Hummingbirds of Colombia Photography Tour

Arrival

Hotel Check-In

Tour Orientation

Dinner

Breakfast

Transfer B.O.G. Hotel to Observatorio de Colibries

Bogotá Highlands Hummingbird Observatory Session

At Bogotá / Chingaza buffer, we follow a distinct feeder session block from the published route. Close views of up to ten high-elevation hummingbird species. The exact timing and access remain flexible with local conditions.

Lunch

Bosque Guajira Reserve Birding and Photography

At Bosque Guajira Reserve, we follow a distinct trail walk / photography block from the published route. Native-forest birding and hummingbird photography. The exact timing and access remain flexible with local conditions.

Transfer Bosque Guajira Reserve to B.O.G. Hotel

Dinner

Breakfast

Hotel Check Out

Transfer Bogotá to Anaime

Lunch on the road

Retorno del Colibrí Feeder Photography

At Retorno del Colibrí, we follow a distinct feeder session block from the published route. Visit the named hummingbird photography spot; the page gives no session detail. The exact timing and access remain flexible with local conditions.

Hotel Check-In

Dinner

Breakfast

Anaime Yellow-eared Parrot Search

Around Anaime and Cajamarca we look for Yellow-eared Parrot in Andean countryside where wax palms and forest patches still matter. The block is also useful for Tolima Blossomcrown, Yellow-headed Brushfinch and other regional birds when the route continues toward Manizales.

Lunch

Tolima Blossomcrown Garden Photography

In the Cajamarca area we can use a garden or reserve setting to look for Tolima Blossomcrown and other hummingbirds at close range. It is a quieter photography block after the more mobile parrot search.

Dinner

Breakfast

Hotel Check Out

Transfer Anaime to Montezuma Rainforest Ecolodge Reserve

Lunch on the road

Hotel Check-In

Arrival Birding at Montezuma Ecolodge

If time allows, we begin exploring the surroundings of Montezuma Ecolodge with a relaxed birdwatching session around the gardens, feeders and nearby forest. This first introduction to the Chocó cloud forest often brings encounters with colourful tanagers, toucans, hummingbirds and other species that thrive in one of Colombia’s most biodiverse regions.

Dinner

Breakfast

High-Elevation Birding in Tatamá National Park

Before sunrise, we make our way to the upper reaches of Tatamá National Park, where the cool cloud forests are home to some of Colombia’s most sought-after birds. Exploring the Montezuma Road at a slow pace, we search for iconic species such as the spectacular Gold-ringed Tanager and Black-and-gold Tanager, along with tapaculos, flowerpiercers, mountain tanagers and other Chocó-Andean specialties. A packed lunch allows us to remain in the field and make the most of the day’s bird activity.

Lunch

Mid Elevation Birding in Tatamá National Park

Today we explore the mid-elevation cloud forests along the Montezuma Road, where changing habitats support an exceptional diversity of Chocó and Andean birdlife. Walking at a relaxed pace, we search for mixed flocks moving through the canopy while keeping an eye out for regional specialties such as the Toucan Barbet, Black-chinned Mountain Tanager and Orange-breasted Fruiteater. A packed lunch allows us to remain in the field and make the most of the day’s bird activity.

Dinner

Breakfast

Hotel Check Out

Transfer Montezuma Rainforest Ecolodge Reserve to Hacienda El Bosque

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.

Lunch

Hummingbird Feeders & Forest Photography

We dedicate time to photographing the lively feeders and forest edge around the lodge, where a constant stream of hummingbirds and other colourful birds creates endless opportunities for observation and photography. The slower pace of the session allows us to experiment with composition, behaviour and changing light while enjoying the quiet atmosphere of Hacienda El Bosque. Depending on recent activity, species such as the Sword-billed Hummingbird, Great Sapphirewing and Shining Sunbeam may all make an appearance.

Transfer Hacienda el Bosque –> Hotel Termales Del Ruiz

Hotel Check-In

Dinner

Breakfast

Birdwatching in Los Nevados National Park (Buffy Helmetcrest Quest)

This morning, we venture into the páramo landscapes of Los Nevados National Park, one of the highest and most distinctive birding environments in Colombia. Exploring the high-altitude roads and open grasslands, we search for iconic species such as the Buffy Helmetcrest, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Rufous-fronted Parakeet and other remarkable birds specially adapted to life above the treeline. Combined with sweeping volcanic scenery, this is one of the highlights of birding in the Central Andes.

Lunch

Hummingbird Photography at the Feeders

The gardens of Termales del Ruiz are renowned for attracting some of the Andes’ most spectacular high-altitude hummingbirds. We spend time at the feeders observing and photographing species such as the Great Sapphirewing, Shining Sunbeam, Golden-breasted Puffleg and Buff-winged Starfrontlet, often at remarkably close range. The relaxed setting provides excellent opportunities to study their behaviour while refining compositions and close-up images.

Relax at the Thermal Hot Springs

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.

Dinner

Breakfast

Hotel Check Out

Transfer Hotel Termales Del Ruiz to Araucana Lodge

Lunch on the road

Hotel Check-In

Free Morning / Photo review or last photo session

Dinner

Breakfast

Transfer Araucana Lodge –> La Florida – El Bosque de las Aves

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.

Morning Birdwatching at the Feeders

Following breakfast, we return to the lodge’s observation areas for another birdwatching session. As the morning progresses, mixed flocks become increasingly active around the feeders and forest edge, often bringing colourful tanagers, flowerpiercers, toucanets and a remarkable variety of hummingbirds into view. Rather than moving quickly between sites, we spend time observing the birds as they come and go, allowing plenty of opportunities for photography, identification and learning about the ecology of this exceptionally diverse cloud forest.

Lunch

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 las Aves –> Araucana Lodge

Dinner

Breakfast

Transfer Araucana Lodge –> Avistamiento de aves Doña Dora

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.

Lunch

Transfer Avistamiento de aves Doña Dora –> Araucana Lodge

Farewell Dinner

Breakfast

Hotel Check Out

Transfer Araucana Lodge to Cali Airport

End of the Adventure