Avian Jewels of the Choco Region
Colombia February 11 to 18, 2024
Safari Overview
Learn more on the Trip Itinerary page.
Bask in avian wealth with the richest bird diversity in the world. Colombia boasts the highest number of bird species anywhere on the earth, and the Cali area alone has 562 documented species, more than all of Europe. With the beautiful Araucana Lodge as your homebase, you will encounter an incredible variety of ecosystems in a relatively compact area. From the tanagers, hummingbirds, and cock-of-the-rocks in the Western Andes to flycatchers, piculets, and antbirds of the wetlands, the abundance of birdlife will amaze you at every turn. In addition to maximum time in nature to interact with wildlife and enjoy the majestic scenery, privileged local access will provide you the opportunity to be immersed in the Columbian lifestyle.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Sojourn at the new Araucana Lodge (owned, operated, and designed for birders where you will experience farm-to-table meals including organic produce grown on property).
- Delight in watching possibly 22 species of hummingbirds.
- Be dazzled by the color, movements, and sounds of cock-of-the-rock leks.
- Attend a festival of tanagers (including scarlet-and-white, golden-chested, and gray-and-gold varieties) in the Anchicaya Watershed.
- Observe a multitude of endemic and near endemic (birds that have more than half of their distribution in this area but have spread to neighboring regions) species in disparate habitats.
SAFARI OPTIONS
- Continue your journey on the Santa Marta mountains extension. You will travel up from the Caribbean shore to the world’s highest coastal peak encountering incredible bird diversity including an abundance of endemics.
Itinerary Updated: November 2024
Our Trip Leaders
![]()
Gina Barton
Gina BartonGina took an interest in biology at a young age, which led to a master's degree in biology focused on ornithology. She spent 13 years as an ornithologist studying bird migration and the effects of habitat management on bird populations. Having a lifelong zeal for travel, she changed careers to nature-focused travel, merging this with her love of wildlife behavior. She now works for Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris organizing safaris and leading others throughout the world.
![]()
Jose Luna
Jose LunaJose was born and raised in the western Andes of Colombia, and he has been birding since he was 16 years old. Jose was the first guide to join Colombia Birdwatch and has since traveled throughout most regions of Colombia with hundreds of guests from all corners of the world. Jose shines amongst his colleagues for his calm demeanor, friendliness, and proficiency in English, not to mention his ability to find birds.
Colombia
Encounter the most bird-diverse locale on the planet known locally as a branch of heaven.
3.432234974562545, -76.51933267297734