Endemics of Colombia: Bird Photography Tour 2026
Endemic Explorer: Crafting Private Birdwatching and Photography Journeys Across Colombia’s Wildest Frontiers
Best-in-class Guides, Hides, El Dorado Lodge, Feeders, Including Santa Marta
15 Days
SUGGESTED LENGTH
10-24 Nov
2025
$5550
Price From
Join us for a 14-day bird photography adventure through Colombia, designed for travellers in search of endemics and unforgettable images. Guided by an experinced wildlife photographer and Colombia’s finest local birding experts, this journey is anchored by our network of exceptional lodges and privileged access to key habitats. From the cloud forests of the Andes to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta—home to El Dorado Lodge—you will photograph rarities like the Santa Marta Parakeet and Gold-ringed Tanager. Expect remarkable sightings, rich biodiversity, and true photographic immersion.
Explore Colombia’s top birding hotspots chosen for biodiversity, access, and endemics.
Capture striking close-up images of rare antpittas, hummingbirds, and colourful tanagers
Includes Santa Marta, home to the highest concentration of Colombian endemic species.
Stay at El Dorado Lodge, perfectly positioned for Santa Marta specialities.
Enjoy smooth logistics through our trusted network of lodges, guides, and operators.
Guided by expert photographer and local birding specialists with unmatched field knowledge.
COLOMBIA: BIRDLIFE AS ENDEMIC EXPLORER SEES IT
Explore Colombia’s Avian Riches: A Photography Expedition Highlighting Endemic Birds and El Dorado Lodge
All our private tours are highly customizable. Share your travel goals, and we’ll create a compelling itinerary together
Day 1: (November 10, 2026) Arrival ( Cali International Airport- CLO)
Pacific Lowland Birding
Multicoloured Tanager & Green Hermit
Cali sits at the intersection of tropical Andean and Pacific ecosystems, where lush cloud forests gradually descend into the humid lowlands. This ecological overlap makes the region a major centre of biodiversity, particularly rich in tanagers, warblers, and hummingbirds. The La Florida area features both primary and regenerating forest, creating ideal conditions for a wide range of endemic birdlife. With well-maintained feeders and natural perches, it offers superb conditions for bird photography. Upon arrival at Cali Airport, you will be greeted and driven to La Florida in the Andean foothills. Here, your birding adventure begins with species such as the Multicoloured Tanager, Golden-winged Warbler, and Green Hermit.
Accommodation: La Florida
Day 2 : (November 11, 2026) Cali
Birding In Andean Foothills
Tanagers & Masked Trogon
Spend the day walking the forest trails of La Florida, a vibrant habitat where species like the Chestnut-mantled Tanager, Saffron-crowned Tanager, and Masked Trogon can be observed. The presence of feeders and well-placed natural perches makes it an excellent setting for bird photography.
Accommodation: La Florida
Day 3 : (November 12, 2026) Manizales
Birding In The Coffee Country
AntPittas & Tanagers
Nestled in Colombia’s famed coffee region, Manizales is encircled by mist-laden cloud forests and high-elevation páramo landscapes. This cool, montane environment is a haven for distinctive species such as mountain tanagers and elusive antpittas. The journey to Manizales unfolds through scenic coffee estates and breathtaking Andean vistas. Hacienda El Bosque, with its private reserve, is regarded as one of the country’s premier destinations for high-altitude birding. Following a productive morning in La Florida, we travel to this renowned lodge, where feeders regularly draw in species like the Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Hooded Mountain-Tanager, and Crescent-faced Antpitta.
Accommodation: Hacienda El Bosque
Day 4-5 : (November 13-14, 2026) Manizales-Hacienda El Bosque
Birding In The Coffee Country
Sword-billed Humming bird
Spend two full days immersed in photographing high-Andean species such as the Sword-billed Hummingbird, Equatorial Antpitta, and Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager. The combination of well-kept trails and strategically placed photographic blinds allows for exceptional close-range captures. This region’s blend of páramo and cloud forest creates a rich habitat for a wide array of endemic and near-endemic birds, making it an exceptional destination for both birdwatchers and photographers. With the support of skilled local guides, you will benefit from expert positioning, optimal lighting, and increased chances of memorable sightings throughout this high-altitude photographic journey.
Accommodation: Hacienda El Bosque
Day 6 : (November 15, 2026) Higher Manizales0-Termales del Ruiz
Higher Elevation Birding
Buffy-Helemetcrest and hummingbirds
Perched near the imposing Nevado del Ruiz volcano, Termales del Ruiz lodge lies within a striking high-altitude landscape dominated by páramo vegetation. This specialised ecosystem is home to a variety of montane hummingbirds and rare species such as the Buffy Helmetcrest. The presence of natural thermal springs fills the air with a gentle mist, creating an atmospheric setting perfect for photography. The route to the lodge winds through dramatic Andean slopes, revealing sweeping views of rugged valleys and glaciated summits.
Following a productive morning at Hacienda El Bosque, we ascend to Termales del Ruiz, where our key photographic targets include the Buffy Helmetcrest, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, and Black-thighed Puffleg.
Accommodation: Termales del Ruiz
Day 7 : (November 16, 2026) Manizales-Hotel Corretero
Transit To Lower Manizales
Spend the morning photographing the unique páramo species at Termales del Ruiz before transferring to Manizales for an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Hotel Carretero
Day 8 : (November 17, 2026) Rio Blanco Reserve-Hotel Carretero
Antpitta Feeding Stations
Antpittas and fruiteaters
Rio Blanco Reserve is globally recognised for its remarkable antpitta feeding stations, offering rare and intimate opportunities to photograph these notoriously elusive birds. Enveloped in dense cloud forest, the reserve also attracts a wide array of tanagers, trogons, and woodpeckers. The mist-draped trails create a captivating atmosphere, enriching the experience of navigating this diverse and vibrant ecosystem. Its combination of elevation and habitat complexity makes Rio Blanco one of Colombia’s premier bird photography destinations.
Enjoy a full day exploring the reserve, with prime chances to photograph species such as Bicoloured Antpitta, Chestnut-naped Antpitta, and Slate-crowned Antpitta, as well as colourful highlights like the Green-and-black Fruiteater and Brown-banded Antpitta.
Accommodation: Hotel Carrete
Day 9 : (November 18, 2026) Montezuma-Tatatma National Park
Cloud Forest Birding
land of rare Colombian endemics
Located within the boundaries of Tatamá National Park, Montezuma is a haven of biodiversity, celebrated for its untouched cloud forests and remote mountainous terrain. The steep slopes are blanketed in lush primary forest, offering ideal conditions for several of Colombia’s most sought-after endemic species. Birding along Montezuma Road is particularly rewarding, as the shifting elevations unveil a dynamic range of birdlife with every ascent. This is one of the only places where the elusive Gold-ringed Tanager can reliably be seen in the wild.
Today we journey to Montezuma, deep within Tatamá National Park—renowned as one of Colombia’s top birding destinations. An afternoon walk introduces iconic species such as the Gold-ringed Tanager and Black-and-gold Tanager, setting the tone for the days ahead.
Accommodation: Montezuma Lodge.
Day 10 : (November 19, 2026) Montezuma Road Trails
The Road Trails
Andean Cock-of-the-rock
A full day exploring Montezuma and Montezuma Road, a legendary birding route with target species including Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer, Munchique Wood Wren, and Rufous-gaped Hillstar.
Accommodation: Montezuma Lodge.
Day 11 : (November 20, 2026) Jardin
Andean Cock-of-the-Rock
AnInca Jay and red-bellied grackle
Jardín, often regarded as one of Colombia’s most beautiful towns, is nestled among verdant hills and thriving coffee plantations. Its standout attraction is the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek, where vibrant males gather to perform their striking courtship displays. The surrounding montane forests are rich in birdlife, hosting a variety of Chocó and Andean endemics that make the area a standout location for birdwatchers. The journey to Jardín is a scenic one, winding through green valleys and past dramatic waterfalls.
Today, we travel to Jardín, arriving in time to witness the mesmerising spectacle of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek. Other noteworthy species in the area include the Inca Jay, Crested Ant Tanager, and Red-bellied Grackle.
Accommodation: Hotel Colonial Jardin
Day 12 : (November 21, 2026) Santa Marta
Sierra Nevada - The Increddible Costal Mountains
Jardin-medellin-santa marta
Santa Marta serves as the entry point to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta—the tallest coastal mountain range on Earth. Its geographic isolation has led to remarkable levels of endemism, making it one of the most unique birding regions in the world. The journey from Santa Marta to El Dorado Lodge climbs from humid tropical lowlands into the misty cloud forests of the highlands, offering a continuous shift in habitats and excellent photographic opportunities throughout. Following a morning session in Jardín, we transfer to Medellín and board a domestic flight to Santa Marta.
Upon arrival, we begin our ascent into the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and settle in at El Dorado Lodge, a sanctuary surrounded by some of Colombia’s rarest bird speci
Accommodation: El Dorado Lodge
Day 13-14 : (November 22-23, 2026)) Santa Marta-El Dorado
Photography at El Dorado
Endemic rush in high altitude cloud forests
Set high within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, El Dorado Lodge offers unparalleled access to montane cloud forests brimming with endemic species. The nearby San Lorenzo Ridge is one of the most important sites in Colombia for observing Santa Marta endemics, including striking tanagers and hummingbirds. Mornings often unfold in a veil of mist, with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea providing a dramatic setting for bird photography. More than a lodge, El Dorado also serves as a conservation stronghold, actively contributing to reforestation and habitat preservation in the region.
We spend two full days exploring the trails around the lodge and San Lorenzo Ridge, focusing on iconic species such as the Santa Marta Parakeet, Santa Marta Brushfinch, Santa Marta Woodstar, and Black-cheeked Mountain-Tanager—highlighting this segment of the Endemic Explorer Photography journey. Feeding stations surrounding the lodge create ideal conditions for capturing radiant hummingbirds and tanagers at close range, making it a photographer’s dream land.
Accommodation: El Dorado Lodge
Day 15 : (November 24, 2026) Minca-Return
Lower Sierra Nevada Birding
Keel-billed Toucan and whooping motmot
Tucked into the lower slopes of the Sierra Nevada, Minca lies at the intersection of tropical and montane ecosystems. This transitional habitat hosts an impressive diversity of birdlife, from colourful toucans to flitting warblers. Surrounded by dense foliage, cascading waterfalls, and shade-grown coffee farms, Minca offers a scenic and fulfilling finale to your Colombian expedition. Its well-known bird observatory provides one last chance to capture vibrant neotropical species in a serene setting. On our final morning, we visit this lower-altitude hotspot in search of species such as the Keel-billed Toucan, Golden-winged Sparrow, and Whooping Motmot.
After this concluding birding session, we transfer to the airport for your outbound flight, bringing this unforgettable photography adventure to a close
Tour Highlights
Comprehensive List of Birds:
Colombia: Home to 1700 plus species
Multicoloured Tanager, Golden-winged Warbler, Green Hermit, Chestnut-mantled Tanager, Saffron-crowned Tanager, Masked Trogon, Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Hooded Mountain-Tanager, Crescent-faced Antpitta, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Equatorial Antpitta, Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager, Buffy Helmetcrest, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Black-thighed Puffleg, Bicoloured Antpitta, Chestnut-naped Antpitta, Slate-crowned Antpitta, Green-and-black Fruiteater, Brown-banded Antpitta, Gold-ringed Tanager, Black-and-gold Tanager, Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer, Munchique Wood Wren, Rufous-gaped Hillstar, Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Inca Jay, Crested Ant Tanager, Red-bellied Grackle, Santa Marta Parakeet, Santa Marta Brushfinch, Santa Marta Woodstar, Black-cheeked Mountain-Tanager, Keel-billed Toucan, Golden-winged Sparrow and Whooping Motmot.
Tour Cost
Tour Cost: USD 5550
per person/twin share basis ( USD 6150 for single room)
If you are joining alone, we will try to find a suitable roommate. However, if we are unable to do so, a single-room supplement will apply.
Flights are not included in the cost.
Tour Starting Date & Place: 10 November 2026 at 8 AM – Cali International Airport (CLO)
Tour Ending Date & Place: 24 November 2026 at 6 PM- Simon Bolivar International Airport, Santa Martha (SMR)
Tour Leader: An experienced guide/tour manager will accompany you throughout the trip, supported by various local guides.
Special Notes
Included & Excluded
Included in the Cost:
1. Accommodations with meals as per the itinerary
2. All ground transportation
3. Guide and trakker fees
4. Bird hide/feeder fees
Not included in the cost:
1. Domestic flight tickets
2. Laundry, additional menu, visa fee, Tax, insurance, medical expenses, etc
Tips, Terms and Conditions
1. A 50 % deposit is required to confirm your booking. Please refer to our booking policies for more details.
2. Full payment must be made 60 days before the start of the tour.
3. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
4. The itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, such as weather or park regulations.
Tour Map
Extras & Tools
Read, Watch, or Listen About the Tour
