Central Andes & Northern Colombia Birding Tour

Starting the day off with a bang, we start our day early, as we embark on an ascent into the hills, reaching the expansive Chingaza National Park, spanning an impressive 53,000 hectares and serving as a vital water source for Bogotá. This pristine montane forest is a haven for a plethora of Eastern Andean Highland near-endemics, offering a remarkable birding experience.

The presence of short stunted trees and nearby paramo habitat fosters small mixed roving flocks, where we will diligently seek out treasures like the Rufous-browed Conebill, Silvery-throated Spinetail, and the elusive Pale-bellied Tapaculo. Keep an eye out for the White–faced form of Golden-fronted Whitestart and the White-chinned Thistletail, alongside a stunning array of mountain tanagers, including Black-chested, Buff-breasted, and Scarlet-bellied.

Other targets include Red-crested Cotinga, Pale-naped Brush-finch, Rufus Wren, Superciliared, Black-eared, Black-headed, and Oleaginous Hemispingus, as well as Plushcap, Black-crested Warbler, White-throated Tyrannulet, Rufous Antpitta, and the near-endemic Coppery-bellied Puffleg. With luck, we might even entice an Andean Pygmy-owl to make an appearance, and the elusive Bronze-tailed Thornbills may grace us with their presence.

The endemic Brown-breasted Parakeet is another target, and artificial nest boxes have been strategically placed in the area to ensure the continued survival of this unique species. As we ascend in elevation, our search continues for Tyriant Metaltail, Glossy and Masked Flowerpiercer, Barred Fruiteater, Slaty Brush-finch, White-chinned Thistletail, and Streak-throated Bush-tyrant.

In the afternoon, we’ll obverse more hummingbird feeders, where we have excellent chances to witness the Sword-billed Hummingbirds, Great Sapphirewing, Green Violetear, Sparkling Violetear, Amethyst-throated Sunangel, Black-tailed and Green-tailed Trainbearers, Purple-backed Thornbill, Glowing Puffleg, Coppery-bellied Puffleg, Shining Sunbeam, Blue-throated Starfronlet, Mountain Velvet-breast, and White-bellied Woodstar in their vibrant splendour.

Get ready for a first day filled with incredible birdlife in the heart of Chingaza National Park.

Where you will be staying: Blue Suites Hotel

Our day begins with a flight to Pereira and upon arrival, we’ll embark on a visit to Otún Quimbaya. Situated on the western flank of the Central Cordillera in the department of Risaralda, this reserve is characterized by approximately 90% natural forests in various stages of succession, including mature forests.

As we enter this biodiverse area, strategic stops along the way will allow us to observe a nearby tumbling river. Here, we may be fortunate to spot species such as the Torrent Tyrannulet, Torrent Duck, and White-capped Dipper, adding to the avian treasures of Otún Quimbaya.
In the afternoon, our exploration takes us to a private property adjacent to the town, where an all-year-round active lek of Andean Cock-of-the-rock can be found. This iconic species is generally shy and inconspicuous, making this spot perhaps the best location in Colombia to witness their competitive displays during a lek.

Where you will be staying: Yarumo Blanco

In the early morning, serenaded by the resonant calls of Howler Monkeys, we’ll embark on a tranquil stroll along an open road. This path will lead us to encounters with several coveted bird species, including the elusive Hooded Antpitta and notable endemics such as the Cauca Guan, Multicolored Tanager, and Crested Ant-tanager. Alongside these gems, the area boasts a rich diversity of birdlife, featuring the Red-ruffed Fruitcrow, Andean Motmot, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Chestnut-breasted Wren, Moustached Antpitta, Golden-headed Quetzal, Rusty-winged Barbtail, Plumbeous-crowned Tyrannulet, Ashy-headed Tyrannulet, Black-billed Peppershrike, Rufous-naped Greenlet, and more. Additionally, this locale is renowned as the prime site for observing the enigmatic Mountain Tapir.

Following a satisfying lunch, we’ll proceed towards Manizales.

Where you will be staying: Recinto del Pensamiento Hotel

Rio Blanco, situated just three kilometers northeast of Manizales at an elevation ranging from 2150 meters to 3700 meters, stands as a premier birding destination in Colombia. Renowned for its status as a haven for aficionados of elusive, skulking species, Rio Blanco holds a special place in the country’s birding landscape. Notably, it was the pioneering site in Colombia to establish feeders tailored for birds, particularly antpittas.

This Cloud Forest area is characterized by its rich biodiversity and serves as a sanctuary for numerous endangered species. Hosting a total of 362 bird species, including 13 endemics exclusive to Colombia, Rio Blanco promises a birding experience like no other.

Among the highlights of the reserve is the opportunity to encounter the Brown-banded Antpitta, an endemic species that was once considered almost impossible to observe. Guided by the local warden, our exploration will lead us to multiple feeding areas where we can enjoy close views of this special antpitta. Additionally, we’ll seek out the near-endemic Bicolored Antpitta, the Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, and the charismatic Slaty-crowned Antpitta.

The hummingbird feeders in the area present opportunities to observe various species, including the Long-tailed Sylph, Speckled Hummingbird, Bronzy Inca, Buff-tailed Coronet, and Fawn-breasted Brilliant.

We’ll also be on the lookout for other targets such as the near-endemic White-throated Wedgebill, Pearled Treerunner, Black-capped and Black-eared Hemispingus, Streak-headed Antbird, Lachrymose Mountain-tanager, Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, Andean Motmot, Grass-green Tanager, Golden-plumed Parakeet, Slaty Brush-finch, Green-and-black Fruiteater, Bar-bellied and Crimson-Mantled Woodpeckers, and Grey-browed Brush-finch. Further exploration may reveal the presence of Masked Saltator, Plushcap, Yellow-billed Cacique, Ash-colored Tapaculo, and Ocellated Tapaculo.

Where you will be staying: Recinto del Pensamiento Hotel

Tinamou Reserve, a delightful sanctuary abundant with bird feeders and scenic trails, is nestled in San Peregrino village, just 30 minutes from the city. Encompassing a 15-hectare expanse of dry forest at an elevation of 1,225 meters (4,020 feet), the reserve holds the promise of encountering several endemic species, including the Grayish Piculet, Colombian Chachalaca, and Parker’s Antbird. Other noteworthy specialties that grace this reserve include the Gray-headed Dove, Moustached Puffbird, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Blue-lored Antbird, Jet Antbird, Speckle-breasted Wren, Guira Tanager, and Golden-collared Manakin.

The reserve’s bird feeders offer sightings of near-endemics like the Western Emerald and Scrub Tanager, alongside more common species such as the Green Honeycreeper, Blue-necked Tanager, Andean Motmot, Long-billed Starthroat, Steely-vented Hummingbird, Andean Emerald, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Andean Emerald, Green Hermit, White-vented Plumeleteer, Black-throated Mango, Lesser, Brown, and Sparkling Violetears.

Given the predominant surroundings of coffee plantations during our tour, where Colombian coffee attains worldwide acclaim for its quality, we seize the opportunity to immerse ourselves in an authentic coffee experience at Venecia farm. Commencing with a crafted cup of coffee in a cozy Coffee Lounge, you’ll receive a comprehensive introduction to the world of coffee. This includes insights into the origin and history of coffee, its global distribution, various coffee varieties and qualities, as well as details about the aromas, properties of coffee, and the Coffee Cultural Landscape, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After savouring the perfect cup and energizing ourselves, the interactive tour progresses with a stroll through the plantation, delving deeper into the nuances of coffee cultivation and harvesting. You’ll even have the chance to pick your own coffee beans and explore the wet mill to understand the coffee processing and marketing. Recognizing that roasting is both a science and art, the tour culminates with a tasting session, allowing you to experience the distinct aromas brought out by different grades of roasting. And who knows, we may even squeeze in some birding during this captivating coffee tour!

Where you will be staying: Recinto del Pensamiento Hotel

Los Nevados National Park is nestled below the Ruiz Volcano and spanning an elevation between 2800 m and 4000 m.a.s.l (9180 to 13120 feet), offers a diverse landscape encompassing paddocks, elfin forests, patches of bamboo, Paramos, and an active volcano.

Exploring the elfin forest and paramos within this expansive park unveils a realm of endemic and near-endemic species. Notable among them are the rare and local Rufous-fronted Parakeet and the near-endemic Black-thighed Puffleg. Our birding journey commences in the elfin forests, where we eagerly seek these species alongside the near-endemic Black-backed Bush Tanager and Paramo Tapaculo. Small roving flocks may grace our path, including Hooded Mountain Tanager, Golden-crowned Tanager, Sedge Wren, Plain-coloured Seedeater, Paramo Seedeater, Tawny Antpitta, Stout-billed Cinclodes, Andean Tit-spinetail, Crowned Chat-tyrant, Brown-backed Chat-tyrant, Andean Tit-spinetail, and White-chinned Thistletail.

The primary focus on this magnificent mountain is the endemic Buffy Helmetcrest, an extraordinary bird we’ll search for amid the flowering bushes of Speletia, commonly known as ‘frailejones.’ These unique subshrubs, belonging to the sunflower family, exclusively inhabit the Paramo ecosystem.

Following our birding pursuits, a delightful lunch awaits, complemented by the enchanting setting and feeders at “Termales del Ruiz.” Here, we may encounter a variety of species, including the Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Golden-breasted Puffleg, Shining Sunbeam, and many others, adding to the richness of our birding experience.

Where you will be staying: Hotel Termales Del Ruiz

On the tranquil morning of day 8, we’ll leisurely revel in the charm of the surroundings, taking pleasure in the feeder stations and the natural beauty encircling the hotel. Subsequently, we’ll embark on a transfer to the airport for our flight to Santa Marta, where our next destination awaits in the picturesque village of Minca.

Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Minca offers a birding paradise, highlighting diverse habitats ranging from the dry scrub below to the shade-coffee plantations above. This varied landscape promises an abundance of bird species, including near-endemics like the Golden-winged Sparrow, Scaled Piculet, and Red-billed Emerald. Our birding adventure in Minca may also reveal the charismatic Keel-billed Toucan, Pale-eyed Pygmy-tyrant, Rufous-and-white Wren, and Black-headed Tanager.

The restaurant bird feeders in Minca serve as delightful attractions, drawing in species such as the White-vented Plumeleteer, Rufous-breasted Hermit, Steely-vented Hummingbird, White-necked Jacobin, Black-throated Mango, and Whooping Motmot – each presenting wonderful opportunities for sightings and photography.

Where you will be staying: Hotel Minca La Casona