Country: Colombia

Hacienda el Bosque Morning (Equatorial Antpitta Experience)

One of the highlights of Hacienda El Bosque is the opportunity to observe the remarkable Equatorial Antpitta at a carefully managed feeding station. Known for its secretive nature, this elusive bird occasionally emerges from the forest floor, offering exceptional views and rewarding photographic opportunities. While waiting quietly, we also keep watch for Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan, mountain tanagers, brushfinches and other high-Andean species that regularly move through the surrounding forest.

Afternoon Birdwatching at Hacienda El Bosque (late arrival)

Surrounded by high-Andean forest, Hacienda El Bosque offers a peaceful introduction to the region’s birdlife. We spend the afternoon exploring the lodge’s gardens, feeders and nearby trails, where hummingbirds, mountain tanagers and other forest species are frequent visitors. With a relaxed pace and beautiful natural surroundings, it’s an ideal opportunity to settle in and enjoy our first encounters with this remarkable ecosystem.

Afternoon Birdwatching at Otún Quimbaya

During the afternoon, we continue exploring the diverse habitats of Otún Quimbaya, following quiet forest roads and shaded trails as bird activity shifts through the day. Moving at a relaxed pace, we revisit productive areas and adapt our route to recent sightings, giving ourselves the best chance of encountering species that may have remained hidden earlier. The changing light also creates excellent conditions for photography, while mixed flocks, woodcreepers, tanagers and other Andean forest birds continue to offer rewarding opportunities for observation. Every walk through the sanctuary brings new encounters, making the afternoon a valuable complement to the morning session.

Hummingbird Photography in Natural Flower Settings

In a quiet corner of the cloud forest, a local guide carefully prepares a natural flower setup, arranging perches and shooting angles to create exceptional photographic opportunities. Surrounded by soft, filtered forest light, you’ll have time to capture hummingbirds as they visit the flowers, producing elegant, natural images while the guide takes care of the details.

Nocturnal Birding at Tinamú Reserve

After dinner, we head back into the reserve to experience the forest after dark. Guided by the calls of the night, we search for some of the region’s nocturnal specialties, with opportunities to encounter owls, Common Pauraques, potoos and other elusive species that only become active after sunset. Moving slowly along the reserve’s trails, we rely on our guide’s knowledge and careful listening to locate wildlife while experiencing a completely different side of the tropical forest. It’s a peaceful and immersive way to end the day, revealing sounds, behaviours and species rarely seen in daylight.

Sunrise at Cerro Kennedy

Arriving at the top of the ridge, we take time to enjoy sunrise from Cerro Kennedy. On clear mornings, the first light illuminates the snow-capped peaks of Pico Cristóbal Colón and Pico Simón Bolívar while the Caribbean Sea stretches out in the distance, creating one of the most memorable landscapes in northern Colombia.

Boat Tour in Playa Cristal & Chengue

Relax at the Thermal Hot Springs (Termales Del Ruiz)

After a day in the mountains, there’s time to unwind in the natural thermal pools that give Termales del Ruiz its name. Surrounded by the Andean landscape, the warm mineral-rich waters provide a peaceful setting to relax, reflect on the day’s sightings and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Elfin Forest Birdwatching (Termales del Ruiz Afternoon)

The trails surrounding the lodge wind through elfin forest, waterfalls and high-Andean vegetation, offering a gentle introduction to this unique ecosystem. Accompanied by our guide, we search for mountain tanagers, flowerpiercers, brushfinches and other high-elevation specialties, while keeping an eye out for the elusive Tawny Antpitta, one of the area’s most sought-after species.