Colombia Birdwatching Photo Tour - Colourful & Iconic Birds of the Andes
Join us on a stunning photo tour through Colombia's Andes, capturing brilliant toucans, hummingbirds, and tanagers in their cloud forest home.
Why Colombia for Bird Photography ?
The World’s Top Destination for Bird Diversity
Colombia is home to over 1,900 bird species—more than any other country on Earth. For photographers, this means an unparalleled variety of colors, behaviors, and species, from dazzling hummingbirds to rare toucanets, often within just a few miles of each other.
Tailored for Photographers, Not Just Birdwatchers
Standard birding tours focus on quick sightings and long checklists. This tour is specifically designed for the patience and setups that photography requires:
- Established Feeder Stations: We visit key private reserves with active feeding stations, allowing you to capture clean, close-up shots of elusive species without deep-jungle trekking.
- Optimized Pace: Instead of rushing to the next trail, we spend quality time at prime locations to wait for the perfect light and natural perches.
- Specialist Local Guides: Our guides understand camera angles, lighting conditions, and bird behavior, helping position you for the best possible shots.
Expedition Highlights
Suitability & conditions
A practical overview of the pace, comfort, and conditions to expect on this journey.
The journey at a glance
Following the route
The journey moves gradually through 4 chapters.
Route shown schematically for orientation.
Detailed itinerary
Cali Airport – Dagua
- Arrival
- Reception at the airport and meeting with your guide
- Transfer from San Felipe Birding Ecolodge to Cali Airport
- Hotel Check-In
- Tour Orientation
Cali – Dagua
- Transfer San Felipe Ecolodge –> La Florida – El Bosque de Aves
- Dawn Birdwatching at the Feeders
- Morning Birdwatching at the Feeders
- Hummingbird Photography in Natural Flower Settings
- Little Tinamou Observation & Forest Hummingbirds
- Transfer La Florida – El Bosque de Aves –> San Felipe Ecolodge
Dagua – Km18
- Transfer from San Felipe Birding Ecolodge to Bosque de Niebla Birding & Nature
- Birdwatching in Bosque de Niebla
- Transfer from Bosque de Niebla to Finca Alejandria
- Finca Alejandría – The Hummingbird Paradise
- Transfer Finca Alejandria to San Felipe
Dagua – Cali
- Transfer from San Felipe to Doña Dora
- Andean Cock of the Rock near Doña Dora
- Birdwatching in Doña Dora farmhouse
- Transfer from Dona Dora to San Felipe
Yotoco – Norcasia – Manizales
- Pre-Breakfast birding session in San Felipe
- Hotel Check Out
- Transfer San Felipe Ecolodge –> Laguna de Sonso
- Birdwatching at Laguna de Sonso
- Transfer Laguna de Sonso –> Reserva Natural Rio Blanco (Manizales Colombia)
- Hotel Check-In
- Afternoon Birdwatching at Río Blanco
Manizales
- Antpitta Feeding Stations
- Cloud Forest Feeders & Trail Birding
Villa Maria
- Hotel Check Out
- Transfer Reserva Natural Río Blanco –> Hacienda El Bosque
- Transfer Hacienda el Bosque –> Hotel Termales Del Ruiz
- Hotel Check-In
- Hummingbird Photography at the Feeders
Norcasia – Manizales
- Birdwatching in Los Nevados National Park (Buffy Helmetcrest Quest)
- Hotel Check Out
- Transfer Hotel Termales Del Ruiz –> Tinamu Birding Nature Reserve
- Hotel Check-In
- Afternoon Birdwatching at Tinamú Reserve
- Nocturnal Birding at Tinamú Reserve
Manizales
- Morning Birdwatching at Tinamú Reserve
- Feeders & Forest Bird Photography
- Evening backup and image review
Manizales Airport
- Hotel Check Out
- Free Morning / Photo review or last photo session
- Transfer Tinamu Birding Nature Reserve –> Manizales Airport
- End of the Adventure
Target Species
A curated selection of the iconic species we aim to encounter and photograph throughout our journey.
Multicolored Tanager
- Finca Alejandría El Paraiso de los Colibries, San Felipe Ecolodge
Toucan Barbet
- Avistamiento de aves Doña Dora, Finca Alejandría El Paraiso de los Colibries
Crimson-rumped Toucanet
- Avistamiento de aves Doña Dora, Finca Alejandría El Paraiso de los Colibries
Brown Violetear
- Avistamiento de aves Doña Dora, Finca Alejandría El Paraiso de los Colibries
Rufous-throated Tanager
- Avistamiento de aves Doña Dora, Finca Alejandría El Paraiso de los Colibries
Accommodation
Where you’ll stay
Price Details
Our tour prices are based on a tiered pricing model. more guests = lower price, per person. That means the prices go down on a per-person basis as more people book onto a specific tour departure.
Price Base
- Price for 2 people: 8.995 USD (900 USD / day)
- Price for 3 to 4 people: 7.995 USD (800 USD / day)
- Price for 5 to 6 people: 7.495 USD (750 USD / day)
- Price for 7 to 8 people: 4.695 USD (470 USD / day)
** Prices are based on double occupancy / twin share basis.
Included
- Hotels mentioned in the program
i
Hotels mentioned in the program- San Felipe Lodge. Birding & Wellness (Wild Expe – Included in Package) — 4 nights · Ecolodge
- Reserva Natural Rio Blanco (Manizales Colombia) — 2 nights · Ecolodge
- Hotel Termales Del Ruiz — 1 night · Charming Hotel with Character
- Tinamu Birding Nature Reserve — 2 nights · Ecolodge
- Local guides for selected activities
i
Local guides are included for- Cali
- Hummingbird Photography in Natural Flower Settings
- Andean Cock of the Rock near Doña Dora
- Birdwatching in Doña Dora farmhouse
- Dagua
- Little Tinamou Observation & Forest Hummingbirds
- Birdwatching in Bosque de Niebla
- Andean Cock of the Rock near Doña Dora
- Km18
- Finca Alejandría – The Hummingbird Paradise
- San Felipe Ecolodge
- Pre-Breakfast birding session in San Felipe
- Yotoco
- Birdwatching at Laguna de Sonso
- Manizales
- Antpitta Feeding Stations
- Norcasia
- Birdwatching in Los Nevados National Park (Buffy Helmetcrest Quest)
- Cali
- Transportation in comfortable vehicles (4x4, Car / Van)
- Meals indicated in the program: 9 breakfasts, 8 lunchs, 9 dinners
- 1 cocktail before dinner
- Water is included
- Professional photographic guidance & instruction by Tristan Quevilly
- 1h skype session of photo editing in Lightroom or Photoshop
- Restaurant gratuities / tips
- Pre-trip planning assistance
- Detailed trip notes with practical information and cultural insights
- Access to Remote Expeditions custom travel app
Not Included
- Lunch on Arrival day and Departure day
- Tips
- International flights
- Travel, Medical & Cancellation insurance
- Additional drinks and meals
- Expenses not specified in the program
- Camera Equipment
Deposit
- 30% (2.249 USD approx)
Payment Options
- Bank Transfer (Recommended): Free
- Credit / Debit Card: Secure payment via Revolut. A 3% processing fee applies.
Second Participant Discount
- Travelling with a companion who isn't a photographer? Their per-person price is reduced by 350 USD.
Booking Conditions
- Deposit: 30% to secure your booking
- Final payment: Due 90 days before departure
- Cancellation more than 90 days before departure: Deposit retained as a 4-year travel credit
- Read the full Terms & Conditions ↗
A few kind words
Colombia Photography Tour 2026
Top notch photographic experience for enthusiasts of nature, culture, and portraits. Tristan is well connected to the area and the local communities with a specialty in indigenous tribes and less-visited areas. Additionally, he is an excellent teacher and will provide incredibly helpful instruction on exposure, lighting, and composition. Our tour was incredibly well organized and ran on time, with full days of photography. I fully recommend Remote Expeditions for your photographic travels!
You are in good hands with Tristan!
Tristan does an amazing job at putting together a culturally rich experience. He also does a great job at adapting to his clients needs and interests. He responds well to feedback. He is both professional and personable. I feel as though I had the opportunity not only to photograph many different elements of Colombia, but that I truly experienced the country and its culture. Our adventure took us from birding in the mountains outside of Cali, to visiting remote indigenous tribes, to visiting active fishing villages, to learning about local and historical musicians and customs, to beautiful settings in the mountains and along the seashore.
I give Tristan the highest recommendation as a guide for Colombia.
Colombia Birding Tour
I visited Colombia with Tristan of Remote Expeditions and would highly recommend him. He put together a wonderful itinerary with great knowledge of the areas and attention to details to give us a wonderful sampling of the country. He is personally very gentle and fun by nature and you will return home feeling very happy and satisfied. Whatever your special interest is, I’m sure he can make an itinerary to exceed your goals.
The difference is in the details
Journeys shaped by experience
Every route is built from time spent in the field: knowing when to linger, when to move on, and which small details are worth noticing.
Room for the unexpected
The best moments are not always on the itinerary. We leave enough flexibility to follow a good conversation, an unusual sighting, or a changing landscape.
Local relationships that open doors
Our journeys are grounded in long-term relationships with people who know their home intimately and are proud to share it in their own way.
A small group, properly looked after
With only a few travellers, decisions remain personal. We can adapt the pace, answer questions, and make sure everyone feels part of the journey.
Extend your journey
Optional extensions and add-ons you may consider for your trip. Each can be added to your itinerary on request — just let me know.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Remote Expeditions journeys are arranged privately, so the pace and rhythm can be shaped around the people travelling together. When a scheduled group departure is offered, it is typically limited to four or five travellers.
No. Photography is one of the ways we observe and connect with a place, but it is not a requirement. Our journeys also welcome travellers drawn to slow travel, wildlife, culture, trekking, landscapes, and genuine encounters. You can join with professional equipment, a simple camera, or just your curiosity.
Every itinerary has its own rhythm. Some journeys are gently paced, while others include long walks, trekking, uneven terrain, altitude, or substantial travel days. The practical details on each tour page explain the expected walking, terrain, altitude, distances, and overall physical level so you can decide whether the journey suits you.
Tristan designs the itineraries and personally leads many Remote Expeditions journeys. Depending on the destination and the character of the trip, trusted local guides, drivers, cultural hosts, or specialist leaders may also join part of the route. This combination gives you direct personal support alongside local knowledge.
Often, yes. Private journeys can usually be shaped around your interests, pace, and available time. Fixed group departures have a defined route and dates, but it may still be possible to arrange additional nights, private extensions, or other travel before or after the main journey. Tell us what you have in mind and we will explain what is practical.
