ANDEAN
KEEPING NATURE TOURS
ANDEAN REGION
Land of Songs, mountains and landscapes
The Andean region of Colombia, blessed with its mountains, is home to multiple species of birds and spectacular toucans, this region has a wide variety of orchids, mammals and herps that vary according to the altitude at which we are in our expeditions in the middle of the mystical mountains of Colombia.
Birding and landscape photography in the Andean region is one of the activities not to be missed during your visit, for example, in Quindio there are 628 registered species of birds, in Risaralda with 915 species and in Caldas with 923 according to Ebird data, thanks to the wide variety of birds in the country, conservation and bird watching is encouraged throughout the region for all ages.
The Andean region is undoubtedly a region blessed by its fauna and flora, also has a part of the biogeographic Chocó of Colombia, between the Cauca Valley, and part of Risaralda where we can make multiple photographic activities of Birding and Herping, sighting unique and endemic species such as the poison dart frog (Phyllobates bicolor) and the beautiful toucan compass (Semnornis ramphastinus) in an adventure through this special and unique region of the world.
The region awaits for you with open arms to live a wonderful adventure. Experience a unique adventure while enjoying the best coffee in Colombia!
Photographs taken by our photographers, students and photographic tour assistants.
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Curious Facts about the Andean Region
The Andean Region is one of the six natural regions of Colombia, located in the center of the country and bordering several regions and countries.
This region is home to the three mountain ranges of the Andes: western, central and eastern. The geographic diversity is remarkable, including variations in climate, vegetation, fauna and bodies of water, such as the Cauca and Magdalena rivers.
In addition, the region presents diverse reliefs such as valleys, canyons and plateaus, offering spectacular landscapes waiting to be photographed by the most intrepid.
Fauna and flora of the region.
The Andean region of Colombia is known for its rich and diverse flora and fauna. Its imposing mountains, fertile valleys and cold moors are home to a great variety of species adapted to different altitudes and climates.
In terms of flora, you can find cloud forests with moss-covered trees and exotic orchids, as well as extensive coffee plantations and agricultural crops in the valleys. In terms of fauna, this region is home to a large number of birds, such as the Andean condor and the “páramo” hummingbird, as well as emblematic mammals such as the spectacled bear and the mountain tapir.
In addition, there is a great diversity of amphibians and reptiles, including glass frogs and poisonous snakes. The Andean region of Colombia is a natural treasure that stands out for its abundance and variety of flora and fauna, making it a unique destination for nature lovers.
Culture and Gastronomy
The gastronomy of the Andean region of Colombia is a fusion of authentic and traditional flavors. Its dishes represent the culinary richness of the different cultures that have influenced the region over the years. Among the most outstanding dishes is the famous “ajiaco”, a thick soup based on chicken, potatoes and “guascas”, accompanied by avocado and cream.
Another emblematic dish is the “tamal”, a delicious preparation of corn dough stuffed with meat, chicken, vegetables and wrapped in plantain leaves. In addition, you can enjoy “arepas”, a kind of round, flat bread made of corn, served with cheese, “hogao” (tomato and onion sauce) or different types of meats and vegetables.
Featured Species
Amphibians and reptiles
- Oophaga histrionica (Harlequin Poison Frog).
- Phyllobates bicolor (Black-legged Poison Dart Frog).
- Andinobates fulguritus (Yellowbelly Poison Frog).
- Agalychnis spurrelli (Gliding Treefrog).
- Cochranella euknemos (San Jose Cochran Frog).
- Hyalinobatrachium tatayoi (Tatayo’s Glass Frog).
- Rhaebo haematiticus (Truando Toad).
- Boana rufitela (Canal Zone Treefrog).
- Corytophanes cristatus (Smooth Helmeted Iguana).
- Basiliscus galeritus (Western Basilisk).
- Mastigodryas boddaerti (Boddaert’s Tropical Racer).
Birds
- Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)
- Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan (Andigena hypoglauca)
- Black-billed Mountain-Toucan (Andigena nigrirostris)
- Multicolored Tanager (Chlorochrysa nitidissima)
- Glistening-green Tanager (Chlorochrysa phoenicotis)
- Red-headed Barbet (Eubucco bourcierii)
- Toucan Barbet (Semnornis ramphastinus)
- Machaeropterus deliciosus (Club-winged Manakin)
- Grallaria ruficapilla (Chestnut-crowned antpitta)
- Dubusia taeniata (Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager)
- Coeligena torquata (Collared Inca)
- Ensifera ensifera (Sword-billed Hummingbird)
- Violet-tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus coelestis)
Biodiversity
The Andean region of Colombia is a true paradise for birds and herps. With its wide variety of habitats ranging from tropical valleys to high mountain páramos, this region is home to an incredible diversity of species.
In addition, herps also play a prominent role in this region, with vibrantly colored poison dart frogs, tree snakes and unique lizards that are adapted to the different climates.
The Andean region of Colombia is a true treasure for bird and herp lovers, offering a unique experience to discover and appreciate the amazing diversity of these species in their natural environment.