Welcome to Colombia! Upon arrival in Bogotá, you’ll be transferred to your hotel to rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.
The capital city, set at 2,640 meters (8,660 ft), offers a perfect introduction to the Andean ecosystem and local culture.
Overnight in Bogotá.
(– / – / D) Mercure Bogotá BH or similar

Spend two full days exploring the magnificent Chingaza National Park, one of Colombia’s most iconic protected areas and a vital stronghold for the Andean Bear. Covering over 76,000 hectares (189,000 acres) and rising from 800 to 4,020 meters (2,600–13,190 ft), the park protects a stunning mosaic of páramo grasslands, high-Andean cloud forests, and glacial lagoons that form part of Bogotá’s main water source.

As we ascend into the páramo, we’ll be surrounded by the extraordinary Espeletia (frailejón) giant rosette plants that dominate the high-Andean landscape and provide both habitat and water retention essential to this unique ecosystem. Their silver leaves and surreal silhouettes create an unforgettable photographic setting under the ever-changing light of the mountains.

Our days will be devoted to searching for the region’s remarkable wildlife, including the Andean Bear, South America’s only native bear species. With patience and a bit of luck, we may witness individuals foraging among the Puyas. 

Chingaza is equally rich in birdlife. Among our targets are the Green-bearded Helmetcrest and Bronze-tailed Thornbill, two spectacular high-Andean hummingbirds that thrive in the páramo’s flowering plants. 

Overnight in Bogotá.
(B / L / D) Mercure Bogotá or similar

After a morning flight to Medellín, we embark on a scenic drive through the Cauca Valley, one of Colombia’s most biodiverse inter-Andean regions. Along the route, we’ll make strategic birding stops to look for several regional endemics, including the Red-bellied Grackle, Yellow-headed Manakin, Greenish Puffleg, Antioquia Wren, Grayish Piculet, and Cauca Guan—all highlights of this transition zone between dry forests and humid Andean slopes.

By the afternoon, we’ll reach the charming town of Jardín, nestled in the western flank of the Central Andes. Surrounded by lush cloud forests and coffee plantations, Jardín is renowned for its vibrant biodiversity and traditional paisa architecture that makes it one of Colombia’s most picturesque mountain towns. The area’s montane cloud forests harbor an exceptional concentration of endemic and near-endemic bird species, thriving among tree ferns, bromeliads, and flowering Inga trees.

Before sunset, we’ll visit one of South America’s most accessible Andean Cock-of-the-Rock leks, where the dazzling males perform their courtship displays just a few meters away. The bright crimson plumage, echoing calls, and forest light create one of the most breathtaking bird photography experiences in the Andes.

Overnight in Jardín.
(B / L / D) Hotel Macao or similar

During these two days, we’ll visit Mirador El Roble Reserve, a family-managed property located high above Jardín, surrounded by pristine cloud forest and breathtaking views of the Western Andes. The area harbors exceptional biodiversity, lush mossy forests, bromeliads, and orchids, and offers extraordinary opportunities for bird and wildlife photography.

In recent years, this reserve has gained attention for its occasional visits from a wild Northern Oncilla, a small and exquisitely patterned cat rarely seen in the wild. The local family that owns the reserve developed a unique relationship with this elusive feline. By offering small portions of food, usually fish such as trout, they earned its trust, and the cat now returns sporadically to the property. Although this practice has sparked mixed opinions among visitors, it’s important to note that the Oncilla remains fully wild and free-ranging, moving through the surrounding forest on its own.

This interaction, while unconventional, has also transformed the family’s relationship with their land. Once used for small-scale farming, the property is now being actively conserved and regenerated, sustained by the income generated through birdwatchers and photographers who visit respectfully. Their efforts have helped protect a vital patch of habitat where the Oncilla, along with many bird species, still thrives.

The reserve’s avifauna is outstanding: we’ll search for Chestnut-naped Antpitta, Acorn Woodpecker, and the Chami Antpitta (endemic to the Western Andes), while keeping an eye out for Black-billed Mountain Toucans, Yellow-eared Parrots, and a dazzling variety of hummingbirds such as Long-tailed Sylph, Buff-tailed Coronet, Collared Inca and Speckled Hummingbird visiting the feeders.

Afternoons will be spent exploring the surrounding forest and scenic viewpoints before returning to Jardín, a peaceful Andean town that reflects Colombia’s traditional charm. Beyond its wildlife, El Roble stands as an example of community-based conservation in progress, where local people protect their forest and wildlife while finding sustainable alternatives through ecotourism.

Overnight in Jardín.
(B / L / D) Hotel Macao or similar

This morning, we’ll visit a private reserve near Jardín that protects a striking limestone canyon where the remarkable Oilbird (Steatornis caripensis), known locally as the Guácharo, roosts and nests. These nocturnal, fruit-eating birds are the only ones in the world that navigate using echolocation, much like bats. Entering the canyon at dawn is an unforgettable sensory experience, the sound of their wings and eerie calls echoing through the cliffs creates an atmosphere both mysterious and awe-inspiring.

Beyond this unique birds, the reserve’s feeders attract a dazzling variety of birds, including Northern Emerald Toucanet, Green Jay, and several beautiful tanager species that provide wonderful photographic opportunities.

After this rewarding visit, we’ll continue our scenic drive toward Manizales, traveling through rolling coffee-covered hillsides and misty valleys that mark the transition into the Central Andes, one of Colombia’s richest birding regions.

Overnight in Manizales.
(B / L / D) Hotel Quo or similar

Today we explore the Río Blanco Reserve, one of the most celebrated birding sites in the Andes and a world-renowned destination for its extraordinary Antpitta feeding stations. Few places on Earth allow such close and respectful encounters with these secretive forest dwellers.

With patience and silence, we’ll photograph and observe the Brown-banded Antpitta (endemic to Colombia), Bicolored, Chestnut-crowned, and Slate-crowned Antpittas, as they emerge from the undergrowth for fleeting moments of visibility.

Beyond the antpittas, Río Blanco offers an incredible diversity of Andean birds: White-capped Tanager, Black-billed Mountain-Toucan, Powerful Woodpecker, Golden-plumed Parakeet, and a kaleidoscope of tanagers and hummingbirds visiting the feeders. The reserve’s misty trails and moss-laden trees make it a paradise for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Overnight in Manizales.
(B / L / D) Hotel Quo  or similar

This morning we visit Hacienda El Bosque, a high-Andean private reserve that has become one of the most exciting sites for rare bird observation and photography. The property pioneered the regular, ethical observation of the elusive Crescent-faced Antpitta, one of the most sought-after species in the Andes.

Within its lush forest patches and bamboo thickets, we’ll also search for the Equatorial Antpitta, Barred Fruiteater, and Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan. The combination of altitude, vegetation, and feeding setups allows for exceptional photographic opportunities in natural light. Nearby trails host Golden-crowned Redstart, Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant, and the delicate Purple-backed Thornbill, often shimmering in the early-morning sun.

Overnight in Hacienda el Bosque
(B / L / D)

Today we ascend into the páramo ecosystem of Nevados del Ruiz National Park, one of Colombia’s most dramatic and scenic high-mountain environments. Here, windswept grasslands and frailejones (Espeletia plants) dominate a landscape shaped by volcanic forces and ever-changing light.

Our primary target is the Buffy Helmetcrest (endemic to Colombia’s Central Andes), a spectacular hummingbird adapted to life above 4,000 m (13,000 ft). We’ll also look for Andean Tit-Spinetail, Plumbeous Sierra Finch, Many-striped Canastero, and, with luck, the rare Rufous-fronted Parakeet (endemic).

After a rewarding morning in the field, we return to our lodge to relax in the natural thermal hot springs, surrounded by hummingbird feeders where Sword-billed Hummingbird, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Great Sapphirewing, and Lachrymose Mountain-Tanager often appear just a few meters away.

Overnight in Termales del Ruiz Hotel.
(B / L / D)

After breakfast at Termales del Ruiz Hotel, we begin our descent through the lush Andean valleys toward Pereira, traveling across beautiful coffee-growing landscapes that embody Colombia’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
Depending on flight schedules, there may be time for a relaxed birding stop en route.

Our expedition concludes upon arrival at Pereira Airport, where travelers following the main itinerary will connect with domestic or international flights, carrying unforgettable memories of páramo winds, misty forests, and the vivid colors of Colombia’s Andean biodiversity.

End of services upon arrival in Pereira’s airport.
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If travelers choose to take the Valle del Cauca Extension, this day will differ from the main itinerary.
After breakfast and a short morning exploration in Nevados del Ruiz National Park, we’ll have a second opportunity to photograph the Buffy Helmetcrest or any species we may have missed the previous day.

We’ll then leave the high páramo behind, descending through rolling coffee-covered hills toward the historic town of Buga, located in the warm Valle del Cauca. The changing scenery offers a stunning transition from windswept Andean grasslands to fertile lowland plains alive with birdlife and sugarcane fields, a preview of the contrasting ecosystems we’ll explore in the days ahead.

Overnight in Buga.
(B / L / D)

Today’s adventure takes us to the San Cipriano Rainforest, nestled within the lush tropical lowlands of the Chocó bioregion, one of the most biodiverse and rain-drenched areas on Earth. Getting there is part of the experience , we’ll travel by the region’s famous brujita, a small open platform that glides along old railway tracks, offering a fun and scenic entry into the forest.

Once inside this pristine ecosystem, we’ll spend the day exploring its dense jungle trails and riverine habitats, home to a remarkable concentration of Chocó endemics. Among our key targets are Berlepsch’s Tinamou, Baudo Guan, Tooth-billed Hummingbird, Five-colored Barbet, Chocó Toucan, Sapayoa, Stub-tailed Antbird, Black-tipped Cotinga, and Saffron-headed Parrot.

This forest is alive with sound and movement — parrots crossing the canopy, tanagers flashing through sunlit gaps, and the calls of antbirds echoing through the understory. For photographers and naturalists alike, San Cipriano offers unrivaled opportunities to experience the richness and intensity of the Chocó lowlands.

Overnight at La Florida Lodge.
(B / L / D)

Our final morning will be spent at the La Florida Reserve – Bosque de Aves, located along the famous Km 18 ridge near Cali. This beautiful mid-elevation cloud forest, surrounded by lush vegetation and hummingbird-filled gardens, is one of Colombia’s most rewarding birding sites.

Fruit and nectar feeders here attract an extraordinary variety of species, including the dazzling Multicolored Tanager (endemic to Colombia), Saffron-crowned Tanager, Golden Tanager, Chestnut Wood-Quail, Scaled Antpitta, and Green Jay. The air is alive with the buzz of hummingbirds such as Long-tailed Sylph, White-booted Racket-tail, and many others, providing superb photographic opportunities to close the trip.

After a relaxed lunch and a final round of birding and photography, we’ll transfer to Cali Airport for outbound flights — marking the conclusion of our unforgettable Western Andes Extension.

End of extension upon arrival at Cali Airport.
(B / L / –)