Deep Pacific

• Photograph Colombia’s Most Elusive and Endemic Amphibians. This tour takes you deep into the heart of the Colombian Pacific, where rare species like Oophaga lehmanni and Oophaga anchicayensis dwell in untouched rainforests. Guided by a professional wildlife photographer and herpetologist, you’ll capture unique images of amphibians, reptiles, and exotic birds in one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems.

• Expert Guidance in Every Frame. Led by Jhonattan Vanegas—renowned biologist, herpetologist, and macro photography expert—you’ll receive personalized support in everything from herping photography and macro lighting to creative landscape compositions and bird-in-flight techniques. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned photographer, we help you refine your craft with hands-on sessions during day and night hikes.

• Immerse Yourself in a Hidden Biodiversity Paradise. Anchicayá is a little-known natural treasure just three hours from Cali. With crystal-clear rivers, cloud forests, and endemic species, this location in the Chocó biogeographic region offers unparalleled photographic and ecological experiences. Here, you’ll witness species found nowhere else on Earth and enjoy a total disconnection from urban life.

• Go Beyond the Lens—Connect with Culture and Conservation. This isn’t just about photography. It’s a journey into Colombia’s Pacific heritage. From traditional meals to local guides and conservation-focused exploration, you’ll build memories that transcend pictures. You’ll also contribute to awareness and protection of fragile habitats by documenting species that urgently need visibility.

• Expert Guidance in Amphibian, Reptile, and Bird Photography. Receive specialized instruction in photographing rare species such as Oophaga lehmanni, Cephalopterus penduliger, and other endemic wildlife. From ideal framing to optimal camera settings, our team helps you create striking visual narratives of Colombia’s most elusive creatures.

• Macro Photography Mastery in the Field. Refine your macro skills with guidance on lighting, magnification, and angle control. Learn how to highlight the textures and vivid colors of frogs, glass frogs, and insects in close-up compositions that reveal the hidden beauty of the rainforest.

• Lighting Techniques for Jungle Environments. Get hands-on support using artificial and natural light, including diffusers and reflectors, to manage the shadows and contrast of dense tropical forests. Practice both natural ambient setups and off-camera flash techniques during night and day sessions.

• Action and Behavior Photography in Real Time. Capture birds in flight, frogs in motion, and snakes in stealth with support on high-speed settings, tracking focus, and burst shooting. From early morning birdwatching to nocturnal herping walks, you’ll learn to anticipate and freeze dynamic behaviors.

• Continuous Field Mentorship with a Wildlife Photography Expert. Throughout the tour, you’ll be accompanied by Jhonattan Vanegas, a seasoned nature photographer and herpetologist. You’ll receive personalized feedback during each session—whether on trails, riverbanks, or mountain viewpoints—ensuring that every shot tells a compelling story of Colombia’s wild Pacific.

• Macro Lens (90mm – 105mm). A high-quality macro lens is essential for capturing intricate details of small subjects, like the vibrant patterns of poison frogs. This lens allows you to get close enough to fill the frame with your subject, preserving clarity and sharpness in every detail.

• Wide-Angle Lens (15mm). A 15mm wide-angle lens is perfect for creating environmental shots that include both the subject and its natural habitat. This lens allows you to showcase the unique surroundings of your subjects, adding depth and context to each photo.

• Telephoto Lens (600mm). Since this tour focuses on bird photography, a telephoto lens is crucial for capturing birds from a considerable distance. It minimizes disturbance to the animals and is excellent for photographing birds in motion, thanks to its reach and tracking capabilities with minimal distortion.

• Teleconverter. For observing and photographing birds at long distances, a teleconverter is highly useful. It increases the focal length of your telephoto lens, allowing you to get closer to your subject. A high-quality teleconverter maintains sharpness and resolution, offering greater flexibility and expanded possibilities.

• External Flash Units. Portable, off-camera flash units are ideal for providing controlled lighting in low-light rainforest settings. They enhance the vibrant colors of amphibians without disturbing their natural behavior, making each shot more visually impactful.

• Wireless Flash Transmitters. Wireless transmitters let you trigger your flashes off-camera, offering more creative control over lighting angles and intensity. This is particularly useful in uneven lighting conditions and beneath dense forest canopies.

• Flash Diffusers. Essential for softening harsh light and reducing reflections on the moist skin of amphibians. Diffusers provide even, natural-looking illumination, helping bring out fine details without overpowering the subject.

• Portable Reflectors. Compact, foldable reflectors help bounce light onto your subject, adding fill light in shaded or dim environments. They highlight textures and colors without the need for additional flash units.

• Sturdy Tripod with Ball Head. A compact, lightweight tripod offers stability for macro shots, especially on uneven forest ground. A ball head allows quick and precise adjustments, ensuring optimal composition in every shot.

• Lens Extension Tubes. Extension tubes increase lens magnification, allowing even closer focus on fine details. They’re a cost-effective way to expand your macro capabilities without purchasing additional lenses.

• Weather-Sealed Camera Body. A weather-sealed camera is vital for macro photography in rainforests, where humidity and rain are common. This protection ensures your camera stays functional and durable in tough outdoor conditions.

• Camera Backpack with Rain Cover. A rugged, waterproof backpack with dedicated compartments keeps your gear safe, organized, and accessible—making it easy to carry everything through dense, wet, and rugged terrain.

• Oophaga lehmanni (Lehmann’s Poison Frog)
• Oophaga anchicayensis (Harlequin Poison Frog).
• Andinobates fulguritus (Yellowbelly Poison Frog).
• Agalychnis spurrelli (Gliding Treefrog).
• Hyalinobatrachium tatayoi (Tatayo’s Glass Frog).
• Sachatamia orejuela (Rana de Cristal de Orejuela).
• Bothrops Punctatus (Chocoan Forest Pit Viper).
• Bothrops asper (Terciopelo).
• Semnornis ramphastinus (Toucan Barbet).
• Chlorochrysa phoenicotis (Glistening-green Tanager).
• Cephalopterus penduliger (Long-wattled Umbrellabird).
• Manacus vitellinus (Golden-collared manakin).
• Pseudopipra pipra (White-crowned Manakin).

Note. Highlighted in green are some of the potential poison frog species on this tour.