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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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::
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.
$ 16.284.860
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.
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.
FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL NETWORKS
Copyright 2023 © Keeping Nature Tours