KEEPING NATURE TOURS

A Paradise on Earth
Nov 21 | 2024 | Guaviare

Discover an isolated, unpublished and unexplored Colombia

Photography and Wildlife Observation Tour | San José del Guaviare – Guaviare

Get to know one of the jewels of nature in Colombia that has been hidden from our eyes for many years.

Immerse yourself in the wonderful nature of the department of Guaviare, a real treasure for lovers of birds and biodiversity. This destination offers an unparalleled natural spectacle. It has more than 600 registered bird species, they find their home in the diverse ecosystems of the eastern plains, the Amazon and the remnants of the Guaviare shield.

During our tour, we will explore highly preserved places, where biodiversity is displayed in all its splendor. We will witness incredible landscapes, from majestic rocky outcrops to deep muddy areas. We will also visit areas of natural protection, where flora and fauna intertwine in perfect balance.

San José del Guaviare plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation. The preservation of its ecosystems contributes to the protection of endangered species and the conservation of fragile habitats.

Don’t miss the opportunity to live this unforgettable adventure in San José del Guaviare. Explore its magnificent landscapes and let yourself be captivated by the natural wealth that this region offers. Get ready to create unforgettable memories as you immerse yourself in the beauty of the wildlife!

  • You will learn advanced remote photography techniques focused on the local fauna of Casanare.
  • Capture incredible moments of birds in flight in the mystical ecosystem of the Orinoco.
  • Live the adventure in search of mammals such as chigüiros, honey bears and anteaters.
  • Travel with biologists and nature photographers, take advantage of their experience and trajectory to clarify all your doubts.
  • Learn about nature photography through our theoretical and practical methodology, applying what you learn on the spot.
  • Practical lessons inside the tour, birds in action and wildlife
    and wildlife.
  • Nocturnal lessons with herpetos, macro-photographic practices
    with artificial light.
  • Group sessions in the field with experts in nature photography.
    in nature photography.
 

Amphibians and reptiles

  • Boana cinerascens.
  • Phyllomedusa tarsius.
  • Dendropsophus parviceps.
  • Elachistocleis ovalis.
  • Rhaebo guttatus.
  • Sphaenorhynchus lacteus.
  • Gonatodes riveroi.
  • Plica plica.
  • Plica medemi.
  • Cercosaura argulus.
  • Siphlophis compressus.

Birds

  • Pipra filicauda.
  • Nasica longirostris.
  • Galbacyrhynchus leucotis.
  • Celeus flavus.
  • Rupicola rupicola.
  • Ramphastos tucanus.
  • Syrigma sibilatrix.
  • Querula purpurata.
  • Nyctibius grandis.
  • Anhima cornuta.

Mammals

  • Inia geoffrensis.
  • Saimiri sciureus cassiquiarensis.
  • Sapajus apella.
  • Lagotrix lagotricha.
  • Cacajao melanocephalus.
  • Brigde compact cameras: A versatile option for people who do not want to opt for heavy equipment, with this camera you can capture all the unique moments and species you are going to meet during this photographic tour.

  • Wide Angle Lens 16mm – 24mm: With a wide angle lens you can capture more elements on the same scene by having a wider angle of view, making better use of the composition for landscapes.

  • Telephoto 600mm: Since this is a tour focused on birds, the telephoto lens will allow us to get closer to the birds from a considerable distance, avoiding disturbing them and is ideal for photographing birds in motion thanks to its ability to follow the subject and minimize distortion.

  • Teleconverter: In this tour we will have the opportunity to photograph birds that are at long distances so it will be very useful to have a teleconverter to increase the focal length of our telephoto lenses and get a little closer to the birds. Remember that a high quality teleconverter maintains excellent sharpness and resolution, providing additional flexibility and expanding the creative possibilities.

 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.

 

Wilmer Ramírez

Ornithologist | Professional Bird Guide

Professional in natural resources management and professional tour guide, he has more than 10 years of experience as a bird watcher and researcher, he is passionate about photography and wildlife recording. In Colombia, he has had the privilege of observing and documenting 981 species of birds, of the 1934 currently reported in the country. Specifically in San José del Guaviare, he has had an outstanding participation, recording 638 species of the 687 reported for this department. His contribution goes beyond this, as he has contributed significantly to local knowledge by extending the distribution in 6 scientific articles of 72 of the 687 species recorded in San José del Guaviare.

PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSITANCE WITHIN THE TOUR :

  • Photographic assistance in birds in action and wildlife.
  • Photographic assistance in herpeto and macro photography techniques.
  • Photographic assistance in handling and use of artificial light.
  • Photographic assistance for landscape photography.
  • Photographic assistance during day and night tours.

 

Day 1 | Arrival | Gallito de Roca Natural Reserve Tour

The first day takes us to San José del Guaviare, to the Quinto Nivel Hotel, our first lodging. After a delicious lunch, we will explore the natural reserve Gallito de Roca where we will have the opportunity to meet the macarenias (Rhyncholasis clavigera), which adorn the river of colors and the species of the area, then we will go to Playa Güio-Laguna Negra to contemplate the landscape that San José del Guaviare offers us and then arrive to our lodging, have dinner and rest for our second day of photographic expedition.

Day 2 | Nare Tour

We will start early, leaving at 5:00 am to El Boquerón in a 4×4 van. After breakfast, we will continue to Damas de Nare, making stops to observe species. We will arrive at Tienda Cerrada at 10:00 am for a boat ride on the Caño Nare and then we will have lunch at noon and after a break we will go to the Damas de Nare Lagoon to interact with the dolphins until the end of the afternoon. After a typical Guaviare dinner we will go in search of amphibians and reptiles to rest and start our next day.

Day 3 | Nare | Return to San José del Guaviare

En el tercer día, a las 6:00 am, nos despertaremos para disfrutar del desayuno y comenzar un emocionante recorrido por el sendero acuático del caño Nare, con avistamiento de aves y primates. Regresaremos a ECONARE a las ante de medio día, prepararemos maletas y almorzaremos para emprender nuestro viaje de regreso a Tienda Cerrada, y alrededor de las 4:00 pm, iniciaremos el recorrido de 3 horas hacia San José del Guaviare. Llegaremos al Hotel Quinto Nivel, donde disfrutaremos de la cena en grupo para descansar de este agotador pero divertido día.

Day 4 | Cerro Azul and Rupicola rupicola Sightings

On this day we will wake up early to make the sighting of one of the most beautiful species of our adventure, the Guayana Cock of the Rock (Rupicola rupicola), after meeting this species we will have breakfast to move to the Cerro Azul trail, where we will have the privilege of knowing the cave paintings and connect with the past, We will have lunch at noon and after a rest we will start a search for amphibians and reptiles to take advantage of the afternoon, we will have dinner and go again in search of more nocturnal species to make the most of our visit to San José del Guaviare.

Day 5 | Pipra filicauda and despedidae sightings.

We will start our last day in Guaviare with a special breakfast accompanied by our fellow photographers to go on a last tour, this time along the water trail of the Guaviare River in search of the Wire-tailed Leapers (Pipra filicauda) and then return to the hotel to store our equipment and prepare our return trip, while we say goodbye and remember this unique experience in San José del Guaviare, an unknown and little explored place in Colombia.

 

OUR PHOTO TOUR INCLUDES::

  • Land and water transportation as described in the itinerary.

  • Lodging 3 nights and 4 days in multiple accommodations.

  • Full meals (4 breakfasts – 5 lunches – 4 dinners).

  • Day and night tours through the different trails described in the itinerary.

  • Guidance and photographic assistance.

  • Local guide specialized in birds.

  • Snacks and hydration.

  • Medical assistance card..

OUR PHOTO TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE::

  • Expenses not stipulated.
  • Transportation from place of origin to Cali (Valle del Cauca).
  • Transportation from Pereira (Risaralda) to place of origin.
  • Alcoholic drinks within 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.

SERVICES INCLUDED

DATE AND DETAILS OF THE PHOTO TOUR

  • Location: San José del Guaviare
  • Date: 20 to 24 | November | 2024
  • Duration: 5 days | 4 nights
  • Starting point: San José del Guaviare Airport 
  • End point: San José del Guaviare Airport 
  • Starting time: 11:00 h
  • End time : 13:00 h
  • Level of Physical Demand: Moderate.
  • Minimum Capacity : 8 people. 
  • How to get there :  To get to San José del Guaviare you can do it by plane via the airlines, Satena or Clic Air, you can also arrive by land on a journey that lasts approximately 8 hours from Bogotá.

VALUE OF YOUR NEXT TRIP

CHOOSE YOUR CURRENCY ON THE RIGHT

$ 3.190.000

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