itinerary
colombia magical realism
Colombia Bird Photo Adventure
"Where Every Click Tells a Tale of Colombia's Feathered Symphony"
Day 1: Arrival in Cali
Airport Pickup and Hotel Transfer. Upon your flight’s arrival in Cali, our team will provide transportation to your chosen hotel. Settle in and join us for an informative briefing during dinner, setting the stage for an exciting journey ahead.
LODGING: Hotel in Cali
Day 2: Doña Dora
Embark on a scenic journey to the renowned Alto-Anchicaya basin, where Queremal unfolds its wonders. Marvel at Choco endemics and rare avian gems like the Toucan Barbet, Green Thorntail, Empress Brilliant, Glistening-green Tanager, and the endemic Black-headed Brushfinch, among a diverse array of captivating species.
LODGING: Araucana
Day 3: Doña Dora
Enjoy another captivating experience in the Queremal area, delving deeper into its rich avian scenery to seek out the elusive birds we may have missed on the previous day.
LODGING: Araucana
Day 4: La Florida
Join us in exploring the most beautiful area for birding in Cali- Kilómetro 18. This area is an integral part of the renowned San Antonio cloud forest. Arrive at Finca La Florida, where hummingbird feeders beckon encounters with the striking Bronzy Inca and the unique Multicolored Tanager—a splendid endemic. Immerse yourself in the vibrant scenery of tanagers and hummingbirds that call this enchanting forest home.
LODGING: Araucana.
Day 5: Bosque de Niebla
Explore another area within Kilómetro 18: Bosque de Niebla. Seize photographic moments with the Blue-naped Chlorophonia, encounter the elusive Little Tinamou, the endemic Chestnut Wood-Quail, and an abundance of tanagers and hummingbirds.
LODGING: Araucana
Day 6: San Felipe – Drive to Manizales
Experience yet another area within Kilómetro 18: San Felipe. Revel in the sights of the Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush, the elusive Chestnut Wood-Quail, the enchanting Scaled Antpitta, and an array of tanagers and hummingbirds, providing picturesque moments.
In the afternoon, a scenic 5-hour drive takes us to Manizales.
LODGING: Recinto del Pensamiento.
Day 7: Rio Blanco
Venture on an exploration to Rio Blanco Nature Reserve, nestled just above Manizales. In the morning, view various antpitta feeders. With a touch of patience, catch glimpses of the vulnerable and endemic Brown-banded Antpitta, the elusive Bicolored Antpitta, the swift Slate-crowned Antpitta, and the bold Chestnut-crowned Antpitta. Seek out the vibrant Green-and-black Fruiteater, the majestic Black-billed Mountain-toucan, the ethereal Long-tailed Sylph, and a host of other captivating species.
LODGING: Recinto del Pensamiento
Day 8: Hacienda el Bosque
Explore Hacienda El Bosque, nestled near the CHEC forest reserve. This idyllic spot offers a splendid opportunity to encounter the local and elusive Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan, the vibrant Barred Fruiteater, and the photogenic Crescent-faced Antpitta, amidst a backdrop of mountain tanagers and hummingbirds.
LODGING: Recinto del Pensamiento
Day 9: PNN Los Nevados
Embark on a morning birding expedition in PNN Nevados and its buffer zone. Seek out the treasures of the high Andes, encountering specialties and endemics such as the Andean Duck, vibrant Buffy Helmetcrest, elusive Tawny Antpitta, and the distinctive Pale-naped Brushfinch.
The afternoon offers leisure at the Hotel Termales del Ruiz, where hot springs invite relaxation. Delight in sightings at the feeders, home to the Great Sapphirewing, Shining Sunbeam, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, and various mountain tanagers.
LODGING: Hotel Termales del Ruiz.
Day 10: Termales del Ruiz and drive to Tinamú
Dedicate the morning to exploring the rich biodiversity near Termales del Ruiz, seeking sightings of the elusive Tawny Antpitta, along with a vibrant array of hummingbirds and mountain tanagers. Immerse yourself in the natural wonders surrounding the hotel. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic transfer to Tinamú Reserve.
LODGING: Tinamú Reserve
Day 11: Tinamu
Immerse yourself in a full day of exploration within the Tinamú reserve. Capture excellent photographic moments as you observe species at the feeders, including the enchanting Grey-headed Tanager, the near-endemic Scrub Tanager, and the striking Guira Tanager. Traverse scenic trails, providing opportunities to encounter the Golden-collared Manakin, the Cocoa Woodcreeper, the serene Grey-headed Dove, the lively Speckle-breasted Wren, the charismatic Moustached Puffbird, and a plethora of captivating flycatchers.
LODGING: Tinamú Reserve
Day 12: Homeward Journey from Tinamú to Pereira Airport
Bid farewell to the enchanting landscapes of Tinamú as we arrive at the Pereira airport, marking the end of this captivating avian odyssey.
Your exploration through Colombia’s rich birdlife has come to an end. We hope the memories created during this exploration will linger as cherished moments of connection with nature’s wonders. Safe travels on your onward journey!
