Colombia, in the North of South America located between Ecuador and Venezuela, is, without any doubt, one of the most bio diverse countries with a large number of endemic species. With its three mountain ranges and washed by two oceans, it has a large number of ecosystems.

Arrival in Cali (Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport). 

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: Sonesta

In the morning we will go to a small farm located approximately 45 minutes from Cali. This place is located in the western Andes of Colombia (2,000 m.a.s.l.) and has a list of more than 20 species of hummingbirds, it is also a good place to see various species of tanagers.

At the feeders it is possible to spot up to 30 species of tanagers, including the famous Multicolored Tanager (Chlorochrysa nitidissima), one of the main objectives of this trip!

Also, other species of birds such as flower piercers, honeycreepers, jay, toucans, woodpeckers, etc.

*Note: If the dates coincide with the nesting season of the Ornate hawk-eagle (spizaetus ornatus). Of course we will go there!

Hotel: Araucana lodge

After breakfast, we will go to Cajamarca, in search of another main target of the trip, the Yellow-eared Parrot (Ognorhynchus icterotis)

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.

In the morning of Day 4, we will head to a special site in the high-elevation cloud forest, where we will focus on photographing one of the most beautiful and sought-after hummingbirds of the Andes: the Rainbow-bearded Thornbill.

This species inhabits higher elevations and, with good light and patience, offers outstanding opportunities to capture its iridescent colors and natural behavior in a stunning Andean setting. This session will be fully photography-oriented, prioritizing angles, clean backgrounds, and soft morning light.

Hotel: Urapanes del Bosque

In the morning, we will begin our journey by visiting a private cloud forest reserve, where we can find several species of hummingbirds, along with a variety of tanager species. If time allows, we will also set up a multi-flash session to enhance photographic opportunities.

One of the main targets here will be the White-tipped Sicklebill (Eutoxeres aquila), a spectacular hummingbird that offers excellent photographic opportunities due to its behavior and use of natural perches. Another key target is the Tolima Blossomcrown (Anthocephala berlepschi), an endemic hummingbird of the region, along with other endemic species characteristic of this area.

After completing our morning activities, we will continue to a beautiful forest, an ideal setting for nature and photography lovers. This habitat offers a great diversity of bird species that regularly visit the feeders, providing outstanding photographic opportunities. Among the species we may observe and photograph are the Clay-colored 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 many others.

This combination of ecosystems makes the day especially rich in species diversity and photographic potential, allowing us to work with different light conditions, backgrounds, and behaviors throughout the day.

 

Hotel: Quo

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). Además podremos ver: 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/evening we will go to our hotel in Manizales.

 

Hotel: Quo

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 hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera).
 

Hotel: Quo

After breakfast we will go to a place located in the paramo area of ” Natural Los Nevados National Park” where it is possible to photograph the endemic Buffy Helmetcrest (Oxypogon stuebelii), which usually approaches the wild flowers of the place; here patience and luck is paramount.

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: Termales del Ruiz

After breakfast, we will head towards Antioquia to photograph the legendary Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola peruvianus), widely regarded as one of the best—if not the best—lekking sites in the world for this iconic species.

This exceptional location is internationally renowned, attracting wildlife photographers from all over the world who travel specifically to experience and photograph this spectacular cotinga in its natural display arena.

The lek offers close-range, unobstructed views, allowing us to capture dramatic images of males displaying their vibrant orange plumage, elaborate courtship movements, and dynamic interactions, often under ideal forest lighting conditions.

Thanks to the birds’ regular activity and the careful management of the site, this experience provides outstanding photographic opportunities, making it one of the true highlights of any Andean bird photography expedition and a must-visit destination for those seeking world-class images of this species.

Hotel: Casa Passiflora

If the previous day was not enough, we will have another opportunity in the morning to continue photographing the iconic Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola peruvianus), taking advantage of optimal morning light and peak activity at the lek. This additional session allows us to refine compositions and capture more dynamic behavioral moments of this world-famous species.

If the previous day was already excellent, we will instead visit another reserve, where our main target will be the extraordinary Oilbird (Steatornis caripensis)—one of the most unique birds in the world. Famous for being nocturnal, cave-dwelling, and fruit-eating, the Oilbird offers a truly rare photographic opportunity and is a highlight for any serious wildlife photographer.

In the afternoon, with our bags packed, we will begin our journey to Río Negro, where we will overnight in preparation for our flight the following morning.

Hotel: Santiago de Arma

After a comfortable night’s rest and a delicious breakfast, we will be ready to begin our journey back home.

Note: It is important to carefully check your flight departure times and ensure you arrive at the airport with sufficient time in advance.

Airport: José María Córdova International Airport (MDE)

Medellin