Private 10-Day Andes-to-Amazon Colombia Birding Journey with Alboreo
Follow Colombia’s ecological gradient on a private 10-day journey from Cali’s Pacific-slope Andes through dry forest and wetlands to Amazonian Putumayo.
About this tour
This private 10-day journey follows a broad ecological descent from cloud forest on the Pacific side of the Andes outside Cali to lowland Amazonian habitat in Putumayo. Between those endpoints, the route samples Western Andean mountain forest, drier valleys, wetlands and tropical lowlands, allowing bird communities to change with elevation, rainfall and habitat.
Representative possibilities include Hooded Antpitta, Toucan Barbet, Multicolored Tanager, Red-bellied Grackle and Chestnut Wood-Quail. Community reserves and family-run conservation areas form part of the route. Sightings remain conditional on weather and bird behaviour, and the focus is on sustained observation rather than a fixed list.
The tour is designed for one to four guests with bilingual guidance throughout. Private ground transport, nine nights of accommodation, reserve entrances, insurance and meals from dinner on day one through breakfast on day ten are included. Travel days normally involve two to four hours in the vehicle with birding stops when useful, while the principal field days are mostly on foot. Conditions range from cool cloud-forest mornings to warm, humid Amazonian lowlands, so layered rain-ready clothing is important.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Colombia.
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Cali and the Western Andes
Meet in Cali and begin birding along the Pacific-slope and Western Andean portion of the route. The first field sessions introduce cloud-forest birds and the elevation changes that shape the journey.
Day 2
Andean corridor, dry forest and wetlands
Continue through the mountain-to-lowland corridor over the middle part of the itinerary, combining cloud forest, drier valleys and wetland habitat. Travel days typically involve two to four hours by private vehicle, broken by useful birding stops, while dedicated field days concentrate on foot-based observation.
Day 8
Descent into Putumayo
Enter the warmer and more humid Amazonian lowlands of Putumayo. Birding shifts toward tropical forest species, with early and late sessions used when conditions are cooler and activity is stronger.
Day 10
Final Putumayo birding
Use the final morning for lowland birding before the confirmed onward arrangement. The precise finish is coordinated with the guest’s departure plan.
Locations & map
- Cali - Valle del Cauca Colombia (Starting hub for the Western Andes and Pacific-slope route.)
- Western Andes cloud forest - Valle del Cauca Colombia (Pacific-slope cloud forest and endemic-rich mountain habitat.)
- Putumayo Amazon lowlands - Putumayo Colombia (Warm, humid Amazonian forest and lowland bird communities.)
3 stops in itinerary order. Select a marker for its name.
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Available year-round on request.
Price: Price on request
Transport & stays
- Private ground transport Comfortable private vehicles suitable for mountain and rural roads throughout the route. | Meet: Confirmed point in Cali | Pickup: Airport or hotel pickup is coordinated after inquiry.
Accommodations
- Route hotels and lodges Comfortable hotel or lodge accommodation
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
How much driving is involved?
Travel days generally involve two to four hours of driving, with birding stops when conditions allow.
Can dietary needs be accommodated?
Vegetarian, vegan and allergy-related needs can be accommodated when shared in advance.
Are endemic sightings guaranteed?
No wild sighting is guaranteed; the route is selected for productive habitats and reliable opportunities.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.