KEEPING NATURE TOURS

Birds Of The Colombian Andes

Sep 12 | 2025 | The Andes

Discover Colombia's Birding Paradise: Birds of the Colombian Andes Tour

Birds Photo Tour | Andes Mountain Range

Join us on an unforgettable birding tour through the breathtaking landscapes of the Colombian Andes, home to the greatest variety of bird species in the world. Colombia’s incredible diversity of habitats makes it a premier destination for birdwatchers and photographers alike.

During this immersive tour, you’ll explore cloud forests, high-altitude páramos, and lush valleys, all while capturing stunning images of some of the rarest and most colorful bird species on the planet. From vibrant hummingbirds to majestic Andean condors, this experience will take you closer to nature, providing endless photographic opportunities in one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.

Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher, a nature photographer, or someone looking to connect with the wonders of Colombia’s wildlife, this birding tour is designed to ignite your passion for avian conservation and photography. Don’t miss your chance to witness why Colombia is the ultimate birding destination!

  • Embark on an unparalleled bird photography journey through Colombia’s Central and Western Andes, a region renowned for its avian diversity and breathtaking landscapes. This meticulously crafted tour offers photographers of all levels the opportunity to capture some of the most elusive and vibrant bird species in their natural habitats.
  • From the misty cloud forests of La Florida to the rich biodiversity of Río Blanco, each location has been selected for its unique birding opportunities and photographic potential. You’ll have the chance to photograph endemic species such as the Multicolored Tanager (Chlorochrysa nitidissima) and the Crescent-faced Antpitta (Grallaricula lineifrons), among others.
  • Guided by experienced birding professionals, you’ll receive personalized assistance to enhance your photography skills, whether you’re capturing hummingbirds in flight or composing the perfect landscape shot. The tour also emphasizes responsible tourism, supporting local communities and conservation efforts throughout the region.
  • Join us for an unforgettable experience that combines the thrill of birdwatching with the art of photography, all set against the stunning backdrop of Colombia’s Andes.

Our tour is thoughtfully designed to support bird photographers of all levels—whether you’re a beginner eager to improve or an experienced shooter looking to refine your craft. You’ll receive practical, field-based assistance to help you capture Colombia’s most iconic and elusive birds.

  • Expert Guidance in Bird Photography. Benefit from personalized instruction to photograph challenging species like the Crescent-faced Antpitta and the Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan. Our instructors will guide you through key aspects such as tracking techniques, anticipating bird behavior, and composing dynamic, storytelling images in natural environments.
  • Hands-On Learning Across Diverse Habitats. From lush cloud forests to the stark beauty of the páramo, each location presents unique lighting and terrain challenges. Our team will help you adapt your settings and approach to ensure consistent image quality across a wide variety of ecosystems and conditions.
  • Equipment Optimization and Technical Support. Whether you’re shooting with DSLR or mirrorless systems, we’ll assist you in selecting the right focal length, dialing in optimal exposure settings, and using tools like monopods or tripods efficiently. You’ll learn how to maximize sharpness, depth of field, and background separation to elevate the impact of your images.

Our goal is to help you return not just with unforgettable memories, but with a refined visual portfolio that showcases the avian wonders of Colombia’s Andes.

  • Telephoto Lens (400 mm – 600 mm): Essential for bird photography, especially when capturing species from a distance. This lens allows you to achieve detailed shots without getting too close—ideal for photographing birds in flight or in their natural behavior with minimal disturbance.

  • Teleconverter: For those looking to extend the reach of their telephoto lens, a high-quality teleconverter offers valuable extra zoom without significantly compromising sharpness. It’s a practical tool for photographing distant birds or hard-to-reach scenes with added flexibility.

  • Sturdy Tripod with Ball Head: A stable, portable tripod is crucial when using long lenses, particularly during extended observation or in low-light conditions. The ball head allows for fast and accurate adjustments, ensuring perfect framing for every shot.

  • Dryobates nigricepsBar-bellied Woodpecker

  • Pipreola arcuataBarred Fruiteater

  • Bangsia melanochlamysBlack-and-gold Tanager

  • Andigena nigrirostrisBlack-billed Mountain-Toucan

  • Dubusia taeniataBuff-breasted Mountain Tanager

  • Chlorophonia pyrrhophrysChestnut-breasted Chlorophonia

  • Grallaria ruficapillaChestnut-crowned Antpitta

  • Machaeropterus deliciosusClub-winged Manakin

  • Coeligena torquataCollared Inca

  • Grallaricula lineifronsCrescent-faced Antpitta

  • Andigena hypoglaucaGray-breasted Mountain-Toucan

  • Arremon assimilisGray-browed Brushfinch

  • Buthraupis montanaHooded Mountain-Tanager

  • Lafresnaya lafresnayiMountain Velvetbreast

  • Campephilus pollensPowerful Woodpecker

  • Grallaria rufulaRufous Antpitta

  • Ampelioides tschudiiScaled Fruiteater

  • Ensifera ensiferaSword-billed Hummingbird

  • Anthocephala berlepschiTolima Blossomcrown

  • Megascops albogularisWhite-throated Screech-Owl

Jhonattan is an expert in wildlife photography, he has captured with his lens the most amazing species of birds and herpets.

 Jhonattan Vanegas

Biologist, Herpetologist, and Nature Photographer

One of the best amphibian, reptile and wildlife photographers in Colombia. He leads workshops and photographic tours. He is a biologist and expert in macro-photography, full-time nature photographer and leading tour guide in Colombia.He has published 14 scientific articles contributing to the knowledge and conservation of various species in Colombia. His photographic work has taken him to explore every corner of the country. His photos have been featured in magazines such as Enfoque Visual, RowZine, and the Catalog of Amphibians and Reptiles of Colombia, among others. He won the environmental advocacy category in the Agenda del Mar photography competition (2022). He uses photography and biology as tools to promote conservation through various initiatives, contributing to a deeper understanding of species’ behaviors and their interactions with ecosystems. These two passions have allowed him to offer a unique perspective on the hidden and unknown world beneath the mysterious landscapes of Colombia’s mountains and plains, aiming to create a bridge between memory and nature.

Day 1 | Welcome to Colombia | La Florida El Bosque De Las Aves

Your adventure begins at 6:00 AM with a meeting point in Cali (Valle del Cauca). At 6:20 AM, we will head to Km 18, arriving at the stunning Bosque de Niebla Birding and Nature site at 7:20 AM. After enjoying breakfast at 7:30 AM, we will dive into the first birdwatching and photographic activities starting at 8:00 AM. After a morning full of bird sightings, we will break for lunch at 1:00 PM, followed by another session of bird photography in the afternoon. At 4:00 PM, we will begin our journey to Queremal, where we will arrive by 5:30 PM and settle into the hotel. Dinner will be served at 6:30 PM, followed by some well-deserved rest.

Day 2 | Valle del Cauca | Doña Dora Birding

An early start awaits at 4:30 AM as we travel to Doña Dora Birding. At 4:50 AM, we will begin a hike to observe the magnificent Cock of the Rock (Rupicola peruvianus) in its natural habitat. After this exciting experience, we will return by 7:30 AM and enjoy breakfast at 8:00 AM. The rest of the morning will be filled with photography activities, capturing the vibrant bird species of the area. After lunch at 1:00 PM, we’ll continue with more photography in the afternoon. At 4:00 PM, we will head to Buga, arriving at Guadalajara de Buga (Valle del Cauca) by 7:00 PM, where we will check in and relax over dinner at 7:30 PM.

Day 3 | Valle del Cauca | Laguna de Sonso

The day will start with breakfast at 9:00 AM. At 10:00 AM, we will head out for a photography walk, focusing on birds or macro shots. After a midday break and lunch at 1:00 PM, we will continue with an afternoon photography session at 3:00 PM, capturing birds, macro details, or landscapes with natural light. After dinner at 6:00 PM, a night walk will follow at 7:00 PM to photograph more frogs, lizards, and snakes, concluding our day’s adventure by 11:00 PM.

Day 4 | Quindío | El Retorno de los Colibríes Reserva Natural

We will hit the road early, leaving Cajamarca at 5:00 AM for the Yellow-eared Parrot (Ognorhynchus icterotis) watching site. Upon arrival at 6:30 AM, we will begin birdwatching before having breakfast on the go around 8:00 AM. By 9:00 AM, we will continue with photographic activities before heading to El Retorno de los Colibríes for more bird photography, focusing on hummingbirds. Lunch will be at 1:00 PM. At 4:00 PM, we’ll travel to Armenia, arriving by 6:00 PM for dinner and rest at 6:30 PM.

Day 5 | Tolima | Reserva Natural La Rivera

At 7:00 AM, we will drive to the Reserva Natural La Rivera, arriving around 7:45 AM for breakfast. Our morning will be filled with photography activities, focusing on the region’s incredible biodiversity. After a lunch at 1:00 PM, we will set off for Mistrató at 2:00 PM. By 4:30 PM, we will arrive and check into the lodging, ready for a relaxing evening with dinner and rest at 6:30 PM.

Day 6 |Risaralda | Bird’s Home Mistrató

At 6:00 AM, we will leave the lodge and travel to Birds Home Mistrató, arriving by 6:40 AM for breakfast. The morning will be dedicated to birdwatching activities, providing plenty of opportunities for stunning bird photography. After lunch at 1:00 PM, we will head to Manizales, arriving by 5:00 PM for dinner and a well-deserved rest at 6:30 PM.

Day 7 | Caldas | Tinamú Birding

Our day starts at 6:00 AM as we drive to Tinamú Birding. After a 40-minute journey, we’ll arrive at 6:40 AM for breakfast. The birdwatching activities begin at 7:30 AM, where we’ll encounter a variety of species in this beautiful reserve. Lunch will be served at 1:00 PM, and by 4:30 PM, we will return to Manizales for dinner and rest at 6:30 PM.

Day 8 | Caldas | Río Blanco Reserva Natural

At 6:00 AM, we will make our way to the Río Blanco Natural Reserve, arriving at 7:00 AM for breakfast. The morning will be spent birdwatching, capturing some of the region’s rare and exotic species through photography. After a lunch at 1:00 PM, we will return to Manizales at 4:30 PM, where dinner will be ready at 6:30 PM, followed by an evening of relaxation.

Day 9 | Caldas | Termales del Ruiz

We will depart at 6:00 AM for Termales del Ruiz, arriving at 7:00 AM for breakfast. After fueling up, we will embark on birdwatching activities, enjoying the unique fauna and thermal springs of the region. Lunch will be at 1:00 PM, followed by a return to Manizales at 4:30 PM, where we will conclude the day with dinner and rest at 6:30 PM.

Day 10 | Caldas | El Color de Mis Revés

Our final day begins with a drive to El Color de mis Reves at 6:00 AM. After arriving at 7:00 AM, we will have breakfast before starting our last birdwatching adventure at 8:00 AM. Following a morning of bird photography, we will have lunch at 1:00 PM. By 4:30 PM, we will return to Pereira, where the tour will conclude at 6:30 PM, bringing this unforgettable experience to a close.

OUR WORKSHOP INCLUDES:

  • All Ground Transportation: Comprehensive transportation from your arrival at Cali Airport on day one to your departure from the hotel in Pereira on the final day, ensuring seamless travel throughout the tour.

  • Canoe Trip at Laguna de Sonso: A guided canoe excursion through the Laguna de Sonso, offering unique opportunities for bird photography in this rich wetland ecosystem.

  • Accommodation: Nine nights of lodging in comfortable accommodations strategically located near prime birding sites, as detailed in the itinerary.

  • All Meals: Delicious and nourishing meals provided throughout the tour, catering to various dietary preferences and requirements.

  • Snacks and Refreshments: Light snacks and beverages available during daily excursions to keep you energized and hydrated.

  • Expert Photography Guidance: Personalized instruction and support from Jhonattan Vanegas, an experienced bird photographer with extensive knowledge of Colombia’s avian species.

  • Local Birding Guides: Assistance from knowledgeable local guides at each location, enhancing your birdwatching and photography experience with their regional expertise.

  • Entrance Fees: All entry fees to reserves, parks, and private properties visited during the tour are covered.

  • Medical Assistance: Provision of a medical assistance card offering coverage for emergencies throughout the duration of the tour.

  • Souvenirs: A selection of local souvenirs to commemorate your birding adventure in the Colombian Andes.

 

OUR WORKSHOP DOES NOT INCLUDE:

  • Transportation from the city of origin to Cali (Valle del Cauca).
  • Expenses not mentioned above.
  • Alcoholic drinks during the tour.
  • Tips for local guides and staff during the stay.

We will begin an immersive photographic adventure in nature where you will discover and tell your version of your story through your photographs. We have some recommendations that will be very useful when choosing your equipment depending on the approach you want to explore. We want to travel comfortably and protect our equipment. We’ll give you some tips on what to keep in mind.

  • Follow instructions: Above all others, the most important rule to live by while exploring is to observe and follow all oral instructions given by the tour leader, or lodge or station staff.
  • Protect yourself from the sun at all times: During the explorations we will be exposed to high, low temperatures or humid tropical climates, it is recommended to bring all the elements that protect from the sun such as hats or caps, collars, sunscreen and long sleeve shirts.
  • Basics: You should know and handle the basics of manual photography (aperture, speeds, ISO, focal range). If you do not know these concepts, we recommend you take our basic photography course where you will receive an Introduction to Photography before the photographic tour.
  • Protect your equipment from humidity: Reduce the impact of temperature changes, try to keep the battery out of the camera, this can reduce electronic damage and prolong your charge. Carry dry bags that allow you to keep your equipment isolated from the weather conditions. It is always advisable to carry silica gel, these absorb moisture. After working days you can put your equipment in the dry bag and add plenty of silica gel to absorb the moisture retained by your camera.
  • Take care of your belongings: All our favorite destinations are safe to travel to. You should always be vigilant and take care of your valuable items whenever you find yourself in crowded bus stations, busy city streets and bustling markets.

Nature Tour Gallery

keeeping is passion for nature, love for photography.

SERVICES INCLUDED

Accommodation

Complete Feeding

Photographic Assistance

Local Guides

Hydration

Snacks

Souvenir

Health Insurance

Ground Transport

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DATE AND DETAILS OF THE PHOTO TOUR

  • Location: Ten bird photography hotspots described in the itinerary
  • Date: 12 – 21 | Sep | 2025
  • Duration: 10 Days | 9 Nights
  • Starting location: Cali (Valle del Cauca)
  • End Location: Pereira (Caldas)
  • Starting time: 09:00 h
  • End time: 13:00 h
  • Level of Physical Demand: Level 3 – Active Adventure
  • Group Size: 9 people
  • How to Get There: To get to Cali, you can fly or travel by land from anywhere in Colombia

Want to Know the Physical Demands of Our Tours?

Each adventure is unique and so is its level of difficulty. Visit our blog to learn how we classify the physical intensity of our tours and find the one that’s right for you.

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