In just 11 days and 10 nights, an extraordinary adventure awaits you. Get ready to immerse yourself in a thrilling bird photography expedition through Colombia's majestic Andes Range. Venture into diverse and untamed landscapes, where every moment offers the possibility of capturing the rarest and most beautiful birds on Earth. This is not just a trip—it's an adventure for explorers and nature lovers eager to experience the wild magic of avian wonders.

Day 0. Medellín (José María Córdova International Airport) - Jardín

Pick up at San José María Córdova International Airport in Medellín, then head to Jardín, a four-hour drive. Overnight Jardín.

Day 1. Jardin

Today, we will visit two reserves to photograph three emblematic Birds, targets: Oilbird, Red-bellied Grackle [endemic], Crested Ant-Tanager [endemic], Black-chested Jay, Torrent duck, Southern-emerald Toucanet and the enigmatic Andean Cock of the Rock, among many others. Transfer to Mistrato. Overnight Mistrato.

Day 2. Mistrato

Today we wake up in the middle of the Western Andes Range to photograph the emblematic Black and Gold Tanager (Endemic), Violet-tailed Sylph, Velvet-purple Coronet, Club-winged Manakin, Andean Motmot and Crowned Woodnymph, among others. Then, a road trip to Chinchiná, 2 hours away. Overnight Chinchiná.

Day 3. Chinchina

Today, we spent the day photographing the Blue-necked Tanager, Andean Motmot, Crimson-backed Toucanet, Bay-headed Tanager, Torrent Ducks, and Turquoise Dacnis (endemic) among many others. Then road trip to Manizales. Overnight: Manizales, 1 hour away.

Day 4. Manizales

Today, we visited several spots to photograph different birds, including the Crescent-faced Antpitta, Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan, and Barred Fruiteater, among others, as well as hummingbirds and tanagers. Overnight: Manizales.

Day 5. Manizales

Today, we will visit National Park Los Nevados (one hour away) to photograph the Buffy Helmetcrest (Endemic), as well as some tanagers, including the Hooded Mountain-Tanager, the Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager, the Rainbow-bearded Thorbill and the Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager. We will also spot Antpittas and Hummingbirds. Overnight: Manizales.

Day 6. Manizales

Today, we will head to the mountains to photograph two specific species: the Black-billed Mountain Toucan, the Bicolored Antpitta, and possibly the Ocellated Tapaculo. We will also photograph hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and tanagers. Transfer to Armenia. Overnight: Armenia. 3-hour transfer.

Day 7. Finlandia

Early in the morning, go to a private reserve 30 minutes away that has one of the most exotic birds in Colombia, the emblematic Red-ruffed Fruitcrow, among many others. Transfer to Buga: 5 hours. Overnight: Km 18.

Day 8. Km 18.

Today, we spent all morning photographing the Multicoloured Tanager (Endemic), Chestnut Wood-Quail (Endemic), Little Tinamu, Toucanets, Tanagers, and Hummingbirds.

Day 9. Dagua.

Today, we will focus on photographing the Toucan Barbet, Glistering-green Tanager, Spot-crowned Barbet, and Green Thorntail, among other birds. Overnight: km 18.

Day 10. Km 18 - (Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport, Cali).

We'll spend the morning photographing in the reserve. After lunch, we'll drop you off at the airport in time for your flight home.
RETORNO Home.

• Photography equipment with at least two batteries and ample memory card capacity.

• You can bring an external drive, which is necessary for downloading photos daily. Recommended: 10 Terabytes per photographer.

• A computer for editing photos.

• Waterproof clothing for rain and quick-drying clothing.

• Camera rain cover.

• Bring silica gel to store equipment overnight and prevent moisture.

• Sunscreen, hat, or cap.

• Insect Repellent

• Waterproof trekking boots.

• Layers to keep you warm on days 5, 6 and 7, when we are at a high altitude.

• Please ensure your camera is ready with the correct settings for Bird Photography, Hummingbird photography, and mammal photography. We do not recommend changing the settings during the tour. If you ask for help, it is your responsibility.

Retorno does not provide equipment rental or loan services; each individual must bring cameras, lenses, batteries, memory cards, and a computer to carry out the activity under optimal conditions.

Retorno is not responsible if you cannot photograph properly; you are responsible for being ready, alert, and familiar with your camera.

• WE DO NOT GUARANTEE THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF ANY SPECIES

• Payment must be completed before the tour begins, with 50% due upon booking and the remaining 50% due 30 days prior to the expedition's start date.

• These prices are valid until december 30/2026.

• Payment by wire transfer and We Travel is 3% recharge; however, payments made by credit card or PayPal are subject to a 5.8% recharge.

The rates I've provided apply to bookings made in 2026 for tours taking place in either 2026 or 2027. Each January, prices will be adjusted based on the previous year's Colombian CPI (Consumer Price Index/inflation rate). For example, in January 2027, the current prices will be increased by 2026's inflation rate, and this updated pricing will apply to bookings made in 2027 for tours taking place in 2027 or 2028.