Colombian Andes Expedition
Explore the extraordinary ecosystems of Colombia's Central Andes on an immersive birding and wildlife journey through one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Traveling from the lush cloud forests of Valle del Cauca to the volcanic landscapes of Los Nevados and the colorful mountains of Jardín, this expedition reveals the remarkable ecological richness of the Colombian Andes across multiple elevations and habitats. Designed for birders, naturalists, photographers, and curious travelers alike, the journey combines world-class birdwatching with meaningful encounters with Andean landscapes, wildlife, and conservation initiatives. Search for hummingbirds in misty cloud forests, observe endangered parrots among towering wax palms, and explore forests alive with tanagers, toucans, antpittas, owls, and countless other species that make Colombia the global epicenter of avian diversity. Carefully paced for immersive experience opportunities for wildlife observation while allowing time to experience the atmosphere and natural beauty of each environment. From cool tropical foothills to high-andean páramo ecosystems, each stage of the expedition reveals a new dimension of the Andes and its extraordinary biodiversity.
Expedition Highlights
- Explore some of Colombia's premier birding reserves and Andean ecosystems
- Observe spectacular hummingbird diversity in the cloud forests of Valle del Cauca
- Search for the endangered Yellow-eared Parrot in high-Andean wax palm forests
- Experience the biodiversity of cloud forests, foothills, and páramo landscapes
- Visit renowned reserves known for antpittas, tanagers, toucans, and owls
- Discover the dramatic volcanic scenery of Los Nevados National Natural Park
Itinerary
Arrival in Cali & Cloud Forest Birding
Begin the expedition in the western Andes near Cali, where lush cloud forests shelter an extraordinary diversity of hummingbirds, tanagers, and endemic bird species. Spend the day exploring one of Colombia's most celebrated birding regions amid rich subtropical forest landscapes.
Overnight: Near Cali
Finca Alejandría & Transfer into the Central Andes
Explore the bird-rich habitats surrounding Finca Alejandría, known for its remarkable hummingbird activity and Andean forest species. Later, continue deeper into the Central Andes toward the cloud forests surrounding Doña Dora.
Overnight: Doña Dora
Full Day at Doña Dora
Spend a full day observing the rich avian diversity of this renowned Andean reserve. Forest edges, feeders, and nearby trails attract hummingbirds, tanagers, toucans, and a variety of montane specialties.
Overnight: Doña Dora
Cloud Forests & Hacienda El Diamante
Enjoy a final morning in the cloud forest before traveling north through the Andean mountains toward Hacienda El Diamante in Colombia's coffee-growing region.
Overnight: Near Salento
Into the Wax Palm Valleys of Anaime
Travel into the lush valleys of Anaime, where towering wax palms define one of the Andes' most iconic landscapes. Explore the birdlife surrounding El Retorno del Colibrí while searching for regional endemic species.
Overnight: Anaime
Parrot Forests of the High Andes
Explore the upper elevations of Anaime in search of the endangered Yellow-eared Parrot, Indigo-winged Parrot, and Golden-plumed Parakeet. Later, continue northward to Tinamú Birding Nature Reserve.
Overnight: Tinamú
Tinamú Birding Nature Reserve
Spend the day exploring the dry forest and foothill habitats surrounding Tinamú, home to a rich variety of hummingbirds, motmots, tanagers, and other Andean bird species.
Overnight: Tinamú
Río Blanco Cloud Forests & Owling
Visit the famous Río Blanco Reserve near Manizales, one of Colombia's premier cloud forest birding destinations. Depending on conditions, the evening may include a specialized owling excursion in search of nocturnal Andean species.
Overnight: Near Manizales
High-Andean Forests & Mountain Landscapes
Explore the forests and mountain habitats surrounding Hacienda El Bosque and nearby reserves while searching for high-Andean specialties amid dramatic alpine scenery.
Overnight: Near Los Nevados region
Los Nevados National Natural Park
Discover the volcanic landscapes and páramo ecosystems of Los Nevados National Natural Park. Search for high-elevation species while exploring one of the Andes' most unique natural environments, including the thermal landscapes surrounding Termales del Ruiz.
Overnight: Near Manizales
Journey to Jardín
Travel north through the coffee region into the colorful Andean town of Jardín, where the expedition concludes amid the green mountains of Antioquia.
Overnight: Jardín
Signature Species
- Yellow-eared Parrot
- Hummingbirds
- Tanagers
Ideal For
- Birders
- Naturalists
- Wildlife Photographers
What people say about this experience.
"I highly recommend this travel agency, the guides are great and very knowledgeable about all things nature related, and the places I've visited with them were beautiful. Great way to discover the region!"
"My trip to Manizales was a couple of months ago now but the two days with Luis Miguel as our guide feel like they were only last week - a wonderful time in which he showed us around the páramo near Nevada Ruiz and the sights and sounds of the city. Such infectious enthusiasm for the land, the wildlife, the people! And such rich knowledge that he shared in such an easygoing way. Suffice to say I'm already planning another visit."
"Amazing experience deep in the mountains near the beautiful city of Manizales. Luis Miguel is very knowledgeable of the area and it's a fantastic birding Master. He took very good care of us and every detail before, during and after the hike. Highly recommend his service."