KEEPING NATURE TOURS

Pacific Expedition
Mar 15 | 2025 | Colombian Pacific

Photographic Tour in the Northern Colombian Pacific

Explore the landscapes and biodiversity of Chocó: a paradise where tropical rainforest meets volcanic beaches.

During this 10-day tour, you will have the opportunity to delve into one of the most biodiverse places on the planet: the northern Colombian Pacific. This region, home to majestic ecosystems blending lush jungles, stunning waterfalls, and paradisiacal beaches, is the perfect setting to elevate your photography to the next level.

In municipalities like Bahía Solano, El Valle, and Nuquí, you’ll encounter colorful poison frogs, imposing lizards, and fascinating snakes, along with endemic and threatened species that highlight the region’s unique richness.

The itinerary includes hikes through trails surrounded by tropical rainforests and mountains, nighttime herping explorations, macro and bird photography sessions, and visits to local communities that preserve their unique traditions. Each day is thoughtfully designed to capture the essence of this magical destination and its natural wonders.

During this photographic tour, you will explore the natural wealth of the Colombian Pacific through daytime and nighttime walks to photograph birds, amphibians, and reptiles in their habitat, volcanic sand beaches, hidden jungle waterfalls, and unique landscapes where the rainforest meets the ocean. You’ll visit natural reserves like the Pacific Botanical Garden and Pakoré Werá, navigate the Jurubirá River, explore Utría National Natural Park, and connect with local communities to learn about their traditions, all while capturing unforgettable images of this magical destination.

Join this unique experience and capture the magic of the Colombian Pacific through your lens!

  • A Unique Opportunity with Top Nature Photographers. Join three of the best nature photographers in Latin America on an expedition through one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. With their expertise, you’ll have unparalleled guidance in capturing stunning images of rare and unique amphibians and reptiles, such as Lachesis achrocorda, Oophaga solanensis, and Phyllobates aurotenia.
  • Explore the Biogeographic Chocó Like Never Before. Experience the natural splendor of the Biogeographic Chocó across different altitudes and ecosystems, including Bahía Solano, El Valle, and Nuquí. These carefully selected locations provide access to breathtaking rainforests, volcanic beaches, and waterfalls, offering diverse photographic opportunities in one extraordinary tour.

  • Discover Rare and Endemic Species. This tour is your chance to encounter some of the most elusive and fascinating creatures of the Chocó, including endemic species like Andinobates fulguritus and Atelopus spurreli. Guided by professionals, you’ll uncover the hidden wildlife of this biodiversity hotspot and document its beauty with your camera.

  • Learn from Experts in Wildlife Photography and Herpetology. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer, our team of skilled photographers and herpetologists will enhance your skills. From mastering composition and lighting techniques to understanding the behaviors of amphibians and reptiles, you’ll elevate your photography while deepening your appreciation for these incredible creatures.

  • Immerse Yourself in the Culture of the Pacific. This tour is more than just photography—it’s an unforgettable cultural experience. Discover the warmth and hospitality of local communities, savor traditional Pacific cuisine, and learn about regional customs while exploring the unparalleled natural beauty of the Chocó.

  • Expert Guidance on Photographing Birds, Amphibians, and Reptiles. Receive personalized tips on capturing the distinct beauty of various organisms, from vibrant poison frogs to elegant birds and elusive reptiles. Learn how to frame, compose, and adjust your camera settings to highlight the unique features of each subject in their natural habitat.

 

  • Techniques for Capturing Action and Behavior. Master the art of photographing wildlife in motion, whether it’s birds in flight, frogs leaping, or snakes in action. Learn techniques to freeze moments of behavior with precision, showcasing the dynamic life of the Chocó’s biodiversity.

 

  • Mastering Low Light and Shadows in Dense Rainforests. Navigate the challenges of low-light conditions in lush tropical forests with confidence. Learn to use natural light, manage shadows, and balance highlights to create stunning images of species hidden within the dense vegetation.

 

  • Landscape Photography Assistance for Iconic Pacific Views. Elevate your landscape photography skills as you capture volcanic beaches, cascading waterfalls, and the dramatic union of jungle and ocean. Learn how to use natural light, composition techniques, and long exposures to create breathtaking scenes.

 

  • Macro Photography Workshops for Close-Up Mastery. Dive into the world of macro photography to capture the intricate details of amphibians and reptiles. Learn how to focus on patterns, textures, and vibrant colors, making even the smallest subjects stand out with clarity and artistry.

 

  • Real-Time Feedback and Group Support
    Work alongside experienced nature photographers who provide hands-on assistance during field sessions. Receive immediate feedback and tailored advice to refine your shots, ensuring your images reflect the richness and diversity of the Chocó.

 

  • Adaptable Techniques for All Skill Levels
    Whether you’re new to nature photography or an experienced photographer, our team will provide guidance suited to your skill level. From basic camera settings to advanced techniques, you’ll gain valuable insights to enhance your craft.
 
  • Macro Lens (90mm – 105mm). Ideal for capturing close-up details of amphibians, reptiles, and small birds. This lens allows you to focus on intricate patterns and vibrant colors, preserving clarity and sharpness.

 

  • Telephoto Lens (300mm – 600mm)
    A telephoto lens is essential for bird photography, allowing you to capture subjects from a distance while maintaining detail and sharpness. This lens is also useful for photographing shy reptiles and amphibians.

 

  • Wide-Angle Lens (15mm – 35mm). Perfect for landscape shots that showcase the dramatic union of jungle and ocean or environmental portraits of wildlife in their natural habitat.

 

  • External Flash Units. Portable flash units provide controlled lighting in low-light rainforest settings. They enhance the vibrancy of your subject without disturbing its natural behavior, essential for amphibian and reptile photography.

 

  • Wireless Flash Transmitters. These allow you to position flash units off-camera, giving you creative control over lighting angles and intensity. They’re invaluable in dense forest environments where natural light is limited.

 

  • Flash Diffusers. Essential for softening harsh light, reducing reflections on moist skin, and ensuring even, natural-looking illumination, especially for amphibians and reptiles.

 

  • Ring Flash or Macro Twin Flash. These specialized flashes provide consistent and even lighting for macro photography, minimizing shadows and enhancing detail and clarity in close-up shots.

 

  • Sturdy Tripod with Ball Head. A reliable tripod ensures stability for macro and long-exposure landscape shots. A ball head allows for quick adjustments, crucial for capturing fleeting wildlife moments.

 

  • Lens Extension Tubes. These affordable accessories increase lens magnification, allowing you to focus on the minute details of small subjects without additional lenses.

 

  • Portable Reflectors. Compact reflectors are perfect for bouncing light onto subjects in shaded environments, highlighting details and adding a natural glow.

 

  • Weather-Sealed Camera Body. Essential for protecting your gear in humid rainforest conditions. A weather-sealed camera ensures functionality and durability in challenging environments.

 

  • Camera Backpack with Rain Cover. A waterproof backpack with organized compartments keeps your gear safe and accessible while you navigate dense forests and rugged terrain.

 

  • Comfortable Hiking Gear. Non-photography essentials include sturdy waterproof boots, lightweight clothing, a rain jacket, and insect repellent to ensure comfort during long walks in tropical environments.

 

  • Extra Batteries and Memory Cards. Given the remote locations and extended sessions, carrying spare batteries and memory cards is crucial to ensure you don’t miss any opportunities.

 

  • Polarizing Filters. Useful for reducing reflections on water and enhancing the colors of landscapes, especially when photographing wet forest environments and streams.
  • Amphibians
    • Oophaga solanensis
    • Andinobates fulguritus
    • Phyllobates aurotaenia
    • Phyllobates vittatus
    • Atelopus spurrelli
    • Rhaebo haematiticus
    • Boana rufitela
    • Craugastor fitzingeri
    • Pristimantis caryophyllaceus
    • Sachatamia ilex

 

  • Reptiles
    • Lachesis acrochorda
    • Bothrops asper
    • Porthidium nasutum
    • Imantodes cenchoa
    • Dendrophidion percarinatum
    • Helicops danieli
    • Basiliscus galeritus
    • Anolis chocorum
    • Enyalioides heterolepis
    • Crocodylus acutus

 

  • Birds
    • Pipra filicauda (Wire-tailed Manakin)
    • Ramphastos brevis (Chocó Toucan)
    • Tangara dowii (Scarlet-and-white Tanager)
    • Cephalopterus penduliger (Long-wattled Umbrellabird)
    • Mitu tomentosum (Blue-billed Curassow)
    • Momotus aequatorialis (Andean Motmot)
    • Tigrisoma mexicanum (Bare-throated Tiger-Heron)
    • Penelope purpurascens (Crested Guan)
    • Glaucis hirsutus (Rufous-breasted Hermit)
    • Cotingas nigra (Black-tipped Cotinga)

 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.

Day 1 | March 15 | Chocó | Bahía Solano | The Pacific Beckons

The journey began under a bright Medellín sky, where the group gathered at Olaya Herrera Airport, anticipation shimmering in the morning air. By noon, the plane descended gracefully into Bahía Solano, unveiling an emerald coastline caressed by the Pacific’s restless waves.

A hearty lunch gave strength for the day’s unfolding, and soon, tuk-tuks buzzed through Ciudad Mutis, weaving through streets alive with the pulse of Chocó. At Playa Mecana, the Pacific Botanical Garden awaited—a sanctuary where nature whispered secrets to those who listened.

As dusk cloaked the sky in hues of amber and indigo, the group settled into their hotel, their hearts quickened by what lay ahead. Dinner was followed by a nocturnal adventure; under a canopy of stars, flashlights illuminated jeweled amphibians and the glint of reptilian eyes. Night murmurs and camera clicks mingled until the jungle reclaimed its silence at 11 p.m.

Day 2 | March 16 | Chocó | Bahía Solano | Wings of Dawn

A symphony of bird calls welcomed the day, coaxing everyone from sleep to the vibrant reality of the Pacific. Over breakfast, plans were shaped for a bird photography walk, where feathers gleamed in the morning light, and binoculars sought avian treasures flitting among the greenery.

By midday, the group returned for lunch, recharged for an afternoon by the sea. Boats skimmed over azure waves, their journey guided by the nesting sites of pelagic birds. Evening descended with stories shared over dinner, and the night’s second act began—a moonlit herping walk. Here, time seemed irrelevant, the jungle’s mysteries ever unfolding until cameras rested once more at 11 p.m.

Day 3 | March 17 | Chocó | Bahía Solano | Through the Lens of Light

The day mirrored its predecessor, the rhythm of nature dictating the itinerary. From the melodious calls of birds to the intricate textures of macro photography, the group honed their craft under Chocó’s radiant skies and dense canopies.

As the sun cast golden shadows, the afternoon’s walk revealed landscapes painted in natural light, each frame a testament to the Pacific’s untamed beauty. The night held its familiar enchantment, where flashlights illuminated secret lives hidden within the undergrowth.

Day 4 | March 18 | Chocó | El Valle | Between Sea and Forest

Morning led the group to El Valle, a village nestled between the sea and a lush forest. Trails winding through Utría National Park offered a glimpse of a world untouched, where mangroves whispered of ancient tides.

After lunch, the Pakoré Werá Nature Reserve welcomed the group with open arms. Here, the confluence of local traditions and vibrant ecosystems painted a tapestry of resilience. The day ended with dinner and the group’s reflections on the landscapes etched in their memories.

Day 5 | March 19 | Chocó | El Valle | The Song of Poison Frogs

The day belonged to the vibrant guardians of Chocó’s rainforests—the poison frogs. Trails led deep into the jungle, where flashes of color betrayed their presence, and every frame told a story of survival and adaptation. Lunch in the field bound the group closer to nature’s heart, a communion with the wilderness that lingered long after the sun dipped below the horizon.

Day 6 | March 20 | Chocó | El Valle | The Art of Observation

A day to refine the art of looking—a bird’s call, the glisten of dew on leaves, or the subtle shadows cast by the canopy. Walks led to treasures often overlooked, while the evening resumed its ritual of discovery under the moon’s gaze.

Day 7 | March 21 | Chocó | Nuquí | Of Rivers and Hot Springs

The journey continued to Nuquí, a gateway to Utría National Park’s secrets. Boats carried the group to Jurubirá, where the warmth of hot springs offered solace after the day’s explorations. The Jurubirá River glittered in the twilight, its nocturnal symphony drawing the group into its magic.

Day 8 | March 22 | Chocó | Nuquí | Echoes of Wings

Birdsong heralded another day of avian wonders. From the treetops to the mangroves, every moment brought flashes of color and melody. Rest came with the realization that the Pacific’s rhythms had woven themselves into the group’s own.

Day 9 | March 23 | Chocó | Nuquí | Coastal Dreams

The Pacific’s coastline unraveled its secrets—a boat tour revealed birds etched against a backdrop of endless blue. As Morromico emerged from the horizon, the evening marked the final night walk, each step a goodbye whispered to the forest.

Day 10 | March 24 | Chocó | Nuquí | Farewell to the Pacific

The final morning broke gently, a bittersweet farewell to Chocó. The group returned to Nuquí airport, their hearts full of memories and SD cards brimming with stories. By noon, Medellín welcomed them back, but the spirit of the Pacific lingered—a reminder of the untamed beauty they had captured and carried home.

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. Flight schedules may vary, and we are not responsible for any delays that airlines may experience. The duration of ground transfers may also vary due to potential accidents on the road.

 

OUR PHOTO TOUR INCLUDES::

  • Flights:
    • Flight from Medellín to Bahía Solano.
    • Flight from Nuquí to Medellín.
  • Ground and Water Transportation. All ground and water transportation for activities described in the itinerary (including transfers between locations, boat trips, and tuk-tuk rides).
  • Accommodation. 9 nights of accommodation in shared rooms at selected hotels and lodges, as per the itinerary.
  • Meals. Full meals: 9 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 9 dinners, as detailed in the itinerary. Meals include local and fresh ingredients to experience the region’s culinary culture.
  • Internal Transportation. Internal transportation for all activities as outlined in the itinerary, ensuring comfortable and timely transfers between destinations.
  • Snacks and Hydration. Snacks and hydration provided during excursions to keep participants energized and refreshed throughout the day.
  • Tours and Activities. 
    • Day and night tours described in the itinerary, including birdwatching, herping, macro photography, landscape photography, and other activities with expert guidance.
    • Specialized night walks for herping and wildlife photography.
  • Guidance and Photography Assistance. Expert guidance and photography assistance from Jhonattan Vanegas, offering support with both nature photography and local wildlife.
  • Local Guides. Professional local guides who are familiar with the region, providing in-depth knowledge of the flora, fauna, and culture of Chocó.
  • Souvenirs. Tour souvenirs to remember the incredible journey, including photographic prints and small local crafts.
  • Medical Assistance. A medical assistance card for emergency situations, ensuring safety during the entire tour.

OUR PHOTO TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE::

  • Expenses not stipulated.

  • Transportation from place of origin to Medellín (Antioquia).

  • Transportation from Medellín (Antioquia) 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: Bahía Solano | El Valle | Nuquí
  • Date: 15 to 24 | March | 2025
  • Duration: 10 days | 9 nights
  • Starting point: Medellín (Antioquia)
  • End point: Medellín (Antioquia)
  • Starting time: 09:00 h
  • End time : 19:30 h
  • Level of Physical Demand: 4 (Moderate)
  • Group Size: 8 people
  • How to Get There: Medellín has the José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), located in the municipality of Rionegro, about 35 kilometers from the city of Medellín. Upon landing, you can take a taxi or a shared van to Medellín. Taxis take between 40 and 60 minutes. You can also choose the express bus, which connects the airport directly to downtown Medellín.

VALUE OF YOUR NEXT TRIP

CHOOSE YOUR CURRENCY ON THE RIGHT

$ 3.620

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