hours birdwatching at Lodge Araucana, where you will search for various species, including the Parker’s Antbird, Greyish Piculet, Apical Flycatcher, Smoky-brown Woodpecker, Bar-crested Antshrike, Spectacled Parrotlet, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Colombian Chachalaca, and Scale-crested Pygmy-tyrant.

After your birding experience, we will transfer you to Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport in Cali at the scheduled time so that you can catch your flight. This marks the end of the tour, you will independently manage your international flight back home or you can request with us a flight back to Bogotás if you need it.

Please note: Check-out is required before 12 PM.

Overnight: Araucana Ecolodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Essential Information

What's Included

Private Airport transfers
4-night accommodation (double occupancy)
Private ground transportation during activities and transfers
Meals as defined in the itinerary
Birding and local tour guides fluent in English
Entry tickets to natural parks and reserves included in the itinerary
Daily insurance during the activities

What's Not Included

International / Domestic flights
Airport taxes, when not included in the ticket
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Tips and other discretionary expenses
Early check-in or late checkout
International 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

Araucana Lodge

Araucana Lodge is a charming 10-room boutique lodge located just 40 minutes from Cali, nestled on 30 acres of pristine Andean forest. The lodge features spacious, uniquely decorated rooms with all the amenities needed for a pleasant and relaxing stay. Each room’s decor is inspired by the native bird species of the region, adding a distinctive touch of nature and local culture. Ground-floor rooms are fully accessible, and complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

Araucana Lodge also includes a vegetable farm, fruit orchards, scenic walking paths, hiking trails, and beautifully maintained forests and gardens. It is an ideal destination for birdwatching, peaceful walks, and delicious farm-to-table meals prepared with fresh, organic ingredients grown on-site.

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Hacienda El Diamante

The Eco-hotel Hacienda El Diamante, located just 20 minutes from Buga and 30 minutes from the Laguna de Sonso, is the perfect retreat for connecting with nature. It offers rooms with private bathrooms and hot water, combining the natural beauty of the region with comfort and respect for the environment.

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Absolute perfection

Exceptional experience! Uncover Colombia has a perfect organization; nothing left to chance by the proposed hotel to the driver guides! Precision professionalism! The guides: Marta and Jorge not only guides but exceptional people; great advice great explanations. Practically friends!!

– Paolo, April 2025

Blown Away

I'll write 2 reviews. First the quick one; every detail was taken care of, the destinations are world class, communication was excellent. I would give them 6 out of 5 if I could.

The guide UC booked for us was exceptional. He knew his stuff, was very good with e-bird, he was an intersting guy and an overall good bean. Our tour actually started in Barranquilla - we were met at the airport, taken to the finest hotel in town. The next day we were taken on a city tour. I didn't know much about the city so I was very pleasantly by how much I liked it. The carnival museum is fabulous, we really enjoyed the boardwalk around a lagoon.

– Derek, April 2025

Tour of Medellin and local villages.

Sol, our tour guide, was amazing. We did a three day tour of Medellin and local villages nearby. Sol shared her vast knowledge of the political and social recent history of the region. She led the tour at our pace. She was lovely to be with. The driver was very cautious. It was a great experience.

– Lynn, February 2025

Great to work with!

Uncover Colombia was fantastic to work with! We had a 12 day itinerary and everything went very well. The agency reps were very flexible before and during the trip even when we requested last minute changes. They always did their best to accommodate us. The assigned contact person during the trip was always reachable and responsive. Even later at night. She sent me our guides contact information before each leg of the trip and they also reached out as we were arriving . The guides were all good and the vehicles were comfortable. I definitely would use them again and refer my friends as well.

– Gary, December 2024

Great organization - even at short notice!

My girlfriend and I wanted to visit Colombia, but were late in the planning. We reached out to Uncover just a couple of weeks before our departure and they were able to organize the whole tour in just a few days, and for a more than fair price...

– David, December 2025

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

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cauca valley colombia birding tour

Discover the best birding spots in the Cauca Valley

Cauca Valley

Laguna de Sonso (Sonso Lagoon)

KM 18 - Bosque La Florida Birding

Anchicaya River Canyon

San Cipriano Nature Reserve

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1 Travel to Cali. Transfer to Cauca Valley Lodge

DAY 2 Birding at Sonso Lagoon

DAY 3 Birding at the Anchicaya River Canyon - Doña Dora

DAY 4 Birding at Km 18 - Bosque La Florida

DAY 5 Birding at Cauca Valley Lodge & End of the tour

What's Included

What's Not Included

How to Book

Araucana Lodge

Hacienda El Diamante

Absolute perfection

Blown Away

Tour of Medellin and local villages.

Great to work with!

Great organization - even at short notice!

We highly recommend!

3 Week Tour of Colombia

Amazing tour with Uncover Colombia - San Agustin, Tierradentro and Tatacoa

Highly Recommended

Every day a different experience and not a moment wasted

3 Week Tour of Colombia

4 day Amazonas Tour

A perfect organization!

Great tour of Salt Cathedral

Arranged an incredible two week trip

Fantastic 15 day Tour of Colombia

7 extra days in Colombia

Local experts of "Uncover Columbia" is the best

THANK YOU

Don't miss out!