Full Colombia Birding Paradise
This birding tour offers a journey through Colombia’s richest and most diverse landscapes, from the unique Santa Marta Mountains in the north to the southern Andes, where Colombia’s main rivers originate. Beginning in the isolated Santa Marta mountain range, we will then explore the lush Upper Magdalena Valley and the towering Puracé volcano in the southern Andes. Continuing west, we visit the renowned “KM 18” area in the Western Andes, famed for its hummingbirds and tanagers. The tour concludes in the expansive lowlands of Los Llanos, where Andean foothills meet savannas rich in birdlife. This adventure captures Colombia’s unparalleled ecological diversity, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for passionate birdwatchers.
Tour at a Glance
Day 1: Arrival in Santa Marta and overnight at Hotel Hilton Garden Inn
Day 2: Transfer and Birding Santa Marta Mountains
Day 3: Exploring San Lorenzo Ridge
Day 4: Birding in the Santa Marta Mountains
Day 5: Santa Marta – Bogotá – Pitalito
Day 6: Birding at El Encanto Nature Reserve
Day 7: Drymophyla Reserve and Transfer to Puracé for overnight
Day 8: Puracé National Park and La Piedra del Condor – Transfer to Popayán
Day 9: Transfer to KM 18
Day 10: Birding at KM 18
Day 11: Birding at Doña Dora
Day 12: Cali to Bogotá – Transfer to Restrepo, Meta
Day 13: Birding in Restrepo
Day 14: Birding in Restrepo
Day 15: Bosque Bavaria – Transfer to Bogotá Airport
Itinerary
Click the day to expand.
Arrival in Santa Marta and overnight at Hotel Hilton Garden Inn
Arrive in Santa Marta, where you will be greeted and transferred to your accommodation at the Hilton Garden Inn. Settle in and take time to relax in this coastal city as you prepare for the birding adventures ahead.
Species:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L21092721/bird-list
Today, we will journey into the renowned Santa Marta Mountains, one of the world’s most biodiverse mountain ranges. Enjoy the day birdwatching and exploring, with opportunities to see a variety of endemic and rare species. Overnight in the Santa Marta region.
Exploring San Lorenzo Ridge
We start early, heading to San Lorenzo Ridge at an altitude of 2,700 meters above sea level. This day is dedicated to searching for bird species that thrive in the higher-elevation cloud forests. After a rewarding day on the ridge, we return to our lodge for the evening.
Species:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L652746/bird-list
Birding in the Santa Marta Mountains
Our exploration of the Santa Marta Mountains continues with visits to diverse habitats. We will seek out unique species of hummingbirds and tanagers, along with other endemic birds. Enjoy your final night in this iconic mountain range.
Species:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1161669/bird-list
Santa Marta – Bogotá – Pitalito
Today, we will depart from Santa Marta and fly to Bogotá, continuing to Pitalito in the upper Magdalena valley. This transition from the coast to the Andes offers stunning scenery, where we will have additional birding stops before reaching our accommodation in Pitalito.
Birding at El Encanto Nature Reserve
Spend the day in El Encanto Nature Reserve, home to over 350 bird species. This reserve, created by former coffee farmers, offers a blend of forested trails and bird-friendly coffee plantations. We will explore feeding stations that attract a variety of hummingbirds and tanagers.
Species:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L5654916/bird-list
Drymophyla Reserve and transfer to Puracé for overnight
Today, we will visit the Drymophyla Reserve, located at an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level. Here, the mountain rainforest supports unique bird species distinct from those at El Encanto. Afterward, we will continue our journey into Puracé, where we will stay overnight.
Species:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L27775283/bird-list
Puracé National Park and La Piedra del Condor – Transfer to Popayán
Explore Puracé National Park, known for its volcanic landscapes and high-altitude habitats, including páramo ecosystems. We will search for specialized bird species and visit La Piedra del Condor, where Andean condors are frequently spotted. Later, we will transfer to the historic town of Popayán for the night.
Species:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L4762772/bird-list
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L3402094/bird-list
Transfer to KM 18
Today, we will head north through the scenic Cauca Valley and ascend into the Western Andes to reach KM 18. This area is famous for its abundant birdlife, with colourful tanagers and a wide array of hummingbird species. We will check into our hotel for the next three nights.
Birding at KM 18
The entire day will be spent exploring KM 18 and its surrounding areas, including private reserves within the mountain rainforest. Guided birding tours reveal the region’s incredible diversity, and we will have plenty of chances to observe birds from fruit-feeding stations.
Species:
Birding at Doña Dora
We will visit Doña Dora’s renowned “backyard” birding spot, famous for its hummingbirds and other small, colourful bird species. Enjoy a unique birdwatching experience while savouring local refreshments in this exceptional setting.
Species:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L10440585/bird-list
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L4375590/bird-list
An early morning departure and take flight from Cali to Bogotá, followed by a transfer to the eastern lowlands of Restrepo, Meta, located in the westernmost part of Los Llanos. This area’s savanna-like terrain, rivers, and gallery forests provide the perfect habitat for a variety of bird species.
Birding in Restrepo
Using Rancho Camana as our base, we will explore the surrounding lowlands in search of diverse bird species and other wildlife, such as the elusive Giant Anteater. This region offers an impressive array of habitats, each supporting different bird species.
Birding in Restrepo
We will spend another day venturing through Restrepo’s unique landscapes. With chances to observe a variety of colourful birds, this region will provide unforgettable encounters as we make the most of our last full day of birding.
Our journey concludes with an early drive to Villavicencio and a final birding stop at Bosque Bavaria, a hidden gem at the base of the eastern Andes. After some final birdwatching, we will transfer to Bogotá’s International Airport for departure, bidding farewell to Colombia’s incredible biodiversity.
Included
Private transportation services from day 1 to day 15 as described in the program.
Transfer in, at airports: Santa Marta – day 1, Pitalito – day 5, Bogota – day 12.
Transfer out, from airports: Santa Marta – day 5, Cali day 12.
All meals (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) plus one soft drink included from Breakfast on day 2, to Lunch on day 15.
Accommodation at a 3-star hotel at every destination, as described in the program, in a shared Twin Standard Room.
Entrance fees and permits to natural reserves and local communities.
Private English-speaking birding expert guide from day 1 to day 15 (includes all meals, accommodation and domestic flights).
Local guides where applicable.
Private drivers during the entire trip.
Tour design and logistics.
Excluded
Domestic flights
Laundry service
Tips
Medical expenses and travel insurance
Alcoholic drinks
Phone calls
Other activities and services not outlined in the proposal
Hotel incidentals (Additional restaurant and bar charges, room service, etc.)
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