Andean Essentials Private Birding Trip in Colombia
A private 13-day introduction to Colombia’s Eastern, Central and Western Andes, with cloud forest, Choco foothills, Cauca Valley wetlands and a broad range of endemic and near-endemic birds.
About this tour
This private journey crosses the Western and Central Andes from Cali to Medellin, combining several of Colombia’s established birding areas in one continuous route. It begins in cloud forest near Cali, descends toward Choco-influenced lowlands, then works north through Tatama, Otun-Quimbaya, Manizales and Jardin.
Daily habitats range from tropical dry forest and Pacific rainforest to montane forest and paramo above 4,000 meters. Feeders, forest roads, reserve trails and wetlands provide complementary field settings. Montezuma, Rio Blanco and Hacienda El Bosque are central stops, while Sonso Lagoon and the Cauca Valley introduce lowland and aquatic species.
The programme is designed around regional endemics and other localized Andean birds, with the sequence adjusted when weather, access or altitude requires it. The final day reaches Medellin after birding near Jardin and the Cauca River. Private dates and current logistical arrangements are confirmed through BirdWatch.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Colombia.
Organizer
Itinerary
Day 0
Arrive to Cali - Km 18
Arrive in Cali, meet the guide and transfer toward the Km 18 area. The welcome meeting covers field plans and practical details, with an introductory birding session possible when arrival time allows. Overnight in the Cali region.
Day 1
Km 18 area
Explore farms and forest around Km 18 on the ridge of the Western Cordillera. Hummingbird and tanager feeders complement cloud-forest birding, with Multicolored Tanager and Chestnut Wood-Quail among the important local priorities. Return to the same area for the night.
Day 2
High Anchicayá canyon
Follow the paved road through the upper Anchicaya Canyon, where canopy-level views and feeder stations provide access to Choco-region birds. Stops are selected according to activity across the elevation gradient. Overnight arrangements remain in the western Cali region.
Day 3
San Cipriano
Travel into the Pacific rainforest at San Cipriano, reaching the community by its distinctive rail transport from Cordoba. Bird forest trails near the village and river, with the day shaped around local access and tropical conditions. Return after the field session.
Day 4
Sonso lagoon forest. Drive to Montezuma
Begin at Sonso Lagoon near Buga, searching tropical dry-forest patches, the Cauca River edge and seasonally flooded areas for local and aquatic birds. Continue north after the morning session for the transfer to Montezuma. Overnight near Tatama National Park.
Day 5
Montezuma High-mid section. 2440 - 1800m
Start high on the Montezuma road and work through upper and middle elevations on the western side of Tatama National Park. The transition between Choco and Tropical Andes habitats supports a large group of localized birds. Spend the night at Montezuma.
Day 6
Montezuma mid-lower section. 2000-1350 m
Concentrate on Montezuma’s middle and lower sections, where the bird community changes with elevation. Black-and-gold Tanager and other Choco-Andean specialties are among the day’s search priorities. Return to the lodge after a full field session.
Day 7
Montezuma lower section. Drive to Otún-Quimbaya Sanctuary.
Use the lower Montezuma road for remaining targets before lunch, then make the approximately three-and-a-half-hour transfer to Otun-Quimbaya. Roadside stops may be used for Torrent Duck, Turquoise Dacnis or White-capped Dipper when time permits. Overnight near La Florida village.
Day 8
Otún-Quimbaya Sanctuary
Bird the forest of Otun-Quimbaya Sanctuary, a compact protected area known for Cauca Guan, Crested Ant-Tanager and other restricted-range birds. Trails also provide opportunities for mixed flocks and forest species associated with the Central Andes. Continue to the next base after the field day.
Day 9
Río Blanco reserve
Visit Rio Blanco Reserve above Manizales, where antpitta feeding stations and hummingbird feeders are integrated into forest birding. Brown-banded, Chestnut-crowned, Slate-crowned and Bicolored antpittas are named priorities, subject to current activity. Overnight in the Manizales area.
Day 10
Hacienda El Bosque and Paramo del Ruiz
Travel higher into the Central Andes to Hacienda El Bosque and the paramo zone near Ruiz. Forest, pasture edges and feeding stations provide opportunities for high-Andean birds, including Crescent-faced Antpitta among the principal searches. Prepare for cold and altitude at elevations around 3,000 meters and above.
Day 11
Paramo del Ruiz and Los Termales road - drive to Riosucio
Explore Los Nevados National Park and the Los Termales road, moving through upper forest into paramo dominated by frailejones and grasses. The route can reach approximately 4,100 meters, so field time is paced for altitude and weather. Continue toward Riosucio after birding.
Day 12
Riosucio - Jardín road: Mirador El Roble and the Yellow-eared Parrot reserve
Visit Mirador El Roble for Chami Antpitta and birds using the feeding areas, then continue toward the Yellow-eared Parrot reserve. The mountain road toward Jardin provides further forest stops as conditions allow. Overnight in Jardin.
Day 13
Andean Cock-of-the-rock Lek and the Cauca river's tropical dry forest.
Begin near Jardin at an Andean Cock-of-the-rock display site, then drive toward Medellin. Stop in remaining tropical dry-forest patches along the Cauca River for endemic and regional birds before completing the journey in Medellin.
Locations & map
- Cali - Colombia (Habitat, access and local conditions are confirmed for the private departure.)
- Km 18 - Colombia (Habitat, access and local conditions are confirmed for the private departure.)
- High Anchicaya Canyon - Colombia (Habitat, access and local conditions are confirmed for the private departure.)
- San Cipriano - Colombia (Habitat, access and local conditions are confirmed for the private departure.)
- Sonso Lagoon - Colombia (Habitat, access and local conditions are confirmed for the private departure.)
- Montezuma - Colombia (Habitat, access and local conditions are confirmed for the private departure.)
- Otun-Quimbaya Sanctuary - Colombia (Habitat, access and local conditions are confirmed for the private departure.)
- Rio Blanco Reserve - Colombia (Habitat, access and local conditions are confirmed for the private departure.)
- Hacienda El Bosque - Colombia (Habitat, access and local conditions are confirmed for the private departure.)
- Paramo del Ruiz - Colombia (Habitat, access and local conditions are confirmed for the private departure.)
- Los Termales Road - Colombia (Habitat, access and local conditions are confirmed for the private departure.)
- Riosucio - Colombia (Habitat, access and local conditions are confirmed for the private departure.)
- Jardin - Colombia (Habitat, access and local conditions are confirmed for the private departure.)
- Medellin - Colombia (Habitat, access and local conditions are confirmed for the private departure.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: All year; private dates confirmed after inquiry
Price: Price on request
Included
- Expert birding bilingual tour guide - Reconfirm with the current private proposal.
- Hotel accomodation from day 0 to day 13 - Reconfirm with the current private proposal.
- 1 domestic flight (extra domestic flight depends on departure airport) - Reconfirm with the current private proposal.
- Terrestrial transportation: Van/mini bus and 4 WD transportation when required - Reconfirm with the current private proposal.
- Entrance fees to parks, farms and reserves - Reconfirm with the current private proposal.
- 3 complete meals, water, snacks and other freebies - Reconfirm with the current private proposal.
Not included
- Tips - Reconfirm with the current private proposal.
- Alcoholic beverages - Reconfirm with the current private proposal.
- Mini bar expenses - Reconfirm with the current private proposal.
- Laundry and/or room service - Reconfirm with the current private proposal.
- Other items not mentioned above - Reconfirm with the current private proposal.
Transport & stays
- Private road transport and route-specific transfer The source describes vans/minibuses, 4WD vehicles and, on some routes, domestic flights or covered motorboats. Exact logistics are confirmed with the final proposal. | Meet: Bogota or Cali international airport, as agreed | Pickup: Airport or agreed hotel pickup according to the route
Accommodations
- Route accommodation Confirmed after inquiry
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Are departure dates fixed?
No. This is a private tour and dates are arranged around the guests’ availability.
Can the route focus on target birds or photography?
Yes. Targets, pace and photography priorities are discussed before the final route is confirmed.
How is the current price confirmed?
The current price, currency, group basis, deposit and payment schedule are supplied with the private proposal after inquiry.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.