Manizales and Central Andes Elevation Circuit – 5 days

Antpitta Feeding Stations

We begin the morning with one of Río Blanco’s signature experiences: visiting a series of carefully managed antpitta feeding stations with an expert local guide. Thanks to years of conservation work, several normally elusive species have become accustomed to these feeding sites, offering an exceptional opportunity to observe and photograph them at close range. Our main targets include the Bicolored, Chestnut-crowned, Slate-crowned and endemic Brown-banded Antpittas, while the surrounding cloud forest often rewards us with mixed flocks of mountain tanagers, brushfinches, fruiteaters, tapaculos and other Andean specialties. Few places in Colombia offer such reliable encounters with these secretive birds.

Color de mis Reves Cloud Forest Birding

Color de mis Reves gives us a more rugged cloud-forest day above Manizales, with mountain-toucans, antpittas, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Collared Inca and mixed flocks among the interests. It is a place to let the mountain weather and forest rhythm set the pace.

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.

Transfer Hacienda el Bosque –> Hotel Termales Del Ruiz

Hummingbird Photography at the Feeders of Termales Del Ruiz

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.

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.

Hummingbird Photography at the Feeders of Termales Del Ruiz

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.

Transfer Hotel Termales Del Ruiz –> Tinamu Birding Nature Reserve

Feeders & Forest Bird Photography

During the afternoon, we slow the pace and spend time around Tinamú’s carefully positioned feeders and forest trails. This session is ideal for photography, allowing us to work patiently with changing light, experiment with different compositions and capture intimate portraits as birds visit the feeding stations. As always, our route adapts to recent sightings and bird activity, giving us the flexibility to make the most of the reserve’s remarkable diversity.