Colombia Birding Tour
Colombia Birding Tour Overview (Montezuma, Western and Central Andes) – Explore Colombia holds the title for the highest bird diversity on the planet
With over 1,950 bird species—almost 20% of the world’s total—Colombia is surpassing North America and Europe combined with the highest diversity of birds on earth! The country is home to 91 endemic and 125 globally threatened species. Its remarkable avian richness is due to Colombia’s diverse habitats and dramatic elevation changes. From Caribbean beaches to Amazonian rainforests, coffee-covered hills, and the snow-capped Andes, all are within close reach.
On this 14-day Nature Travel Birding tour, explore the birding wonders of Colombia, using the vibrant city of Cali as your base. The tour covers renowned birding sites like Km 18 Old Buenaventura Road, the Cauca Valley wetlands, Montezuma Lodge in the Choco bioregion, the Rio Blanco Reserve near Manizales, and the high-altitude Los Nevados National Park.
Beyond birding, Colombia offers adventure, stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, historical architecture, and exceptional cuisine.
Let’s go birding in Colombia!
| Safari starts and ends in Cali | Comfortable, mid-range accommodation |
| Duration | 14 Days |
| Departure dates | 9 March 2026 |
Top Birds
Rufous-fronted Parakeet, Colombian Chachalaca, Brown-banded-, Bicolored-, Chestnut-crowned-, Chestnut-naped and Slate-crowned Antpitta, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Cauca and Baudo Guan, Munchique Wood Wren, Buffy Helmetcrest, Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer, Tatama Tapuculo, Parker’s Antbird, Apical Flycatcher, Golden-chested-, Gold-ringed-, Blue-whiskered-, Scarlet-browed-, Grey-and-gold-, Dusky-faced-, Multi-coloured-, Golden-crowned- and Crested Ant Tanager,Chestnut Wood Quail, Red-ruffed Fruitcrow, Five-coloured and Toucan Barbet.
Top Mammals
Spectacled Bear (small chance), Puma (small chance), Northern Tiger Cat, Mountain Tapir, Northern Pudu, Colombian Red Howler Monkey.
Highlights and Top attractions
• Sonso Lagoon – A vast, bird-rich wetland, vital for avian conservation. Recognized as a nature reserve, a Ramsar site, and an Important Bird Area (IBA).
• Montezuma Road & Tatamá National Park – A surreal landscape combining páramo and rainforest habitats, home to an incredible diversity of wildlife. Discover over 550 bird species, 450 orchid species, and 700 butterfly species in this biodiverse wonderland.
• Río Blanco Reserve – Truly a paradise for antpitta enthusiasts! This reserve not only boasts over 360 bird species but also features numerous cloud forest and montane treasures. It’s a must-visit destination for birdwatchers.
• Los Nevados National Natural Park – Perfect for spotting high-elevation bird species. This park also offers breathtaking scenery, while providing the opportunity to encounter rare mammals.
• KM 18 & San Antonio – A premier birding destination in Colombia, renowned for its rich ornithological history and incredible diversity. With over 400 species recorded, it’s a must-visit for bird enthusiasts.
• Anchicayá Watershed – An exceptional birding hotspot where dramatic elevation changes create an astonishing diversity of species. A must-visit for those seeking a rich and varied birdwatching experience.
• San Cipriano – An unforgettable experience in one of the country’s most biodiverse regions. Located in the Chocó bioregion, this lush rainforest is accessible only by the unique “brujitas” rail carts, adding a sense of adventure to your visit.
• Atuncela Dry Forest-A unique birding experience in a rare and threatened ecosystem. This dry tropical forest, located in the Magdalena Valley, is home to a variety of endemic and range-restricted species.
Summary of day to day Itinerary
| Day 1 | Arrival in Cali, transfer to Buga |
| Day 2 | Sonso Lagoon to Montezuma Lodge |
| Day 3-4 | Tatamá National Natural Park |
| Day 5 | Manizales |
| Day 6 | Rio Blanco Reserve |
| Day 7 | LHacienda El Bosque to Termales Del Ruiz |
| Day 8 | Los Nevados National Park |
| Day 9 | Los Nevados National Park to Araucana Lodge |
| Day 10 | Anchicaya watershed |
| Day 11 | San Cipriano Reserve |
| Day 12 | Atuncela dry forest |
| Day 13 | KM 18 and the San Antonio Forest |
| Day 14 | Departure from Cali |