Colombia – Bird Photo Tour

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About the Tour

This 9-day custom birding tour in Colombia is specially designed for photographers interested in bird photography. Throughout the journey, you’ll visit a variety of ecosystems ideal for capturing unique images of endemic and exotic species such as the Yellow-eared Parrot (Ognorhynchus icterotis), Crescent-faced Antpitta (Grallaricula lineifrons), Black-billed Mountain-Toucan (Andigena nigrirostris), and Rainbow-bearded Thornbill (Chalcostigma herrani). The itinerary combines immersive nature experiences with comfortable accommodations and specialized multi-flash photography sessions for hummingbirds.

The trip concludes with a transfer to Matecaña International Airport in Pereira, offering a complete bird photography and ecotourism experience in Colombia.

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Date

All year

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Activity level

Easy - Medium

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Available spaces

Since 1 person

Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival to Bogota - Colombia

Arrival in Bogotá (Aeropuerto Internacional El Dorado).

At night we will have a welcome dinner, during which we will meet all the participants; then we will have a short meeting in which we will report on the activities of the following days.

Hotel: GHL 93

Day 2 | Bosque Guajira

Today we will go to the Guajira Forest in search of some endemic species of hummingbirds, Amethyst-throated Sunangel, Glowing Puffleg, Blue throated Starfrontlet, Great Sapphirewing, green tailed and Black-tailed Trainbearer,

Campo Tangara: Golden-bellied Starfrontlet y otras especies similares del Bosque Guajira. As well as the possibility of seeing the orange morph of the Flame-faced Tanager.

Hotel: GHL 94

Day 3 - 4 | Cajamarca

After breakfast, we will go to Cajamarca, in search of another main target of the trip, the Yellow eared Parrot (Ognorhynchus icterotis) the bird feeders in the private reserve, where there are great chances of observing Tolima Blossomcrown (Tolima Blossomcrown) y Yellow-headed Brushfinch (Yellow-headed brushfinch), endemic species that frequently visit the gardens of the place.

Once we arrive at the place, and if it is not too late, we will have the opportunity to visit a reserve of “Palmas de Cera” trees, which are nesting places for parrots.

Likewise, we will have the opportunity to do multi-flash photographs of very beautiful hummingbirds in the area (Optional).

Depending on the success of the day before, we will visit again, early in the morning, the private reserve of “Palmas de Cera” trees in search of the Yellow-eared Parrot (Ognorhynchus icterotis).

Then we will go in search of another species of parrot. Or we can go to the bird feeders in the private reserve, where there are great chances of observing Tolima Blossomcrown (Tolima Blossomcrown) y Yellow-headed Brushfinch (Yellow-headed brushfinch), endemic species that frequently visit the gardens of the place.

Hotel: Urapanes del Bosque

Day 5 | Manizales Highlands

After breakfast we will leave to outskirts of Manizales.

Once we arrive at the reserve, we will enjoy the company of hummingbirds in a full multi-flash day. With a nice cup of coffee and surrounded by the forest, we will be able to photograph the Steely-vented Hummingbird (Steely-vented hummingbird), Western Emerald (Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus), White- necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora), Rufous tailed Hummingbird (Rufous-tailed hummingbird), White-vented Plumeleteer (Chalybura buffonii), Green hermit (Phaethornis guy), Black-throated Mango (Anthracothorax nigricollis), among others.

This beautiful dry forest, the perfect setting for a nature lover, offers us a great variety of species of birds that arrive at their feeders, among which we can observe and photograph the Clay- coloured Thrush (Mirlo pardo), Andean Motmot, (Momotus aequatorialis) Thick-billed Euphonia (Euphonia laniirostris), Crimson-rumped Tanager (Ramphocelus passerinii), Acorn woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus), Bay headed tanager (Tangara gyrola), Blue-necked tanager (Stilpnia cyanicollis), Crimson-backed tanager (Ramphocelus dimidiatus), Scrub tanager (Stilpnia vitriolina), Blue gray tanager (Thraupis episcopus), Guira tanager (Hemithraupis guira), Red crowned woodpecker (Melanerpes rubricapillus), among others.

Additionally, when the lek activity is high, it is possible to approach to take good photographs of the Golden-collared Manakin (Manacus vitellinus).

Hotel: Hotel Carretero

Day 6 | Hacienda el Bosque full day

This day we will visit a huge ranch with bird feeders, and one of its main attractions is to photograph the Crescent-faced antpitta (Grallaricula lineifrons) and Rufous antpitta (Grallaria rufula) while they are being fed.

Also, we will have great opportunities to photograph the Grey Breasted Mountain Toucan (Andigena hypoglauca), Barred fruiteater (Pipreola arcuata), Golden-fronted whitestart (Myioborus ornatus), Rufous- breasted chat tyrant (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis), and the largest tanager of all, the Hooded Mountain-Tanager (Buthraupis montana).

In the afternoon we will do hummingbirds photography, which includes the famous Sword billed

Hotel: Hotel Carretero

Day 7 | Rio Blanco

This day we will get up very early to go to the high lands of cloud forests, where there is one of the places with an excellent opportunity to see and photograph several exotic birds, including the iconic Black-billed Mountain-Toucan (Andigena nigrirostris).  Lesser Violetear (Colibri cyanotus), Sparkling Violetear (Sparkling Violetear), Tourmaline sunangel (Heliangelus exortis), Long tailed sylph (Aglaiocercus kingii), Tyrian metaltail (Metallura tyrianthina), Black thighed puffleg (Eriocnemis derbyi), Shining Sunbeam (Aglaeactis cupripennis), Collared Inca (Coeligena torquata), Buff winged starfrontlet (Coeligena lutetiae), Mountain velvetbreast (Lafresnaya lafresnayi), Bicolored Antpitta (Grallaria rufocinerea).

In the afternoon/evenin we will go to our hotel in Manizales.

Hotel: Hotel Carretero

Day 8 | Termales del Ruiz

In the morning we will go to a reserve located in the high Andean forests, near to the ”Natural Los Nevados National Park “. Here the goal will be to see and photograph the Southern Emerald-Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus albivitta). Although it is rare to see it, on this place we have a good chance of seeing it.

In the afternoon we will go to our hotel located at 3,400 m.a.s.l. This lodge is located in a privileged place that combines natural hot springs pools with a pleasant place for bird watching and photography.

Here, in the hotel feeders, we can photograph and enjoy the sighting of wonderful birds such as, el Black thighed and Golden-breasted puffleg (Eriocnemis mosquera), Great sapphirewing (Pterophanes cyanopterus), Buff-winged Starfrontlet (Coeligena lutetiae), Collared Inca (Coeligena torquata),Mountain Velvetbreast (Lafresnaya lafresnayi); and, if we are very lucky, the magnificent Rainbow-bearded Thornbill (Chalcostigma herrani).

Hotel: Hotel Carretero

Day 9 | Departure day

After a good night’s rest and a delicious breakfast we will be ready to go

back home

Note: It is important to check flight departure times and arrive at the

airport in good time.

Airport: Matecaña International Airport, located in Pereira city

Featured sightings

USD

Included

All accommodation.

– All meals (except dinner day 1)

– Expert photographer guide.

– Private transportation.

– Multi-flash.

– Reserves fee.

Not included

– National and International air tickets and airport taxes.

– Additional nights.

– Alcoholic beverages, snacks and beverages that are not part of the meals.

– Laundry service.

– Personal expenses.

– Travel insurance (we recommend having one)

– Tips.

– Any other service not specified in the document.

General tips

For a better experience, it is important to know a couple of factors which will facilitate your stay in Colombia:

  • If you’d like to take home a couple of souvenirs, we recommend bringing a little extra cash in order to acquire these at the different locations we will be staying at (Local currency is the Colombian peso). We recommend exchanging around USD 200, or equivalent in your local currency, at the airport. Any other expense we recommend payments by credit card.
  • Mosquito repellent.
  • Sunblock.
  • Hats.
  • Flashlight (a headlamp is preferable).
  • Bags to store wet clothes.
  • Water bottle.
  • Trekking shoes.
  • Warm clothes for the Andes area.

Photographic equipment

As photographers, we know how difficult it is to decide how much equipment to take on trips, as we always want to take all of our equipment with us so that we can take advantage of our experiences. Here is a list of equipment we recommend bringing:

  • Wide angle lens
  • Zoom lens, range 100-600
  • Equipment protector for the rain
  • Tripod
  • Flash
  • Batteries
  • Battery chargers
  • Cleaning equipment
  • Plug adaptor

Clothing

We will experience two types of climates.

In the first part of the trip, Cali – Valle del Cauca, we will have a mild climate.

On the second route, Manizales – Caldas, there will be cold currents, so it is important to wear warm and waterproof clothing.

Expert Photo/Birding Guide

tour leader

At Photo Wildlife Tours, we ensure that we work with the best local guides—experts in species identification, photography, and customer service. Our guides are carefully selected for their extensive knowledge and experience, guaranteeing a unique, educational, and memorable experience.

We also promote an ethic of respect and kindness toward animals, ensuring that all our tours are conducted responsibly and with environmental awareness.

With us, you can trust that you will be accompanied by professionals committed to quality, conservation, and the full enjoyment of nature.

Do you need more information?