Above: Buffy Helmetcrest
COLOMBIA:
THE COLOMBIAN ANDES & CAUCA VALLEY
March 10 to 24, 2023
This trip is now full. Place your name on the wait list below. We will contact you if a space opens and will collect your payment at that time.
Above: Multicolored Tanager
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Above: Black-billed Mountain Toucan
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Above: Blue-headed Sapphire
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Leaders: Adam Betuel (Director of Conservation, Georgia Audubon) and Diego Calderon (COLOMBIA Birding & The Birders Show)
Group Size: Maximum group size of 10 (can be run with a smaller group at an elevated price)
Member Price: $5,660* per person
Non-member Price: $5,710* per person (includes a one-year Georgia Audubon membership)
Single Supplement for non-shared hotel room: +$530 (only 4 available)
*Based on double occupancy
*Note that we are limited to 4 single supplements on this tour. First come, first served.
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 provides a bird-filled and approachable itinerary for the country of birds. The focus of this tour will be all three ranges of the Colombian Andes, from their high paramo habitats to lower elevation valleys, and all of the amazing birds that call these places home. We will try to track down Colombian endemics such as Green-bearded Helmetcrest, Cauca Guan, Bogota Rail, and Multicolored Tanager; regional specialties like Crescent-faced Antpitta and Masked Saltator; and more widespread but stunning species like Red-ruffed Fruitcrow, Golden-headed Quetzal, and Shining Sunbeam.
For this trip, Georgia Audubon's Director of Conservation, Adam Betuel, will 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 co-host of The Birders Show. During this tour, one can expect to see all three ranges of the Colombian Andes, the Cauca River valley, pristine montane forests, glaciers, two of Colombia’s three largest cities, in addition to three to four hundred different species of birds. 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!
Group Size: Maximum group size of 10 (can be run with a smaller group at an elevated price)
Member Price: $5,660* per person
Non-member Price: $5,710* per person (includes a one-year Georgia Audubon membership)
Single Supplement for non-shared hotel room: +$530 (only 4 available)
*Based on double occupancy
*Note that we are limited to 4 single supplements on this tour. First come, first served.
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 provides a bird-filled and approachable itinerary for the country of birds. The focus of this tour will be all three ranges of the Colombian Andes, from their high paramo habitats to lower elevation valleys, and all of the amazing birds that call these places home. We will try to track down Colombian endemics such as Green-bearded Helmetcrest, Cauca Guan, Bogota Rail, and Multicolored Tanager; regional specialties like Crescent-faced Antpitta and Masked Saltator; and more widespread but stunning species like Red-ruffed Fruitcrow, Golden-headed Quetzal, and Shining Sunbeam.
For this trip, Georgia Audubon's Director of Conservation, Adam Betuel, will 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 co-host of The Birders Show. During this tour, one can expect to see all three ranges of the Colombian Andes, the Cauca River valley, pristine montane forests, glaciers, two of Colombia’s three largest cities, in addition to three to four hundred different species of birds. 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!
Questions? Contact Adam Betuel by email or at 678-973-2437.
Credit card processing fees are included in the registration price.
This trip has additional details you may want to review before registering. Please download the companion document to learn more.
Credit card processing fees are included in the registration price.
This trip has additional details you may want to review before registering. Please download the companion document to learn more.
trip overview
Click on each day for more information.
day 1: Arrive in Bogotá
After arriving in the third-highest capital city in the world (8,500+ ft), we will be transported to our nearby hotel. No activities are planned today, providing time for us to settle in and get used to the elevation.
Lodging: Hilton Garden Inn Bogotá
Lodging: Hilton Garden Inn Bogotá
day 2: Chingaza National Park
Bright and early on our first full day, we will head above Bogotá to the Chingaza National Park. After breakfast in the field, we will then spend time birding in the elfin forests and paramo at this high elevation site. Silvery-throated Spinetail and Pale-bellied Tapaculo, two Colombia endemic species, will be our top targets though plenty other exciting birds are possible. Slowly, we will make our way back down slope, first stopping for lunch in La Calera, and then spending time at the Observatorio de los Colibries. Here we will be mesmerized by the hummingbird feeders, were we will have a chance to see up to ten different species. Blue-throated Starfrontlet, a large near-endemic hummingbird, is a top target, as is the mind-boggling Sword-billed Hummingbird. This species has the longest bill, in relation to their body size, of any species on the planet.
Lodging: Hilton Garden Inn Bogotá
Lodging: Hilton Garden Inn Bogotá
day 3: Chicaque Natural Park
The day will start by us birding at Chicaque Natural Park. Chicaque is just to the west of southern Bogotá and will allow us to access some upper montane forest. Here we can expect some familiar faces like Blackburnian Warbler, Canada Warbler, and Summer Tanagers. While it is always fun to connect with “our” breeders, the top targets will include more range-restricted birds like Moustached Brushfinch, Golden-fronted Redstart, and Golden-bellied Starfrontlet.
After we pull ourselves away from the cloud forest, we will head back to the airport. Here we will have lunch and then will fly southwest to the town of Cali. After arriving in Colombia’s third largest city, we will transfer to our hotel for the next few nights, La Araucana Lodge. This lodge sites just above 5,200 ft in elevation, covers over 20 acres, and is home not only to Andean forest but also an organic farm that feeds the family, staff, and guests like us.
Lodging: La Araucana Lodge
After we pull ourselves away from the cloud forest, we will head back to the airport. Here we will have lunch and then will fly southwest to the town of Cali. After arriving in Colombia’s third largest city, we will transfer to our hotel for the next few nights, La Araucana Lodge. This lodge sites just above 5,200 ft in elevation, covers over 20 acres, and is home not only to Andean forest but also an organic farm that feeds the family, staff, and guests like us.
Lodging: La Araucana Lodge
Day 4: San Antonio Cloud Forest & La Conchita
We’ll fill our bellies with an early breakfast and then promptly take off to the south for some cloud forest birding. Our first stop will be to the San Antonio Cloud Forest/Km 18 Cloud Forest, an Important Bird Area. The conservation of this forest was spearheaded by the local communities, who came together to from the Asociación Río Cali. This private non-profit organization promotes and supports the maintenance of biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources in the region by involving the local communities of the Cali and Aguacatal river basins. One of the main targets we will look for at this site will be the Multicolored Tanager. This tanager, in addition to being a real stunner, is listed as near-threatened and only found in a small area of Colombia.
The rest of the morning will be spent at the La Florida Feeder Station. Here we will hope to get some up-close looks of Colombian endemics like the Chestnut Wood-Quail. Golden-naped Tanager and Orange-bellied Euphonia are a couple colorful gems that will likely be bouncing around.
After a lunch en route, we will spend the afternoon at La Conchita. The hummingbird feeders here can be fantastic, yielding potentially 15+ species. Andean Emerald, Purple-throated Woodstar, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, and Booted Racket-tail will all be exciting but our top target will be the Blue-headed Sapphire. When we have had our fill, we’ll head back to the lodge for another restful night.
Lodging: La Araucana Lodge
The rest of the morning will be spent at the La Florida Feeder Station. Here we will hope to get some up-close looks of Colombian endemics like the Chestnut Wood-Quail. Golden-naped Tanager and Orange-bellied Euphonia are a couple colorful gems that will likely be bouncing around.
After a lunch en route, we will spend the afternoon at La Conchita. The hummingbird feeders here can be fantastic, yielding potentially 15+ species. Andean Emerald, Purple-throated Woodstar, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, and Booted Racket-tail will all be exciting but our top target will be the Blue-headed Sapphire. When we have had our fill, we’ll head back to the lodge for another restful night.
Lodging: La Araucana Lodge
Day 5: Doña Dora feeders and Chocó specialties
Once again, we will depart early from our lodge, this time heading to the west. After breakfast in the field, we will begin our hunt for Chocó specialties. The Chocó Biogeographical Region is one of the most diverse areas on the planet, with a high amount of endemism. In addition to looking at various patches of forest, most of the morning will be spent enjoying the fruit and hummingbird feeders at Doña Doras. These famous feeders pull in all sorts of birds, from hummingbirds to tanagers and even guans (large turkey-like birds). A few of our targets this morning will be Rufous-gaped Hillstar, Toucan Barbet, Yellow-collared Chlorophonia, Rufous-throated Tanager, and more.
We will return home to the lodge for lunch and will enjoy an afternoon birding the grounds. Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Spectacled Parrotlet, Parker’s Antbird, Yellow-backed Oriole, and Black-winged Saltator all are possible. Dinner and relaxation will bring the day to a close, followed by some packing as we relocate the following morning.
Lodging: La Araucana Lodge
We will return home to the lodge for lunch and will enjoy an afternoon birding the grounds. Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Spectacled Parrotlet, Parker’s Antbird, Yellow-backed Oriole, and Black-winged Saltator all are possible. Dinner and relaxation will bring the day to a close, followed by some packing as we relocate the following morning.
Lodging: La Araucana Lodge
Day 6: San Felipe
During our final morning in the region, we will visit San Felipe in hopes of cleaning up any misses. Flame-rumped Tanager, Red-headed Barbet, and Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush may give us some good looks. After we feel content (or get yelled at by the driver), we will take off to the north. Most of the afternoon will be spent driving (4-ish hours) towards the Pereira area. Tonight we'll take in some new scenery and prepare for a new suite of birds.
Lodging: Hotel Hacienda San Jose
Lodging: Hotel Hacienda San Jose
Day 7: Otun-Quimbaya National Park
Today we will primarily be spending the morning visiting some mid-elevation habitats. At Otun-Quimbaya, we will have the chance to find some truly special species. Cauca Guan is a Colombian endemic that is listed as vulnerable. It is generally very difficult to find across its small range, except here at Otun-Quimbaya. Red-ruffed Fruitcrow is a large and stunning cotinga that will absolutely delight us. Additionally, Torrent Duck, Bronze-winged Parrot, multiple Antpitta species, and hundreds of other species are possible.
Lunch and the afternoon birding will both take place back at the lodge. Here, the habitat is a bit lower and drier than at Otun-Quimbaya. At Hacienda San Jose, we will look for Apical Flycatcher, yet another Colombia endemic. Red-hooded and Blue-necked Tanagers are both striking birds we could find, along with Andean Motmots and Blue-headed Parrots. We will also make an effort to track down a Spectacled Owl or two.
Lodging: Hotel Hacienda San Jose
Lunch and the afternoon birding will both take place back at the lodge. Here, the habitat is a bit lower and drier than at Otun-Quimbaya. At Hacienda San Jose, we will look for Apical Flycatcher, yet another Colombia endemic. Red-hooded and Blue-necked Tanagers are both striking birds we could find, along with Andean Motmots and Blue-headed Parrots. We will also make an effort to track down a Spectacled Owl or two.
Lodging: Hotel Hacienda San Jose
Day 8: Tinamú Reserve
Today we will likely spend the entire day, including a tasty lunch, at the Tinamú Reserve. This reserve was created over 40 years ago when the Jaramillo family decided to take some of their land that was being used for banana and coffee production and support its reforestation. Now, thanks to restoration activities and gardens aimed specifically to attract birds, this location has become quite the hotspot. The Little Tinamou, the reserve's namesake, should cooperate and provide some nice looks. Other species possible in this coffee growing and pre-montane forest habitat include Grayish Piculet, Bar-crested Antshrike, Blue-lored Antbird, and hopefully a roosting Common Potoo.
Time permitting, we will squeeze in some birding before dinner and a comfortable night sleep at our new lodging.
Lodging: Recinto del Pensamiento
Time permitting, we will squeeze in some birding before dinner and a comfortable night sleep at our new lodging.
Lodging: Recinto del Pensamiento
Day 9: El Color de mis Rêves
Eager for new birds, the bus will again depart early for a full day of birdwatching at El Color de mis Rêves. Breakfast will be ready for us upon arrival. As is becoming the norm, we will again be greeted by spectacular feeders and lush montane habitat. Chestnut-naped Antpitta, Black-billed Mountain Toucan, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, and Red-crested Cotinga will hopefully all make an appearance. The small but intimidating Andean Pygmy Owl will also be searched for.
Lodging: Recinto del Pensamiento
Lodging: Recinto del Pensamiento
Day 10: Rio Blanco Reserve
Another early morning, another full day of amazing birding, another new location! This entire day will be spent at the famous Rio Blanco Reserve hotspot. This location was the first ever in Colombia to establish an Antpitta feeder station and also boasts an eBird species list topping 500. Bicolored Antpitta will be a major target bird, as it is a vulnerable species found only in the Colombian Andes and a small part of northern Ecuador. Masked Saltator, a rare bird of the high Andean cloud forest will be another sought after species. White-capped Tanager, Rusty-faced Parrot, Golden-plummed Parakeet, and plenty of others could round out a memorable day out in the forest.
Lodging: Recinto del Pensamiento
Lodging: Recinto del Pensamiento
Day 11: Hacienda El Bosque
Let the ascent begin. This morning, we will visit Hacienda El Bosque first thing. Here we can hope to connect with the Crescent-faced Antpitta. This species is one of, if not the most, striking member of its family. On top of that, very little is known about this species, with its nest only being described 10 years ago. On top of all of that, this species has a patchy distribution that still needs to be better understood. There’s no doubt it will be a bird to remember if we are successful in tracking it down. Barred Fruiteater and Gray-breasted Mountain Toucan will make sure that the Antpitta doesn’t get all of the love.
A bit before lunch, we will start heading up and up as we transfer to our new lodging, Termales del Ruiz. Lunch will be served soon after arrival. Following that, the feeders and gardens will beckon. It will be impossible to ignore the hummingbirds – Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Black-thighed Puffleg, Viridian Metaltail, Shining Sunbeam, and Mountain Velvetbreast are just some of what are likely. Once the birding is done, there will be time to jump in the lodge's hot springs.
Lodging: Termales del Ruiz
A bit before lunch, we will start heading up and up as we transfer to our new lodging, Termales del Ruiz. Lunch will be served soon after arrival. Following that, the feeders and gardens will beckon. It will be impossible to ignore the hummingbirds – Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Black-thighed Puffleg, Viridian Metaltail, Shining Sunbeam, and Mountain Velvetbreast are just some of what are likely. Once the birding is done, there will be time to jump in the lodge's hot springs.
Lodging: Termales del Ruiz
Day 12: Los Nevados National Park
This morning will start with high-elevation paramo habitat and amazing views of glaciers. Los Nevados National Park is the site that calls this home. Here we will visit grasslands, scrub habitat, and potentially peat bogs and swamps. At these new heights, we will target yet another amazing hummingbird, the Buffy Helmetcrest. At the other size extreme, we will keep our eyes to the skies scanning for Black-chested Buzzard Eagles. Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager, Andean Siskin, and White-chinned Thistletail will round out the morning.
Lunch, and the reminder of the afternoon, will once again be spent on the grounds of the lodge.
Lodging: Termales del Ruiz
Lunch, and the reminder of the afternoon, will once again be spent on the grounds of the lodge.
Lodging: Termales del Ruiz
Day 13: Back to Bogotá
This morning will be on the relaxed side, spent on the grounds of our lodge. After squeezing every drop of enjoyment out of the stunning views and hummingbirds, we will head towards the Pereira airport.
After a short flight, we will find ourselves back in Bogotá and once again at the Hilton. Dinner will be at the hotel.
Lodging: Hilton Garden Inn Bogotá
After a short flight, we will find ourselves back in Bogotá and once again at the Hilton. Dinner will be at the hotel.
Lodging: Hilton Garden Inn Bogotá
Day 14: Sumapaz National Park
Our final day in Colombia will still be full of excitement and, amazingly, new birds to find. Once again, we’ll be heading up to another high elevation paramo site. The Sumapaz paramo is actually considered the largest paramo ecosystem in the world and was designated a national park in the late 1970’s because of the diversity this site holds, along with its value as a water source for the Bogotá Savannah below.
Our targets will be many, but one bird will likely standout -- you guessed it, a hummingbird. Here we hope to find the Green-bearded Helmetcrest, just two days after we hopefully found its buffy relative. Apolinar’s Wren (endangered) and Bogotá Rail (vulnerable) will be on our search list, both birds with very limited ranges surrounding the capital city. Red-rumped Bush Tyrant will also be on our wish list today, a bird so good it would even be a lifer for our guide who sports a Colombia list topping 1,500 species.
Lodging: Hilton Garden Inn Bogotá
Our targets will be many, but one bird will likely standout -- you guessed it, a hummingbird. Here we hope to find the Green-bearded Helmetcrest, just two days after we hopefully found its buffy relative. Apolinar’s Wren (endangered) and Bogotá Rail (vulnerable) will be on our search list, both birds with very limited ranges surrounding the capital city. Red-rumped Bush Tyrant will also be on our wish list today, a bird so good it would even be a lifer for our guide who sports a Colombia list topping 1,500 species.
Lodging: Hilton Garden Inn Bogotá
Day 15: Departure
Time to head home. If flights end up being in the afternoon, we will make a final stop at Parque La Florida to try and clean up any Bogotá specialties we may have missed. Silvery-throated Spinetail and Bogotá Rail could both be possible here if needed. Despite leaving Colombia with a species list hopefully well over 350, we will would have only met around 20% of the country’s species. This will have to be the first trip of many!
Number of species expected: 350-400
additional details
Price Includes:
Payment Plan:
COVID-19 Considerations:
As of February 2022, all participants in the Georgia Audubon Travel Program must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of their travel date. According to the CDC, individuals are considered fully vaccinated when they are at least two weeks past the 2nd dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or at least two weeks past the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
In addition to Georgia Audubon’s vaccine requirement, here is what the nation of Colombia is requiring as of February 2022:
We will provide updates to organizational, airline, and national COVID-19 guidelines as they arise.
Cancellation Policy:
If notice of cancellation by the participant is received by June 15, 2022 a refund of all payments made will be given (less a $50 administrative and all credit card fees). If notice of cancellation is received between June 16, 2022 and December 15, 2022 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 fees). 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 the local company. 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 past our refund period. Check with your own insurance carrier or consider a travel insurance specialist.
- One expert local birding tour leader (Diego Calderon) and a co-leader from Georgia Audubon (Conservation Director Adam Betuel).
- Accommodations in all destinations. A non-shared room is available for an additional fee. Depending on group construction, single travelers may be forced to pay a single supplement. 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.
- All transportation during the trip, including pick-up and drop-off at the airport.
- Domestic flights within Colombia.
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 15. Additionally, water will be available on the bus at all times
- An alcoholic or specialty drink with dinner.
- 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.
- Additional alcoholic or specialty drinks beyond first beverage at each dinner.
- Snacks, beverages, room service, or sightseeing not specified in itinerary.
- Souvenirs.
- Laundry.
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended – see cancellation policy).
- Medical costs.
- Costs associated with COVID-19 testing in country should they 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.
Payment Plan:
- $500.00 deposit is due at registration to reserve spot on trip.
- Half of cost (less $500.00 deposit) is due by June 15, 2022.
- Full payment must be made by December 15, 2022.
COVID-19 Considerations:
As of February 2022, all participants in the Georgia Audubon Travel Program must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of their travel date. According to the CDC, individuals are considered fully vaccinated when they are at least two weeks past the 2nd dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or at least two weeks past the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
In addition to Georgia Audubon’s vaccine requirement, here is what the nation of Colombia is requiring as of February 2022:
- Provide proof of vaccination
- Completion of the Colombia migration pre-registration form within 72 hours of your flight (found at this link).
We will provide updates to organizational, airline, and national COVID-19 guidelines as they arise.
Cancellation Policy:
If notice of cancellation by the participant is received by June 15, 2022 a refund of all payments made will be given (less a $50 administrative and all credit card fees). If notice of cancellation is received between June 16, 2022 and December 15, 2022 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 fees). 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 the local company. 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 past our refund period. Check with your own insurance carrier or consider a travel insurance specialist.
Above: Red-rumped Bush-tyrant
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Above: Rainbow-bearded Thornbill
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Above: Velvet-purple Coronet
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