Birding in Colombia’s Coffee Region & Cali

Day 1: Arrival to Cali
Day 2: Cali, San Antonio Cloud Forest - Kilometro 18 
Day 3: Cali, San Antonio Cloud Forest - El Queremal
Day 4: Araucana Lodge and transfer to Manizales
Day 5: Rio Blanco Reserve
Day 6: Otún Quimbaya Reserve - Tatamá National Park
Day 7: Termales del Ruiz
Day 8: Tinamú Birding Reserve 
Day 9: Tinamú and transfer to Pereira 
Day 10: The Trail of the Tapir
Day 11: Departure

Day 1: Arrival in Cali

Bienvenidos a Colombia - Welcome to Colombia!

Upon arrival at Cali Airport, you will be greeted by your English-speaking guide and transferred to Araucana Lodge (approximately a 1.5-hour drive / 50.7 km). This renowned birding lodge in Valle del Cauca is home to 186 recorded bird species, including four endemics: Parker’s Antbird, Colombian Chachalaca, Grayish Piculet, and Apical Flycatcher. Other remarkable sightings may include the Bar-crested Antshrike, Spectacled Parrotlet, Purple-throated Woodstar, and Blue-headed Sapphire.

The surrounding forests host 17 species of hummingbirds, frequently visiting the lodge’s feeder areas stocked with nectar drinkers and bananas to attract fruit-loving species.

Depending on your arrival time, you will enjoy a delicious lunch and dinner at the lodge. Your guide will be available to answer any questions about your upcoming itinerary.

Accommodation: Araucana Lodge
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Cali, San Antonio Cloud Forest - Kilometro 18 
An early start today where you will transfer from Cali to the San Antonio Cloud Forest (30 minutes / 12 km), also known as sector "kilometro 18 IBA Reserve". You will arrive at Finca Alejandria. On a farm where feeders attract a massive amount of local hummers, it is possible to sight the Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Blue-headed Sapphire, Bronzy Inca, Andean Emerald, Buff-tailed Coronet, Purple-throated Woodstar (near-endemic), Long-tailed Sylph, Brown Violetear, and the Booted Racket-tail. The main attraction is the sheer abundance of tanagers, with the Multicolored Tanager (endemic) being the most prized. Flocks of Beryl-spangled, Golden-naped, Saffron-crowned, Golden, Metallic-green, and Bay-headed Tanagers regularly visit along with the Hollywood pair of female and male Red-headed Barbets, Colombian Chachalacas (endemic), and the occasional coati. 

Within the well-preserved cloud forest, you can expect to see an exciting variety of hummingbirds such as the Purple-throated Woodstar (near-endemic), Western and Andean Emeralds, Booted Racket-tail, Long-tailed Sylph, Speckled Hummingbird, Bronzy Inca, White-necked Jacobin, and Buff-tailed Coronet. You may be very lucky to see the Velvet-purple Coronet (near-endemic) which has also begun to visit. Special care should be taken to watch out for the Crested Quetzal and difficult Scaled Fruiteater, both of which are local to this forest. Other cloud forest specialties include the Collared Trogon, Andean Solitaire, Chestnut-breasted Wren, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Sickle-winged Guan, and more. Tonight, you will enjoy dinner at Araucana Lodge.

Accommodation: Araucana Lodge 
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Entrance fee: Finca Alejandria 

Day 3: Cali, San Antonio Cloud Forest - El Queremal

At 5:30 am you will transfer to El Queremal (40 minutes / 25 km), in the famous Alto-Anchicaya basin, teeming with stunning birds like Toucan Barbet (near-endemic), Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager (near-endemic), Red-faced Spinetail, uncommon and local Green Thorntail, Empress Brilliant, Glistening-green Tanager, Yellow-throated Tanager and Crested Ant Tanager (endemic). You can also look out for White-whiskered Hermit, nesting Chestnut-headed Oropendola, and many, many other species. Descending further down into the valley, you may sight birds such as the Ornate Flycatcher, Bright-rumped Attila, Long-tailed Tyrant, Cinnamon Becard, uncommon Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo, and others.

Spend the morning birding along the road where the birds abound. 

Accommodation: Araucana Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 4: Birdwatching at Araucana Lodge & Transfer to Manizales

Spend the morning exploring the rich birdlife of Araucana Lodge, where you will have the opportunity to observe a diverse range of species, including the Grayish Piculet, Colombian Chachalaca, Parker’s Antbird, Apical Flycatcher, Blue-headed Sapphire, Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant, Smoky-brown Woodpecker, and Long-billed Starthroat.

Other notable sightings may include the Flame-rumped Tanager, Blue-necked Tanager, Bay-headed Tanager, Scrub Tanager, White-lined Tanager, Yellow-backed Oriole, Spectacled Parrotlet, Scaled Antpitta, and Black-winged Saltator. The lodge is also home to 186 recorded bird species, including four endemic species: Parker’s Antbird, Colombian Chachalaca, Grayish Piculet, and Apical Flycatcher.

Additionally, you may spot Bar-crested Antshrike, Spectacled Parrotlet, Purple-throated Woodstar, and Blue-headed Sapphire. The lodge’s well-stocked feeders attract 17 hummingbird species, along with drinkers and bananas to attract fruit-eating birds.

Following a delicious early lunch, you will begin your transfer to Manizales, a scenic 5-hour drive (approx. 290 km).

Accommodation: Recinto del Pensamiento
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5: Rio Blanco Reserve

This morning, embark on a 45-minute drive (approx. 15 km) to one of the world’s top birding destinations, Rio Blanco Reserve. Covering 4,343 hectares of well-preserved Andean forest and home to over 380 recorded bird species, this reserve is particularly renowned for its success in attracting Antpittas, a notoriously elusive genus of terrestrial forest birds.

With the help of expert local guides, you will have the rare opportunity to observe these skulking birds as they silently hop out of the undergrowth at the sound of familiar footsteps. During the morning, you will visit various Antpitta feeding stations, where patience may reward you with sightings of the vulnerable and endemic Brown-banded Antpitta, the elusive Bi-colored Antpitta, the small and quick Slate-crowned Antpitta, the bold and more common Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, and the less frequently seen Chestnut-naped Antpitta. Rio Blanco is home to seven Antpitta species, an astonishing number that highlights the reserve’s importance for bird conservation.

Following the Antpitta experience, you will have the chance to observe the rare Masked Saltator, often spotted perching above the reserve house—one of the best locations in the world to see this species. You’ll also listen for the calls of Golden-plumed Parakeets and scan the area for White-capped Tanagers and Barred Fruiteaters. Vibrant mixed-species flocks may include Hooded, Lachrymose, and Blue-winged Mountain Tanagers, as well as the rarer Buff-breasted Mountain Tanagers. Other highlights include the Black-billed Mountain-Toucan, Crimson-mantled and Powerful Woodpeckers, and the charming Cinnamon Flycatcher, often seen hunting insects along the road.

As you continue birdwatching along the gravel roads, you may spot elusive Tapaculo species, including the striking Ocellated Tapaculo. Special attention will be given to uncommon species such as the Red-hooded Tanager, the lush Grass-green Tanager, and the emblematic Rufous-crowned tody flycatcher. Above the treetops, keep an eye out for Scaly-naped Parrots and the Rusty-faced Parrot, a strikingly colored species that would be a fantastic addition to your checklist.

At the reserve’s hummingbird feeders, you will witness dazzling displays from species like the stunning Long-tailed Sylph, the beautifully marked Collared Inca, the territorial Buff-tailed Coronet, and the elegant Andean Emerald and Speckled Hummingbird. With an extensive list of potential sightings, Rio Blanco Reserve is truly a birder’s paradise, where few leave disappointed.

Accommodation: Hacienda El Bosque
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Entrance Fee: Included for Rio Blanco Reserve

Day 6: Otún Quimbaya Reserve - Tatamá National Park

A morning visit to Hacienda El Bosque, located near the CHEC Forest Reserve, provides an excellent opportunity to observe the rare Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Barred Fruiteater, and the highly photogenic Crescent-faced Antpitta, which is a frequent visitor to the feeders. After a rewarding birdwatching experience, you will be transferred in the afternoon to Termales del Ruiz, where you will spend the night. The scenic drive takes approximately 42 minutes (22 km) through the stunning Andean landscape.

Accommodation: Termales del Ruiz
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Entrance fees: CHEC Forest Reserve 

Day 7: Termales del Ruiz

Today promises to be an exceptional day of birding, with opportunities to spot high-Andean specialties and endemics found within the hotel’s gardens, strategically placed feeders along the old Manizales road, and at the entrance to the breathtaking Los Nevados National Park, home to Colombia’s snow-capped peaks. Some of the key targets for the day include the majestic Andean Condor, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Rufous-fronted Parakeet, and Buffy Helmetcrest. Other highlights may include the Tawny Antpitta, Golden-breasted Puffleg, Black-thighed Puffleg, Rainbow-bearded Helmetcrest, Crested Cotinga, Sapphire-winged Hummingbird, Shining Sunbeam, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, and a variety of mountain tanagers.

Breakfast will be enjoyed either before departure or along the trail, depending on the group’s preference. The morning will also include a visit to the páramo, an otherworldly, high-altitude tundra ecosystem that exists in only five countries worldwide, with Colombia holding 60% of the world’s total páramo habitat. This unique landscape is not only an essential freshwater producer and regulator but also home to specially adapted flora and fauna, recently described as the fastest-evolving ecosystem on Earth.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Tinamú Birding Reserve, a scenic 2-hour drive (approx. 47 km) through the diverse landscapes of the Andes.

Accommodation: Tinamú Birding Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 8: Tinamú Birding Reserve

Spend the day exploring the Tinamú Birding Reserve, a birdwatcher’s paradise where over 230 species have been recorded. The reserve’s strategically placed feeders provide excellent photographic opportunities, attracting species such as the Steely-vented Hummingbird, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Brown Violetear, Long-billed Starthroat, Grey-headed Tanager, White-shouldered Tanager, Scrub Tanager (near-endemic), Guira Tanager, Bay-headed Tanager, Green Honeycreeper, and Red-crowned Woodpecker. Among the highlights, you may also spot the stunning Andean or Blue-crowned Motmot and the vibrant Thick-billed Euphonia, along with many others.

Along the reserve’s trails, you will have the opportunity to encounter species such as the Golden-crowned Warbler, Cocoa Woodcreeper, and Grey-headed Ground-Dove. With luck, you may even spot the elusive Little Tinamou, the bird after which the reserve is named. Other exciting sightings may include the Spectacled Owl, Scaled Antpitta (difficult), Speckle-breasted Wren, Moustached Puffbird, and a diverse range of flycatchers.

Enjoy a full day immersed in this incredible ecosystem, taking in the sights and sounds of Tinamú’s rich birdlife.

Accommodation: Tinamú Birding Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 9: Tinamú and transfer to Pereira

Begin the day with a final morning birding session at Tinamú Birding Reserve, taking in the last opportunities to spot its incredible variety of species. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the reserve’s feeders and trails, where you may encounter hummingbirds, tanagers, woodcreepers, and other regional specialties.

After a rewarding morning, you will be transferred to Pereira, a scenic 1-hour drive (approx. 46 km). Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation: Movich Pereira
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 10: The Trail of the Tapir

The day begins early with a 1.5-hour transfer (approx. 24 km) to Ucumarí Natural Regional Park, one of the most biodiverse areas in the Central Andes, located in the foothills of Los Nevados National Natural Park. This lush Andean humid forest ecosystem is home to a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna and is one of the best locations to spot the Andean Tapir (Danta), a rare and iconic species of the region.

Upon arrival at El Cedral, a prime birdwatching site within the park, we will search for some of the area's most elusive and sought-after species. Birding highlights may include the endemic Cauca Guan and Chestnut Wood-Quail, as well as the Colombian Screech-Owl (near-endemic), Torrent Duck along the Otún River, Emerald Toucanet, and the rare and difficult Hooded Antpitta (near-endemic). Other possible sightings include the Rufous-breasted Flycatcher (near-endemic), Multicolored Tanager (endemic), seasonal but striking White-capped Tanager, Variegated Bristle-Tyrant, White-capped Dipper, Wattled Guan, Bar-crested Antshrike (near-endemic), Bronze-winged Parrot, and flocks of the vulnerable Golden-plumed Parakeet.

After a hearty lunch back at the lodge, the afternoon will be spent exploring trails around the sanctuary, where we will look for the inconspicuous Moustached Puffbird, the endemic and often noisy Crested Ant-Tanager, the skulking Stiles’ Tapaculo, and the seasonal Andean Cock-of-the-rock. Beyond birds, this area is also a great place to encounter Red Howler Monkeys as well as our main target for the day, the Andean Tapir (Danta).

Accommodation: Cabaña El Cedral
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Entrance Fee: Included for Ucumarí Natural Regional Park

Day 11: Departure

Today, it is time to say goodbye to this beautiful country. After an unforgettable journey through Colombia’s diverse landscapes and rich birdlife, your guide will accompany you to Pereira Airport for your departure. The 1.5-hour transfer (approx. 30 km) will give you a final opportunity to take in the stunning Andean scenery.

We hope you leave with wonderful memories of your experience and perhaps even a desire to return to explore more of Colombia’s hidden natural treasures. And who knows? Maybe you’ll inspire friends and family to visit this incredible country, known for its breathtaking landscapes and warm, welcoming people.

Meals: Breakfast

Be sure to check out our other birdwatching tours, hiking and walking tours, and bike tours!

The accommodations used on this tour include a mix of elegant hotels and unique and beautiful eco-lodges. In the itinerary, you will find the name of the hotel usually reserved on the tour. If the hotel listed is not available, a hotel of an equal standard will be offered.