Colombia
Premium Plus Package
Embark on a magnificent 13-day birding and photography odyssey through the world’s most avian-dense nation. Home to a breathtaking array of colors and melodies, Colombia offers an unrivaled haven for nature enthusiasts and bird photographers alike. From the lush lowlands of Cali and the rich cloud forests of Rio Blanco to the high-alpine paramo of Nevado Del Ruiz Volcano and the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock leks of Jardín, this expedition is meticulously designed to showcase South America's finest feathered treasures.
Where Comfort Meets the Wild
Immerse yourself in Kenya’s legendary wildlife havens with a seamless rhythm of early-morning predator tracking, sunset game drives, and tranquil wilderness retreats. From the rhino-rich woodlands of Lake Nakuru to the sprawling, big-cat-dominated plains of the Masai Mara, every day is crafted to balance high-action safari exploration with exceptional lodge hospitality.
Where High-Altitude Luxury Meets Avian Paradise
Your avian expedition across Colombia is anchored in high-altitude comfort, exquisite mountain lodges, and relaxing volcanic retreats. From vibrant city stays in Cali and boutique historic properties in Manizales to high-elevation eco-lodges surrounded by lush cloud forests, every property is selected to keep you at the doorstep of rich birding action. The highlight of your stay includes a mountain lodge situated over 4,000 meters above sea level in Nevado Del Ruiz, featuring natural geothermal hot springs where you can soak in heated mineral pools while photographing rare, endemic hummingbirds in the crisp mountain air.
Comprehensive
Day-by-Day Schedule
Arrival in Cali & Welcome Briefing
Arrive in Cali during the first half of the day. Transfer to your hotel to rest and recover. Meet your Photography Skipper and fellow group members in the evening for a tour briefing. Overnight in Cali.
Full Days Bird Photography around Cali
Three full days spent visiting premier photo decks around Cali. Target colorful species including Multicolored Tanager, Red-headed Barbet, Andean Motmot, Scaled Antpitta, and over a dozen hummingbird species (White-necked Jacobin, Long-tailed Sylph, Greenish Puffleg). Return to Cali each evening for dinner and briefing
Scenic Transfer to Manizales
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive through the Colombian countryside to Manizales. Check in to Hotel Quo for lunch. Spend the afternoon photographing hummingbirds around the property's feeders and hides. Overnight in Manizales
Cloud Forest Photography at Rio Blanco
Full day dedicated to exploring the famous Rio Blanco Nature Reserve. Photograph Antpitta species (Brown-banded, Bicolored, Chestnut-naped) at feeding stations alongside Buff-breasted Mountain Tanagers, Fruiteaters, and high-altitude hummingbirds. Overnight in Manizales.
El Color De Mis Sueños Reserve
Head up into the mountains to El Color de mis Sueños. Search for Grey-breasted Mountain Toucans, Andean Pygmy Owls, White-capped Tanagers, and Slaty Brushfinches. Descend back to Manizales in the evening.
Hacienda El Bosque Ranch
Full day photographing along the slopes of Hacienda El Bosque. Focus on Crescent-faced and Rufous Antpittas in the morning, followed by Sword-billed Hummingbirds, Tourmaline Sunangels, and Hooded Mountain Tanagers around the ranch hides. Overnight in Manizales.
High-Altitude Paramo & Nevado Del Ruiz Volcano
Ascend into the breathtaking high-altitude ecosystem around the Nevado Del Ruiz Volcano (above 4,000m). Target high-alpine specialists like the Buffy Helmetcrest, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, and Great Sapphirewing. Stay at a lodge featuring natural geothermal hot springs for relaxing evening soaks.
Transfer to Jardín & Cock-of-the-Rock Lek
Drive 5 hours to the colorful town of Jardín on Day 11. Spend the afternoon and the morning of Day 12 at the famous Cock-of-the-Rock lek photographing the fiery courtship displays. On the evening of Day 12, transfer to an airport hotel in Rionegro (Medellín).
Transfer to Rionegro Airport & Departure
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to Rionegro (MDE) Airport for your departure flight home with rich avian images and memories
What is Included
Accommodation: 12 Nights stay in twin-sharing rooms across boutique hotels, cloud forest lodges, and thermal mountain resorts.
Meals: All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) and hot beverages (coffee/tea) starting from Day 1 dinner through Day 13 breakfast.
Transfers: All internal land transfers within Colombia in a private air-conditioned tour bus.
Guiding: Services of professional local birding guides
Activities & Entry: All entrance fees for hides, national parks, photography decks, and lek sites listed in the itinerary.
Specialized Equipment: Access to multi-flash photography setups for hummingbird sessions.
Documentation: Visa invitation letter and registration assistance.
What is Excluded
International flights to/from Colombia (Cali arrival / Rionegro departure).
Personal transfer expenses between your home city and Colombia.
Any personal expenses, optional tours, laundry, and telephone calls.
Bottled water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages.
Comprehensive travel, medical, and equipment insurance.
All applicable taxes and anything not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions.
Essential Travel Directives
01
Booking & Payment Terms
A 50% advance deposit is required to confirm bookings and secure non-refundable park entry permits. The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to departure.
02
ID & Documentation
Valid original passports are mandatory for verification at all park entrance gates.
03
Cancellation Policy
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60+ days prior to departure: 10% administrative fee retained.
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30–59 days prior to departure: 50% of the total package cost retained.
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0–29 days prior to departure: 100% non-refundable.