10-Day Central and Western Andes Colombia Birding Tour
A 10-day Montes Andinos birdwatching route through the central and western Andes of Colombia, from Cali to Medellin.
About this tour
This Montes Andinos birding journey crosses the Central and Western Andes of Colombia, using birding hotspots in Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, Caldas and Antioquia.
The route combines cloud forest, rain forest, Andean forest, lower-elevation reserves and high mountain habitats. It is designed for birdwatchers and nature photographers looking for Colombian endemic, near-endemic and rare species.
Local guides, community lodging, transport and food logistics are part of the experience, with each day focused on practical access to birding areas between Cali, Pereira, Manizales, Jardin and Medellin.
The wider route area has more than 1,200 recorded bird species, with key sites including El Cedral, Montezuma Rain Forest, Dona Dora, La Florida, Tinamu, Hacienda El Bosque, Los Nevados and Jardin.
Birds you can spot
Rupicola peruvianus
target
Pipreola arcuata
target
Geranoaetus melanoleucus
target
Penelope perspicax
target
Trogon collaris
target
Heliodoxa imperatrix
target
Manacus vitellinus
target
Cyanocorax yncas
target
Hemithraupis guira
target
Grallaricula cucullata
target
Crypturellus soui
target
Eubucco bourcierii
target
Pyroderus scutatus
target
Aglaeactis cupripennis
target
Chamaepetes goudotii
target
Tangara icterocephala
target
Grallaria quitensis
target
Merganetta armata
target
Semnornis ramphastinus
target
Aglaiocercus coelestis
target
Metallura williami
target
Ognorhynchus icterotis
target
Guides
Itinerary ▼
Begin from Cali airport and continue toward La Florida for the first birding session. This section is about 44 km and 1 hour 20 minutes of driving.
Travel from La Florida Lodge to Dona Dora Lodge in the Dagua / Anchicaya area for cloud-forest birding in Valle del Cauca. This section is about 37 km and 1 hour.
Continue from La Florida / Dona Dora through Sonso Lagoon toward the Pereira area and Kumanday Lodge. This section is about 240 km and 4 hours 30 minutes.
Bird the Otun Quimbaya / El Cedral area, then continue toward Montezuma Rain Forest. This section is about 111 km and 2 hours 40 minutes.
Spend a full birding day in the Montezuma Rain Forest / Tatama National Natural Park area, known for Gold-ringed Tanager, Black-and-gold Tanager, Purple-throated Woodstar, Empress Brilliant and Violet-tailed Sylph.
Travel from Montezuma toward Tinamu Lodge near Manizales for lower-elevation Caldas birding. This section is about 115 km and 2 hours 45 minutes.
Bird Hacienda El Bosque and the Los Nevados National Park access area for Andean and paramo species such as Barred Fruiteater, Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Masked Flowerpiercer, Buffy Helmetcrest and Viridian Metaltail.
Transfer from Tinamu Lodge to Jardin in Antioquia, crossing from Caldas toward one of the classic Western Andes birding towns. This section is about 206 km and 3 hours 45 minutes.
Full birding day around Jardin, Alto Ventanas and Mirador El Roble, with Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Yellow-eared Parrot and Chami Antpitta among the highlighted targets.
Final transfer from Jardin through Bolombolo to Medellin. This section is about 154 km and 3 hours 30 minutes.
Locations & map
- Cali - Valle del Cauca Colombia (Airport access and first birding day toward La Florida.)
- La Florida - Valle del Cauca Colombia (Birdwatching area near Cali with Sickle-winged Guan, Chestnut Wood-Quail and Greenish Puffleg.)
- Dona Dora Lodge - Valle del Cauca Colombia (Dagua / Valle del Cauca birding lodge area with Toucan Barbet, Silver-throated Tanager, Flame-faced Tanager and Moustached Puffbird.)
- Montezuma Rain Forest - Risaralda / Choco border Colombia (Tatama National Natural Park access for Gold-ringed Tanager, Black-and-gold Tanager and hummingbirds.)
- Tinamu Birding - Caldas Colombia (Lower-elevation Caldas birding lodge area for Little Tinamou, Guira Tanager and Golden-collared Manakin.)
- Hacienda El Bosque - Caldas Colombia (Andean birding area near Manizales with Barred Fruiteater, Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan and Masked Flowerpiercer.)
- Los Nevados National Natural Park - Caldas Colombia (High-elevation paramo and Andean birding for Buffy Helmetcrest, Viridian Metaltail and other mountain targets.)
- Jardin - Antioquia Colombia (Western Andes town with Andean Cock-of-the-rock lek and access toward Alto Ventanas / Mirador El Roble.)
- Medellin - Antioquia Colombia (Final city after the Jardin and Bolombolo transfer.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Available by request; Montes Andinos also lists personalized birding tours year-round. Current departure dates are provi
Included
- Birding guide and tour leadership - Local guides and a tour leader are described as part of Montes Andinos birding logistics.
- Ground transport during the route - The PDF route lists road transfers between the birding sites.
- Community lodging and meals - Local lodging and food logistics are part of the route planning.
- Route planning and birding logistics - The itinerary is built around hotspots in the central and western Andes.
Not included
- International flights - Flights to Colombia are not listed as included.
- Personal expenses and drinks - Personal extras should be paid separately unless confirmed in the final quote.
- Itinerary modifications - Changes or additions require a new quote.
Transport & stays
- Private ground transport Road transfers are listed between Cali, Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, Caldas, Jardin and Medellin. | Meet: Cali airport or confirmed point after inquiry. | Pickup: Confirmed after inquiry through BirdWatch.info.
Accommodations
- La Florida Lodge (days 1-2) Rural lodge rooms
- Hotel Kumanday (day 3) Hotel rooms
- Montezuma Rain Forest Lodge (days 4-5) Rain forest lodge rooms
- Tinamu Birding (days 6-7) Birding lodge rooms
- Hotel Valdivia Jardin (days 8-9) Hotel rooms
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Is this route suitable for photographers?
Yes. The itinerary includes birding and photography opportunities across multiple hotspots; photography pace and priorities can be set before booking.
Can the itinerary be modified?
Yes. Montes Andinos notes that changes or additions to the itinerary require a new quote.