Discover an isolated, untamed, and unexplored Colombia through a birdwatching and photography tour in the departments of Guaviare and Guainía.
Immerse yourself in the stunning nature of these regions, a true paradise for bird and biodiversity enthusiasts. Together, they host over 1,000 recorded bird species, offering an unparalleled natural spectacle. The diverse ecosystems of the eastern plains, the Amazon rainforest, and the remnants of the Guiana Shield converge here, creating a unique habitat.
During our journey, we will explore pristine areas, encountering breathtaking landscapes ranging from majestic rocky outcrops to serene rivers and lagoons. We’ll visit natural reserves where flora and fauna coexist in perfect harmony.
We will also venture to the awe-inspiring Cerros de Mavicure, where you can lose yourself in a realm of wonder and natural splendor. From the summits of these stone monoliths, you’ll witness panoramic views of the jungle’s magnificence and the visual symphony created by vibrant green tones and the flowing waters of the Inírida River. Each snapshot becomes a visual testament to the untamed beauty of this remote Colombian corner, reaffirming the importance of cherishing and protecting our invaluable natural diversity.
Don’t miss this unforgettable adventure, where you’ll have the chance to photograph species such as the Guianan Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola rupicola), the Spangled Cotinga (Cotinga cayana), and the Pompadour Cotinga (Xipholena punicea), among many other incredible birds. Explore magnificent landscapes and let yourself be captivated by the region’s natural richness.
Get ready to create lasting memories as you immerse yourself in wildlife’s beauty and encounter unique species!
Expert Guidance. You’ll be guided by specialized photographers and ornithologists who will provide in-depth knowledge about birds and photography at the best birdwatching spots in both Guaviare and Guainía.
A Unique Geographic Experience. Explore two Colombian departments strategically located at the intersection of three major regions: the Orinoquía, the Amazon, and the Andes. This location offers an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, plant life, and stunning landscapes.
Incredible Bird Diversity in Guaviare. Guaviare alone boasts over 688 recorded bird species across ecosystems including the Andes, Amazon, Orinoco, and Guiana Shield.
Explore Ancient Ecosystems. Experience the unique transition zones between the Orinoco and Amazon regions and the Guiana Shield, the oldest geological formation on Earth. This area is home to distinctive ecosystems and exceptional bird species.
Easy Access to Stunning Cotingas. We’ve designed accessible routes to allow you to admire a wide variety of cotingas, including the Purple-breasted Cotinga (Cotinga cotinga), Pompadour Cotinga (Xipholena punicea), and Spangled Cotinga (Cotinga cayana).
Discover Ancient Heritage. Visit ancestral territories adorned with pictographs depicting the traditions, rituals, landscapes, and species of flora and fauna that have endured for over 8,000 years.
Experience Guainía, a Hidden Gem. Explore Guainía, a remote and little-explored region with 80% of its population consisting of Indigenous communities. Their dedication to preserving their territory, forests, and rivers allows for endless new discoveries in this pristine environment.
Mastering Birds in Flight Photography. We’ll guide you through essential techniques for photographing birds in flight, including the use of high shutter speeds, continuous tracking, and precise focus settings to capture sharp and dynamic images.
Perfecting Exposure for Birds in Motion. Learn to adjust exposure settings to capture birds in flight with crisp details. We’ll teach you how to use spot metering and exposure compensation to adapt to changing light conditions, ensuring your images are neither underexposed nor overexposed.
Landscape Photography Enhancement. If you enjoy landscape photography, we’ll teach you how to use polarizing filters, neutral density filters, and other accessories to elevate the quality of your shots.
Composition Techniques. We’ll assist you with composition strategies to seamlessly integrate birds into their surroundings, creating stunning visuals that highlight both the beauty of the birds and their natural habitats.
Post-Processing Tips. Get expert advice on editing and enhancing your photos using professional editing software. Learn how to bring out vibrant colors and intricate details, achieving professional-quality results.
Compact Bridge Cameras. A versatile option for those who prefer not to carry heavy equipment. With a bridge camera, you can capture all the unique moments and species you’ll encounter during this photography tour.
Wide-Angle Lens (16mm–24mm). A wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing more elements within a single scene. Its broader field of view allows for better landscape compositions, making it ideal for the stunning vistas on this tour.
Telephoto Lens (600mm). Since this tour focuses on bird photography, a telephoto lens is essential for photographing birds from a significant distance. It minimizes disturbance to the birds and is excellent for capturing birds in motion, thanks to its ability to track subjects and reduce distortion.
Teleconverter. For birds at great distances, a teleconverter is highly useful. It increases the focal length of your telephoto lens, allowing you to get closer to your subject. A high-quality teleconverter preserves sharpness and resolution, providing additional flexibility and expanding your creative possibilities.
Drone for Photography and Video. Take advantage of the breathtaking landscapes, especially at the Cerros de Mavicure, to capture stunning aerial shots and videos during your expedition.
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.
A professional in natural resource management and certified tourism guide, with over 10 years of experience as a bird observer and researcher, and a deep passion for wildlife photography. In Colombia, he has had the privilege of observing and documenting 981 bird species out of the 1,934 currently reported in the country. In San José del Guaviare, he has made significant contributions, registering 638 species out of the 687 reported in the department. His work extends beyond field observation, as he has significantly advanced local knowledge by contributing to the distribution of 72 species in six scientific articles, further enriching the understanding of the region’s avian biodiversity.
Born on the banks of Caño Jota, which connects the mighty Orinoco River with the Guaviare River, also known as the Selva Mataven, he is the son of a mother from the Curripaco indigenous group and a father from Boyacá.
He is the owner of Jota Travels, an ecotourism agency founded in 2019, which offers specialized birdwatching tours in the Guainía department. In addition, he is a specialized birding guide and a member of Ecoparque Kenke, the first thematic ecopark in Guainía.
Currently, he represents the travel agencies of Guainía in the department’s tourism subcommission, further promoting the region’s unique biodiversity and ecotourism opportunities.
Upon arrival at Jorge Enrique González Torres Airport, participants will enjoy a welcome lunch before heading towards Villa Lilia. After checking in at the accommodation, a pleasant dinner will follow. Later, there will be a nocturnal excursion focused on herping and on-site photography. The day will conclude with a return to the accommodation to rest and prepare for the activities of the following day.
The day will begin with a delicious breakfast before starting a daytime tour focused on bird photography, exploring the natural landscapes and capturing the diverse local wildlife. After a brief return to the accommodation for snacks, the group will head towards the impressive Laguna Damas de Nare. Here, participants will embark on an exciting boat trip in search of waterfowl and the potential sighting of dolphins in their natural habitat. After returning to shore, lunch will be enjoyed at Econare, followed by a return to San José del Guaviare, with the possibility of traveling by boat, depending on conditions. A snack stop will be made on the way back before arriving at the accommodation. The day will conclude with a comforting dinner and time to rest for new adventures the following day.
The day will start with an early breakfast before heading to Nuevo Tolima for a bird photography session, exploring and capturing the area’s natural beauty. Later, the group will travel to Raudal for a revitalizing lunch. In the afternoon, there will be an exciting boat tour of the Angosturas II rapids, where the fascinating rock paintings of the region will be explored. After returning to the community, participants will head back to San José del Guaviare for the evening, where they will check into their accommodation. The day will end with a hearty dinner and time to rest for more adventures the following day.
The day will begin early with a nutritious breakfast before heading to Puerta de Orión to start a bird photography tour. The morning will be spent exploring and capturing images of the local avifauna, followed by a visit to the Gallito de Roca Natural Reserve, where participants will continue their photographic activities surrounded by the natural beauty of the area. After lunch and a brief rest, afternoon photo sessions will resume. Later, there will be a relaxing boat tour to enjoy the spectacular sunset, followed by check-in at Happy Life Home accommodation. The group will return to San José del Guaviare for a delicious dinner and well-deserved rest in preparation for more photographic adventures the following day.
The day will start with a delicious breakfast before packing for the trip to Inírida from San José del Guaviare. After a short flight, participants will be warmly welcomed upon arrival in Inírida. The group will then travel to Kenke, where they will check into their accommodation and enjoy a revitalizing lunch. In the afternoon, there will be an exploration of Kenke’s surroundings with photography activities, capturing the rich biodiversity of the area. After a day full of emotions, the group will return to the accommodation to rest and enjoy a comforting dinner. In the evening, there will be an exciting search for the Gallinago undulata (Giant Snipe) before heading to bed for rest and preparation for the upcoming adventures.
The day will begin with an early breakfast before traveling to Rincón Vitina, where participants will explore its natural trails and capture photographs of its lush surroundings. Next, the group will head to Kenke for another tour through its trails, diving into the local biodiversity. After lunch and a brief rest, the journey will continue to the majestic Cerros de Mavicure, where the group will arrive just in time to witness a spectacular sunset. Later, the group will settle into the welcoming community of El Remanso, where they will enjoy a hearty dinner and rest after a day filled with exploration and natural beauty.
The day will start early with an exciting journey to the towering Cerros de Mavicure, followed by a rejuvenating field breakfast to recharge before continuing the ascent. After exploring these majestic landscapes, the group will head towards Caño San Joaquín for more natural adventures. Following the return to the accommodation for lunch and packing, the group will begin the journey to Inírida, where they will explore the fascinating local caños before continuing to Kenke for another night of rest. The day will end with a comforting dinner and downtime to relax after a day filled with unforgettable explorations.
The day will begin early with a journey to Matraca, followed by a field breakfast. Participants will then begin a trail exploration, photographing and discovering the surrounding nature. Later, the group will head to the Cocoviejo community for lunch and a brief break. In the afternoon, the group will explore Cocoviejo, learning about the community and its environment. At the end of the day, the group will return to Kenke for dinner and rest.
After enjoying a morning breakfast, participants will take a tour around Kenke’s surroundings, exploring the local beauty and capturing photographs. There will then be time to prepare for the trip home before a relaxing farewell lunch. The adventure will conclude with the transfer to the airport for a cordial farewell and the end of the tour.
For this tour, two groups of up to 4 people will be created. Group One will start the tour in Guaviare, while Group Two will begin in Guainía. Below is the itinerary for Group Two:
Day 1 | November 23 | Guainía | Welcome to Piedemonte
We will depart early with a flight from Bogotá to Inírida, where we will receive a warm welcome. After a hearty breakfast in Inírida, we will begin our journey to Kenke, with an exciting birdwatching session along the way to explore the rich local avifauna. Once in Kenke, we will settle into our accommodations, followed by lunch and a well-deserved rest. In the afternoon, we will engage in photography activities around Kenke, capturing the natural essence of the area, before returning for some relaxation. Later, we will enjoy a comforting dinner before heading out for an exciting search for the Gallinago undulata (Giant Snipe), ending the day with a calm return and time to rest.
Day 2 | November 24 | Guainía | Rincón Vitina | Cerros de Mavicure
We will begin the day with an early breakfast before heading to Rincón Vitina, where we will explore its natural trails and capture photographs of the lush surroundings. We will then travel to Kenke for another exploration of its trails, immersing ourselves in the local biodiversity. After lunch and a brief rest, we will head to the stunning Cerros de Mavicure, where we will arrive just in time to enjoy a spectacular sunset. We will then settle into the cozy community of El Remanso, where we will enjoy a comforting dinner and rest after a day filled with exploration and natural beauty.
Day 3 | November 25 | Guainía | Cerros de Mavicure
Early in the morning, we will begin our journey to the impressive Cerros de Mavicure, hiking to capture the majesty of the sunrise. After enjoying a field breakfast, we will continue our trek, exploring and admiring the panoramic views. We will then head to the San Joaquín creek to explore its aquatic landscapes before returning to our accommodations for a restorative lunch and preparing our luggage. In the afternoon, we will depart for Inírida, where we will venture into the local creeks, capturing the serenity and natural beauty of the environment. We will then continue to Kenke to settle into our accommodations, enjoy a comforting dinner, and rest after a day full of exploration in the Colombian Amazon.
Day 4 | November 26 | Guainía | Matraca
Early in the morning, we will head to Matraca to immerse ourselves in the pristine nature and capture the first light of the day. After a hearty breakfast in the field, we will explore the trail, observing the local flora and fauna while capturing wildlife photographs. Around midday, we will head to the Cocoviejo community, where we will enjoy a nutritious lunch and take a well-deserved break. In the afternoon, we will explore Cocoviejo, with its picturesque landscapes and unique photographic opportunities before returning to Kenke at the end of the day. There, a comforting dinner and time to rest await us after a day full of adventures in the Amazon jungle.
Day 5 | November 27 | Guainía | Travel to San José del Guaviare
We will begin the day with an early breakfast before exploring the beautiful surroundings of Kenke, taking the opportunity to capture memorable photographs. Afterward, we will prepare for the trip, making sure our luggage is ready before heading to the airport for our flight from Inírida to San José del Guaviare. Upon landing at the Jorge Enrique González Torres Airport, we will enjoy a comforting lunch before departing for Villa Lilia. Once there, we will settle into our accommodations and later have dinner together. In the afternoon, we will embark on a specialized nocturnal herping and in-situ photography tour, exploring the local nightlife before returning to our accommodations to rest for the night.
Day 6 | November 28 | Guaviare | Damas de Nare
We will begin the day with an early breakfast before starting our daytime bird photography tour, exploring the natural landscapes and capturing images of the local diverse fauna. After returning to the house for snacks, we will head to the impressive Damas de Nare Lagoon. There, we will embark on an exciting boat tour, searching for aquatic birds and possibly observing dolphins in their natural habitat. After returning to land, we will enjoy lunch at Econare before starting our return journey, which, if conditions allow, will be made by boat. We will stop for snacks along the way before arriving in San José del Guaviare. Once there, we will settle into our accommodations, enjoy a comforting dinner, and rest after a day full of exploration in the Amazon jungle.
Day 7 | November 29 | Guaviare | Nuevo Tolima | Raudal
We will start the day with an early breakfast before heading to Nuevo Tolima, where we will begin our bird photography tour, exploring the diverse species in their natural habitat. Then, we will travel to Raudal for lunch while resting and preparing for the next part of our journey. In the afternoon, we will embark on an exciting boat tour of the Raudal, exploring the mysterious rock paintings that adorn the region. After returning to Raudal, we will head back to San José del Guaviare, where we will settle into our accommodations and enjoy a comforting dinner before resting and recharging for the next adventures.
Day 8 | December 30 | Guaviare | Puerta de Orión
We will start the day with an early breakfast before heading to Puerta de Orión, where we will begin our bird photography tour, exploring the natural surroundings and capturing the beauty of the local species. After this exciting start, we will head to the Gallito de Roca Natural Reserve to continue our photography activities, immersed in the unique biodiversity of the area. We will then move on to Happy Life Home, where we will continue with our photography sessions and enjoy a restorative lunch. In the afternoon, we will resume our photography before embarking on a relaxing boat tour to witness the stunning sunset. Back at the accommodation, we will settle in, enjoy a comforting dinner, and take a well-deserved rest after a day full of photography and nature.
Day 9 | December 1 | End of Tour | Return and Farewell
We will depart early for the airport to take our flight from San José del Guaviare to Bogotá. Before leaving, we will enjoy an energizing breakfast to prepare for the day. We will conclude our experience with farewells and final preparations before boarding our return flight to Bogotá, taking with us the memories and experiences gathered during our time in the Amazon jungle.
AVES
Guianan Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola rupicola)
Wire-tailed Manakin (Pipra filicauda)
Great Potoo (Nyctibius grandis)
Hoatzin (Ophistocomus hoatzin)
Horned Screamer (Anhima cornuta)
White-eared Jacamar (Galbalcyrhynchus leucotis)
Scarlet-crowned Barbet (Capito aurovirens)
White-bearded Hermit (Phaethornis hispidus)
Festive Coquette (Lophornis verreauxii)
Russet-crowned Crake (Rufirallus viridis)
Green-tailed Goldenthroat (Polytmus theresiae)
Giant Snipe (Gallinago undulata)
Golden-spangled Piculet (Picumnus exilis)
Ringed Woodpecker (Celeus torquatus)
Cream-colored Woodpecker (Celeus flavus)
White-naped Seedeater (Sporophila fringilloides)
Plumbeous Euphonia (Euphonia plumbea)
South American Snipe (Gallinago paraguaiae)
Campina Thrush (Turdus arthuri)
Spotted Puffbird (Bucco tamatia)
Saffron-crested Tyrant-Manakin (Neopelma chrysocephalum)
White-crowned Manakin (Pseudopipra pira)
Bronzy Jacamar (Galbula leucogastra)
Spangled Cotinga (Cotinga cayana)
Pompadour Cotinga (Xipholena punicea)
Yapacana Antbird (Aprositornis disjuncta)
MAMÍFEROS
Spix’s Night Monkey (Aotus vociferans)
Amazon River Dolphin (Inia geoffrensis)
Common Woolly Monkey (Lagothrix lagothricha)
Humboldt’s Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri cassiquiarensis)
Collared Titi Monkey (Cheracebus lugens)
OUR WORKSHOP INCLUDES:
OUR WORKSHOP DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Follow Instructions: Above all else, the most important rule for living while exploring is to carefully observe and follow all verbal instructions given by the tour leader or by the staff at the lodge or station.
Protect Yourself from the Sun at All Times: During our explorations, we will be exposed to high and low temperatures as well as humid tropical climates. It is recommended to bring items that protect you from the sun, such as hats or caps, neck covers, sunscreen, and long-sleeve shirts.
Review Basic Concepts: It is essential to understand and manage the basic manual photography concepts (aperture, shutter speeds, ISO, focal length). If you are not familiar with these concepts, we recommend taking our basic photography course, which will provide an Introduction to Photography prior to the photography tour.
Protect Your Equipment from Moisture: To minimize the impact of temperature changes, try to keep the battery out of the camera, as this can reduce electronic damage and extend battery life. Bring dry bags to keep your equipment protected from the weather. It’s always advisable to carry silica gel, as it absorbs moisture. After each day’s activities, place your equipment in the dry bag and add plenty of silica gel to absorb any moisture collected by your camera.
Take Care of Your Belongings: All of our preferred destinations are safe to visit. However, always stay alert and safeguard your valuable items when in busy bus stations, city streets, or markets.
Temperature and Clothing: The areas we will visit have relatively high temperatures, making the thermal sensation quite intense. We recommend wearing very light clothing, bringing a change of shoes or rubber boots for rain and mud, a hat or something to shield yourself from the strong sun during walks, sunscreen, and packing as lightly as possible to ensure comfortable movement throughout the trip.
Charging Equipment: We recommend bringing power strips so you can charge all your devices at night.
Internal transportation
Lodging and accommodations
Complete Feeding
Photographic Assistance
Observation Tours
Travel Insurance
$ 14.035.570
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.
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