Colombia. Photo by Adam Betuel.
Colombia 2026: A Rainbow of Birds
*NOTE* This trip has been postponed and will be
rescheduled for late 2026 or 2027
rescheduled for late 2026 or 2027
Yellow-eared Parrot, by Corey Raffell; Bay-headed Tanager, by Dorian Anderson; Sparkling Violet-ear, by Dorian Anderson. (Audubon Photography Awards winners)
Birds Georgia Leader: Adam Betuel, Director of Conservation
Local Guide: Diego Calderon (COLOMBIA Birding & The Birders Show)
Group Size: 10 people (can be run with a smaller group at an elevated price)
Member price: $8,830*
Non-member price: $8,890 * (Includes a one-year Birds Georgia membership)
Single supplement for non-shared hotel room: $425/person
*Based on double occupancy. See more details below if traveling solo
*Sharing of a room is required at one location. Details below
Lodging Note: Depending on group construction, single travelers may be asked to pay a single supplement if we are unable to pair you with another guest. All efforts will be made to pair individuals to avoid this expense, though it cannot be guaranteed. Impacted travelers, should they decide to cancel, will be reimbursed following the cancellation policy below.
Colombia is the epicenter of avian diversity. No country on the planet has more species than Colombia (1900+) despite it only being around 1/9 the size of the United States. With multiple cordilleras of the Andes, the Santa Marta Mountains, two coastlines, the Amazon, and so much more interesting biogeography, it is no wonder why. This two-week trip will be the third tour Birds Georgia has organized in the past few years, each one visiting a different region of this birdy nation. This time, our efforts are focuses on the montane slopes west of Bogota, the famous Chocó habitat on the coastal slope of the western Andes, and the biodiverse rises and valleys in between. We will spend multiple days at a couple of species rich reserves, including the famous Montezuma Reserve, brimming with colorful tanagers and hummingbirds. Stops will be made in and around the lovely city of Jardin, one of if not the quaintest city in the nation. We’ll also visit the Paujil and Rio Claro reserves before wrapping up the adventure at a lovely lodge in Pereira. This trip should be appealing to all birders, those experiencing South America for the first time, those new to Colombia, or even those eager to return to this wonderful nation.
For this trip, conservation director Adam Betuel will once again team up with Diego Calderon, one of the original and top bird guides in all of Colombia. In addition to his guiding work at COLOMBIA Birding, Diego is the cohost of The Birders Show. During this tour, one can expect to see mountain peaks, lush mountainsides, historic towns, lively culture, unbroken forest for miles, in addition to hundreds of different species of birds and other unique wildlife. With its unfathomable diversity, enticing culture, and safety over recent years, it is no wonder why Colombia has become one of the world’s most desirable birding destinations on the planet. Come join us!
Local Guide: Diego Calderon (COLOMBIA Birding & The Birders Show)
Group Size: 10 people (can be run with a smaller group at an elevated price)
Member price: $8,830*
Non-member price: $8,890 * (Includes a one-year Birds Georgia membership)
Single supplement for non-shared hotel room: $425/person
*Based on double occupancy. See more details below if traveling solo
*Sharing of a room is required at one location. Details below
Lodging Note: Depending on group construction, single travelers may be asked to pay a single supplement if we are unable to pair you with another guest. All efforts will be made to pair individuals to avoid this expense, though it cannot be guaranteed. Impacted travelers, should they decide to cancel, will be reimbursed following the cancellation policy below.
Colombia is the epicenter of avian diversity. No country on the planet has more species than Colombia (1900+) despite it only being around 1/9 the size of the United States. With multiple cordilleras of the Andes, the Santa Marta Mountains, two coastlines, the Amazon, and so much more interesting biogeography, it is no wonder why. This two-week trip will be the third tour Birds Georgia has organized in the past few years, each one visiting a different region of this birdy nation. This time, our efforts are focuses on the montane slopes west of Bogota, the famous Chocó habitat on the coastal slope of the western Andes, and the biodiverse rises and valleys in between. We will spend multiple days at a couple of species rich reserves, including the famous Montezuma Reserve, brimming with colorful tanagers and hummingbirds. Stops will be made in and around the lovely city of Jardin, one of if not the quaintest city in the nation. We’ll also visit the Paujil and Rio Claro reserves before wrapping up the adventure at a lovely lodge in Pereira. This trip should be appealing to all birders, those experiencing South America for the first time, those new to Colombia, or even those eager to return to this wonderful nation.
For this trip, conservation director Adam Betuel will once again team up with Diego Calderon, one of the original and top bird guides in all of Colombia. In addition to his guiding work at COLOMBIA Birding, Diego is the cohost of The Birders Show. During this tour, one can expect to see mountain peaks, lush mountainsides, historic towns, lively culture, unbroken forest for miles, in addition to hundreds of different species of birds and other unique wildlife. With its unfathomable diversity, enticing culture, and safety over recent years, it is no wonder why Colombia has become one of the world’s most desirable birding destinations on the planet. Come join us!
Please Note: Credit card processing fees are now included in the registration price.
Questions? Please contact Adam Betuel at via email.
Questions? Please contact Adam Betuel at via email.
Leadership Giving Circle members receive exclusive benefits, including early access to our travel program registration, discounts on store purchases, and access to special Leadership Circle trips.
To learn more, visit our Leadership Giving Circle page.
To learn more, visit our Leadership Giving Circle page.
Trip Overview
Click on each day for more information.
Day 1: Arrive in BogOta
Welcome to Colombia! Today, the only planned activity is a welcome dinner at the hotel near the Bogota airport. If you keep your eyes open at the airport or from your hotel window, you may spot your first Eared Doves or Tropical Kingbird. At dinner, you will meet the group, guides, and receive your checklist for the trip.
Lodging: Hilton Garden Inn Bogota Airport
Lodging: Hilton Garden Inn Bogota Airport
Day 2: Laguna Tabacal and the Enchanted Garden
We will depart Bogota bright and early and head to our first birding location, Laguna el Tabacal. Here we will check the water's edge and explore trails through lush forests. White-vented Plumeleteer, Least Grebe, Olivaceous Piculet, and Rusty-breasted Antpitta could all make an appearance. In eBird, this hotspot has a list topping 500 species(!), so it will be an exciting start to our trip. After the birding and field breakfast, we will continue on our way toward Jardin de Encantado (Enchanting Garden). Here we expect to be overwhelmed by hummingbirds. Black-throated Mango, Sparkling Violetear, Indigo-capped Hummingbird, and Brown Violetear are some of the 20 possible hummingbird species.
We’ll stop for lunch on our way to our home for the next three nights: Paujil Reserve. If we arrive in time, we will bird near our lodging before settling into our rooms. Drinks will be had as we toast to the new life birds!
Lodging: Paujil reserve
We’ll stop for lunch on our way to our home for the next three nights: Paujil Reserve. If we arrive in time, we will bird near our lodging before settling into our rooms. Drinks will be had as we toast to the new life birds!
Lodging: Paujil reserve
Day 3 and 4: Puajil Reserve
The next two days will be spent exploring the Proaves site known as the Paujil Reserve. This protected site was created 20+ years ago with the primary goal of protecting the Blue-billed Currasow. In this humid tropical forest, we will have plenty to search for in addition to the park's namesake species. Gray-cowled Wood-Rail, Colombian Chachalaca, and Little Tinamous could be seen patrolling the first floor. Buff-rumped Warblers will flash their tail spots alongside migratory warblers on their way north. Yellow-backed Tanager, Black-bellied Wren, Black-chested Jay, and Southern Bentbill are some of the hundreds of other species we may encounter. South America forest birding at its finest.
Lodging: Paujil reserve
Lodging: Paujil reserve
Day 5 and 6: Rio Claro
We will squeeze in a bit more birding at Paujil before heading to Rio Claro Nature Reserve. We’ll break up the drive with some local cuisine and birding before settling in for a two-night stay at another shockingly biodiverse location. This private reserve, established in the 1970s, has marble formations, caves, and other unique geological features. We will explore the grounds during the afternoon of day 5 and all day on day 6.
With a species list almost hitting 600 species, targets will be abundant. Tawny-crested, Crimson-backed, Dusky-faced, and Golden-hooded Tanagers will comprise mixed species flocks. Thick-billed Euphonia, Pale-breasted Thrush, and Band-backed Wren should be common. Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher, Striolated Manakin, Black-faced Antthrush, and Checker-throated Stipplethroat may take a bit more work, but should be around. Another day of drinking from the firehose that is Colombia birding!
Lodging: Rio Claro Reserve
With a species list almost hitting 600 species, targets will be abundant. Tawny-crested, Crimson-backed, Dusky-faced, and Golden-hooded Tanagers will comprise mixed species flocks. Thick-billed Euphonia, Pale-breasted Thrush, and Band-backed Wren should be common. Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher, Striolated Manakin, Black-faced Antthrush, and Checker-throated Stipplethroat may take a bit more work, but should be around. Another day of drinking from the firehose that is Colombia birding!
Lodging: Rio Claro Reserve
Day 7: Reserva El Encanto de las Aves
After pulling ourselves away from Rio Claro, we will continue west. Late morning and early afternoon birding will be done at a pair of phenomenal hotspots: La Ermita and Reserva El Encanto de las Aves. La Ermita is home to some truly special birds like Recurved-billed Bushbird, Tody Motmot, White-mantled Barbet, Black Hawk-Eagle, and Spectacled Parrotlet. At Reserva El Encanto, Beautiful Woodpecker, a Colombian endemic, visits the feeders as do tons of hummingbirds, including the Green-crowned Brilliant. Lunch won’t be overshadowed by the birding as we will eat at the El Palacio De Los Frijoles (The Bean Palace). In addition to the amazing food, birds will be around as well. Common Tody-Flycatcher and Flame-rumped Tanager should be found nearby.
Lodging: Hotel Lodge Cannua (Marinilla)
Lodging: Hotel Lodge Cannua (Marinilla)
Day 8 and 9: Jardin
In the morning, we do some birding at Cannua. After breakfast, we will head to Alma de Bosque for an orchids and hummingbird tour. Later in the day, we will visit the banks of the Cuaca River, looking for Greenish Puffleg, White-bellied Woodstar, and other hummingbirds. We will continue to bird our way to the charming town of Jardin.
The following morning, we will visit a couple of fun birding spots. The Birds Office Jardin will be our first stop, and we will search for Bronze-winged Parrot, Russet-backed Oropendola, and the Colombian endemic Red-bellied Grackle. Post breakfast, we will visit a small farm called Finca Bambusa. Bay-headed Tanagers, Streaked Salatators, and Scrub Tanager may make an appearance. In the afternoon, we will attempt to experience one of the best birds in the Americas -the Andean Cock-of-the-rock. This brightly colored Cotinga is a lekking species, and we hope to see a flurry of these birds doing their display.
Lodging: Casa Passiflora
The following morning, we will visit a couple of fun birding spots. The Birds Office Jardin will be our first stop, and we will search for Bronze-winged Parrot, Russet-backed Oropendola, and the Colombian endemic Red-bellied Grackle. Post breakfast, we will visit a small farm called Finca Bambusa. Bay-headed Tanagers, Streaked Salatators, and Scrub Tanager may make an appearance. In the afternoon, we will attempt to experience one of the best birds in the Americas -the Andean Cock-of-the-rock. This brightly colored Cotinga is a lekking species, and we hope to see a flurry of these birds doing their display.
Lodging: Casa Passiflora
Day 10: Mirador el Roble
We will bid Jardin adieu as we make our way toward Montezuma and the Choco habitat it holds. A stop will be made for morning birding at Mirador El Roble. One of our primary targets will be antpittas at the feeders, including Chami Antipttas. There will also be hummingbirds. Lesser Violetear, Tourmaline Sunangel, Long-tailed Sylph, and Buff-tailed Coronet are expected. Yellow-eared Parrot may soar overhead, Gray-browed Brushfinch will hop across the ground, and Blue-and-black Tanagers will awe. In past years, an Oncilla, a feline species, has been spotted at this birding spot. Fingers crossed!
As we approach Montezuma, we will split into 4x4 vehicles to push on to one of the most exciting birding spots in the country. The afternoon will give us a taste of what the next few days have in store.
Lodging: Montezuma Lodge
As we approach Montezuma, we will split into 4x4 vehicles to push on to one of the most exciting birding spots in the country. The afternoon will give us a taste of what the next few days have in store.
Lodging: Montezuma Lodge
Day 11 and 12: Montezuma
These two days will be spent exploring this unreal stretch of Choco forest. It will likely be humid with bouts of rain, but this rainforest will make us forget the moisture with its extreme diversity of plants and wildlife. Looking just at the birdlife, 550-600 bird species utilize this area so we won’t run out of targets to chase and places to experience. There are so many amazing birds we will be looking for, but a few standouts include Gold-ringed Tanager, Purplish-mantled Tanager, Black-and-gold Tanager, Grass-green Tanager, and Metallic-green Tanager (tanager party!). Andean Solitaire, Munchique Wood-Wren, Choco Brushfinch, and Three-striped Warbler may not be as colorful but are more than worthy birds to commune with in a tropical rainforest. These few days will be ones to remember!
Lodging: Montezuma Lodge
Lodging: Montezuma Lodge
Day 13: Transfer to Pereira
After a final bit of Montezuma birding, we will begin heading to our final destination, Pereira. On the way, we plan on visiting a feeding station that may attract Chestnut Wood Quail, Yellow-breasted Antpitta, and Tatama Tapaculo. Eventually, we will make it to our lovely lodging for a final evening of enjoying cocktails and relaxation. Blue-headed Parrot, Jet Antbird, Blue-necked Tanager, or Chivi Vireo could be our last proper bird of the trip. Another great day on a great tour
Lodging: Hotel Hacienda San Jose
Lodging: Hotel Hacienda San Jose
Day 14: Heading Home
Sadly, it is time to head home. We will get everyone transferred to the Pereira airport, where the tour comes to a close. Adam will work with everyone to make sure we have a plan to make it back to the states, everyone likely connecting through Bogota. This is going to be a birdy and well-rounded trip, and I hope you decide to join me!
Number of bird species expected: 250 to 300
Additional details
Spectacled Parrotlet. Photo by Dorian Anderson.
Services Included:
1. $500.00 due to reserve spot on trip. ($560 for non-member, includes one-year membership)
2. Half of cost (less $500) due by September 1, 2025
3. Full payment must be made by February 1, 2026
*The final payment would include your single supplement payment if applicable
Cancellation Policy:
If notice of cancellation by the participant is received by September 1, 2025, a refund of all payments made will be given (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card processing fees incurred by Birds Georgia). If notice of cancellation is received between September 1, 2025 and February 1, 2026, a 50% refund of the fees paid to date will be given, unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card fees). Thereafter, all deposits and payments are non-refundable unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card processing fees incurred by Birds Georgia). In the event of tour cancellation due to weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other unforeseen emergency situation, a refund will be given, less any non-refundable payments made to tour partners or incurred by Birds Georgia. Birds Georgia and its tour partners reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary that we think will improve the trip and/or due to local conditions, both before the trip and during. If changes are made prior to the trip, participants will be notified, but changes made to the itinerary do not change the terms of our cancellation policy. If it is necessary to change hotels or other accommodations, comparable accommodations will be substituted wherever possible. Please contact Adam Betuel if you have any questions regarding the non-refundable payment schedule.
Travel Insurance:
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance in case you must make an unforeseen trip cancellation or other circumstances cause the cancellation/postponement of the trip past our refund period. Check with your own insurance carrier or consider a travel insurance specialist.
Terms and Conditions:
Please review the Birds Georgia Travel Program Terms and Conditions prior to registration.
- One expert local birding tour leader (Diego Calderon) and a co-leader from Birds Georgia (Conservation Director Adam Betuel).
- Accommodations in all destinations. A non-shared room is available for an additional fee.
- All transportation during the trip including pick-up and drop-off at the airport
- Domestic flights
- All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 14. Additionally, water will be available on the bus at all times
- Alcohol
- All entrance fees to parks and preserves
- Taxes
- Limited medical insurance in case of emergency
- Costs of obtaining passports
- International airfare and any accompanying baggage fees
- Snacks, beverages, room service, or sightseeing not specified in itinerary
- Souvenirs
- Laundry
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended – see cancellation policy)
- Medical costs and any testing should it be required
- Gratuities for guides and drivers (could amount to a few hundred USD)
- Personal communications
- Extra costs associated with unexpected route changes
- Any other incidentals that participants may wish to purchase
1. $500.00 due to reserve spot on trip. ($560 for non-member, includes one-year membership)
2. Half of cost (less $500) due by September 1, 2025
3. Full payment must be made by February 1, 2026
*The final payment would include your single supplement payment if applicable
Cancellation Policy:
If notice of cancellation by the participant is received by September 1, 2025, a refund of all payments made will be given (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card processing fees incurred by Birds Georgia). If notice of cancellation is received between September 1, 2025 and February 1, 2026, a 50% refund of the fees paid to date will be given, unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card fees). Thereafter, all deposits and payments are non-refundable unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card processing fees incurred by Birds Georgia). In the event of tour cancellation due to weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other unforeseen emergency situation, a refund will be given, less any non-refundable payments made to tour partners or incurred by Birds Georgia. Birds Georgia and its tour partners reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary that we think will improve the trip and/or due to local conditions, both before the trip and during. If changes are made prior to the trip, participants will be notified, but changes made to the itinerary do not change the terms of our cancellation policy. If it is necessary to change hotels or other accommodations, comparable accommodations will be substituted wherever possible. Please contact Adam Betuel if you have any questions regarding the non-refundable payment schedule.
Travel Insurance:
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance in case you must make an unforeseen trip cancellation or other circumstances cause the cancellation/postponement of the trip past our refund period. Check with your own insurance carrier or consider a travel insurance specialist.
Terms and Conditions:
Please review the Birds Georgia Travel Program Terms and Conditions prior to registration.
Travel Information
Red-crowned Woodpecker. Photo by Dorian Anderson.
Safety:
Safety: Colombia has become drastically safer in recent decades. Today, only select locations are of concern. Here is a statement about safety from our local partners: “We at Nature Colombia take very seriously the safety of all our clients and staff. With our extensive network of contacts at our reserves, local communities, and other organizations, we feel very confident having our clients and staff visit and work at all the locations on our tour routes. Many of the sites visited on our tours have permanent presence and daily communication with our office. This provides a high degree of assurance that these areas are indeed safe to visit, however in the event of any unexpected change we would not hesitate to change an itinerary.” We at Birds Georgia have done tours in Colombia in 2023 and 2024. Both could not have gone better and felt safer. There is no safety concerns beyond what can happen anywhere during international travel. Make sure you are comfortable before registering and feel free to contact Adam with specific questions.
State Department travel advisory for Colombia (notice locations of any alerts)
Pace/Physical Difficulty
Moderate. Though there is a fair amount of relocating, but we will be staying multiple nights at the majority of hotels/lodges. Roads can be VERY rough and at times we will be in multiple 4x4 vehicles. If you are sensitive to bumpy roads and experience motion sickness in cars, please come prepared. Very few long walks. Most walking will be on shorter loop trails, along roads, at feeders or gardens at lodges. Some flat terrain, but many spots will have at least some incline. When possible, we will try and walk down hill and have the vehicle pick us up instead of walking back up. Some areas can be steep and potentially wet. We will be visiting location ranging from mid-elevation to quite high (9,000 ft). You will spend a lot of time on your feet. Days will typically be long with substantial time on your feet or on the vehicle. Most mornings will have a very early start so that we can get to the birding locations at peak time for bird activity. Some nights will have optional owling. If it is not a travel day, participants can of course skip any outing and stay at the hotel.
Dietary Restrictions
All efforts will be made to accommodate any dietary restrictions. However, at some points during this trip, dining options may be limited. Please contact Adam Betuel by email to discuss your needs before registering if you think there could be an issue. We have had no issue accommodating participants requests on past trips.
Money
Colombia uses the Colombian Peso (roughly 4,024 to 1 USD – July 2025). Dollars are not typically accepted so you will want to exchange money for purchases in country. ATMs are plentiful and typically offer a good exchange rate. Credit cards are accepted at some locations. You may want to notify your credit cards or bank prior to departure.
Tipping
From the local company we are partnering with “Tipping is an important way that you can indirectly support conservation efforts. The more economic impact local businesses and other service providers feel from ecotourism, the more word will spread that conservation is a viable economic alternative. At Nature Colombia, as much as possible we hire local labor and buy our building materials and foods locally. Likewise, you as an individual can also have a significant cumulative effect with other visitors over the course of a season or year. Your trip cost only includes tips with
meals. There are some people you may want to tip such as porters, housekeeping, and of course our guide(s) and drivers. With this concept in mind, while staying at natural reserves we suggest a tip of $5 US/person/night for the reserve staff (guards, cooks and local guides).” Most places we will go have a box where you can drop in a tip that will be split among the staff. Away from the reserves/hotels, you may want to keep in mind tipping for our drivers and other guides, including Diego.
You can find information on tipping guides and drivers online but some recommendations are:
Photography
Opportunities will be quite variable. Many habitats will be lush and forested which may make photography a bit more difficult. Additionally, we may be in some damp areas and on steep trails that could pose a risk to your equipment or limit visibility at times. However, we will visit multiple feeders that can provide spectacular opportunities for pictures. High elevation sites will have shorter vegetation and could provide great views. It is important to remember this is a bird and nature watching trip and not a photography trip. We will slow for photos when appropriate but in general, we will keep a pace best for birdwatching.
Climate/Weather
We will be visiting a large range of altitudes and thus a variety of temperatures/climates. We can expect temperatures to be cool at mountain spots and hot and moist conditions in low to mid elevation locations. Rain is very likely at some locations, though it should not be constant/debilitating. Rain gear would be handy and is strongly recommended.
Bugs
This trip should not be too buggy but it is worth bringing bug spray to be safe.
Accommodations
Comfortable to very good. At most locations, we will be using one of if not the best lodging options available and places that cater to birders. However, at some destinations we will prioritize proximity to birding locations. Hotels should have typical amenities including WIFI (though the quality can be quite variable and connections can be unreliable). The planned hotels are:
Transportation within country
The group will be in a large van/bus (15 passenger Mercedes Benz most likely) for most of the trip. At some locations, we will need to split up into multiple 4x4 vehicles.
Water and snacks
We encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle. In general, the tap water is safe to drink/use. This is especially true at the high elevation locations. However, most places will have a refill station you can use for your bottle. There will always be drinking water on the bus. Snacks will also be available on the vehicle as well (typically fruit, chips, cookies). Additional food items or drinks desired away from meal times will be the responsibility of the trip participant.
Seating
A seating rotation will be implemented to make sure people have an opportunity to sit in various spots on the bus. If you struggle with sitting in the back or get motion sickness, come prepared. Your Birds Georgia guide (Adam) may stay in the front row to maintain conversation with Diego and the driver. If you cannot abide by the seat rotation, please do not register.
Electricity
Most hotels and lodges in Colombia have Type B, 3 pin North American plugs as in the USA. Some older
establishments may have only the Type A, 2 pin North American plugs. The frequency is 60 Hz and the
voltage is 110V (same as the USA), though in rural areas the voltage can fluctuate.
Safety: Colombia has become drastically safer in recent decades. Today, only select locations are of concern. Here is a statement about safety from our local partners: “We at Nature Colombia take very seriously the safety of all our clients and staff. With our extensive network of contacts at our reserves, local communities, and other organizations, we feel very confident having our clients and staff visit and work at all the locations on our tour routes. Many of the sites visited on our tours have permanent presence and daily communication with our office. This provides a high degree of assurance that these areas are indeed safe to visit, however in the event of any unexpected change we would not hesitate to change an itinerary.” We at Birds Georgia have done tours in Colombia in 2023 and 2024. Both could not have gone better and felt safer. There is no safety concerns beyond what can happen anywhere during international travel. Make sure you are comfortable before registering and feel free to contact Adam with specific questions.
State Department travel advisory for Colombia (notice locations of any alerts)
Pace/Physical Difficulty
Moderate. Though there is a fair amount of relocating, but we will be staying multiple nights at the majority of hotels/lodges. Roads can be VERY rough and at times we will be in multiple 4x4 vehicles. If you are sensitive to bumpy roads and experience motion sickness in cars, please come prepared. Very few long walks. Most walking will be on shorter loop trails, along roads, at feeders or gardens at lodges. Some flat terrain, but many spots will have at least some incline. When possible, we will try and walk down hill and have the vehicle pick us up instead of walking back up. Some areas can be steep and potentially wet. We will be visiting location ranging from mid-elevation to quite high (9,000 ft). You will spend a lot of time on your feet. Days will typically be long with substantial time on your feet or on the vehicle. Most mornings will have a very early start so that we can get to the birding locations at peak time for bird activity. Some nights will have optional owling. If it is not a travel day, participants can of course skip any outing and stay at the hotel.
Dietary Restrictions
All efforts will be made to accommodate any dietary restrictions. However, at some points during this trip, dining options may be limited. Please contact Adam Betuel by email to discuss your needs before registering if you think there could be an issue. We have had no issue accommodating participants requests on past trips.
Money
Colombia uses the Colombian Peso (roughly 4,024 to 1 USD – July 2025). Dollars are not typically accepted so you will want to exchange money for purchases in country. ATMs are plentiful and typically offer a good exchange rate. Credit cards are accepted at some locations. You may want to notify your credit cards or bank prior to departure.
Tipping
From the local company we are partnering with “Tipping is an important way that you can indirectly support conservation efforts. The more economic impact local businesses and other service providers feel from ecotourism, the more word will spread that conservation is a viable economic alternative. At Nature Colombia, as much as possible we hire local labor and buy our building materials and foods locally. Likewise, you as an individual can also have a significant cumulative effect with other visitors over the course of a season or year. Your trip cost only includes tips with
meals. There are some people you may want to tip such as porters, housekeeping, and of course our guide(s) and drivers. With this concept in mind, while staying at natural reserves we suggest a tip of $5 US/person/night for the reserve staff (guards, cooks and local guides).” Most places we will go have a box where you can drop in a tip that will be split among the staff. Away from the reserves/hotels, you may want to keep in mind tipping for our drivers and other guides, including Diego.
You can find information on tipping guides and drivers online but some recommendations are:
- Main guide (Diego) - $10 to $20 USD per day
- Local guides – $5+
- Driver - $5 per day
- Feeders – Consider leaving a small tip for the people who maintain and refill feeder stations
- These costs are per person in case you are travelling as a couple/group
Photography
Opportunities will be quite variable. Many habitats will be lush and forested which may make photography a bit more difficult. Additionally, we may be in some damp areas and on steep trails that could pose a risk to your equipment or limit visibility at times. However, we will visit multiple feeders that can provide spectacular opportunities for pictures. High elevation sites will have shorter vegetation and could provide great views. It is important to remember this is a bird and nature watching trip and not a photography trip. We will slow for photos when appropriate but in general, we will keep a pace best for birdwatching.
Climate/Weather
We will be visiting a large range of altitudes and thus a variety of temperatures/climates. We can expect temperatures to be cool at mountain spots and hot and moist conditions in low to mid elevation locations. Rain is very likely at some locations, though it should not be constant/debilitating. Rain gear would be handy and is strongly recommended.
Bugs
This trip should not be too buggy but it is worth bringing bug spray to be safe.
Accommodations
Comfortable to very good. At most locations, we will be using one of if not the best lodging options available and places that cater to birders. However, at some destinations we will prioritize proximity to birding locations. Hotels should have typical amenities including WIFI (though the quality can be quite variable and connections can be unreliable). The planned hotels are:
- Hilton Garden Inn Bogota Airport
- Paujil reserve
- Rio Claro reserve
- Hotel Lodge Cannua (Marinilla)
- Casa Passiflora
- Montezuma Lodge
- Hotel Hacienda San Jose
Transportation within country
The group will be in a large van/bus (15 passenger Mercedes Benz most likely) for most of the trip. At some locations, we will need to split up into multiple 4x4 vehicles.
Water and snacks
We encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle. In general, the tap water is safe to drink/use. This is especially true at the high elevation locations. However, most places will have a refill station you can use for your bottle. There will always be drinking water on the bus. Snacks will also be available on the vehicle as well (typically fruit, chips, cookies). Additional food items or drinks desired away from meal times will be the responsibility of the trip participant.
Seating
A seating rotation will be implemented to make sure people have an opportunity to sit in various spots on the bus. If you struggle with sitting in the back or get motion sickness, come prepared. Your Birds Georgia guide (Adam) may stay in the front row to maintain conversation with Diego and the driver. If you cannot abide by the seat rotation, please do not register.
Electricity
Most hotels and lodges in Colombia have Type B, 3 pin North American plugs as in the USA. Some older
establishments may have only the Type A, 2 pin North American plugs. The frequency is 60 Hz and the
voltage is 110V (same as the USA), though in rural areas the voltage can fluctuate.
