A Birding Safari of the Western and Central Andes
Colombia
July 1 to 15, 2027
Private Trip Available Safari Overview
Experience Colombia—the birdwatching capital of the world—where over 1,900 bird species, representing nearly 20% of global avian diversity, thrive within just 0.7% of Earth’s landmass. This biodiversity hotspot offers unmatched birding across cloud forests, wetlands, and Andean highlands, making it a dream destination for nature lovers. Embark on a breathtaking Colombia birdwatching safari as you search for rare and endemic birds, from the iconic Andean Cock-of-the-Rock to kaleidoscopic Tanagers in the famed Anchicayá Watershed. More than a birding tour, this immersive journey weaves together spectacular wildlife, rich local culture, and meaningful conservation travel. Whether you’re soaking in mountain hot springs among hummingbirds or exploring marshlands buzzing with life, this Colombia trip delivers a truly unforgettable eco-adventure.
WHY CHOOSE THIS EXPEDITION?
- Discover Colombia’s Birding Paradise: Spot endemic and migratory birds in Colombia, the world’s top birdwatching destination with over 1,900 species.
- Witness Spectacular Displays: Experience the vibrant Cock-of-the-Rock courtship and colorful tanagers in the Anchicayá Valley.
- Explore Diverse Birding Habitats: Visit wetlands, lagoons, and cloud forests across the Andes, home to rare hummingbirds, tropical songbirds, and more.
- Expert-Led Birdwatching Tours: Maximize sightings of elusive species with guidance from a top Colombian naturalist.
- Support Ethical Ecotourism: Travel sustainably, supporting local communities, and conservation efforts while exploring one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “The birding guide (Jose Luna) was excellent. All the transportation was on time and drivers were good. Setting was unbeatable with lots of birds at our doorstep. Meals there were excellent, as was the staff. Trips to various birding areas in the area were not overly far from the lodge.” – Mariann Cyr |
TRIP MAP
NOTABLE EXPERIENCES
Itinerary Updated: June 2025
| Date | Description | Lodge | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 1 | Travel to Cali. Arrive in Cali, Colombia, the gateway to your birdwatching safari and a city locals call "a branch of heaven." | Hotel Guadalajara, Buga | D |
| Jul 2 | Lagoon birding and Andes adventure. Birdwatch at the Sonso Lagoon, one of the few wetlands left in Cauca Valley, then ascend the bird-rich Central Andes. | Hotel Quo, Manizales | B, L, D |
| Jul 3 | Rio Blanco Reserve. Explore Rio Blanco Reserve, renowned for its diverse ecosystems and rare Andean bird species. | Hotel Quo, Manizales | B, L, D |
| Jul 4 | Local birding efforts. Discover uncommon birds at Owl’s Watch Nature Preserve, a prime spot for Colombia birding enthusiasts. | Hotel Quo, Manizales | B, L, D |
| Jul 5 | High altitude birding. Start with breakfast birding on a cattle farm, then ascend to 11,000 ft for high-altitude avian sightings. | Terminales, Hotel Termales del Ruiz | B, L, D |
| Jul 6 | More high-altitude birding. Explore above the tree line at Los Nevados National Park, home to endemic highland species. | Hotel Termales del Ruiz, Manizales | B, L, D |
| Jul 7 | Tinamu Nature Reserve. Travel to Pereira stopping for lunch and birding at Tinamu Nature Reserve, a hotspot for tropical species. | Hotel Movich, Pereira | B, L, D |
| Jul 8 | Otún-Quimbaya Reserve. Spot howler monkeys and vibrant birdlife at the lush Otún-Quimbaya Sanctuary in the Western Andes. | Hotel Movich, Pereira | B, L, D |
| Jul 9 | Finding the Ruby. Journey to Araucana Lodge, birding en route at Rio Bravo to spot the dazzling Ruby-topaz Hummingbird. | Araucana Lodge, Valle del Cauca | B, L, D |
| Jul 10 | Western Andes birding. Bird along KM 18 in the Western Andes in search of tanagers, plus stop at an Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek and a garden with hummingbird feeders. | Araucana Lodge, Valle del Cauca | B, L, D |
| Jul 11 | Cock-of-the-Rock Lek. Bird the biodiverse Upper Anchicaya and visit Doña Doras in the morning; witness the spectacle of a Cock-of-the-Rock lek in the afternoon. | Araucana Lodge, Valle del Cauca | B, L, D |
| Jul 12 | More hummingbird spotting. Explore near the lodge, including visits to the hummingbird feeders and fruit plates for up-close bird watching. | Araucana Lodge, Valle del Cauca | B, L, D |
| Jul 13 | Unique rail ride. Ride the rails to San Cipriano to explore the pristine forests at the reserve and view an abundance of birdlife. | Araucana Lodge, Valle del Cauca | B, L, D |
| Jul 14 | Exploring diverse habitats. Contrast the dry forest rain shadow habitat near Atuncella in the morning with the Rio Bravo wetlands in the afternoon. | Araucana Lodge, Valle del Cauca | B, L, D |
| Jul 15 | Depart for home. Leave for your flights home, with a rich bird list and wonderful memories. | B |
Get the Full Daily Itinerary
Our Trip Leaders
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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.
- Cost & Payments
- Included
- Not Included
- Climate
- Fitness Level
- Flights
Conservation- Conditions
Cost & Payments
Costs (in US$)
| Type | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Trip Cost, double occupancy | $7,650 |
| Single Supplement | $1,190 |
Share the Experience – Earn Travel Credit
Know someone who would love this trip? Refer a friend and you’ll both benefit—you get credit toward a future adventure, and they receive a discount on their first trip with us. See how our Referral Program works ›
Costs are per person, double occupancy, not including airfare, singles extra. See Included and Not Included sections for more details.
Payment Schedule
| Payment | Due Date | Amount Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | Due now to reserve your space | $500 |
| Final | January 22, 2027 | Remaining balance |
Payments are due based on the schedule above. All reservations require a deposit to confirm reservation of your space.
Cancellations
Until the Final Payment due date, deposits are refundable except for a cancellation fee of $150 per person, which can be applied toward another trip if reserved within six months of the cancelled trip’s departure date. Cancellations are non-transferrable. No refunds are given after the Final Payment due date.
Included
- Carbon offsets for the duration of this trip.
- All leaders, transport, park entry fees, landing fees, and permits for all activities unless described as optional.
- Accommodations (double occupancy) for the nights of July 1 through July 14.
- Meals from dinner on July 1 through breakfast on July 15.
- Purified water at the lodge to refill your water bottle.
- Juice during every meal.
- Soda and beer at restaurants.
- Transfers between the Cali airport and Hotel Guadalajara and between the Araucana Lodge and the Cali airport regardless of the day.
- Gratuities for leaders, restaurant and hotel staff for services from July 1 through July 14.
- Trip Planning Materials – information about entry requirements, flights, packing, gratuities, etc.
Not Included
- Carbon offsets for your flights to/from this trip.
- All airfare, airport and departure taxes, and excess baggage fees.
- Passport and visa fees.
- Extra hotel nights and divergent transfers.
- Emergency evacuation insurance and trip cancellation insurance.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, medical costs or hospitalization, room service, items not on the regular menu, alcoholic beverages, etc. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your Traveler Form.
Climate
The climate has been variable over the last few years. But generally, temperatures will be hot and humid in the lowlands (70°F at night to 85°F during the day) and comfortable in the highlands (60°F at night to 70°F during the day), but it can be quite chilly at high elevations where you should plan to wear layers.
Fitness Level
This trip involves ascending from the lowlands to an elevation above 10,000ft. There will be time to acclimate, but if you have heart or lung disease, or any other reason to suspect that high altitude may pose a problem for you, please speak with your doctor before booking this trip. Walks are not strenuous, but the elevation may make them feel more difficult while in the Central Andes. In the lower elevation, the Cock-of-the-Rock lek requires a 15-minute hike down and a 25-minute hike up on a trail in good condition. The days in Sanso Lagoon and San Cipriano require 2 to 3-mile hikes and are hot and humid. Please contact us if you have any health concerns that may make this trip challenging.
Flights
Detailed logistical information is included in the Trip Planning Materials we will send you.
Flights you book
- Arrive in Cali, Colombia (CLO) by 3:00pm on July 1.
- Depart from Cali, Colombia (CLO) after 10:00am on July 15.
FAQ
Accommodations
Motion Sickness
Transportation
Conservation
Our company ethos has always regarded conservation as inseparable from responsible tourism. We struggle with the dilemma that traveling worldwide expends climate-changing carbon. However, we wholeheartedly believe that traveling with us will cultivate your passion for conserving our beautiful world while stimulating each destination’s local economy. We encourage you to explore the various ways in which Cheesemans’ operates within this context:
- Ecotourism and Conservation for Colombia
- Cheesemans’ Trips are Carbon Neutral
- Offsetting your Travel to/from our Trip: We ask you to pledge to offset the carbon emissions for your travel to and from our trips. Use this tool to calculate your emissions and purchase your carbon offset today through Sustainable Travel International, or through your favorite carbon offsetting organization.
Conditions
Read our current Terms and Conditions.