From:

US$8,454 per person sharing

US$9,051 single room

Group size:

6 guests

Destinations:

Andean mountains & Amazon rainforest, Colombia

Safari dates:

15-29. January 2027

Few countries can rival Colombia when it comes to wildlife and ecosystems. Per square kilometer it is the country with the greatest biodiversity in the entire world, and it holds the title as the country with the biggest number of bird with a count of close to 2.000 different species. This epic tour is designed with the goal of finding and photograph Colombia’s sought-out after and unique avian creatures, but also to discover the diverse habitats and natural richness.

The goal is to give you unique photo opportunities of some of South America’s most impressive and visually stunning bird species. Join us to photograph the mighty Harpy eagle, the world’s most powerful raptor and to many regarded as the holy grail of birds. Few tours offer such good chances of experiencing one of the world’s biggest eagles like this expedition offers as we’ll visit a rainforest reserve dedicated to the protection of the Harpy eagle. We will also observe the iconic Andean condor, one of the world’s heaviest flying birds with a wingspan of over 3 meters! This expedition also offers very good chances of seeing the visual Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock, a specie endemic to the cloud forests of the Andean mountains. Other special birds we’re going to see is different species of toucans, hummingbirds, manakins, quetzals and tanaggers. But even with birds being our main targets for the trip we’ve also added spectacled bears and Andean tapirs to our list. We’re standing a good chance of seeing them since their habitats overlap with tour route that we’ve chosen, and it would be a shame to miss these endemic animals of the Andes.

This isn’t just a thrilling expedition, it’s an extraordinary journey that will take you through fantastic landscapes, from rugged mountain tops to mysterious cloud forests and dense rainforest. Here you have an expedition that shows you remote nature with wildlife and bird species of the highest caliber. Colombia’s wild side awaits you!

Day 1 - Arrival to Bogota:

Welcome to Bogota, the capital of Colombia!

Upon arrival, you’ll be met by our protocol staff that will be waiting for you at the airport to welcome you to Colombia and accompany you on the transfer to your hotel. In the evening you will meet your tour leader and the rest of the group to enjoy a welcome dinner together with, and you will get to know each other and go over the activities planned for the journey.

We’ll be staying the night at Hilton Garden Inn

Day 2 - Chingaza National Park:

Early in the morning, we’ll meet up in the hotel lobby and travel to Chingaza National Park, where our birding activities will begin.

Located just 1.5 hours from the city of Bogotá, Chingaza National Park is a breathtaking sanctuary that protects the unique Páramo ecosystem, stretching from the foothills of the Andes to the majestic peaks of the mountains. This park offers easy access points from the city, featuring diverse sub-páramo and páramo landscapes where shrubs and low-growing vegetation thrive. For birdwatching enthusiasts, Chingaza is a must-visit destination. The best viewing spots are along the unpaved roads, surrounded by the park's distinctive natural habitat. Here, you can immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of the Páramo, particularly famous for its incredible mixed flocks of birds that call this area home. Each moment in this extraordinary environment presents an opportunity to discover and appreciate a wide array of bird species and other wildlife.

Species we’ll be looking for includes coppery-bellied puffleg, purple-backed thornbill, Paramo Seedeater, Black-billed mountain toucan, blue-throated starfrontlet, golden-fronted whitestart, brown-throated parakeet and masked trogon. Chingaza is also a place where we have chances of seeing the spectacled bear. This is South America’s only bear specie, and is endemic to habitats of the Andes mountains.

We’ll spend the full day out on our activities. Snacks will be provided for us, and we’ll have dinner once we’re bucket our hotel, Hilton Garden Inn.

Day 3 - Andes Bird Observatory:

At 2,700 meters above sea level in the enchanting Guasca, Cundinamarca, the Los Andes Observatory offers an immersion into the high-Andean forest ecosystem. This reserve is celebrated for its exclusive Muisca Antpitta and hummingbird observatories, among the around thirty spesies. Whether you’re a dedicated nature enthusiast or an avid birdwatcher, the Los Andes Observatory promises an unforgettable journey into one of Colombia’s most breathtaking natural realms.

We’ll have a full day activity being out to photograph the birds. Snacks will be provided for us, and we’ll have dinner once we’re bucket our hotel, Hilton Garden Inn.

Day 4 - Bogota to San Jose del Guaviare:

On this day, you will take a flight to San José del Guaviare. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the Nowen Wetlands, where you will begin your birdwatching activities.

Along this route, a 4x4 vehicle journey is taken along the national road that connects San José del Guaviare with Villavicencio, Meta. Strategic stops are made along the way, offering excellent opportunities to photograph birds such as the Great Potoo, Horned Screamer, Pearl Kite, Snail Kite, and Point-tailed Palmcreeper, as well as other species like herons, woodpeckers, and raptors. The route ends at the Nowén Bridge wetland, which serves as a connection between the Orinoquía and the Amazon regions.

At the end of the day, you will be taken to Hotel Quinto Nivel, where you can rest, have dinner and prepare for the following day's activities.

Day 5 - Nuevo Tolima:

Just 24 km from San José del Guaviare, you'll reach the village of Nuevo Tolima, located within the protected area of the Serranía La Lindosa, after a one-hour journey in a 4x4 vehicle. From there, you'll begin a 1.8 km walk that blends the serenity of open savannas with the lush tropical rainforest. The trailleads to a lek of the Guianan Cock-of-the-rock, discovered over 15 years ago, where you’ll have a high chance of observing and photographing this stunning species. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to see the Nuevo Tolima rock art mural, estimated to be over 12,000 years old.

Night will be spent at the Hotel Quinto Nivel.

Day 6 - Laguna Negra & Buena Vista:

Just 13 kilometers from the urban center of San José del Guaviare lies the fascinating Laguna Negra, a magical corner hidden among the lush Amazonian vegetation. This destination is a true paradise for nature lovers, not only for its impressive scenic beauty, but also for the extraordinary biodiversity it harbors. To reach this Natural Sanctuary, you will navigate through the enchanting Caño Negro, surrounded by tropical forest. Along the way, you may spot various bird species, primates, and possibly turtles.

Just 2 kilometers from the urban heart of San José del Guaviare, the Puerta de la Amazonia Trail in the village of Buena Vista beckons adventurers. This trail offers a versatile journey, accessible by foot or by boat during the river's peak flood season. Spanning approximately 8 kilometers round trip, this easy-to-moderate trail begins in a stubble area before leading you into a flooded forest brimming with avian delights. The trail boasts an impressive record of over 150 bird species. Highlights include the vibrant Wire-tailed Manakin, the elusive Long-billed Woodcreeper, and the White-eared Jacamar. Notably, this trail is renowned for its exceptional opportunities to spot the coveted Black-spotted Bare-eye, one of the region’s most sought-after bird species.

Night will be spent at the Hotel Quinto Nivel.

Day 7 - Buena Vista to Harpy Eagle reserve:

Early in the morning, you will be transferred to Vista Hermosa and from there to Alto Guapaya, stopping in the local community. Afterwards, you will begin the hike to the Harpy Eagle Reserve. The trail is approximately 3.3 km long and is mostly easy to walk. There are only two short sections with a slope of about 45 degrees, each around 200 meters long. The rest of the trail is mostly flat and winds through the forest, where you may observe some bird species and monkeys.

Upon arrival at the reserve, you will enjoy lunch and then continue with bird and wildlife observation activities. For our stay we’ll be stationed at Raptors Glamping - luxury safari tents designed to combine the atmosphere of jungle with comfort. Each tent is equipped with private bathrooms, showers, solar-powered electricity, natural ventilation, and a private deck with hammocks. These tents allow you to rest in comfort while being surrounded by the calls of monkeys, parrots, and frogs deep in the Colombian rainforest.

Day 8-9 - Harpy Eagle Reserve:

The Harpy Eagle Nature Reserve is a private land with an extension of 250 hectares at the foot of the Serranía de la Macarena, in the Alto Guapaya district of the municipality of Vista Hermosa, in the department of Meta, Colombia. It was established as a conservation program to protect a nesting area of the Harpy eagle and the biodiverse ecosystems it inhabits. The reserve has an extension of 200 hectares of primary forest and 50 hectares of pastures in natural restoration, as well as ample water sources and a high biodiversity of plants and animals. It is possible to observe 7 species of monkeys, among which the woolly monkey and the Ornate titi monkey stand out, as well as other mammals such as the puma and the Ocelot.

The reserve has more than 250 bird species, but it is the mighty Harpy eagle that is our highlight. Being one of the world’s largest eagles and the strongest raptor with talons the same size of a grizzly bear’s claws, it’s still among the world’s most elusive birds. This tour offers one of the best chances in the world to coming face to face with this rare eagle, and the reserve has an incredible view for photography. The access is relatively easy compared to other places where these nests have been reported in the country, and with two full days dedicated to this powerful eagle it’s a special chance, one not to be missed.

Besides the Harpy eagle, other species of birds we might encounter is highlights like black-and-white hawk-eagle, white-chested puffbird, yellow-billed nunbird, golden-headed manakin, purple honeycreeper and rusty-winged antwren.

Day 10 - Harpy eagle Reserve to Bogotá:

In the morning, you will enjoy the latest birdwatching opportunities at the Harpy Eagle Reserve, exploring its trails in search of various species. After breakfast, you will begin the journey back to Bogotá, passing through the breathtaking landscapes of Meta.

This is a travel day, but we’ll stop for sightings and photographic opportunities along the way. Lunch will be provided, and we’ll have dinner when where back at our hotel for the night: Hilton Garden Inn

Day 11 - Bogotá to Popayán & Partesip Reserve:

That day you will take a flight to Popayán. Upon arrival, you will continue with your bird watching activities and have the opportunity to admire the majestic Andean Condor up close.

The Partesip Reserve located just a 20-minute drive from the city of Popayan, features a scenic 2-kilometer trail that winds through a rich tapestry of crops, grasslands, and native forests. With its two thoughtfully designed trails, including a shorter 200-meter path, Partesip offers an extraordinary birdwatching experience right on the doorstep of the urban area. Here, tranquility meets biodiversity, creating the perfect environment for spotting elusive species. Partesip Reserve is renowned for its incredible birdlife, providing easy views of species that are challenging to find elsewhere such as the Blue-headed Sapphire and the striking Green Jay.

Night will be spent at the Hotel Dann Monasterio.

Day 12 - Purace National Park:

Today our main focus will be on the Andean condors, one of the world’s largest birds. In the Andean Condor hide "La Piedra del Cóndor" in Purace National Natural Park, the visitors can witness three or more individuals of this majestic species feeding on carrion just a few meters away, creating an unforgettable experience for photography and birdwatching enthusiasts. In addition to the condors, this area showcases a high Andean forest and páramo, home to a diverse range of species. Accessible by car, though via a dusty unpaved road during the dry season, this destination is surrounded by scattered trees that provide excellent opportunities to spot colorful parrots, toucans, and mixed flocks of tanagers. Immerse in the beauty of nature at this site, where adventure and wildlife await.

Puracé National Park is located two hours from Popayán, and is a jewel in Colombia's central Andean region, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of the Colombian massif. This park, set amidst volcanic cliffs and active volcanoes, offers a picturesque landscape unlike any other. Puracé is the source of Colombia 's most important rivers the Cauca, Magdalena, and Patía transforming it into a vital hydro gem and a haven of biodiversity. The park's varied ecosystems, including high-Andean forests, sub paramo, and paramo landscapes, create a rich tapestry of life. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts will be captivated by the park’s diverse avian residents, including several species with restricted distributions that hold significant importance for Colombia. Species like Carunculated caracara, grey-breasted mountain toucan, golden-crowned tanager, crimson-mantled woodpecker, purple-backed thornbill, barred fruiteater and golden-plumed parakeet can be seen here.

This will be a full day’s activety so lunch will be provided in the field. We’ll also be transphered to our accommodation at ether Movich Casa de Alferez or La Florida Birding where we’ll have dinner. This will be announced as the dates approaches.

Day 13 - La Florida Bosque de las Aves to Pereira:

On the scenic Km 18 ride from Cali to Buenaventura, La Florida El Bosque de las Aves is a premier birdwatching haven and Important Bird Area (IBA). This sanctuary is a showcase of avian diversity, featuring prime spots for vibrant tanagers, majestic toucans, and elusive woodpeckers. Marvel at the rare Chestnut Wood-Quail and capture stunning photos of the dazzling Multicolored Tanager amidst the reserve's finest feeders. La Florida El Bosque de las Aves offers an unparalleled journey into Colombia’s avian wonderland, making it a must-visit destination for us to visit.

Lunch will be provided, and after a long day of birding we’ll be traveling to Pereira. We’ll be staying at ether Mandalay 1941 or Casa Hotel Kumanday. This will be announced as the dates approaches, and here we’ll have dinner.

Day 14 - Otún-Quimbaya Sanctuary:

Today we’ll visit the Otún-Quimbaya Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, located just an hour from Pereira on the western slope of the Central Cordillera. This is a vital refuge dedicated to preserving the watershed of the Otún River, as well as its Andean and high-Andean forests. Established to safeguard these critical ecosystems, the sanctuary has been undergoing a dedicated reforestation process for over 40 years. This ongoing effort has created a crucial biological corridor linking to the well-preserved forests of the upper Los Nevados National Park, enhancing connectivity in the Central Andes. Visitors to Otún-Quimbaya often encounter a diverse range of wildlife, including impressive mammals such as the Mountain Tapir, Crab-eating Fox, and Red Howler Monkeys. The sanctuary, managed by the local community, features a comprehensive community-based program focused on environmental education and conservation. This remarkable initiative has positioned Otún-Quimbaya as one of the country’s premier wildlife and flora sanctuaries, with over 400 bird species recorded within its boundaries. Species we have a chance of observing is cacao guan, Colombian screech-owl, emerald toucanet, hooded ant pitta, rufous-breasted flycatcher, flame-bumped tanager and White-capped tanager.

This will be a full day’s activitie. Lunch will be served in the field. We’ll be staying the night at Sonesta Pereira were we’ll have our last dinner together.

Day 15 - Pereira to home:

Today will be our last morning of our incredible tour. After breakfast we’ll check out from our hotel and head towards the airport. Once we arrive here we’ll say goodby to each others and head home after what’s been two extraordinary weeks in Colombia.

Colombia stands out as the country with the most bird species anywhere else on the planet. With nearly 20% of all the world´s birds, it contains almost 2.000 species. It’s also recognized as one of the world’s most biodiverse places. This expedition is dedicated to show you the insane high variety of Colombia's bird biodiversity, as well as the breathtaking natural beauty.

During our trip we’ll be staying at a wide selection of accommodations from luxury tents to modern hotels. All accommodations are chosen for their locations within close reach of our destinations and target species, many of them are surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

Hilton Garden Inn

Quinto Nivel

Raptors Glamping

Dann Monesterio

Movich Casa de Alferez

Hotel Mandalay

Sonesta Pereira

Tour highlights:

• Experiencing and photographing some of the world’s most beautiful and rare bird species.

• Two full days dedicated to photographing and viewing Harpy eagles in a privat reserve.

• Experiencing the lek of the Guianan Cock-of-the-rock.

• Observing Andean condors soaring high over the Andean mountain peaks.

• Rare chances of seeing the endemic spectal bear and Anderan tapir.

• Exploring Colombia’s natural habitats.

• Staying at stunning, local accommodations that blends into the environment.

Included:

• Privat transfer between airports and hotels.

• Accommodations in double rooms.

• All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast of Day 15.

• Open menu in restaurants and places where it’s available.

• Two snaks daily with fruits, bottled water, etc.

• Water available all the time during transport between places.

• Big bottle to recharge the portable bottles, soda, bottled water or juice with meals.

• All ground transportation, with 4x4 vehicle where it’s necessary.

• All domestic flights in economy class.

• Entrances to reserves ad national parks.

• Colombian event insurance.

• Tour leaders and bird guides.

Excluded:

• International flights.

• Toiletries.

• Laundry service.

• Room service.

• Tips or gratitude.

• Medical expenses.

• Alcoholic drinks.

• International phone calls.

• Activeties not included in the itinerary.

• Extensions of a trip due to circumstances beyond our control.

Get in touch with us by filling out the form below. This expedition is dedicated to show you the insane high variety of Colombia's bird biodiversity. If you love birds, adventure og natural beauty, this expedition is perfect for you.