Located in the heart of the biogeographical Chocó, San Cipriano is one of Colombia’s most iconic natural reserves—where crystal-clear rivers, dense rainforest, and extraordinary biodiversity converge.
Between Scales and Feathers is a three-day, two-night photography experience designed for nature photographers who want to explore both herping and birding in one of the richest ecosystems in the country.
This special expedition takes place within the framework of Colombia Birdfair, with the institutional support of the event and in collaboration with Sony, creating a unique environment focused on learning, field practice, and meaningful connection with nature. Throughout the experience, participants will develop their photographic skills while exploring tropical forest trails by day and night, guided by a professional team specialized in wildlife photography.
During the tour, we will focus on in situ photography of amphibians and reptiles, as well as bird photography in strategic locations around San Cipriano. The experience is designed to balance technical learning, creative exploration, and respect for wildlife, allowing participants to work at a natural pace while refining composition, light management, and field techniques.
More than a tour, this is a curated photographic experience that brings together conservation, education, and storytelling—supported by Sony and Colombia Birdfair, and crafted by Keeping Nature Tours to offer an immersive, safe, and inspiring journey into one of Colombia’s most biodiverse landscapes.
Experience a unique herping and birding expedition in San Cipriano, one of the most biodiverse rainforests of the Colombian Pacific, within the official framework of the Colombia Birdfair.
Learn and refine your wildlife photography skills through guided field sessions focused on herpetofauna and birds, combining macro photography, action shots, and natural history interpretation.
Develop your photographic vision with specialized guidance, supported by the experience and educational approach of Keeping Nature Tours, with a strong emphasis on ethical field practices and storytelling through images.
Be part of a curated experience backed by Sony, designed to foster learning, exploration, and creative growth within a professional photography environment.
Explore San Cipriano by day and night, experiencing rainforest trails, rivers, and nocturnal walks that reveal amphibians, reptiles, and birds in their natural habitats.
Connect with a community of photographers and nature enthusiasts, sharing knowledge, inspiration, and meaningful encounters during an experience promoted and supported by the Colombia Birdfair.
Capture images with purpose, going beyond aesthetics to understand biodiversity, behavior, and conservation through photography.
Herping & Macro Photography Assistance – Learn how to approach, compose, and photograph herpetofauna ethically using macro techniques, depth control, and artificial light to highlight textures, colors, and details without disturbing the animals.
Bird Photography in Dense Tropical Forests – Get practical guidance on camera settings, autofocus strategies, and composition for bird photography in low-light environments, forest interiors, and riverine ecosystems.
Lighting Techniques for Tropical Environments – Understand how to work with natural and artificial light in humid rainforest conditions, including flash positioning, diffusion, and light control for both day and night photography.
Field-Based Learning with Professional Photographers – Share the field with experienced nature photographers from Keeping Nature Tours, in an environment designed to encourage questions, experimentation, and real-time feedback.
Curated Learning Experience Supported by Sony and Colombia Birdfair – This tour is part of a special educational initiative backed by Sony and promoted within the framework of the Colombia Birdfair, ensuring a high-level photographic and learning experience.
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Day 1 | February 16 | Cali (Valle del Cauca) | Birding & Herping Experience Begins
We will depart early in the morning from the city of Cali towards the San Cipriano Natural Reserve. Upon arrival in the village of Zaragoza, we will board the traditional “Brujitas”, the iconic local transportation that runs along the old railway tracks, taking us into the heart of the reserve. Once in San Cipriano, we will check in at the lodge and get settled in our rooms. After a short break, we will begin our morning birding session, exploring forest trails and river edges in search of endemic and colorful species typical of the biogeographical Chocó.
We will return to the lodge for lunch, followed by a brief rest. In the afternoon, we will head out again for a second birding session, taking advantage of changing light conditions and increased activity. After dinner, we will begin our first night herping walk, searching for amphibians and reptiles along forest trails and streams, with opportunities for in situ observation and photography. We will return to the lodge to rest and prepare for the next day.
Day 2 | February 17 | San Cipriano | Full Day Birding & Night Herping
The day will begin early with breakfast, followed by a morning birding session, focusing on different habitats within the reserve and maximizing species diversity. After returning to the lodge for lunch and a short rest, we will continue with afternoon birding, exploring additional trails and observation points.
Following dinner, we will head out once again for a night herping expedition, where nocturnal species become active and new photographic and observational opportunities arise. This second night walk allows us to deepen our understanding of the reserve’s herpetofauna under different conditions. We will return to the lodge for rest.
Day 3 | February 18 | San Cipriano | Final Birding & Farewell
On our final day, we will enjoy breakfast before heading out for a last morning birding session, taking advantage of early activity and final photographic opportunities. After returning to the lodge, we will have lunch and prepare for departure. In the afternoon, we will travel back via Brujitas to Zaragoza and continue by road to Cali, where the tour will officially conclude.
We will say goodbye after three days immersed in one of Colombia’s best-preserved natural reserves, closing a unique birding and herping experience in the Chocó biogeographical region.
INCLUDED SERVICES:
OUR WORKSHOP DOES NOT INCLUDE:
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.
keeeping is passion for nature, love for photography.
Luggage Carrying
Accommodation
Complete Feeding
Photographic Assistance
Local Guides
Hydration
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.
$ 437
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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