Deep in the humid rainforests of Colombia’s Pacific coast lies Timbiquí, a mystical and remote territory that shelters one of the world’s most extraordinary creatures: the Phyllobates terribilis, the Golden Poison Frog, considered the most toxic vertebrate on Earth.
On this tour, you’ll embark on a unique expedition through ancestral Afro-Colombian lands, where lush biodiversity and traditional culture live in perfect harmony. Accompanied by expert herpetologists and nature photographers, you’ll explore the forests and riverbanks in search of this iconic species, while discovering other amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals that share its habitat.
The journey begins in Cali and takes you to the heart of the Chocó biogeographic region, where you’ll cross rivers, walk forest trails, and visit community reserves guided by locals who protect these ecosystems. You’ll learn about the natural history and conservation of Phyllobates terribilis, photograph it in its natural environment, and witness firsthand the vibrant green and golden morphs of this endemic species.
This tour offers an immersive wildlife photography experience filled with jungle sounds, river crossings, traditional food, and unforgettable encounters. Whether you’re a biologist, a photographer, or simply a passionate nature lover, this is your opportunity to meet one of the most emblematic species of Colombia in the place where it has lived for thousands of years, in freedom, surrounded by magic.
Photograph the World’s Most Toxic Frog in Its Natural Habitat. This expedition takes you to the heart of Colombia’s Pacific rainforest, home to the legendary Phyllobates terribilis, the Golden Poison Frog. Found only in a narrow region near Timbiquí, this species is one of the rarest and most iconic in the world. Guided by expert biologists and wildlife photographers, you’ll have the chance to photograph this elusive amphibian and other species of frogs, snakes, birds, and reptiles that inhabit this unique ecosystem.
Expert Guidance in Field Herping and Jungle Photography. Throughout the journey, you’ll be accompanied by Jhonattan Vanegas and the Keeping Nature Tours team, professionals in wildlife observation, macro photography, and tropical fieldwork. You’ll receive hands-on support in capturing detail-rich portraits of amphibians, mastering lighting techniques in humid environments, and building compelling photographic stories. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your style, we’ll help you grow your visual voice.
Explore One of Colombia’s Last Untouched Jungles. Timbiquí is a remote and pristine region in the Chocó biogeographic corridor, accessible only to a few and treasured by those who know it. Dense rainforests, wild rivers, and endemic flora and fauna await you in a setting that remains virtually unchanged. It’s a place where each step reveals a new lifeform, and each encounter deepens your connection to nature.
Experience Culture, Conservation, and Community. This tour is not just about the frogs, it’s about the people who live alongside them. You’ll learn from Afro-Colombian communities who protect the forests and share ancestral knowledge with visitors. Enjoy traditional Pacific cuisine, river journeys, and storytelling that ties ecology and identity together. Your participation helps support local conservation efforts and promotes sustainable ecotourism in one of Colombia’s most fragile regions.
Expert Guidance in Amphibian and Jungle Wildlife Photography. You’ll receive specialized instruction in photographing Phyllobates terribilis (the world’s most toxic frog) and other elusive species of the Pacific rainforest. From precise framing to camera settings and focus control, our team will help you capture stunning visual narratives of this iconic species and its wild companions.
Master Macro Photography in the Field. Timbiquí offers the perfect setting to refine your macro photography skills. Learn how to manage depth of field, approach skittish subjects, and control your shooting angle to emphasize texture, color, and biological detail. We’ll guide you in photographing not just frogs, but also insects and plant life that reveal the rainforest’s intricate beauty.
Lighting Solutions for Dense Tropical Environments. Rainforest photography comes with lighting challenges, and we’re here to help you overcome them. From managing soft light at dusk to using off-camera flash at night, you’ll receive guidance on how to work with diffusers, reflectors, and light modifiers to achieve natural-looking, balanced exposures.
Capture Behavior, Movement, and Environmental Context. From frogs calling on wet leaves to snakes blending into leaf litter, we’ll help you anticipate and freeze fleeting behaviors in real time. You’ll practice high-speed and burst shooting techniques, slow approaches, and creative compositions that combine wildlife with habitat for more impactful storytelling.
Field Mentorship by Jhonattan Vanegas and Team. Throughout the tour, you’ll be accompanied by Jhonattan Vanegas, wildlife photographer, biologist, and herping expert, along with the Keeping Nature Tours team. Each outing becomes an opportunity to grow, as you receive hands-on feedback and personalized support tailored to your gear, goals, and vision.
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.
Note. Highlighted in green are some of the potential poison frog species on this tour.
Day 1 | Tour Begins | Welcome to Timbiquí
We’ll start our adventure with an early morning flight from Cali to Timbiquí, entering the heart of Colombia’s Pacific lowlands. After arriving, we’ll check in at our local accommodation and take time to settle into the rhythm of the forest town. Following a traditional Pacific lunch, we’ll begin our first photographic walk through the surrounding landscapes, warming up our cameras and senses for the days to come. In the evening, we’ll return for dinner and a well-deserved rest, setting the tone for a tour filled with biodiversity, color, and discovery.
Day 2 | Rainforest Trails | Phyllobates terribilis
Our second day is fully dedicated to finding and photographing Phyllobates terribilis, the iconic Golden Poison Frog—one of the most extraordinary amphibians on Earth. After breakfast, we’ll begin our morning herping session in the humid lowland rainforest, guided by local experts. We’ll return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest, then head back into the field for another photographic session, making the most of the changing light and the vibrant ecosystem. After a full day of encounters and visual storytelling, we’ll enjoy a hearty dinner and relax before another day of adventure.
Day 3 | Hidden Jewels of the Forest | Endemics & Encounters
Today, we explore new trails and microhabitats in search of more hidden treasures. We’ll photograph other endemic species like Oophaga sylvatica, Bothrops asper, or the elusive Corallus blombergi, depending on conditions and group interest. Our guides will take us to lesser-known areas rich in biodiversity for both diurnal and nocturnal species. After lunch, we’ll continue documenting the unique wildlife of the Chocó biogeographic region. In the evening, we return for dinner and enjoy our last night immersed in one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet.
Day 4 | Timbiquí | Farewell & Return
On our final morning, we’ll have breakfast and take time to pack up and reflect on our journey. We’ll transfer to the airport and catch our flight back to Cali. This last leg of the adventure offers time to share photos and memories before saying farewell—carrying with us the images, encounters, and stories of Timbiquí’s golden forests.
Note. The end time of the night tours may vary and if someone Wishes to continue the night hike after 23:00, They can do so with one of the guides. The duration of ground transfers may also vary.
OUR WORKSHOP INCLUDES:
OUR WORKSHOP DOES NOT INCLUDE:
We are about to begin an immersive photography adventure in nature, where you’ll discover your own way of telling stories through images. To help you make the most of this experience, we’ve prepared a few recommendations that will be useful when choosing your gear depending on the photographic approach you want to explore. Our goal is to travel comfortably while keeping your equipment protected. Here are some important tips to keep in mind:
keeeping is passion for nature, love for photography.
Luggage Carrying
Accommodation
Complete Feeding
Photographic Assistance
Local Guides
Hydration
Day and Night Tours
Snacks
Souvenir
Health Insurance
Water Transport
Ground Transport
We will be happy to talk to you and clarify all your doubts about your next photographic experience, select one of our customer service lines, we will answer you as soon as possible.
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.
$ 720
Keeping Nature Tours is a tour operator that promotes photography, nature tourism, and wildlife observation with the goal of helping to conserve the most threatened ecosystems, which are affected by deforestation, lack of awareness about species, or cultural beliefs.
Through photography and nature tourism, we can showcase the most beautiful side of Colombia, creating new opportunities for the remote communities in our country.
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