Pacific Rainforest Photo Tour

• 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 (90 mm – 105 mm). A high-quality macro lens is essential for capturing the intricate details of small subjects, such as the vibrant patterns of poison dart frogs. It allows you to get close enough to fill the frame while maintaining sharpness and clarity.

• Wide-Angle Macro Lens (15 mm). A 15 mm wide-angle macro lens is perfect for creating environmental portraits that feature both the subject and its natural habitat. This lens helps highlight the unique surroundings, adding depth and context to your shots.

• External Flash. Portable off-camera flashes are ideal for delivering controlled lighting in the low-light conditions of tropical forests. They enhance the vivid colors of amphibians without disturbing their natural behavior, making each shot more impactful.

• Wireless Flash Triggers. Wireless transmitters allow you to use off-camera flash setups, offering greater creative control over light direction and intensity. This is particularly useful in uneven lighting conditions and dense jungle environments.

• Flash Diffuser. Essential for softening harsh light and minimizing reflections on the moist skin of amphibians. Diffusers ensure even, natural-looking lighting that highlights fine textures without overpowering the subject.

• Portable Reflector. Compact and foldable, reflectors help bounce light onto the subject, providing additional fill light in shaded or low-light conditions. They enhance detail and color without the need for extra flash units.

• Extension Tubes. Extension tubes increase your lens magnification, allowing for more precise focus on very small details. They are a cost-effective way to expand your macro capabilities without investing in new lenses.

• 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.