Chocó Bioregion · Cauca Valley Dry Forest · Western Andes /Valle del Cauca, Colombia - Length7 nights / 8 days – Pace Relaxed – Difficulty Moderate – Focus Birdwatching
No Cancellation Guarantee-
-UPCOMING DATES : Apr.11 - Apr.18 / 2027 - Nov.14 - Nov.21 /2027 - PRICES PER PERSON (double occupancy)• Solo Birder: $3,400 USD • 2–3 group: $2,400 USD • 4–6 group: $2,200 USD. Single room supplement: $300 USD - Solo travelers: we can pair you with a same-gender roommate to avoid this supplement. - INCLUDED: All ground transportation (airport to airport) · Full-time bilingual birding guide · Local guides · Accommodation · All meals (3 per day) + water and snacks · All reserve entrance fees. - NOT INCLUDED: International flights · Travel insurance · Alcoholic drinks · Tips · Personal expenses
Day 1 Cali Airport pick-up & Yotoco Lodge
Afternoon pick-up · 90 min transfer · Overnight at Yotoco Lodge
We will pick you up at Cali airport in the afternoon, at a time agreed in advance, and transfer you to Yotoco Lodge — a 90-minute ride. The lodge is our base for the week, close to Finca La Florida, Doña Dora, Atuncela, Río Bravo and San Cipriano. Yotoco Lodge offers birders an exceptional base for exploring one of Colombia's most biodiverse regions: it sits in a remarkable ecological transition zone where Andean cloud forests meet Pacific tropical influences, creating habitat for an extraordinary diversity of bird species. When you arrive at this welcoming birding lodge you can enjoy our feeders, relax and prepare for the adventure ahead. The lodge serves delicious home-cooked meals.
At the lodge feeders
Endemic Apical Flycatcher, endemic Grayish Piculet, endemic Colombian Chachalaca, Whiskered Wren, Green Jay, Golden-naped Tanager, Scrub Tanager, White-lined Tanager, Hepatic Tanager, Crimson-rumped Toucanet and more. eBird — Yotoco Lodge →
Km 18 Area · 20 min drive · Overnight at Yotoco Lodge
After a 20-minute ride we will arrive at Finca La Florida, where we will have the chance to see the endemic Chestnut Wood-Quail at its feeder, as well as some opportunities with Little Tinamou. We will spend the morning on the trails of the farm; this is an excellent place for cloud forest birds, with up to 14 species of hummingbirds and up to 13 species of tanagers and allies. From the house you can also enjoy the view over the surrounding forest, where quetzals and toucanets are often seen.
Target birds
The dazzling endemic Multicolored Tanager, endemic Colombian Chachalaca, Saffron-crowned Tanager, Golden-naped Tanager, Acorn Woodpecker, Golden-olive Woodpecker, Long-tailed Sylph, Brown Violetear, Booted Racket-tail, Western Emerald, Andean Emerald, Bronzy Inca, Green Honeycreeper, White-naped Brushfinch, Barred Becard, Uniform Antshrike, Slaty Antwren, Golden-headed Quetzal, Scarlet-fronted Parakeet, Flame-rumped Tanager, Slate-throated Redstart, Azara's Spinetail, Lineated Foliage-gleaner, Golden-bellied Flycatcher, Green-and-black Fruiteater, Black-billed Thrush, Rufous-tailed Tyrant, Blue-naped Chlorophonia, Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonia, Streak-capped Treehunter and Rufous-crested Tanager, among many other interesting species. eBird — La Florida →
Departure 4:30 am · Return around 3:30 pm · Overnight at Yotoco Lodge
We will leave at 4:30 am heading to Córdoba, a one-hour-and-thirty-minute drive, where we will take the brujita: a wooden cart propelled by a motorcycle that runs along the railway. It is a fun ride and the only way to reach San Cipriano. Throughout the day we will be birding along the different trails next to the San Cipriano river.
An antbird paradise
Black-crowned Antshrike, Checker-throated Antwren, Pacific Antwren, Dot-winged Antwren, Chestnut-backed Antbird, Stub-tailed Antbird, Bicolored Antbird, Zeledon's Antbird and the rare, hard-to-find Ocellated Antbird. We will also be able to see birds of the biogeographic Chocó such as Collared Aracari, Purple-crowned Fairy, Chestnut-headed Oropendola, Black-breasted Puffbird, Pied Puffbird, White-tailed Trogon and Blue-tailed Trogon.
Also on the list
Scarlet-browed Tanager, Golden-hooded Tanager, Blue-whiskered Tanager, Plumbeous Pigeon, Dusky Pigeon, Pallid Dove, Tiny Hawk, Rufous Motmot, Black-cheeked Woodpecker, Cinnamon Woodpecker, Ringed Kingfisher, Black-capped Pygmy-Tyrant, White-ringed Flycatcher, Thicket Antpitta, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Golden-collared Manakin, Bay Wren, Buff-rumped Warbler, Scaly-breasted Wren, Masked Tityra, Black-tipped Cotinga, Cinnamon Becard, Black-chested Jay, Southern Rough-winged Swallow, Rufous-winged Tanager, Tawny-crested Tanager, Dusky-faced Tanager and Orange-bellied Euphonia — and we will try to find the mythical, elusive Sapayoa. eBird — San Cipriano →
In the afternoon, around 3:30 pm, we will return to Yotoco Lodge.
Day 4 Upper Anchicayá / El Descanso
45 min drive · Doña Dora's feeders · Overnight at Yotoco Lodge
We will drive for 45 minutes to the upper part of the old Buenaventura road to reach El Descanso. This place, owned by the famous Doña Dora, features hummingbird and fruit feeders. Here you will see and photograph the iconic Andean Cock-of-the-rock and the gorgeous Toucan Barbet, one of the jewels of the Chocó bioregion cloud forest.
Target birds
Green Thorntail, Rufous-throated Tanager, Silver-throated Tanager, Green-crowned Woodnymph, White-lined Tanager, Lemon-rumped Tanager, Green Honeycreeper, Buff-throated Saltator, Violet-tailed Sylph, Rufous-gaped Hillstar, Black-chinned Mountain Tanager, Bay-headed Tanager, Tricolored Brushfinch and Black-headed Brushfinch, among others. eBird — El Descanso →
Day 5 Atuncela Dry Forest Enclave
Departure 5:30 am · 45 min drive · Overnight at Yotoco Lodge
This morning we will leave the lodge at 5:30 am for a 45-minute ride to Atuncela DRMI (Regional District of Integrated Management). This area has a remarkable habitat shaped by a localized rain shadow that creates a unique dry forest environment. This unusual ecosystem stands in stark contrast to the lush humid forests that typically characterize Colombia's Western Andes, making it one of the region's most distinctive birding destinations. This biodiverse haven protects 5,700 acres of dry shrubland transitioning into humid tropical forest, an ecological gradient rarely found elsewhere in the Chocó biogeographic region.
Target birds
Endemic Grayish Piculet, endemic Apical Flycatcher, Ruby-topaz Hummingbird, near-endemic Blue-headed Sapphire, Striped Cuckoo, Dwarf Cuckoo, Dark-billed Cuckoo, Crested Bobwhite, Common Ground Dove, Southern Lapwing, Hook-billed Kite, Short-tailed Hawk, Spot-breasted Woodpecker, Laughing Falcon, Aplomado Falcon, American Kestrel, Spectacled Parrotlet, Great Antshrike, Cocoa Woodcreeper, Pale-breasted Spinetail, Cinereous Becard, Chivi Vireo, Ultramarine Grosbeak, Crimson-backed Tanager, Gray Seedeater and Yellow Oriole, among many other interesting species. eBird — Atuncela →
Departure 4:30 am · Arrival 6:00 am · Overnight at Yotoco Lodge
Today we will leave the lodge at 4:30 am and arrive at Río Bravo at 6:00 am. Río Bravo Nature Reserve has exceptional conservation value and plays a critical role in protecting one of Colombia's most biodiverse regions. We will do roadside birding in the transition zone between Andean and Pacific ecosystems, which allows birders to encounter foothill, subtropical and cloud forest species all within the same day.
Target birds
Plumbeous Pigeon, Striped Cuckoo, Green-fronted Lancebill, Purple-crowned Fairy, Violet-tailed Sylph, Brown Inca, Rufous-gaped Hillstar, Double-toothed Kite, Semicollared Hawk, Barred Hawk, Cloud-forest Pygmy-Owl, Moustached Puffbird, Toucan Barbet, Bat Falcon, Rufous-rumped Antwren, Yellow-breasted Antwren, endemic Parker's Antbird, Plain-backed Antpitta, endemic Tatamá Tapaculo, Rufous-breasted Antthrush, Wedge-billed Woodcreeper, Olive-backed Woodcreeper, Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner, Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner, Ruddy Foliage-gleaner, Club-winged Manakin, Scaled Fruiteater, Masked Tityra, Ornate Flycatcher, Beautiful Jay, Yellow-throated Chlorospingus, Olive Finch, White-winged Tanager, endemic Crested Ant-Tanager, Purplish-mantled Tanager and more. eBird — Río Bravo →
In the afternoon, around 3:30 pm, we will return to Yotoco Lodge.
Departure 5:00 am · Arrival 6:30 am · Overnight at Hotel La Huerta
Today we will leave the lodge at 5:30 am and arrive at SUEE at 6:00 am. SUEE Birding is a newly established private nature reserve located in the municipality of Yotoco, Valle del Cauca, positioning itself as an exciting addition to Colombia's world-class birding circuit. Situated in the same municipality as the renowned Yotoco Forest Reserve, SUEE Birding benefits from the region's exceptional biodiversity and its strategic location on the eastern slope of the Western Andes.
Target birds
Chestnut-crowned Gnateater, Squirrel Cuckoo, Laughing Falcon, Cocoa Woodcreeper, Yellow-headed Manakin, White-bibbed Manakin, Striolated Manakin, White-throated Spadebill, Ochre-bellied Flycatcher, Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet, Sooty-headed Tyrannulet, Rufous-naped Greenlet, Speckle-breasted Wren, White-breasted Wood-Wren, Golden-crowned Warbler, Guira Tanager, Ruddy Quail-Dove, Rufous-breasted Hermit, Stripe-throated Hermit, Long-billed Starthroat, White-vented Plumeleteer, Black Hawk-Eagle, Moustached Puffbird, Barred Parakeet, Great Antshrike, endemic Parker's Antbird, Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Slaty Spinetail, Golden-collared Manakin, Cinereous Becard, Piratic Flycatcher, Long-billed Gnatwren, Golden-rumped Euphonia, Ultramarine Grosbeak and more. eBird — SUEE Birding →
In the afternoon we will transfer to Hotel La Huerta, where we will rest and spend the night.
Day 8 Sonso Lagoon & airport drop-off
Departure 5:30 am · Birding until 11:00 am · Tour ends at Cali airport
We will leave Hotel La Huerta at 5:30 am and drive for 30 minutes. We will be birding at Sonso Lagoon during the morning, until 11:00 am. The reserve contains the last extensive remnant of original natural wetland in the Cauca River Valley in western Colombia; it was declared a nature reserve in October 1978 and earned Ramsar site designation in 2017 for its international importance. Sonso Lagoon is an ancient oxbow of the Cauca River and serves as an important bird reserve in the Cauca Valley region. While the surrounding areas have been transformed by sugarcane plantations and industrial development, the reserve functions as an oasis of biodiversity and offers protected habitat for many birds of the lowlands and the dry valley forests.
Target birds
Endemic Apical Flycatcher, endemic Grayish Piculet, Amazon Kingfisher, Anhinga, Cocoi Heron, Bare-faced Ibis, Neotropic Cormorant, Glossy Ibis, Buff-necked Ibis, Snail Kite, Roadside Hawk, Purple Gallinule, Blackish Rail, Limpkin, Southern Lapwing, Spotted Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs, Pale-vented Pigeon, Eared Dove, Greater Ani, Striped Cuckoo, Common Potoo, Lineated Woodpecker, Striated Heron, Yellow-headed Caracara, Crested Caracara, Spectacled Parrotlet, Wattled Jacana, Vermilion Flycatcher, Pied Water-Tyrant, Great Kiskadee, Rusty-margined Flycatcher, Streaked Flycatcher, Cinereous Becard and Fork-tailed Flycatcher. eBird — Sonso Lagoon →
We will have an early lunch at the reserve and then drive to Cali's international airport (Alfonso Bonilla Aragón), where the tour will end. Please plan your departure flight after 5:00 pm.
Bear in mind
Tour Philosophy & Group Harmony
Our group tours are designed to foster camaraderie, empathy, and solidarity among birdwatchers of all experience levels. We celebrate the diversity of our participants just as much as the birds we seek; whether it is a rare lifer or a common neotropical species that sparks joy for a beginner, every sighting is valuable.
Please note that individual bird wishlists do not override the group’s itinerary or collective well-being. We promote a culture of respect, good manners, and professional treatment toward everyone involved—including our participants, tour leaders, drivers, and local lodge staff. Behaviors that compromise group harmony or show intolerance will not be accepted. If you are looking for an exclusive focus on a personal checklist, we kindly recommend booking one of our private tours instead.
Share this itinerary!
The best way to avoid the single supplement and unlock a lower price for the exact same tour is by sharing this itinerary with friends or family who might love to join you.
Start times
Our days typically begin early, with start times generally between 5:00 and 5:30 am, though on some mornings we may begin as early as 4:30 am.
Meals
Field breakfasts will be arranged on certain days. You will enjoy delicious homemade meals at the lodge, at Hotel La Huerta and at the birding hotspots. We will gladly accommodate any dietary restrictions or preferences. Each meal includes a main dish and one drink (water, soda, juice or beer). Please note that appetizers, desserts, extra beverages, beer and wine (by the glass or the bottle) are not included.
Arrival Day
Meeting Point and Time: We're excited to begin our adventure together! We'll gather on Day 1 at Cali Airport at 4:00 PM. There will be one only group shuttle from the airport to the hotel/ lodge, please ensure you're at the meeting point at the agreed time, as it's your responsibility to be there promptly.
Planning to arrive early? If you'd like to come to Cali a day or two before the tour starts, we'd be happy to help you book a room at the same hotel where we'll be staying on our first night. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance with your travel plans. We're here to ensure your birding experience starts smoothly!
Departure Day
Airport Drop-off Information: Our amazing birding adventure will conclude on Day 15. After enjoying a final lunch together, there will be one only group shuttle from the hotel/lodge to the airport that will transport you to the airport, arriving at approximately 3:00 PM. This marks the official end of our tour. For flights to Bogotá, you should be at the airport 2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 3 hours before departure. If you need to be at the airport earlier than our scheduled drop-off, you'll need to make your own arrangements. However, we're more than happy to help you find a reliable transportation service if needed.
Walking and terrain
The walks during this tour are generally mild, even in mountainous areas. On Day 4, at El Descanso, we will undertake a moderately challenging walk on a muddy, steep path to reach the Cock-of-the-rock lek. We recommend proceeding slowly; this part of the tour is not suitable for people with mobility issues. Footwear with good grip is essential.
Climate
The weather will vary, with warm to hot temperatures in the lowland areas such as Sonso Lagoon, Atuncela and San Cipriano. In the highlands the climate will be cooler and more pleasant (Yotoco Lodge, El Descanso, Río Bravo, SUEE Birding and Hotel La Huerta). Rain is possible during the tour, though it is generally light: please bring rain gear and camera covers with you at all times.
Land transportation
Travel between birding locations is relatively short. Our mode of transportation will be a comfortable, air-conditioned Renault DUSTER SUV. For groups of more than 3 people we will use 2 vehicles (Duster SUV).
Accommodation
We will stay at Yotoco Lodge and Hotel La Huerta. Both are very comfortable and pleasant, with nice views, and both provide clean private bathrooms, electricity, hot water (electric showers) and Starlink Wi-Fi.
Roommate Arrangements:
At Piculet Birding, we strive to make your experience as comfortable and affordable as possible. If you're traveling solo, we'll do our best to pair you with a compatible roommate from among our other participants. This arrangement helps keep costs down and often leads to new friendships among fellow bird photography enthusiasts!
However, please note that if we're unable to find you a suitable roommate by the time of the final payment (which is due two months before the tour begins), you'll need to pay the single supplement fee. This ensures we can guarantee your accommodation throughout the tour.
We appreciate your understanding and flexibility in this matter. Our goal is to create a harmonious group dynamic while providing everyone with comfortable lodging options. If you have any questions or concerns about rooming arrangements, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to make your birding adventure as enjoyable as possible!
Tipping
Tips are not included and are entirely at your discretion — never expected, always appreciated. If you'd like a guideline: the international birding standard is USD$5-10 for the guide and USD$3-5 for the Driver. If the guide is also driving, you might want to consider tipping at the higher end of the range. Cash in US dollars or Colombian pesos is equally welcome.
This tour includes
• Expert bilingual (English / Spanish) birding guide
• Accommodation at Yotoco Lodge & Hotel La Huerta
• 3 meals per day, from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 8 Each meal consists of a main dish and one drink (water, soda, juice or beer).
• Local guides
• Entrance fees to farms and reserves
• Land transportation
Not included
• Flights
• Tips
• Appetizers, desserts, extra drinks, beers, and glasses or bottles of wine
• Any other expense not specified in the "This tour includes" section
We look forward to showcasing Colombia's extraordinary avian diversity through your
binoculars and lenses.
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