Western and Central Andes of Colombia Private Photographic Birding Tour
A private 13-day bird photography journey through Colombia’s Western and Central Andes, combining feeders, accessible forest roads, reserves and high-altitude habitats selected for photographic opportunities.
About this tour
Designed for bird photographers, this private route links productive reserves and feeding stations across Colombia’s Western and Central Andes. The journey begins near Cali and continues through Anchicaya, Sonso Lagoon, Anaime, Manizales and Jardin, finishing in Medellin.
Cloud forest, Choco-influenced slopes, tropical dry forest and high-elevation paramo provide a wide range of settings. Carefully positioned hummingbird, tanager and antpitta feeders create opportunities for close photography, while wetlands, forest roads and reserve trails add flight, habitat and environmental images. The route also reaches elevations of about 4,100 meters in Los Nevados National Park.
Endemic and range-restricted birds shape the photographic priorities, but no species or image opportunity is guaranteed. Field time and the order of stops can change with weather, light, access and bird activity. Current dates, transport and accommodation arrangements are confirmed through BirdWatch for each private departure.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Colombia.
Organizer
Itinerary
Day 1
Km 18 Cloud forest - La Araucana lodge
Fly to Cali in the morning and climb into cloud forest around Km 18 and San Antonio. Begin with forest and feeder photography before continuing to La Araucana lodge. Golden-headed Quetzal and a broad mix of Andean birds are among the possible subjects.
Day 2
Km 18 - Bird feeding stations
Work among the feeder stations maintained by farms around Km 18. Hummingbirds, tanagers and Chestnut Wood-Quail can approach established feeding areas, creating opportunities for close images. Multicolored Tanager is a leading endemic priority for the day.
Day 3
High Anchicayá valley
Photograph along the upper Anchicaya Valley road, using canopy views and hummingbird and tanager feeders to explore the Choco bird community. The paved route allows stops at different elevations and backgrounds as light and activity change.
Day 4
Sonso lagoon
Visit Sonso Lagoon near Buga for birds of tropical dry forest, the Cauca River and seasonally flooded wetlands. Aquatic birds may gather where rainfall has inundated the reserve, while Grayish Piculet and Apical Flycatcher are among the endemic priorities.
Day 5
Anaime: Parrot's forests
Travel into the highlands above Anaime for Andean parrots. The upper forest is used to search for the critically endangered Indigo-winged Parrot, while Quindio Wax Palms lower on the route support Yellow-eared Parrots. Observation distance and activity determine the photographic possibilities.
Day 6
Anaime: El Retorno del Colibrí reserve
Spend the day at El Retorno del Colibri Reserve near Anaime. Feeders and surrounding habitat support Tolima endemics and other colorful subjects, including Tolima Blossomcrown, Tolima Dove and White-tipped Sicklebill. Photographing priorities are adjusted to light and feeder activity.
Day 7
Tinamú Birding Reserve
Explore Tinamu Birding Reserve, where subtropical forest survives within an agricultural landscape. Comfortable trails, lookout points and feeding areas offer opportunities with both forest and edge species. Overnight arrangements keep the route positioned for the Manizales section.
Day 8
Río Blanco reserve
Visit Rio Blanco Reserve for its antpitta and hummingbird feeding stations. The photographic list names three antpittas—Brown-banded, Chestnut-crowned and Slate-crowned—alongside a diverse group of highland hummingbirds. Activity at feeders remains naturally variable.
Day 9
Hacienda El Bosque
Photograph at Hacienda El Bosque in the Central Andes. Forest protected within the cattle ranch supports antpittas and other high-elevation birds, with Equatorial and Crescent-faced antpittas among the principal feeder-based priorities. Trails and mountain scenery provide additional settings.
Day 10
Los Nevados NP and Paramo del Ruiz
Enter Los Nevados National Park and climb through upper forest into paramo. At elevations approaching 4,100 meters, the search focuses on Buffy Helmetcrest and other cold-adapted birds among frailejones and grassland. Weather, altitude and light govern the pace of the session.
Day 11
El Color de mis Reves
Use the feeders at El Color de mi Reves near Manizales for close photographs of tanagers, toucans, antpittas and hummingbirds. Black-billed Mountain-Toucan, Bicolored Antpitta and Hooded Mountain-Tanager are among the published priorities. Background and light can be selected as activity permits.
Day 12
Mirador El Roble and Alto de Ventanas
Begin at Mirador El Roble, where feeders may provide another opportunity with Chestnut Wood-Quail and colorful mountain tanagers. Continue to Alto de Ventanas for Yellow-eared Parrots and other forest subjects. Any encounter with the rarely seen Andean Tiger Cat is incidental and not promised.
Day 13
Oilbird reserve
Finish at the Oilbird Reserve, where daylight observation conditions can allow photography of a species usually associated with dark caves. Torrent Duck, Crested Ant-Tanager and Red-bellied Grackle add further possible subjects before the final transfer to 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 Valley - 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.)
- Anaime - Colombia (Habitat, access and local conditions are confirmed for the private departure.)
- El Retorno del Colibri Reserve - Colombia (Habitat, access and local conditions are confirmed for the private departure.)
- Tinamu Birding Reserve - 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.)
- Los Nevados National Park - 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.)
- El Color de Mis Reves - Colombia (Habitat, access and local conditions are confirmed for the private departure.)
- Mirador El Roble - Colombia (Habitat, access and local conditions are confirmed for the private departure.)
- Alto de Ventanas - Colombia (Habitat, access and local conditions are confirmed for the private departure.)
- Oilbird Reserve - 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 10 - 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, and snacks - 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: Cali, Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport | 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.