🇨🇴 Colombia
Bird Photography Expedition
Endemics · Andes · Antpittas · Lek Photography
A high-level photography expedition through the Central Andes of Colombia, designed for bird photographers seeking endemic species, controlled setups, and rare behavioral opportunities.
Tour: November 2027 · Reserve by June 30, 2027 · Final payment by August 31, 2027
Group expedition · Max 6 photographers · Private custom dates available
Spots Available
November 1–12, 2027·Max 6 photographers · 12 days
Group booking closes June 30, 2027 · Private dates available 2026–2028
Expedition Overview
This itinerary explores the Central Andes of Colombia, combining coffee region ecosystems (1,200–1,800 m), cloud forests (2,400–3,000 m), and páramo environments up to 4,000 m elevation.
Target Species
Colombia has the highest bird species count in the world. This expedition targets some of the most sought-after endemics and specialties.
Expedition Gallery
12-Day Expedition Itinerary
From the coffee region to the páramo — an intensive journey through Colombia's most productive birding ecosystems.
Arrival in Cali (1,000 m)
CaliAirport pickup and transfer (30–60 min). Overnight in Cali or K-18 area.
Doñadora Feeders & Km 18
Chocó / Km 18Drive ~1h15 (55 km). Altitude 1,300–2,000 m. Chocó foothills → cloud forest transition. Morning at Doñadora Feeders. Overnight: Yotoco Lodge / La Florida Lodge.
La Florida & Transfer to Buga
La Florida → Buga2h drive to Buga. Altitude 2,000 m → 1,000 m. Morning at La Florida (cloud forest). Overnight in Guadalajara or El Diamante.
Sonso Lagoon / El Diamante & Transfer to Anaime
Sonso → Anaime30 min local + 4 h drive. Altitude 900–1,500 m. Wetlands → Andean forest. Overnight: Cantos del Río / Urapanes.
Anaime — Hummingbird Paradise
Anaime2.5–3h drive. Altitude 1,800–2,000 m. Afternoon transfer to Kiraikai.
Quira & Cai + Transfer to Manizales
Quira / Cai1.5–2h drive. Altitude 1,300–2,100 m. Afternoon transfer to Manizales.
Río Blanco Reserve — Antpittas
Río Blanco30 min. Altitude 2,400–2,800 m. High cloud forest. Close-range antpitta photography at feeding stations.
Nevados / Termales del Ruiz — Páramo
Los Nevados1.5–2h ascent. Altitude up to 4,000 m. Páramo ecosystem with iconic high-Andean species.
Hacienda El Bosque
Hacienda El Bosque1h15. Altitude ~2,800 m. Controlled high-elevation setups.
Glamping Colores de mi Revés
Coffee Region1 hour of bumpy road, special 4x4 vehicles. Scenic transfer through coffee landscapes. Secondary forest + open habitats. Overnight: Glamping.
Tinamú Reserve & Transfer to Riosucio
Tinamú → Riosucio~3h30 total. Morning at Tinamú Reserve (1,200 m). Afternoon transfer to Riosucio. Overnight: Riosucio.
Mirador El Roble & Jardín — Cock-of-the-Rock Lek
El Roble / Jardín~2h total. Altitude 1,800–2,200 m. Morning at Mirador El Roble (2 hours, bumpy road). Afternoon at Jardín & Cock-of-the-Rock lek. Overnight: Jardín.
Oilbird (Guácharos Reserve) & Transfer to Medellín
Guácharos → Medellín3.5–4.5h. Morning at the Oilbird site. Afternoon transfer to Medellín (hotel or airport). End of tour.
All-Inclusive Package
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Ground transportation throughout (4x4 where required)
- Professional bird guides at every location
- Lodge & hotel accommodation (12 nights)
- Park & reserve entrance fees
- Photography hide & feeder station access
- Antpitta feeding station access (Río Blanco, El Bosque)
- Cock-of-the-Rock lek access (Jardín)
- Oilbird cave visit (Guácharos Reserve)
- Water & refreshments daily
Not Included
- International flights
- Domestic flights to Cali / from Medellín
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal items & tips
Expedition Details
Max 6 photographers
13 days / 12 nights
Coffee Region, Cloud Forest, Páramo, Jardín
Intermediate to Advanced
1,200 – 4,000 m
Elias Nature Tours
Investment
Early access pricing for a limited group experience.
Two Ways to Join This Expedition
Choose the format that fits you best. Both run the same itinerary with the same guides and setups.
Request Full Details
We personally review each request to confirm availability, timing, and final details.
📱 Mobile number only (for WhatsApp)
Small group · Limited availability · Personalized coordination