Andean Essentials Birding Trip

The perfect introduction to Colombia’s birdlife — diverse, accessible, and unforgettable

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Duration

9-14 days
Customizable

Region

-Western Andes
-Central Andes
-Chocó

Group size

Max 8 people

Focus

-Birding
-Photography

WHY THIS TOUR

  • Great photographic opportunities at top sites in Colombia
  • Photograph iconic species at world-class feeder setups
  • Close encounters with antpittas at specialized feeding stations
  • Experience one of South America’s most spectacular Cock-of-the-rock leks
  • Access to top birding hotspots
  • Visit Colombia’s most productive and diverse birding regions
  • Carefully selected locations to maximize species diversity
  • Expert local guides
  • Local guides with deep knowledge of Colombian birdlife and target species
  • Skilled at locating difficult and endemic birds
  • Efficient, comfortable logistics
  • Well-planned routes to maximize birding time in the field
  • Comfortable lodges in strategic birding locations
Fully customizable experience

Tailored to your birding goals, pace, and interest

Direct expert support

Plan your trip directly with your local guide via email or WhatsApp.

Trusted by birders

Highly rated for guiding quality, organization, and species diversity.

See testimonials

ITINERARY

A carefully designed route through Colombia’s most diverse birding regions — combining world-class feeders, endemic hotspots, and stunning landscapes.

Arrival in Cali with meet-and-greet at the airport, followed by transfer to your hotel or directly to the KM 18 cloud forest area, depending on arrival time. This first day is designed for a smooth start and easy transition into the Andes.

Highlights

  • Airport meet & greet with guide and driver
  • Flexible transfer depending on arrival time
  • Early access to Andean birding area (when possible)
  • Comfortable first night near key birding sites

One of Colombia’s most iconic birding locations, KM 18 offers exceptional diversity and some of the best bird photography opportunities in the Andes. Feeders and forest trails allow close encounters with a remarkable variety of endemic and colorful species.

Highlights

  • Excellent bird photography at feeders
  • Multicolored Tanager and other endemic species
  • High hummingbird diversity with close views
  • Mix of feeders and forest birding experience
  • Strong chances for rare and specialty species

A standout day combining diversity, accessibility, and unique birding experiences.

We explore the Anchicayá region, one of Colombia’s top birding hotspots and a gateway to the Chocó bioregion, one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. Birding along a scenic paved road and at well-known feeder sites offers excellent opportunities for both observation and photography, with consistent encounters across different forest levels and habitats.

Highlights

  • Access to one of Colombia’s richest birding regions (Chocó)
  • Easy birding along road with canopy and mid-level views
  • Excellent feeder photography opportunities
  • High diversity with strong chances for endemic species
  • Unique moth trap experience for rare and elusive birds

A highlight day combining accessibility, diversity, and memorable close encounters.

We begin the day in Atuncela, a unique dry forest enclave in the Western Andes, offering a striking contrast to the surrounding cloud forests and a chance to explore a different bird community. Later, we continue toward San Cipriano, entering the Pacific lowlands via the traditional “Brujitas” transport system. As evening falls, we search for nocturnal species along forest edges.

Highlights

  • Rare dry forest habitat with specialized bird species
  • Opportunity for regional endemics and unique sightings
  • Cultural experience with traditional “Brujitas” transport
  • Transition from Andes to Pacific lowlands ecosystems
  • Night birding for owls and other nocturnal species

A diverse and dynamic day combining habitats, culture, and nocturnal birding.

We explore the lowland rainforests of San Cipriano, one of Colombia’s richest ecosystems in the Chocó region, known for its incredible biodiversity and well-preserved habitat. Birding along forest trails offers excellent opportunities for a wide range of tropical species before we continue toward the Cauca Valley in the afternoon.

Highlights

  • Rare dry forest habitat with specialized bird species
  • Opportunity for regional endemics and unique sightings
  • Cultural experience with traditional “Brujitas” transport
  • Transition from Andes to Pacific lowlands ecosystems
  • Night birding for owls and other nocturnal species

A full day immersed in one of Colombia’s most biodiverse and rewarding birding environments.

We visit Sonso Lagoon, one of the most important wetland reserves in the Cauca Valley, where a mix of lagoons, marshes, and dry forest supports a rich variety of birdlife. This contrasting habitat offers excellent opportunities for both aquatic and terrestrial species before we continue into the Central Andes.

Highlights

  • Birding in one of the Cauca Valley’s key wetland reserves
  • Birding in one of the Cauca Valley’s key wetland reserves
  • Excellent opportunities for waterbirds and lowland species
  • Chances for regional endemics and specialties
  • Scenic transition toward the Central Andes

A diverse morning combining wetland birding and a shift toward Andean ecosystems.

We explore Otún-Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, one of Colombia’s most renowned birding sites in the Central Andes. Located within a key conservation corridor, its mix of Andean forest and river habitats offers outstanding opportunities for endemic and highly sought-after species. In the afternoon, we continue toward Montezuma in Tatamá National Park, entering the next phase of the tour.

Highlights

  • Premier site for the endemic and endangered Cauca Guan
  • Excellent chances for Central Andes endemics and specialties
  • Birding in a well-preserved conservation corridor
  • Diverse habitats: Andean forest, river valleys, and foothills
  • Transition to Tatamá National Park for the next stage

A highlight day for endemics and one of Colombia’s most iconic birding locations.

We explore the upper elevations of Montezuma in Tatamá National Park, one of Colombia’s most biodiverse regions where the Tropical Andes meet the Chocó. This unique transition zone offers exceptional birding, with high levels of endemism and the chance to encounter some of the country’s most sought-after species at well-positioned feeders and along forest trails.

Highlights

  • Birding in one of Colombia’s most biodiverse national parks
  • Unique overlap of Andes and Chocó ecosystems
  • Access to high-elevation feeders with specialty species
  • Strong chances for rare and highly localized endemics
  • Opportunity to see iconic species like the Gold-ringed Tanager

One of the most exciting and exclusive birding days of the entire tour.

We explore the mid-elevations of Montezuma, the most diverse zone of Tatamá National Park, where Andean cloud forest blends with Chocó influences. These rich habitats offer continuous bird activity and excellent opportunities to encounter a wide variety of species along forest trails.

Highlights

  • Birding in the most diverse zone of Montezuma
  • Continuous activity with a high variety of species
  • Excellent chances for regional endemics and specialties
  • Rich forest bird communities including antbirds and tanagers
  • Immersive cloud forest experience in pristine habitat

A highly productive day with constant bird activity and remarkable diversity.

We spend the morning birding around the lodge and its feeders, where Andean forest species are easily observed at close range. This relaxed session offers excellent opportunities for both observation and photography before we continue to Manizales in the Central Andes for the next stage of the journey.

Highlights

  • Close-range birding around feeders and lodge surroundings
  • Excellent opportunities for hummingbirds and forest species
  • Ideal conditions for relaxed observation and photography
  • Chances for regional endemics and specialties
  • Comfortable transition toward the Central Andes

A rewarding and relaxed morning before moving into the next Andean region.

We explore Río Blanco, one of Colombia’s most historic and renowned birding reserves, known for its exceptional access to Andean forest species and its pioneering antpitta feeding stations. Birding along forest roads, feeders, and well-maintained trails offers a rich and varied experience, combining close-range encounters with more elusive species in pristine highland habitats.

Highlights

  • Unique opportunity to observe multiple antpitta species at feeders
  • Excellent hummingbird and tanager activity at close range
  • Excellent hummingbird and tanager activity at close range
  • High diversity of Andean forest species and specialties
  • Combination of close encounters and traditional field birding

A classic Andean birding experience combining accessibility, diversity, and iconic species.

We visit Hacienda El Bosque, one of the most important birding destinations in Colombia’s Central Andes, where conservation and birdwatching come together in a unique private reserve. The morning focuses on close encounters with iconic Andean species at specialized feeding stations, followed by exploration of higher elevations, where elfin forest and páramo habitats offer a completely different set of high-Andean specialties.

Highlights

  • Reliable opportunities for rare and highly sought-after antpittas
  • Close encounters with iconic Andean species at feeders
  • Unique chance to see the Crescent-faced Antpitta
  • Unique chance to see the Crescent-faced Antpitta
  • High-elevation birding with specialized Andean species

One of the most memorable days of the tour, combining rarity, accessibility, and high-Andean landscapes.

We explore Los Nevados National Park, reaching the high elevations of the Central Andes where forest gives way to the unique páramo ecosystem. These open landscapes, shaped by extreme conditions and dominated by frailejones, offer a completely different birding experience, with highly specialized species found nowhere else. In the afternoon, we begin our journey toward Jardín in the Western Andes.

Highlights

  • Birding in the iconic páramo ecosystem above the treeline
  • Birding in the iconic páramo ecosystem above the treeline
  • Chances for emblematic species like Buffy Helmetcrest and Rufous-fronted Parakeet
  • Unique landscapes and high-elevation birding experience
  • Transition toward the Western Andes for the final stage

A spectacular high-Andean finale combining rare species and unforgettable landscapes.

We begin early with a visit to Alto Ventanas, the most important site for the endangered and endemic Yellow-eared Parrot. This iconic location offers one of the best opportunities to observe the species in its natural habitat, along with a rich mix of Andean forest birds throughout the morning. The feeders at Mirador El Roble complete the experience of this day.

Highlights

  • Best location to observe the endemic Yellow-eared Parrot
  • Early morning activity with excellent viewing opportunities
  • Chances for Andean endemics and regional specialties
  • Possibility of close encounters at feeder sites en route
  • Diverse mix of forest species in high-Andean habitats

A truly iconic birding experience centered around one of Colombia’s most celebrated species.

We begin the day at one of Colombia’s best Andean Cock-of-the-rock leks, where multiple males can often be observed displaying in a spectacular natural setting. Later, we continue toward Medellín, stopping in dry forest habitats to search for regional endemics before heading to the international airport for your departure.

Highlights

  • Spectacular views of Andean Cock-of-the-rock at a prime lek
  • Opportunity to observe multiple displaying males
  • Opportunity to observe multiple displaying males
  • Final birding session in tropical dry forest habitats
  • Final birding session in tropical dry forest habitats

A memorable final day combining iconic displays and last opportunities for endemic species.

Map of the trip

View full interactive map

Plan your birding trip

Tell us your goals and target species – we’ll design the perfect itinerary for you.

get your custom ITINERARY
  • Fully customizable itinerary
  • Plan directly with your local birding expert
  • Group size adapted to your travel style

Quick response | Personalized service

Rated by international birders

See testimonials

Key species & highlights

Discover the species, habitats, and experiences that make this tour one of Colombia’s most rewarding birding journeys
  • Multicolored Tanager
  • Chestnut Wood-Quail
  • Grayish Piculet
  • Gold-ringed Tanager
  • Munchique Wood-Wren
  • Crested Ant-tanager
  • Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer
  • Yellow-eared Parrot
  • Buffy Helmetcrest
  • Rufous-fronted Parakeet
  • Crescent-faced Antpitta
  • Red-bellied Grackle
  • Antioquia Wren
  • Chami Antpitta
  • Parker’s Antbird
  • Toucan Barbet
  • Tanager Finch
  • Black Solitaire
  • Choco Screech-owl
  • Tatama Tapaculo
  • Masked Saltator
  • Rainbow-bearded Thornbill
  • Sword-billed Hummingbird
  • Golden-headed Quetzal
  • Andean Cock-of-the-rock
  • Hooded Antpitta

Arrival in Cali with meet-and-greet at the airport, followed by transfer to your hotel or directly to the KM 18 cloud forest area, depending on arrival time. This first day is designed for a smooth start and easy transition into the Andes.

  • Andean Forests (sub-andean, high-andean)
  • Cloud Forest
  • Elfin Forest
  • Páramo
  • Chocó Lowland Rainforest
  • Tropical Dry Forest
  • Sub-xerophytic Vegetation
  • Wetlands
  • Marshes and Floodplains
  • High-altitude Grasslands

Enjoy exceptional bird photography at some of Colombia’s best feeder setups and forest locations.

  • World-class feeder setups for intimate bird photography
  • Toucans, antpittas, tanagers & hummingbirds at close range
  • Perfect for both serious photographers and casual birders
This tour combines Colombia’s most iconic birding regions, offering an exceptional diversity of species and habitats in a single journey.
request full itinerary
A male Andean Cock-of-the-rock perched in a branch
Andean Cock-of-the-rock

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Clear and transparent pricing—here’s what’s included in your tour
  • Professional bilingual birding guide, and local experts.
  • All ground transportation during the tour.
  • Accommodation in carefully selected lodges and hotels.
  • All meals, snacks, and unlimited water during the tour.
  • Entrance fees to reserves and birding sites.
  • Obligatory medical insurance with coverage in Colombia.
  • International flights.
  • Domestic flights (can be included upon request)
  • Personal expenses (laundry, tips, etc.)
  • Optional activities not specified in the itinerary.

PHOTO GALLERY

A glimpse into the landscapes, species, and experiences you can expect

TESTIMONIALS

Rated 5.0 by international birders

Trusted by birders worldwide for guiding quality and species diversity

  • Great trip!

    Johnnier is an excellent tour leader who knows the birds by sight and sounds and compliments the experience by including a local guide with up to date knowledge to maximize the experience. The tour was well organized and I would recommend him unequivocally.
    read more…
    Anthony Shrimpton
    Feb 2026

  • Great trip

    I recently spent 2 weeks with Johnnier, The Andean Birder, in the western and central Andes Mountains. The tour was well planned out for me to photograph many different species of birds. He is well known in the birding community, and I felt very safe having him for my guide. All of the lodging was very comfortable, and the food was good. He is always in contact with other guides, which share the latest sightings. I plan on using him again in other parts of Colombia! I wholly endorse The Andean Birder! You can’t go wrong.
    Wayne Stahnke
    November 2025

  • Amazing trip

    Amazing trip. We spent about a week in Inirida and the Orinoco basin and had over 300 species with plenty of local endemics. Johnnier is a fantastic birder, passionate about nature and the environment in general, and was just as happy as us to spend time looking at trees, orchids, butterflies, ant nests, you name it. I really appreciated his sense of humor and flexibility with whatever was going on. He also hired a local guide from Inirida, who was great, and then we’d have an even more local guide with us each day from the community where we were birding that day. It was great to see how engaged the local communities were and how they’re benefitting from this kind of ecotourism. And bonus, the food in Inirida was excellent. I’d go back tomorrow if I could and really hope to be able to take another trip with Johnnier someday!
    Brett Gleittsman
    March 2026

  • Another good trip

    We joined the Andean Birders for a short version of the Andean Essentials tour, This is my second trip with them, and it did not disappoint. Excellent accommodation choices, great food and the birding experience was nothing short of amazing. Our main expert guide Johnnier got us on over 270 species, with great views, and some quick pivoting when we ran into unfavorable weather conditions. Special shout out to Jaussman Tapasco, local guides at Montezuma Lodge & PN Tatamá, who welcomed us at his bird feeding station to see some skulky understory birds. What a treat and also a really great person!! I will continue to be a repeat customer and already looking forward to the next trip.
    Michelle Louden
    October 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We can tailor this trip around your birding interests, target species, preferred pace, and travel dates. You can discuss your travel style with the team, who can advise which changes are the best.

Yes. The trip is designed for birders at different experience levels, including people who are new to birdwatching. Your guide can help you get more from the birds and habitats you encounter.

The standard trip is described as low to intermediate in physical demand, with easy-to-walk trails or roads and a calm pace. The level of activity can vary with the trip style you choose, so share any mobility or fitness needs when you enquire.

The trip can start in Cali or Medellín. If you prefer, we can arrange flights from Bogotá to either city and add birding days there to your itinerary. Because the exact start and end airports may depend on your itinerary, confirm your flight plan with the team before booking international travel.

Tell us your preferred dates, group size, birding interests, and any needs that may affect the pace or logistics. We’ll use that information to shape an itinerary around your priorities, taking into account driving times, target species, seasonal weather, and any special requirements.

This is a private tour, so you won’t be paired with an open group. We’ll tailor the itinerary to your interests, preferred pace, travel dates, and group size. You can focus on particular bird species or habitats, include extra birding days, or adjust the route to suit your plans.

Explore more birding trips

Discover Colombia at your own pace. These private trips can be tailored to your birding interest and travel plans

A Vermilion Cardinal perched on a branch
6-7 days

Caribbean Coast & Santa Marta Mountains

Explore two of Colombia’s most remarkable birding regions, from the tropical Caribbean lowlands to the cloud forests of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Search for endemic and range-restricted birds while enjoying the region’s rich landscapes and local expertise.

EXPLORE THIS TRIP
A male Blue-billed Curassow walking on the ground
9 days

MID-MAGDALENA VALLEY

Explore the rich birdlife of Colombia’s Magdalena Valley, with two additional days in the Bogotá savanna and nearby páramos. Discover a range of habitats, from tropical forests and wetlands to high-altitude grasslands, on a private, customizable itinerary shaped around the birds and places that interest you most.

EXPLORE THIS TRIP
A Capuchinbird perched in forest
6-7 days

INIRIDA, ORINOCO REGION

Explore the remarkable landscapes and birdlife of Colombia’s Orinoco region. From the rivers and savannas around Inírida to the striking Mavecure Hills, this private, customizable trip can be tailored to the birds, habitats, and experiences you’re most eager to discover.

EXPLORE THIS TRIP