Expeditions Colombia Birding Amazon Tour

Upon arrival at Alfredo Vásquez Cobo Airport in Leticia, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, we may enjoy an introductory birdwatching session around Leticia, a fascinating gateway to the Colombian Amazon where forest edges, wetlands, and urban green areas support a surprising diversity of birdlife. This first outing offers an excellent introduction to the region’s birds, sounds, and habitats.

In the late afternoon, we will visit Santander Park to witness the spectacular gathering of hundreds of White-winged Parakeets (Brotogeris versicolurus), locally known as “Piwicho,” as they return to roost in the trees. Between April and October, large seasonal flocks of Southern Martins (Progne elegans) may also be observed.

Overnight: Leticia Meal Plan: Dinner

We will leave before sunrise for an early morning birding session in the rainforest and wetlands surrounding Leticia. Today's exploration focuses on terra firme forest, one of the most diverse Amazonian habitats, where observation depends as much on listening as on spotting movement within the forest canopy and understory.
Target species may include Yellow-billed Jacamar, Paradise Jacamar, Black-headed Antbird, Mouse-colored Antshrike, Golden-headed Manakin, Blue-capped Manakin, Paradise Tanager, Amazonian Trogon, Green-backed Trogon, Wedge-billed Woodcreeper and Cream-colored Woodpecker amongst many others. After the morning birding session, we will travel to the Amazon River and navigate into the Peruvian Amazon toward Marasha Natural Reserve. Here the landscape changes dramatically as terra firme forest gives way to flooded forests, wetlands and lake ecosystems.

Following a walk of approximately one hour into the reserve, we will settle into our lodge before heading out by canoe to explore the lake and surrounding flooded vegetation. One of the main highlights of the afternoon is the possibility of observing the unique Hoatzin, one of the Amazon's most remarkable bird species. Additional possibilities include Wire-tailed Manakin and several species associated with flooded forest ecosystems. After dinner, an optional night excursion offers opportunities to search for Great Potoo, nightjars, owls and other nocturnal wildlife.

Overnight: Marasha Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day begins before dawn with a canoe excursion across the tranquil waters of Lake Marasha. As the rainforest awakens, bird activity reaches its peak, offering excellent opportunities to observe species such as White-chinned Jacamar, Blue-capped Jacamar, Riparian Antbird, Black-fronted Nunbird, Scarlet-crowned Barbet, Horned Screamer, Rufescent Tiger-Heron and, with luck, the elusive Agami Heron.

After breakfast, we return to the Amazon River and continue by boat toward Puerto Nariño, with a stop at Lake Tarapoto, part of a remarkable RAMSAR wetland system. The journey takes approximately two hours and offers wonderful opportunities to enjoy Amazonian scenery while searching for herons, kingfishers, jacanas, raptors and other wetland species. These waters are also home to the iconic pink and grey river dolphins. After exploring the lakes and enjoying lunch in Puerto Nariño, we continue by boat to Chunaki Ecolodge. Following dinner, an evening birding walk offers opportunities to search for owls and other nocturnal species.

Overnight: Ecolodge Chunaki Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is dedicated to exploring the exceptional birding habitats surrounding Chunaki Reserve. We depart before sunrise to take advantage of the most productive hours for bird activity within the rainforest. The reserve protects a combination of mature rainforest, forest edges and river habitats, creating excellent opportunities to add new species to your Amazon bird list. Throughout the morning, we search for additional antbirds, woodcreepers, trogons, manakins, tanagers and many other Amazonian specialties.

After lunch at the ecolodge, we continue with another specialised birding session. The exact location will be selected by your guide according to seasonal conditions, recent sightings and any target species that remain on your wish list. This flexible approach maximises opportunities for both birdwatchers and nature photographers while providing time to absorb the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon.

Overnight: Ecolodge Chunaki Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depending on your flight schedule, we will enjoy one final early morning birdwatching excursion around the reserve. These last hours in the Amazon often provide valuable opportunities to observe species missed earlier in the trip and to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the rainforest at dawn.

After breakfast, we navigate back along the Amazon River toward Leticia. If time permits before your departure, we may visit the local market, where an extraordinary variety of Amazonian fruits, fish and regional products offer a fascinating glimpse into daily life in the Colombian Amazon. Finally, we transfer to Alfredo Vásquez Cobo Airport for your onward flight, bringing to a close an unforgettable birdwatching adventure through one of the planet's greatest biodiversity hotspots.

Overnight: - Meal Plan: Breakfast

Yes. The tour is designed for both experienced birders and enthusiastic nature travelers. Your guide will help identify species by sight and sound while adapting the pace to the group's experience level.

The Amazon is one of the most species-rich ecosystems in the world. While exact numbers vary by season and weather conditions, participants typically observe a wide variety of forest, wetland and river-associated species throughout the tour

Possible highlights include Hoatzin, Horned Screamer, Agami Heron, Paradise Jacamar, Yellow-billed Jacamar, Blue-capped Jacamar, Black-fronted Nunbird, Scarlet-crowned Barbet, Paradise Tanager, Amazonian Trogon and numerous antbirds, manakins and woodcreepers.

Yes. Accommodation is selected to provide comfort while maintaining an authentic rainforest experience. Facilities may be simpler than those found in large cities due to the remote Amazonian setting.

Yes. We can cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and most other dietary requirements. Please inform us in advance so we can prepare accordingly.

Birdwatching is the primary focus, but participants regularly observe other wildlife including pink dolphins, monkeys, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies and a wide variety of Amazonian flora.

Yes. We can discuss and adapt the accommodation based on your preferences, availability, and budget. We can suggest alternatives if you would prefer a different style or level of accommodation.

Yes. All experiences, transfers, and guided visits are fully private, allowing you to travel at your own pace.

Absolutely. This is a tailor-made tour, and we can adjust activities, accommodation, and dietary needs to suit your preferences.

Yes.  We can adjust the number of nights and destinations depending on how much time you have available and what you would like to experience.

Yes, the yellow fever vaccination is highly recommended for this tour. We recommend getting vaccinated at least 10 days before travel. Travelers aged 60 and over should consult their physician before receiving the vaccine to assess individual health conditions, potential risks, and suitability for vaccination. As health requirements and recommendations may vary, we also suggest checking with your healthcare provider before your trip.

Yes. The itinerary can be arranged around your preferred travel dates, subject to availability of accommodation, guides and domestic flights.

Yes. The itinerary can be extended or modified to include other parts of Colombia. Depending on your interests and available time, we can discuss adding destinations before, during or after.

The tour is suitable for most travellers with a moderate fitness level. The tour includes nature walks on forest trails, boarding boats and canoes, and some uneven terrain. Most activities are suitable for travelers with average mobility.

We recommend bringing lightweight clothing suitable for warm tropical climates, comfortable shoes for walking in Tayrona National Natural Park, a swimsuit, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen), insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle. It's also advisable to bring a light rain jacket, as weather conditions can vary throughout the year.

All day tours and transfers included in the itinerary are insured, providing added security and peace of mind during scheduled activities. For complete protection, we strongly recommend arranging suitable international travel insurance for the full duration of your trip.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all travellers.

Before your trip begins, we create a dedicated chat group with our operations team so you can easily reach us before, during, and after your journey. Once in Colombia, our team is available daily to assist with anything you may need. You will also be accompanied by a bilingual local guide who provides cultural insight and on-the-ground support. 

We take special care of our guests, so you always feel supported, safe, and fully immersed in the local experience.

Once you contact us, we can discuss your travel dates, interests and requirements and make any necessary changes to the itinerary. We then prepare your personalised trip details and pricing. Once you are happy with the arrangements, you can confirm your trip with the required deposit.

Colombia has changed significantly over the past decades, and many destinations are now well established for international tourism. As with any destination, travellers should take sensible precautions and follow local advice. Travelling with local guides and pre-arranged private transportation can also make your journey easier and more comfortable.