Colombia Birding Tour – Western & Central Andes – Birds & Coffee

Our birding adventure begins with the first light at La Romera, a park renowned as one of the Aburrá Valley’s most vital natural areas, situated at 2600 meters above sea level (8530 feet). Here, our focus will be on highly restricted regional endemics, including the Red-bellied Grackle and Stiles’s Tapaculo, as well as the near-endemic Yellow-headed Manakin. Commoner species like the Andean Motmot, Red-headed Barbet, Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant, Sickle-winged Guan, Marble-faced Bristle-Tyrant, and Black-billed Peppershrike will also be on our checklist. Following this, our journey takes us towards the Western Andes.

A birding stop in the Cauca Valley, specifically in the Bolombolo area, promises encounters with three endemics: the Greyish Piculet, Apical Flycatcher, and Antioquia Wren (discovered in 2010). Additionally, we’ll spot several low-altitude species like the Squirrel Cuckoo, Tropical Gnatcatcher, Bay-headed Tanager, Scrub Greenlet, and more. As we ascend into the bird-rich western Andes of Colombia, our next destination is the charming town of Jardín. Nestled in the southwest region of Antioquia, Jardín is celebrated for its preserved colonial architecture, lush vegetation, and abundant rivers and streams. Amidst the beautiful rural architecture inspired by old Spanish houses, we’ll also seize excellent birding opportunities around the township.

It will be a fun and exciting day to kick-off the tour!

Where you will be staying: Casa Passiflora Hotel Boutique

Located at an elevation of 1900 meters above sea level (6233 feet), “Finca la Bambusa” is a quaint property nestled in a well-preserved patch of forest amidst shade-coffee cultivation. The lush garden adorned with bird feeders not only provides excellent photography opportunities but also hosts a diverse array of bird species. Among the notable sightings are the endemic Colombian Chachalaca, alongside Red-headed Barbet, Flame-rumped Tanager, Thick-billed Euphonia, Clay-colored Thrush, Scrub Tanager, Blue-necked Tanager, Green Honeycreeper, and Bay-headed Tanager. In the surrounding area, we may also search for the endemic Parker’s Antbird and the Bronze-winged Parrot.

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: Casa Passiflora Hotel Boutique

The Ventanas Area, situated approximately 1.5 hours from the township of Jardín in Antioquia, along the road connecting to Riosucio, Caldas, holds significant importance as the Yellow-eared Parrot Reserve established by PROAVES, a Colombian NGO. Located at an elevation of 2600 meters above sea level (8530 feet), this reserve is dedicated to the preservation of the endemic and endangered Yellow-eared Parrot, rediscovered there in 2001. Our primary focus will be on this iconic species, and the area also offers sightings of other noteworthy birds, including the less common Tanager Finch and Chestnut-bellied Cotinga.

During our visit, we’ll have the unique opportunity to meet a charming rural family who has successfully attracted the Chamí Antpitta (a recently described species resulting from the split of the Rufous Antpitta complex) and Chestnut-naped Antpitta to a worm feeder. Other interesting species in the area include the Black-billed Mountain-toucan, Black-collared Jay, Grass-green Tanager, Mountain Cacique, and Rufous Spinetail. In the afternoon, we’ll be transferred to Manizales, a journey of approximately 5 hours.

Where you will be staying: Hotel Tinamu

The Tinamou Reserve, a delightful sanctuary teeming with bird feeders and scenic trails, is located in San Peregrino village, just 30 minutes from the city. Nestled in a 15-hectare dry forest at an elevation of 1,225 meters above sea level (4020 feet), this reserve offers a rich biodiversity. Our quest here includes several endemics such as the Grayish Piculet, Colombian Chachalaca, and Parker’s Antbird. Additional specialties to be sought after include the Gray-headed Dove, Moustached Puffbird, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Andean Motmot, Blue-lored Antbird, Jet Antbird, Speckle-breasted Wren, Guira Tanager, and Golden-collared Manakin.

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

Given that the tour predominantly explores areas surrounded by coffee plantations, renowned for producing some of the highest-quality Colombian coffee, we seize the opportunity for an authentic coffee experience at Venecia farm. Beginning with a craft cup of coffee in a cozy Coffee Lounge, you’ll receive a comprehensive introduction to the world of coffee, covering its origin, history, varieties, qualities, aromas, and the UNESCO-listed Coffee Cultural Landscape. Energized and informed, the interactive tour continues with a stroll through the plantation to understand the growth and harvesting processes. You’ll even have the chance to pick your own beans and visit the wet mill for insights into coffee processing. The experience concludes with a tasting session where you can explore the different aromas brought out by various roasting grades. We may also incorporate a bit of birding during the coffee tour.

Where you will be staying: Hotel Tinamu

Rio Blanco stands out as one of Colombia’s premier birding sites, particularly attracting enthusiasts of elusive, skulking species. Located three kilometers northeast of Manizales, ranging from 2150 meters to 3700 meters, this Cloud Forest area boasts high biodiversity and serves as a sanctuary for numerous endangered species. With a total of 362 bird species, including 13 endemics to Colombia, Rio Blanco is a haven for birdwatchers.

The reserve pioneered the development of bird feeders, specifically designed for antpittas, making it a trailblazer in birding conservation efforts. Guided by the local warden, our journey into the reserve will lead us to multiple feeding areas, offering close encounters with the once elusive Brown-banded Antpitta, the near-endemic Bicolored Antpitta, Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, and the charismatic Slaty-crowned Antpittas.

Hummingbird feeders in the area attract unique species such as the Long-tailed Sylph, Speckled Hummingbird, Bronzy Inca, Buff-tailed Coronet, and Fawn-breasted Brilliant.

We’ll also be on the lookout for target species 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, as well as the Grey-browed Brush-finch. Further exploration may reveal sightings of the Masked Saltator, Plushcap, Yellow-billed Cacique, Ash-colored Tapaculo, and Ocellated Tapaculo. Rio Blanco promises an immersive and rewarding birding experience in the heart of Colombia’s rich landscape.

Where you will be staying: Hotel Termales Del Ruiz

Hacienda el Bosque, a traditional hacienda conveniently located just 30 minutes from Manizales, offers a unique blend of ecosystems ranging from pastures for livestock and dairy production to extensive high Andean and Paramo forests, protected for over 40 years. With an altitude gradient from 2,800 to 3,900 meters (9,514 to 12,790 feet), this hacienda serves as a haven for diverse bird species.

The property features several feeder stations strategically placed for hummingbirds and tanagers, providing opportunities to spot Collared Inca, White-bellied Woodstar, Mountain Velvetbreast, Sparkling Violetear, Lesser Violetear, Tourmaline Sunangel, Tyrian Metaltail, Buff-Winged Starfrontlet, and the sought-after Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan. However, the true highlights are the feeders attracting one of the most enigmatic antpitta species, the Crescent-faced Antpitta, alongside the Central Andes member of the Rufous Antpitta complex, the Equatorial Antpitta.

Following an immersive birding experience at Hacienda el Bosque, we’ll enjoy a delightful lunch and explore the wonderful feeders and location of “Termales del Ruiz.” Here, sightings may include the Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Golden-breasted Puffleg, Shining Sunbeam, and numerous other avian wonders. This hacienda and the adjacent Termales del Ruiz offer a perfect combination for bird enthusiasts seeking diverse and captivating birding experiences in the Colombian Andes.

Where you will be staying: Hotel Termales Del Ruiz

Los Nevados National Park is situated beneath the towering Ruiz Volcano, spans an elevation range from 2800 meters to 4000 meters above sea level (9180 to 13120 feet). This vast and diverse park encompasses paddocks, elfin forests, bamboo patches, Paramos, and an active volcano.

Within the elfin forests and Paramos of this expansive park, we’ll seek out endemic species, including the rare and local Rufous-fronted Parakeet, and the near-endemic Black-thighed Puffleg. Our birding endeavors will also focus on other notable species like the near-endemic Black-backed Bush Tanager, Paramo Tapaculo, and the possibility of encountering small roving flocks containing 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 target in this stunning mountainous landscape is the endemic Buffy Helmetcrest. To spot this remarkable bird, we’ll focus our efforts around the flowering bushes of Speletia, commonly known as ‘frailejones,’ a unique type of subshrub in the sunflower family that inhabits the Paramo ecosystem exclusively.

Where you will be staying: Hotel Termales Del Ruiz