Southern Colombia
Birding Trip

Explore the Upper Magdalena Valley and Putumayo on a tailor-made birding journey through Andean foothill forests, tropical wetlands, and the rich landscapes of southern Colombia.

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Duration

11 days
Customizable

Region

-Upper Magdalena Valley
-Eastern Andes
-Amazonian foothills
-Colombian Massif

Group size

Max 8 people

Focus

-Birding
-Birding with a camera

WHY THIS TOUR

  • Explore the Upper Magdalena Valley and Putumayo
  • Travel from Huila’s Andean foothills into the tropical forests and wetlands of Putumayo.
  • Experience the changing landscapes along the Trampolín road.
  • Look for southern Colombia’s birding specialties
  • Search for endemic and range-restricted birds at reserves such as La Drymophila and El Encanto.
  • Explore foothill forests, feeders, wetlands, and community birding sites around Puerto Asís.
  • Enjoy varied birding experiences
  • Combine forest trails and roadside birding with productive feeders and bird photography hides.
  • Visit shade-grown coffee landscapes and discover how local communities support conservation.
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

Explore southern Colombia from the Upper Magdalena Valley into the Amazonian foothills of Putumayo. This private birding journey combines forest reserves, shade-grown coffee landscapes, the Trampolín road, and wetlands around Puerto Asís. Along the way, we’ll explore varied habitats, look for regional bird specialties, and experience the natural and cultural character of the region.

Arrive in Bogotá and meet your driver and guide for a transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is set aside to settle in and prepare for the journey south.

Highlights

  • Airport pickup and transfer to your hotel
  • Overnight in Bogotá, at approximately 2,600 m (8,530 ft)

We’ll fly from Bogotá to Pitalito, in the department of Huila. From there, El Encanto’s staff will meet us for a scenic drive to the coffee-growing town of Palestina, where the reserve is located. After settling in, we’ll explore the lodge grounds and feeders, a first introduction to the birdlife of the Huila Andes.

Highlights

  • Domestic flight from Bogotá to Pitalito
  • Scenic drive through the mountains to Palestina
  • Afternoon birding around the lodge and feeders

Species to look for

  • Indigo-capped Hummingbird (endemic)
  • Apical Flycatcher (endemic)
  • Tolima Dove (endemic)
  • Velvet-fronted Euphonia (endemic)
  • Golden-eared Tanager
  • Lined Quail-dove

A gentle first afternoon of birding at a welcoming reserve.

We’ll spend the day exploring La Drymophila, a forest reserve established by the owners of El Encanto to protect habitat above their farm. Forest trails and feeding stations offer different ways to look for its specialties. Two hides also provide opportunities to observe shy birds at close range.

Highlights

  • Forest birding in a reserve dedicated to conservation
  • Feeding stations for antpittas and other forest birds
  • Hides for close observation and photography

Species to look for

  • East-Andean Antbird (endemic)
  • Schwartz’s Antthrush
  • Hooded Antpitta
  • White-bellied Antpitta
  • Tolima Blossomcrown (endemic)
  • Red-bellied Grackle (endemic)
  • Chestnut Wood-quail (endemic)
  • Black-chested Fruiteater
  • Western Fire-eye
  • Golden-headed Quetzal
  • Long-tailed Tapaculo
  • Gorgeted Woodstar

A rewarding day combining forest trails, feeders, and patient birding.

El Encanto is a family-run reserve with trails, tanager and hummingbird feeders, and a moth trap. We’ll spend the day birding around the reserve and exploring the nearby backroads, where roadside stops offer additional opportunities to look for local species. We’ll also visit El Alma Natural Reserve, another protected area owned by the same family. Together, these locations offer a varied day of birding through forest and shade-grown coffee landscapes, while highlighting the family’s commitment to conservation.

Highlights

  • Birding at hummingbird and tanager feeders
  • Exploring trails through shade-grown coffee
  • A chance to learn about the reserve’s community-led conservation work

Species to look for

  • Golden-eared Tanager
  • Indigo-capped Hummingbird (endemic)
  • Short-tailed Emerald
  • Tolima Dove (endemic)
  • Dusky-headed Brushfinch (endemic)
  • Velvet-fronted Euphonia (endemic)
  • Colombian Chachalaca (endemic)
  • Shining-green Hummingbird
  • Ash-browed Spinetail
  • Red-billed Emerald
  • Apical Flycatcher (endemic)

A full day to explore the varied birding habitats around El Encanto.

We’ll travel from El Encanto to Mocoa, crossing a stretch of the Andes into the humid forests of the Amazonian foothills. We’ll make birding stops along the route, looking for species associated with this transition between Andean slopes and tropical lowlands.

Highlights

  • A scenic drive from Huila into Putumayo
  • Birding stops in humid foothill forest
  • A gradual transition toward the Amazonian lowlands

Species to look for

  • Spectacled Prickletail
  • White-streaked Antvireo
  • Black-billed Treehunter
  • Wire-crested Thorntail
  • Coppery-chested Jacamar
  • Black-streaked Puffbird
  • Blue-fronted Lancebill
  • Lemon-throated Barbet
  • Ornate Stipplethroat
  • Ecuadorian Tyrannulet
  • Blue-crowned Trogon
  • Violet-headed Hummingbird
  • Dusky Spinetail
  • Paradise Tanager

A varied travel day through one of southern Colombia’s rich forest corridors.

We’ll explore the lower and middle sections of the Trampolín road, a scenic route through the foothills of the Colombian Massif. Frequent stops along the road let us search forest edges and humid foothill habitats, where the landscape shifts between wooded slopes and lush tropical vegetation. We’ll take a flexible approach to birding, spending time at promising sites and looking for the area’s local specialties.

Highlights

  • Roadside birding along a renowned route in Putumayo
  • Exploring humid foothill forest and forest edges
  • Flexible stops to search for local specialties

Species to look for

  • Deep-blue Flowerpiercer
  • Coppery-chested Jacamar
  • White-rimmed Brushfinch
  • Blue-browed Tanager
  • Yellow-throated Tanager
  • Gray-mantled Wren
  • Red-bellied Grackle (endemic)
  • Andean Cock-of-the-rock
  • Black-streaked Puffbird
  • Black-and-chestnut Eagle
  • Peruvian Racquet-tail
  • Orange-eared Tanager

A day of flexible birding through the forested foothills around Mocoa.

We’ll spend the day exploring El Escondite, a Putumayo reserve that protects humid tropical forest and wetlands. We’ll follow its trails and explore the different habitats, watching for birds in the forest canopy, along the edges, and near wet areas. The reserve offers a chance to look for a variety of lowland specialties while enjoying a full day immersed in the region’s lush landscapes. After birding, we’ll continue to Puerto Asís for the night.

Highlights

  • A full day exploring humid forest and wetland habitats
  • Birding in one of Putumayo’s well-known reserves
  • Evening transfer to Puerto Asís

Species to look for

  • Plum-throated Cotinga
  • Rufous-headed Woodpecker
  • Golden-collared Toucanet
  • Bare-necked Fruitcrow
  • Large-headed Flatbill
  • Yellow-billed Nunbird
  • Opal-crowned Tanager
  • Cinnamon Attila
  • White-chinned Jacamar
  • Black-banded Crake
  • Ash-throated Crake
  • Cream-colored Woodpecker

An immersive day in the forests and wetlands of Putumayo.

We’ll visit Playa Rica, a community where ecotourism has been developing in recent years. The day’s birding takes us through semi-open woodland, forest, and small wetlands, with opportunities to experience both the area’s wildlife and its community-based conservation work.

Highlights

  • Birding across semi-open, forested, and wetland habitats
  • Visiting a community ecotourism project
  • Exploring the landscapes around Puerto Asís

Species to look for

  • Black-spotted Bare-eye
  • Plumbeous Antbird
  • Amazonian Umbrellabird
  • Horned Screamer
  • White-shouldered Antbird
  • Black-banded Crake
  • Riparian Antbird
  • Riparian Parrotlet
  • White-eared Jacamar
  • Rufous-headed Woodpecker
  • Hoatzin
  • Mottle-backed Elaenia
  • Chestnut Woodpecker

A diverse day of birding shaped by local landscapes and community conservation.

We’ll explore the semi-open and forested areas around Km 5 and the backroads of Puerto Asís. These accessible sites offer a relaxed chance to look for local specialties. After lunch, we’ll drive back to Mocoa.

Highlights

  • Birding in semi-open areas and forest patches
  • Exploring productive sites close to Puerto Asís
  • Afternoon drive to Mocoa

Species to look for

  • Plum-throated Cotinga
  • Masked-crimson Tanager
  • Chestnut Woodpecker
  • Great Potoo
  • Scarlet-crowned Barbet
  • Wing-banded Seedeater
  • Yellow-bellied Dacnis

An accessible day with varied birding close to town.

We’ll explore the middle section of the Trampolín road, making birding stops along the route and watching for species that inhabit its forested slopes. The road is exceptionally rich in birdlife, and a second visit offers another chance to find species we may have missed and enjoy more time in this diverse area.

Highlights

  • Birding along the scenic Trampolín road
  • Exploring forested slopes and roadside habitats
  • Flexible stops to search for local specialties

Species to look for

  • White-rimmed Brushfinch
  • Dusky Piha
  • Long-tailed Tapaculo
  • Short-billed Chlorospingus
  • Green-backed Hillstar
  • Black-billed Mountain-Toucan
  • White-capped Tanager
  • Golden-headed Quetzal
  • Bar-bellied Woodpecker
  • Black-collared Jay

A second opportunity to catch missing and new species.

On the drive from Mocoa toward Pitalito, we’ll visit Finca Discosura to explore its gardens and surrounding foothill forest. The gardens offer good opportunities to look for hummingbirds, while the forest holds a different set of species. We’ll also stop at other strategic birding sites along the road, making the most of the changing habitats and searching for additional species along the way.

Highlights

  • Birding in Amazonian foothill habitat
  • Hummingbird watching in the reserve’s gardens
  • Forest birding before continuing toward Pitalito

Species to look for

  • Wire-crested Thorntail
  • Blue-tailed Emerald
  • Golden-tailed Sapphire
  • Violet-headed Hummingbird
  • Black-and-white Tody-Flycatcher
  • Orange-billed Sparrow
  • Lemon-throated Barbet
  • Green-and-gold Tanager

A final exploration of Putumayo’s foothill birdlife before returning to Huila.

Before heading to the airport, we’ll make a final birding stop at Humedal La Coneca, a wetland managed by a local family. Its aquatic and open habitats offer one last opportunity to watch birds before our flight to Bogotá.

Highlights

  • Birding at a locally protected wetland
  • A final look at aquatic and open-country habitats
  • Transfer to the airport for the flight to Bogotá

Species to look for

  • Horned Screamer
  • Velvet-fronted Euphonia (endemic)
  • Cinnamon Teal
  • White-throated Crake
  • Ash-throated Crake
  • Black-striped Sparrow
  • Large-headed Flatbill
  • Spotted Rail

A peaceful final birding stop to close the journey.

Tell us your travel dates, birding interests, and preferred pace. We’ll create a customized itinerary with all the details you need to plan your trip.

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Extend your birding journey

Add two or three days to your trip to explore iconic birding sites around the Bogotá savanna, visit Chingaza or Sumapaz National Parks and their páramo habitats, and discover local nature reserves. Ask us about adding this extension to your itinerary.

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Map of the trip

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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
  • Indigo-capped Hummingbird (endemic)
  • Tolima Dove (endemic)
  • Velvet-fronted Euphonia (endemic)
  • Apical Flycatche (endemic)
  • Dusky-headed Brushfinch (endemic)
  • Colombian Chachalaca (endemic)
  • Red-bellied Grackle (endemic)
  • Tolima Blossomcrown (endemic)
  • East-Andean Antbird (endemic)
  • Tolima Blossomcrown (endemic)
  • Chestnut Wood-quail (endemic)
  • Golden-eared, Orange-eared, and Blue-browed Tanagers
  • Black-streaked Puffbird
  • Hoatzin
  • White-rimmed Brushfinch
  • Yellow-throated Tanager
  • Plum-throated Cotinga
  • Coppery-chested Jacamar
  • Black-throated and Violet-fronted Brilliants
  • Black-chested Fruiteater
  • Schwartz’s and Barred Antthrushes
  • Crested and Golden-headed Quetzals
  • Rufous-headed Woodpecker
  • Golden-collared Toucanet
  • Up to ten species of monkeys including one of the smalles primates of the world, the Pygmy Marmoset.

  • Shade-grown coffee plantations and gardens
  • Humid foothill and tropical forests
  • Forest edges and roadside birding areas
  • Semi-open woodland and scrub
  • Wetlands and small marshes
  • Riparian habitats and forest patches
Trampolin road on the eastern side of the Andes in southern Colombia

Photograph birds as the trip moves from the Upper Magdalena Valley into the forests and wetlands of Putumayo. Forest trails, roadside stops, and varied habitats offer opportunities to capture birds in natural settings. El Encanto and La Drymophila have bird feeders, and La Drymophila also has hides for observing shy forest birds at closer range.

  • Photograph birds in forest, foothill, and wetland habitats during guided birding
  • Look for endemic and regional specialties across the changing landscapes of Huila and Putumayo
  • Enjoy opportunities for dedicated photographers and birders who like to take photos
  • Photograph feeder visitors at El Encanto and La Drymophila, with hides available at La Drymophila
A Schwartz Antthrush on the ground
Schwartz Antthrush
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Tolima Blossomcrown in flight
Tolima Blossomcrown

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.
  • Domestic flights Bogota – Pitalito – Bogota
  • 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.
  • 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.

This starts and ends in Bogotá with one domestic flight to the town of Pitalito.

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.

ASK FOR A CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY

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.

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