Colombia is the epicenter of avian diversity. No country on the planet has more species than Colombia (1900+) despite it only being around 1/9 the size of the United States. With multiple cordilleras of the Andes, the Santa Marta Mountains, two coastlines, the Amazon, and so much more interesting biogeography, it is no wonder why. This two-week trip will be the third tour Birds Georgia has organized in the past few years, each one visiting a different region of this birdy nation.

This time, our efforts are focused on the montane slopes west of Bogota, the famous Chocó habitat on the coastal slope of the western Andes, and the biodiverse rises and valleys in between. We will spend multiple days at a couple of species-rich reserves, including the famous Montezuma Reserve, brimming with colorful tanagers and hummingbirds. Stops will be made in and around the lovely city of Jardin, one of if not the quaintest city in the nation. We’ll also visit the Paujil and Rio Claro reserves before wrapping up the adventure at a lovely lodge in Pereira. This trip should be appealing to all birders, those experiencing South America for the first time, those new to Colombia, or even those eager to return to this wonderful nation.

During this tour, one can expect to see mountain peaks, lush mountainsides, historic towns, lively culture, unbroken forest for miles, in addition to hundreds of different species of birds and other unique wildlife. With its unfathomable diversity, enticing culture, and safety over recent years, it is no wonder why Colombia has become one of the world’s most desirable birding destinations on the planet. Come join us!

For this trip, Executive Director Adam Betuel will once again team up with Diego Calderon, one of the top bird guides in all of Colombia. In addition to his guiding work at COLOMBIA Birding, Diego is the host of The Birders Show. This will be the 3rd tour Adam and Diego have run together. We will also get to meet an array of amazing, local guides who know the ins and outs of the various hot spots we'll be visiting

Welcome to Colombia! Today, the only planned activity is a welcome dinner at the hotel near the Bogota airport. If you keep your eyes open at the airport or from your hotel window, you may spot your first Eared Doves or Tropical Kingbird. At dinner, you will meet the group, guides, and receive your checklist for the trip.
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Lodging: Hilton Garden Inn Bogota Airport

We will depart Bogota bright and early and head to our first birding location, Laguna el Tabacal. Here we will check the water's edge and explore trails through lush forests. White-vented Plumeleteer, Least Grebe, Olivaceous Piculet, and Rusty-breasted Antpitta could all make an appearance. In eBird, this hotspot has a list topping 500 species(!), so it will be an exciting start to our trip. After the birding and field breakfast, we will continue on our way toward Jardin de Encantado (Enchanting Garden). Here we expect to be overwhelmed by hummingbirds. Black-throated Mango, Sparkling Violetear, Indigo-capped Hummingbird, and Brown Violetear are some of the 20 possible hummingbird species.
 
We’ll stop for lunch on our way to our home for the next three nights: Paujil Reserve. If we arrive in time, we will bird near our lodging before settling into our rooms. Drinks will be had as we toast to the new life birds!
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Lodging: Paujil reserve

The next two days will be spent exploring the Proaves site known as the Paujil Reserve. This protected site was created 20+ years ago with the primary goal of protecting the Blue-billed Currasow. In this humid tropical forest, we will have plenty to search for in addition to the park's namesake species. Gray-cowled Wood-Rail, Colombian Chachalaca, and Little Tinamous could be seen patrolling the first floor. Buff-rumped Warblers will flash their tail spots alongside migratory warblers on their way north. Yellow-backed Tanager, Black-bellied Wren, Black-chested Jay, and Southern Bentbill are some of the hundreds of other species we may encounter. South America forest birding at its finest.
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​Lodging: Paujil reserve

We will squeeze in a bit more birding at Paujil before heading to Rio Claro Nature Reserve. We’ll break up the drive with some local cuisine and birding before settling in for a two-night stay at another shockingly biodiverse location. This private reserve, established in the 1970s, has marble formations, caves, and other unique geological features. We will explore the grounds during the afternoon of day 5 and all day on day 6.
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With a species list almost hitting 600 species, targets will be abundant. Tawny-crested, Crimson-backed, Dusky-faced, and Golden-hooded Tanagers will comprise mixed species flocks. Thick-billed Euphonia, Pale-breasted Thrush, and Band-backed Wren should be common. Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher, Striolated Manakin,  Black-faced Antthrush, and Checker-throated Stipplethroat may take a bit more work, but should be around. Another day of drinking from the firehose that is Colombia birding!

​Lodging: Rio Claro Reserve

After pulling ourselves away from Rio Claro, we will continue west. Late morning and early afternoon birding will be done at a pair of phenomenal hotspots: La Ermita and Reserva El Encanto de las Aves. La Ermita is home to some truly special birds like Recurved-billed Bushbird, Tody Motmot, White-mantled Barbet, Black Hawk-Eagle, and Spectacled Parrotlet. At Reserva El Encanto, Beautiful Woodpecker, a Colombian endemic, visits the feeders as do tons of hummingbirds, including the Green-crowned Brilliant. Lunch won’t be overshadowed by the birding as we will eat at the El Palacio De Los Frijoles (The Bean Palace). In addition to the amazing food, birds will be around as well. Common Tody-Flycatcher and Flame-rumped Tanager should be found nearby.​
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Lodging: Hotel Lodge Cannua (Marinilla)

In the morning, we'll do some birding at Cannua. After breakfast, we will head to Alma de Bosque for an orchids and hummingbird tour. Later in the day, we will visit the banks of the Cuaca River, looking for Greenish Puffleg, White-bellied Woodstar, and other hummingbirds. We will continue to bird our way to the charming town of Jardin.
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The following morning, we will visit a couple of fun birding spots. The Birds Office Jardin will be our first stop, and we will search for Bronze-winged Parrot, Russet-backed Oropendola, and the Colombian endemic Red-bellied Grackle. Post breakfast, we will visit a small farm called Finca Bambusa. Bay-headed Tanagers, Streaked Salatators, and Scrub Tanager may make an appearance. In the afternoon, we will attempt to experience one of the best birds in the Americas -the Andean Cock-of-the-rock. This brightly colored Cotinga is a lekking species, and we hope to see a flurry of these birds doing their display.

Lodging: Hotel 40 Amigos

We will bid Jardin adieu as we make our way toward Montezuma and the Choco habitat it holds. A stop will be made for morning birding at Mirador El Roble. One of our primary targets will be antpittas at the feeders, including Chami Antipttas. There will also be hummingbirds. Lesser Violetear, Tourmaline Sunangel, Long-tailed Sylph, and Buff-tailed Coronet are expected. Yellow-eared Parrot may soar overhead, Gray-browed Brushfinch will hop across the ground, and Blue-and-black Tanagers will awe. In past years, an Oncilla, a feline species, has been spotted at this birding spot. Fingers crossed!
 
As we approach Montezuma, we will split into 4x4 vehicles to push on to one of the most exciting birding spots in the country. The afternoon will give us a taste of what the next few days have in store.
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Lodging: Montezuma Lodge

These two days will be spent exploring this unreal stretch of Choco forest. It will likely be humid with bouts of rain, but this rainforest will make us forget the moisture with its extreme diversity of plants and wildlife. Looking just at the birdlife, 550-600 bird species utilize this area so we won’t run out of targets to chase and places to experience. There are so many amazing birds we will be looking for, but a few standouts include Gold-ringed Tanager, Purplish-mantled Tanager, Black-and-gold Tanager, Grass-green Tanager, and Metallic-green Tanager (tanager party!). Andean Solitaire, Munchique Wood-Wren, Choco Brushfinch, and Three-striped Warbler may not be as colorful but are more than worthy birds to commune with in a tropical rainforest. These few days will be ones to remember!

Lodging: Montezuma Lodge

After a final bit of Montezuma birding, we will begin heading to our final destination, Pereira. On the way, we plan on visiting a feeding station that may attract Chestnut Wood Quail, Yellow-breasted Antpitta, and Tatama Tapaculo. Eventually, we will make it to our lovely lodging for a final evening of enjoying cocktails and relaxation. Blue-headed Parrot, Jet Antbird, Blue-necked Tanager, or Chivi Vireo could be our last proper bird of the trip. Another great day on a great tour
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Lodging: Hotel Hacienda San Jose

Sadly, it is time to head home. We will get everyone transferred to the Pereira airport, where the tour comes to a close. Adam will work with everyone to make sure we have a plan to make it back to the states, everyone likely connecting through Bogota. This is going to be a birdy and well-rounded trip, and I hope you decide to join me!