SPECIFICATIONS:
Length: 14 Nights/ 15 days / Starting city: Cali / Ending city: Medellín / Pace: Relaxed-Feeders most of the time / Focus: Bird Photography / Physical Difficulty: Easy / Addressed to: Photographers who love quality Bird photos, and who want to spend the days at feeders.
OVERVIEW
This tour offers exceptional photographic opportunities in our mega-diverse country. Designed for bird photographers with DSLR or Mirrorless cameras and telephoto lenses, 300, 400, 500, 600, 800 millimeters. It's ideal for Photographers who love quality photos, and who want to spend the days at feeders.
Our goal isn't to create a long checklist, but to capture stunning photos. We go all out with interesting perches, and we're constantly switching things up to keep your shots fresh and diverse. Attention to detail is our game – from strategically placing food to ensuring clean backgrounds.
TOUR DESCRIPTION
Day 1 CALI: Airport pick up and transfer to Finca La florida
Upon arrival at Cali's Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport, we will transfer you to Finca la Florida at 18th Kilometer, heading to the pacific coast, at the western Andes, close to Cali. It will be a 90 min. ride. When you arrive you can relax and prepare for the adventure ahead at this welcoming Bird photography Hotspot.
Endemic Chestnut Woodquail
Day 2 Finca La Florida (18 km)
We'll venture into the mystical cloud forests of Km 18, nestled in the western Andes and a mere 50-minute jaunt from Cali. Our photographic quest leads us to the feeders at Finca la Florida, a haven for birders and shutterbugs alike. Here, you'll have the chance to immortalize some of Colombia's most prized avian residents through your lens. The star of the show? The endemic Multicolored Tanager, a living rainbow that calls these forests home. Also keep your eyes peeled for other local specialties like the Colombian Chachalaca and the elusive Chestnut Woodquail, both found nowhere else on Earth.
But the colorful cast doesn't end there. As we quietly wait at the feeders, be prepared for a parade of feathered models. From the gorgeos Acorn Woodpecker to the dazzling Saffron crowned Tanager, each species offers unique photographic challenges and rewards. Whether you're capturing the intense gaze of a Red Headed Barbet, Brown Violetear, Greenish Puffleg or the graceful flight of a Green Hermit, this day promises to be a highlight for any bird photography enthusiast.
Endemic Multicolored Tanager
Day 3 Upper Anchicayá / El Descanso
Our photographic journey takes us to the upper reaches of the Old Buenaventura road, where the western Andes meet the Pacific in a tapestry of cloud forest splendor. At 1600 meters above sea level, El Descanso serves as our gateway to a world of avian wonders. This carefully curated site, complete with strategically placed hummingbird and fruit feeders, sets the stage for an unforgettable day of bird photography.
As you set up your gear, be ready for a spectacle of color and movement. The impressive Toucan Barbet, with its vibrant plumage, will be the star of the show. Also Hummingbirds will dazzle you with their aerial acrobatics – from the diminutive Green Thorntail to the elegant White-whiskered Hermit. Keep your camera trained on the feeders for a chance to immortalize the striking Velvet-purple Coronet or the aptly named Silver-throated Tanager. With patience and a keen eye, you might even snap the elusive Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager or the charismatic Rufous-throated Tanager at the crowded feeders from El Descanso.
Toucan Barbet
Day 4 Ecohotel El Diamante/ Parque de la Uva
Morning of photography at Ecohotel El Diamante. Capture images of birds such as the beautiful Crested Bobwhite, White-vented Plumeleteer, Stripe-throated Hermit, Rufous-bellied Hermit, Saffron Finch, Thick-billed euphonia, Bay-headed Tanager, Blue-necked Tanager, among others.
After lunch, we’ll visit an Aloe plantation at Parque de la Uva, we’ll be on the lookout of the amazing Ruby-Topaz Hummingbird, Rufous Tailed Hummingbird, Steely-vented Hummingbird, Black throated Mango on Aloe Flowers.
Crested Bobwhite
Day 5 Retorno del Colibrí Reserve
This private nature reserve, near the village of Anaime, is an amazing restoration project runed by Diego Espitia. This private reserve provides unique viewing opportunities of Central Andes species that are endemic to the area or extremely difficult to see elsewhere. Some of the rare species found here are endemic Yellow-eared Parrot, endemic Indigo-capped Hummingbird, endemic Tolima Dove, endemic Tolima Blossomcrown, White-tipped Sicklebill, White-bellied Woodstar, Red-billed Emerald, and Black-billed Mountain- Toucan, among many other interesting species.
White-bellied Woodstar
Day 6 La Rivera Reserve
We'll depart from our hotel early in the morning to enjoy the excellent feeding stations at La Rivera Reserve, located in the high Andean forest near the charming town of Finlandia, Quindío. Here, we'll have magnificent opportunities to photograph spectacular birds such as the Red-ruffed Fruitcrow, Green-fronted Lancebill, Collared Trogon, Fawn-breasted Tanager, Beryl-spangled Tanager, and Metallic-green Tanager, among many other dazzling species. The reserve's well-positioned feeders attract a remarkable diversity of birds, making it an ideal location for both observation and photography. The morning light in these Andean forests creates perfect conditions for capturing the vibrant colors of these spectacular birds. Our expert guides will ensure you're positioned for the best viewing and photographic opportunities as we enjoy this morning's birding session.
Near Endemic Scrub Tanager
Day 7 Hacienda el Bosque
Early visit to Hacienda el Bosque, near Los Nevados National Park. Target birds include birds like the vibrant Crescent faced Antpitta, Gray breasted Mountain Toucan, Crimson mantled Woodpecker, Barred Fruiteater, Lesser Violetear, Tourmaline Sunangel, Purple-backed Hummingbird, Shining Sunbeam, Collared Inca, Sword-billed Hummingbird, White-bellied woodstar, Masked Trogon, Powerfull Woodpecker, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, among many other birds. End the day at the exquisite Hotel Termales del Ruiz, known for its thermal pools and feeders.
Gray breasted Mountain Toucan
Day 8 Nevados National Park & Termales del Ruiz
Capture photos of high Andean and paramo bird species at Nevados National Park (3.500 -4.000 m.a.s.l). The unique scenery and vegetation, with the emblematic frailejon/ Espeletia plants, offer exceptional photo opportunities. Expect to take pictures of spectacular High Andean and Paramo bird species such as the rare endemic Buffy Helmetcrest, Stout billed Cinclodes, Brown backed Chat Tyrant , Golden crowned Tanager, Plumbeous Sierra Finch, Andean Tit Spinetail, Pale naped Brush Finch, Many-striped Canastero, among many other birds.
We will Enjoy the feeders at Hotel Termales del Ruiz. Photograph species such as Rainbow bearded Thornbill, Viridian Metaltail, Golden crowned Tanager, Scarlet bellied Mountain tanager, Purple backed Thornbill, the spectacular Sword billed Hummingbird, Great Sapphirewing, Sparkling Violetear, Shining Sunbeam, Mountain Velvetbreast, among many interesting birds.
Endemic Buffy Helmetcrest
Day 9 Glamping Color de mis Reves
Ascend to the breathtaking heights near Nevados National Park, where the air buzzes with the energy of Andean birdlife. The Collared Inca, with its striking black-and-white plumage, offers a study in contrast against the verdant foliage.
As you traverse this high-altitude wonderland, every turn of the trail presents new subjects for your lens. The gregarious Black-collared Jay might pose obligingly, its bold markings a delight for portrait enthusiasts. For those seeking a true test of their wildlife photography skills, tthe Bicolored Antpitta's shy nature offer rewarding challenges. In this high-altitude gallery, every frame captures the unique beauty and diversity of Colombia's Andean avifauna.
At Glamping Color de mis Reves, we will have chances to photograph species like Black billed Mountain Toucan, Collared Inca, Buff-tailed Coronet, Sparkling Violetear, Mountain Velvetbreast, Long-tailed Sylph, Masked Trogon, among many other fantastic birds.
Black-collared Jay
Day 10 Rio Blanco
Explore the Río Blanco Nature Reserve, a key birding site in Colombia, located in Colombian Central Andes. Its 4932 hectares in extension consist mainly of montane cloud forest, Sub Andean Forest, mixed with a few small clearings. The reserve protects the principal water source for the city and is runed by the local water company. This place offers amazing photographic opportunities. The feeders at this guest house, as well as flowering plants around the building, attract an interesting variety of hummingbirds and Tanagers such as Tourmaline Sunangel, Buff tailed Coronet, Speckled Hummingbird, Bronzy and Collared Incas, White bellied Woodstar, Buff breasted Mountain Tanager, Grass green Tanager, Blue and Black Tanager, among many others. Special focus on photographing antpittas at feeding stations, visited regularly by 4 species: Chestnut crowned, near endemic Bicolored, endemic Brown banded and Slate crowned Antpittas.
Chestnut crowned Antpitta
Day 11 Sutú Reserve
At Sutú Reserve, we’ll explore feeders in this biodiverse cloud forest. Capture stunning photos of birds like the endemic Black-and-Gold Tanager and Velvet-purple Coronet. This cloud forests provide a unique habitat for many bird species, including some endemics and those that are specially adapted to these moist, cool environments. There we will have great photographic chances to get, the gorgeous endemic Black and Gold Tanager, near endemic Violet tailed Sylph, near endemic Velvet purple Coronet, Empress Brilliant, near endemic Purple-throated Woodstar, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, White-headed Wren, Andean Solitaire, Chestnut-capped Brushfinch. We will do our best to get amazing pics of the hard to get Orange-breasted Fruiteater and the iconic Club-winged Manakin, they don’t come to the feeders, but they are possible to get in the forest, this will be a thrilling part of our tour. Overnight at Sutú Reserve.
Club-winged Manakin
Day 12 Birdshome
We’ll visit BirdsHome, with its amazing balcony for photographing hummingbirds and tanagers. Guided by Arnulfo, expect to see some endemics and rarities, such as endemic Black and Gold Tanager, Flame-faced Tanager, Silver-throated Tanager, Flame-rumped Tanager, Hepatic Tanager, near endemic Brown Inca, Black-winged Saltator, Cinnamon Flycatcher, Green-crowned Brilliant, Tawny-bellied Hermit, and many more.
Endemic Black and Gold Tanager
Day 13 Mirador el Roble & Cock of the Rock Lek
Mirador del Roble Reserve is situated at an elevation of 2,100 meters (6,890 feet) in the high Andean forests of Colombia's Western Andes. We'll dedicate our morning to photographing beautiful and secretive birds, including the endemic Chamí Antpitta, near-endemic Chestnut-naped Antpitta, Slate-crowned Antpitta, Rufous-crowned Antpitta, Green-and-black Fruiteater, Slaty Brushfinch, and Mountain Cacique, among others. If luck is on our side, we may also encounter "Manchas," a wonderful oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus), a small wild cat that inhabits these forests. In the afternoon, we'll visit what is widely regarded as Colombia's best Andean Cock-of-the-rock lek, located in Jardín. This lek is noted for being the most accessible and offering the best perches for photography of this spectacular species.
Andean Cock-of-the-rock
Day 14 Reserva los Guacharos (Oilbird Reserve) – Transfer to Medellín
This final morning of bird photography will be truly spectacular. We will spend the morning at the feeders of Reserva Los Guacharos, where we can capture stunning images of magnificent species such as the endemic Red-bellied Grackle, endemic Crested Ant-Tanager, Bay-headed Tanager, Blue-necked Tanager, Scrub Tanager, Giant Cowbird, and Crimson-backed Tanager. For the more adventurous, those who cross a very safe and short hanging bridge will have the unique opportunity to observe the elusive Oilbirds in broad daylight, the rarely seen female Cock-of-the Rock, White-capped Dipper, and, with a bit of luck, even Torrent Ducks. Transfer to Medellín, staying at the cozy Vita Hotel Boutique.
Oilbird
Day 15 Departure
After a well-deserved rest and a final breakfast together at 8:00 AM, we will transfer you to the airport, arriving around 10:00 AM. This marks the official end of our tour.
Bear in Mind
Start Times: Our days will typically begin early, with start times generally between 5:00 and 5:30 am, though some mornings we may begin as early as 4:00 am.
Meals: Field breakfasts will be arranged on certain days, while other meals will be enjoyed at lodges, hotels, or nearby restaurants. Each meal includes a main dish and a drink (water, soda, juice, or beer). Please note that appetizers, desserts, extra beverages, beer, and wine (by the glass or bottle) are not included.
Land Transportation:Travel between birding locations is relatively short, ranging from 2 to 3 hours. Our primary mode of transportation will be a comfortable, air-conditioned van, except when road conditions require the use of 4x4 vehicles, such as on Glamping Color de mis Revés.
Walking and Terrain: The walks during this tour will generally be mild, even in mountainous areas. Most of our days will be spent at places with feeders. On day 3 at El Descanso, we will undertake a challenging walk, navigating a muddy and steep path to reach the Cock-of-the-Rock lek. It’s recommended to proceed slowly, and this part of the tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues. Good-grip footwear is essential.
Climate: The weather will vary, with warm temperatures in the lowland areas such as , Parque de la Uva, Ecohotel El Diamante. In the highlands, the climate will be cooler and more pleasant (El Descanso, Reserva Sutú, Birdshome, La Florida, Reserva Los Guacharos, Cock of the Rock Lek, Medellin). It will be cold in places like Hacienda el Bosque, and Glamping Color de mis Reves, Mirador el Roble.The coldest temperature we’ll encounter is usually around 7°C during the early morning at Nevados National Park and Hotel Termales del Ruiz. It’s advisable to wear a couple of layers for the first hour or two until it warms up.
The tour is scheduled during the dry season, but rain is still possible, especially in the mountains, though it’s generally light. Bring your Rain gear all the time.
Accommodations: We will use 4 star hotels when possible and Birding Lodges. All hotels and accommodations provide private bathrooms and electricity. At higher elevations, hot water is available at all locations. Wi-Fi is typically available in all hotels, though it may be limited to public areas and can sometimes be slow.
Guidelines for a Smooth Bird Photography Tour Experience ⬅️
Join our next tour and capture the beauty of Colombia's birdlife like never before! Email or hit us up on WhatsApp, asking for Quote, Discounts, and our detailed itinerary with lodging, and everything included in our tours.
