Colombia Birding & Culture

Arrival

Reception at the airport and meeting with your guide

Transfer from San Felipe Birding Ecolodge to Cali Airport

Hotel Check-In

Tour Orientation

Dinner

Birdwatching in San Felipe

Birding at San Felipe, welcomed by a local guide. Visit of several bird feeding stations—each offering prime vantage points for nature photographers. Some spots feature water mirrors, capturing stunning bird reflections as they feed. Some others from the local check-list: Green Jay (Cyanocorax yncas), Little Tinamou (Crypturellus soui), Green Honeycreeper (Chlorophanes spiza), Blue-necked Tanager (Stilpnia cyanicollis), Green Hermit (Phaethornis guy), Sickle-winged Guan (Chamaepetes goudotii), White-bellied Woodstar ​(Chaetocercus mulsant), Crimson-rumped Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus), Long-tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus kingii)

Lunch

Dinner

Breakfast

Transfer San Felipe Ecolodge –> La Florida – El Bosque de Aves

Lunch

Dawn Birdwatching at the Feeders

We begin before sunrise, when the cloud forest is just starting to come alive. At first light, the feeders around the lodge attract an impressive diversity of hummingbirds, tanagers, flowerpiercers and other Chocó specialties, offering some of the best bird activity of the day. The quiet morning atmosphere also gives us a good chance of seeing the resident Chestnut Wood-Quail as they emerge from the forest for their regular morning visit. With excellent natural perches and soft light, this first session is ideal for both observation and photography.

Little Tinamou Observation & Forest Hummingbirds

One of the afternoon highlights is the opportunity to observe the Little Tinamou, a notoriously elusive forest bird that often appears during its regular afternoon feeding. Watching this secretive species emerge from the undergrowth is a rewarding experience for both birdwatchers and photographers. We then spend more time around flowering plants where hummingbirds feed naturally, giving us the opportunity to slow down and experiment with different compositions, angles and close-up images in a beautiful forest setting. With fewer time constraints, this session invites a more creative approach while observing these remarkable birds in their natural habitat. Depending on recent activity, we may also encounter woodcreepers, foliage-gleaners, antpittas and other cloud forest specialists.

Transfer La Florida – El Bosque de Aves –> San Felipe Ecolodge

Dinner

Transfer from San Felipe Birding Ecolodge to Bosque de Niebla Birding & Nature

Birdwatching in Bosque de Niebla

Early morning exploration of La Elvira’s cloud forests, part of a protected conservation area. Highlights include a garden lookout and balcony frequented by hummingbirds and tanagers. Further along the trail: a 360° observation hide and a handmade forest hide, both designed for discreet, immersive wildlife viewing. Posible observation : Golden Tanager (Tangara arthus), Red-headed Barbet (Eubucco bourcierii), Blue-naped Chlorophonia (Chlorophonia cyanea), Orange-bellied Euphonia (Euphonia xanthogaster), Blue-winged Mountain Tanager (Anisognathus somptuosus), Golden-naped Tanager (Chalcothraupis ruficervix), Colombian Chachalaca (Ortalias columbiana), endemic, Golden-headed Quetzal (Pharomachrus auriceps), White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora). Internal trails: 1,5 km / Visit: 4h

Lunch

Transfer from Bosque de Niebla to Finca Alejandria

Finca Alejandría – The Hummingbird Paradise

Finca Alejandría, nestled in the heart of the cloud forest, is a top birding hotspot with 347 species recorded on eBird. Key sightings include the Multicolored Tanager, Blue-headed Sapphire, Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Crested and Golden-headed Quetzals. Beyond birding: orchids, bromeliads, and rich Andean biodiversity. Ideal for birders, photographers, and nature-loving families.

Transfer Finca Alejandria to San Felipe

Dinner

Transfer from San Felipe to Doña Dora

Andean Cock of the Rock near Doña Dora

Set at 1,200 m between the Western Andes and the Pacific, this tropical garden is a world-renowned birding site. A peaceful stop, yet alive with hummingbirds and exotic species—perfectly paired with fresh fruit juice or local coffee. Continuation into the Pacific coastal jungles of the Chocó bioregion. A short but demanding 700 m trail (approx. 30 min) leads to a unique lek site where vibrant males display elaborate dances and calls to attract mates. Observation from a rustic hide allows excellent photo opportunities. Some others from the local check-list: Lyre-tailed Nightjar (Uropsalis lyra), Brown Violetear (Colibri delphinae), Rufous-throated Tanager (Ixothraupis rufigula), Rufous-gaped Hillstar (Urochroa bougueri), Fork-tailed Woodnymph (Thalurania furcata), Yellow-breasted Brushfinch (Atlapetes latinuchus), Silver-throated Tanager (Tangara icterocephala), Glistening-green Tanager (Chlorochrysa phoenicotis), Chestnut-headed Oropendola (Psarocolius wagleri)

Lunch

Birdwatching in Doña Dora farmhouse

Birdwatching in Doña Dora farmhouse. At 1200m between the Andes and Pacific, Doña Dora is a renowned tropical garden that offers world-class birdwatching. Relax with fresh juice or coffee as hummingbirds and exotic birds fly all around.

Transfer from Dona Dora to San Felipe

Dinner

Pre-Breakfast birding session in San Felipe

Transfer from San Felipe Birding Ecolodge to Cali Airport

Flight from Bogota Airport to Santa Marta Airport

Transfer from Santa Marta Airport to Minca

Departure to Minca, the ecological capital of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

Transfer from Minca to Mundo Nuevo Ecolodge

Transfer by 4×4 to Mundo Nuevo Ecolodge. Be prepared, the road is an adventure in itself.

Dinner at Mundo Nuevo

Night Photography Activity in Mundo Nuevo

Optionnal night photography session at Mundo Nuevo's mirador

Birdwatching in Mundo Nuevo

We begin before sunrise to make the most of the morning activity in the forests of Mundo Nuevo. Accompanied by a local birding guide, we search for mixed flocks and some of the Sierra Nevada’s characteristic species, including Keel-billed Toucan, Black-headed Tanager, White-lored Warbler, Golden-winged Sparrow, and numerous hummingbirds, adapting our pace to the birds and the light.

Breakfast

Cacao Tour or Coffee Tour at La Candelaria Farm

Visit of a charming farm next door to discover the secrets of Colombian coffee.

Lunch at Mundo Nuevo

Photo Activity in Awindua

Private photo session with a Wiwa family. We will take the time to establish a private contact with them in this small village of 4 huts, and create unforgettable portraits.

Sunset at Mundo Nuevo Mirador (Photo Activity)

Photo session at sunset at Mundo Nuevo's viewpoint, offering one of the most beautiful views of the entire region.

Dinner at Mundo Nuevo

Breakfast

Transfer from Mundo Nuevo Ecolodge to Minca

Transfer from Minca to Marinka Waterfall

Transfer by 4×4 to the waterfalls of Marinka which offer the most beautiful natural pools of Minca

Photo Activity in Marinka Waterfall

Visit of the 2 waterfalls where we will take the time to make beautiful photos in long exposure, without wanting to make puns 😉. We will take advantage of this splendid setting to create some environmental portrait photos with our Wiwas friends.

Transfer from Marinka Waterfall to Minca

Transfer from Minca to Maloka Barlovento

Lunch

Sunset photo Activity in Barlovento

Sunset photography at Barlovento, a hotel situated at the mouth of the Piedras River, with the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada forming a dramatic backdrop.

Dinner

Transfer from Maloka Barlovento to Los Linderos

Transfer from Los Linderos to Quebrada Del Sol

Photo Activity in Mulkwakungui (Quebrada Del Sol)

Unique experience with one of the most important indigenous communities in the world, the Kogui. The chief and villagers will welcome us in the Kogui tradition, and we will spend time discovering, learning, gaining trust, and then photographing them. Daily activities include collecting Coca leaves, preparing Fiqué fiber, drying Coca leaves, cooking, gathering fruit in the forest and weaving Mochilas.

Transfer from Quebrada Del Sol to Los Linderos

Transfer from Los Linderos to Maloka Barlovento

Dinner

Transfer from Maloka Barlovento to Don Diego

Boat tour on Rio Don Diego

Then, river trip along the Rio Don Diego ending in the sea. Our expert guide will help us to observe various species of birds, howler monkeys, tiny crocodiles called Babillas, etc. He will also tell us cultural & historical anecdotes in the Taironaka Museum.

Photo Activity in Taironaka with Arhuacos

Environmental portraits with our indigenous friends Arhuacos, in the beautiful setting of Taironaka, an archaeological site of the greatest importance in the history of the region.

Lunch

Transfer from Don Diego to Boca de Camarones

Wayuu Ceremonial Yona Dances

Meet with a woman chief of Wayuu clan who will make us discover her culture with a demonstration of "La Yona" a ceremonial dance.

Dinner

Flamingo Boat Tour at Los Flamencos Sanctuary

Early wake up early to explore the coastal lagoons of Los Flamencos Flora and Fauna Sanctuary by small boat at sunrise, gliding through shallow waters in search of the American Flamingo. Depending on water levels and the season, large flocks gather here to feed, creating excellent opportunities for observation and photography. The lagoons also support a rich variety of shorebirds, herons, egrets, and terns, making this one of Colombia’s most rewarding coastal birding destinations.

Breakfast

Birdwatching (Cardinal) in Boca de Camarones

After breakfast, we visit a private feeding station designed for close-up bird photography in the surrounding dry forest. This is one of the best places to photograph the striking Vermilion Cardinal, often alongside Chestnut Piculet, Buffy Hummingbird, White-whiskered Spinetail, Bare-eyed Pigeon, and a variety of other species characteristic of Colombia’s Caribbean dry forest.

Lunch

Transfer from Boca de Camarones to Santa Marta

Transfer from Santa Marta to Taganga

Sunset in Taganga

Visit of Taganga, a typical fishing village that was once inhabited by the Carib Indians. We will let our curiosity guide us to meet the local fishermen and bring back some unique pictures.

Dinner

Transfer from Taganga to Santa Marta

Flamingo tour by boat

Early wake up early to join a small sailboat to capture the elegant flamingos at sunrise, with the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in the background.

Transfer from Santa Marta to Muelle Nautico Pueblo Viejo

Transfer from Muelle Nautico Pueblo Viejo to Nueva Venecia

Nueva Venecia Boat Tour

Nueva Venecia is a magical floating village built entirely on stilts over the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, Colombia's largest lagoon complex and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Arrival by speedboat through chocolate-colored waters teeming with birds and mangroves, then explore the vibrant wooden houses, church, and soccer field of this living community of over 3,500 inhabitants. It's a one-of-a-kind immersion into Colombia's "amphibious culture" — a real-life Macondo straight out of García Márquez.

Transfer from Nueva Venecia to Muelle Nautico Pueblo Viejo

Transfer from Muelle Nautico Pueblo Viejo to Mompox

Road towards Mompox, the universe of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Founded by the Spaniards in 1530, the site of Mompox, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most beautiful jewels of the colonial era. Despite this and its fantastic location on the Magdalena River, it receives very few visitors. It’s like having a giant living museum all to ourselves!

Blue hour photography session in Mompox

Blue hour photography session in Plaza Santa Barbara

Dinner

Photo Activity with Cumbia Dancers Mompox

Photo activity with professional Cumbia musicians in costume in the beautiful setting of Mompox

Boat Tour on Cienaga de Pijiño (Shared group)

Boat ride to photograph the ecosystem of the surrounding lagoons at sunset. Return to the sunset with a magnificent view of Mompox from the river.

Photo walk in Mompox Architecture and Local life (self guided)

Relax walk in Mompox to enjoy it's architecture and document local life

Lunch

Dinner

Transfer from Mompox to Cartagena

Lunch

Relax Walk in Cartagena at golden hour

Arrival in the middle / end of the afternoon, just the time for us to check-in and freshen-up before a relax walk in Cartagena’s center. Potential photos at blue hour.

Dinner

Photo Activity with Palenqueras at Plaza Santo Domingo

Photo session at Plaza Santo Domingo. it’s a perfect set up to photograph the grace and elegance of the Palenqueras, icons of Colombia.

Lunch

Photography of Cartagena’s Architecture

Photography of Cartagena's Architecture

Relax Photo Activity in Getsemani

Relax walk and visit the district of getsemani and famous for its streets with umbrellas, its architecture and its magnificent grafitis. Perfect scenery to make colorful photos.

Dinner

Free Morning / Photo review or last photo session in Cartagena

Depending on your preferences, you can enjoy a quiet morning and breakfast at the hotel, free time for souvenirs or a photo review, a photoshop session and advice with Tristan.

Transfer from Cartagena to Cartagena Airport