Colombia Orchids and Natural Wonders of the Western and Central Andes
The route considers areas of influence of fascinating biodiverse regions concentrating efforts in the areas where magnificent specialties of Colombian nature (Flora and Fauna), are possible and can be seen even though populations are restricted and climate conditions condition the observation. During the trip, many orchid genera and the amazing diversity of landscapes, plants, birds and insects among others are possible. The ideal season to see Dracula blooming is November, which is the rainy season, and other in situ genera of orchids can also be seen during this month, such as Masdevallia, Oncidium, Lepanthes, Cyrthocilum, Telipogon, Prescottia, Epidendrum, Pleurothallis, Caucaea, Stelis, Maxillaria, Sobralia, and Elleanthusamong, amongst others.
Tour at a Glance
Day 1: International arrival in Pereira, overnight at a hotel in Pereira
Day 2: Transfer to Tatamá National Natural Park, overnight at Montezuma Lodge
Day 3: Explore Montezuma upper section
Day 4: Explore Montezuma middle section
Day 5: Visit Barbas Bremen area and Kiraikai Reserve, overnight at a hotel in Salento
Day 6: Transfer to Quindio Botanical Garden, overnight at a hotel in Cali
Day 7: Visit Farallones de Cali National Natural Park and El Descanso Doña Dora, overnight in Cali
day 8: Visit Bosque de San Antonio. After lunch transfer to Cali airport for international departure
Itinerary
Click the day to expand.
International arrival in Colombia to Matecaña International Airport in Pereira. Private transfer to Sonesta Hotel to rest.
After breakfast at the hotel, the journey starts with a transfer to Tatamá National Natural Park. Explore the low area of the Montezuma Road in search of orchid species in the area. Overnight at Montezuma Lodge.
Notes/Species: Possible to see lots of species of different genera such as Maxillaria speciosa, Lepanthes felis, Porroglossum eduardi, Masdevallia hortensis, Ophidion pleurothallopsis, Pleurothallis silverstonei, Brachionidium imperialis and even get it to the hundred species if you are lucky to catch them in bloom!
In the morning, road trip to the upper part of the Montezuma Road exploring different genera of orchids. Transfer back to Montezuma Lodge for overnight.
Notes/Species: Many birds can be spotted; some of the specialties are Munchique Wood-wren (E), Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer (E), Tatama Tapaculo (E), Gold-ringed Tanager, Yellow-breasted Antpitta (NE), Orange-breasted Fruiteater (NE), Tanager Finch (NE), White-faced Nunbird, Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonia, Yellow-collared Chlorophonia, Ocellated Tapaculo, Black-and-gold Tanager (E), Parker’s Antbird (E), Nariño Tapaculo (E), Choco Vireo (E), Empress Brilliant (NE), Toucan Barbet (NE), Bar-crested Anthrike (NE), Beautiful Jay (NE), Purple-throated Woodstar (NE), Black Solitaire (NE), Violet-tailed Sylph, White-tailed Hillstar, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, Spillman’s Tapaculo, Streak-capped Treehunter, Linnetaed Foliage-gleaner, Olivaceous Piha, Blackish Rail.
In the morning road trip to the middle area of the Montezuma Road in search of Dracula carcinopsis and other orchid genera typical of this altitude. Return to Montezuma Lodge for overnight.
Early start towards the Central Mountain range, visit the Barbas Bremen area where the Kiraikai Reserve is located and transfer to Salento town.
Overnight at Salento Real Hotel.
Notes/Species: Some of the species of interest are: Colombian Red Howler Monkey (Alouatta seniculus), Cauca Poison Frog (Andinobates bombetes), Colombian Oak tree (Quercus humboldtii) among other natural
wonders.
After breakfast, transfer to Quindio Botanical Garden and continue to your Hotel in Cali. Overnight at Hampton by Hilton Hotel.
Notes/Species: Salento is an iconic Andean town in Colombia with colourful colonial houses and craft shops.
The Quindio Botanical Garden has a unique palm tree collection, an impressive butterfly garden and bird feeders located in a forest with more than 600 species of plants.
In the morning, visit Farallones de Cali National Natural Park, El Queremal area at El Descanso Doña Dora in search of Phragmipedium andreettae population.
Transfer back to Cali Hampton by Hilton Hotel for overnight.
El Descanso Doña Dora is considered by many, the best backyard bird feeder location since you can enjoy a great variety of amazing colourful tanagers and hummingbirds of the Choco bioregion.
Notes/Species: Some potential orchids are Maxillaria embreei, M. meridensis, M. brevifolia. Pleurothallids like Acianthera casapensis, Pleurothallis giraldoi, P. cordata. Lepanthes manabina (Green form), L.
smaragdina, L. acarina, Lepanthopsis acuminate, Masdevallia nidifica, M. picturata, M. amanda, Neooreophilus pseudocaulescens, Epidendrum
lacustre, E. catillus, Sobralia virginalis, S. crocea, Chondroscaphe amabilis, Otoglossum globuliferum, Elleanthus aureus, Cyrtochilum divaricatum and Pleurothallopsis microptera.
Potential spotting of Dracula ophioceps and other nature in general. Visit a private Orchid collection with around 650 different species of orchids.
In the morning, visit Bosque de San Antonio in search of Dracula chimaera. Lunch in San Antonio area. Transfer to Cali airport for international departure.
Included
Private ground transportation services, including 4X4 vehicles where applicable, from day 1 to day 8
Transfers-in/out
Breakfasts at hotels, or boxed Breakfasts where applicable
Snacks and water
All meals (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) from Breakfast on day 2, to Lunch on day 8
One soft drink with each meal, per person
Accommodation at a 3-star hotel at every destination, in a Shared Twin Standard Room
Entrance fees and permits to natural reserves and local communities
Private English-speaking orchid expert guide from day 2 to day 8
Private drivers during the entire trip
Tour design and logistics
Excluded
International flights and taxes
Single supplement
Wire transfer and bank fees
Personal equipment
Laundry service
Tips
Medical expenses and travel insurance
Alcoholic drinks
Phone calls
Hotel incidentals (Additional restaurant and bar charges, room service, etc.)
Other activities and services not outlined in the program
Image Gallery
