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.

In addition, during these days, we will have the opportunity to take multi-flash photography, in which we will be able to obtain very beautiful photos of hummingbirds in flight and perched near the feeders.

Multiflash in Araucana Lodge

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 photographs of very beautiful hummingbirds in the area,

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.

 

The next day, we will dedicate the entire day to searching for the Rainbow-

bearded Thornbill. In the afternoon, we will return for another photo

session at the parrot nests, if necessary.

On the third day at this location, we will start the morning with a multiflash

session to capture spectacular images of hummingbirds in flight. Then, we

will head to San Miguel Reserve in search of tanagers and later continue

our journey to Tinamu.

Hotel: Urapanes del Bosque | Hotel: Tianmu Lodge

 In 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: 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). Multi-flash.

 

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).
 

Also, along these days 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/evening we will go to our hotel in Manizales.

 

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.

 

Here we will stay all the day to take the wished photos of this hummingbird,

because it can’t be see in other places.

 

Hotel: Termales del Ruiz

 If the previous day was not enough, or if the weather was not in our favor,

we can dedicate the morning of this day again to the Buffy Helmetcrest.

Once we have taken our photographs, we will head to the hot springs,

where there are spots to observe other bird species.

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 famous

Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola peruvianus).

Hotel: Casa Passiflora

If the previous day wasn’t enough, we’ll have another opportunity in

the morning to photograph the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. In case the

previous day was excellent, we’ll head to Bambusa Farm in search of other

bird species. In the afternoon, with our bags packed, we’ll embark on our

journey to Rio Negro.

Hotel: Santiago de Arma

After a comfortable rest and a delicious breakfast, we’ll be ready to return

home.

Note: It’s important to check the departure times of flights and arrive at

the airport with enough time.

Airport: José María Córdova International Airport (MDE)