Join Naturalist Journeys on an exploration of the birds and other cultural delights of Colombia’s Coffee Region: the famous “Eje Cafetero.” This area, designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Landscape, offers delightful birds, landscapes, food, and accommodations. Our tour is designed to have a relaxed pace, staying at only three hotels and allowing a lot of time for personal enjoyment and enrichment. We begin in the town of Pereira in the heart of the region, a medium-sized city that now offers direct flights to the U.S., making arrivals and departures a snap. Two of our hotels are right in the middle of the coffee region, so in addition to enjoying your morning beverage “straight from the farm,” we have easy access to renowned birding areas such as Otún-Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary near Santa Rosa (with its famous flocks of Red-ruffed Fruitcrows) and the Rio Blanco Nature Reserve just outside Manizales, with a bird list of over 500 species and legendary feeding stations for antpittas.

We also include nights at the high elevations of Los Nevados del Ruíz volcano, where you can experience permanent snowfields only a few degrees north of the equator! This allows us to explore the unique area of the Central Andes above treeline, covered in a vegetation type called páramo, that is the habitat for many rare, unique, and difficult-to-find species. Although high in elevation and often damp and cold, the views can be fantastic as we search for specialties found only here such as Buffy Helmetcrest, Andean Siskin, Stout-billed Cinclodes, White-throated Spinetail, and Plumbeous Sierra-Finch. Our hotel here has natural hot springs that you are welcome to enjoy as a guest, if you are not distracted by the numerous iridescent hummingbirds to be found at the feeders just outside!

This is also a cultural and natural history tour, so we provide plenty of opportunities for interesting and unique activities other than birding. We explore the middle of some Colombian coffee plantations and we tour one of the larger ones and discuss what it takes to grow a quality coffee bean and get it to your morning cup, including an overview of sustainable and environmentally-friendly coffee production techniques. We spend one morning learning how to shop for and cook (and eat!) the famous Colombian dish called sancocho de gallina, sure to be a treat for the eyes and stomachs. Most importantly, most of the sites we stay at and visit are sites of active, community-based ecotourism and conservation projects so our presence directly contributes to their continued protection. Finally, we enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the Colombian people wherever we go.

This tour also has an optional extension to the vibrant city of Cali and the warm Cauca Valley in order to spend a few days in and around the Western Cordillera of the Andes. The parts of the Cordillera just west of the city have been legendary birding areas for years due to the combination of easy and fast access from the city, extraordinarily high biodiversity, and unique species, especially on the west slope of the Cordillera. This region, known as the Chocó, is one of the wettest places on earth, in addition to being extremely high in bird and biodiversity. Our extension is based at a lovely, small, boutique hotel on the western edge of Cali, so the extension provides a nice way to wind down from the main tour in a comfortable place. We use this hotel as our base to explore parts of the adjacent Western Cordillera and sample the fascinating bird, orchid, and amphibian diversity there.

Whether this is your first trip to Colombia or you have been there many times, we enjoy a relaxing, comfortable trip with life birds, photo opportunities, excellent cuisine, and fresh coffee “from the farm” every day.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Colombia’s Coffee Region with its wonderful people, haciendas, mix of natural and agricultural habitats, and excellent food and drink
• Visit world-renowned birding sites such as Otún-Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary (Red-ruffed Fruitcrow, Cauca Guan, Hooded Antpitta), Rio Blanco Nature Reserve (antpittas galore, parrots, tanagers, warblers, hummingbirds), and the páramo and hot springs of Los Nevados del Ruiz (with its permanent snowfields and unique high-elevation flora and fauna)
• Enjoy close-up viewing of thrushes, tanagers, motmots, euphonias, toucans, and hummingbirds at the feeding stations at our lodges, allowing easy viewing, identification, and photography at close range while sitting
• On the extension, spend time in the Western Cordillera outside Cali in search of numerous beautiful rare and endemic birds and other wildlife in the Chocó ecoregion
• Relax in our hotels’ pools, cafes, and hot springs if you need a break from the birds and wildlife!
• Savor the classic cuisine, juices, and coffee of this region, such as sancocho de gallina, arepas, patacones con hogao, and myriad fruit juices (maracuyá, guanábana, tomate de árbol, lulo)

Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Mon., Jan. 22 : Arrival in Pereira

Welcome to Colombia! Arrive today at the Pereira Matecaña International Airport (PEI). You can arrive at your leisure; a representative from our local operator Manakin Nature Tours transfers you from the airport to our hotel in Pereira. Those arriving sufficiently early might like to explore our hotel’s grounds; it has a lovely trail around the edge of the property and a pond and many species can be found here; prior tours have encountered such species as Laughing Falcon, Cattle Tyrant, Bar-crested Antshrike, Cinereous Becard, and Crab Fox. Dinner tonight is on your own due to varying or late arrival times, but please feel free to get acquainted with others on the tour through an informal dinner.
Accommodations at Sonesta Hotel, Pereira

Tues., Jan. 23 : Coffee Farm Birding & Tour | Santa Rosa

We get an early start today, to begin our exploration of the Eje Cafetero. After breakfast at our hotel and loading our bus, we head to – where else! – the working coffee farm of Hacienda Venecia near the town of Manizales. Upon arrival, we begin with a few hours of birding in and around the coffee groves. These groves, with their mix of coffee understory, many ground plants, and a shade canopy provide rich habitat for many species, including many North American migrants. Over 270 species have occurred here and we look for Andean Motmot, Red-crowned Woodpecker, Blue-headed Parrot, Thick-billed Euphonia, and Flame-rumped, Crimson-backed, Bay-headed, and Blue-necked Tanagers. The Hacienda has feeding platforms set up which allow close observation and photography of most of these species.

After birding, we enjoy a tasty lunch at the Hacienda followed by an introduction to the “mundo del café.” Starting with a delicious “tinto” (a cup of coffee, of course!), we receive a general introduction to the world of coffee, where we learn about the origin and history of coffee, its worldwide distribution, different varieties, its various qualities, and about the aromas and properties of coffee. After the perfect post-lunch cup and full of energy, our tour continues with a walk through the plantation to learn more about coffee cultivation and harvest. We visit the mill to learn about the processing and preparation of coffee for market. By the end of the tour, we are able to analyze and differentiate between a perfectly roasted coffee bean and a coffee bean that can be rejected in just a matter of seconds. We have the opportunity to taste and see coffee beans with different degrees of roasting to experience the very different flavors and aromas, since roasting brings out the aroma and flavor found within the green coffee beans. This heat process turns the green coffee bean into the fragrant dark brown beans we know and love. Later in the day, we transfer to Santa Rosa de Cabal and enjoy some afternoon birding around our hotel.
Accommodations in Santa Rosa de Cabal (B,L,D)

Wed., Jan. 24 : Otún-Quimbaya Flora & Fauna Sanctuary

Otún-Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, located about one hour away from Pereira on the western slope of the Central Cordillera, is a sanctuary created to protect the watershed of the Otún River, including its surrounding Andean and high-Andean forests. The protected area has been going through a reforestation process for more than 40 years now, providing connectivity with the properly conserved forests of the higher elevation parts of Los Nevados National Park, hence becoming a biological corridor of great importance in the Central Andes. The elevation here is 1600 – 2000 meters (5800 – 7400 feet), with pleasant, cool evenings. The park is located in the foothills on the western slope of the central Andes and covers more than 1200 acres of native and planted forests in a mix of montane to cloud forests. The botany is also impressive here. This is a good spot for butterflies and charismatic large insects. Fruiting Cecropia trees attract fruit-eating birds like Golden-plumed Parakeet.

Well over 500 bird species have been recorded in Otún-Quimbaya and it is a must-visit site for birders and naturalists visiting this part of Colombia. Some of the flagship bird species we look for include Cauca Guan, Torrent Duck, Hooded Antpitta, Red-ruffed Fruitcrow, and White-capped Tanager with the assistance of excellent local guides. We then return to our hotel for a review of sightings for the day and dinner.
Accommodations in Santa Rosa de Cabal (B,L,D)

Thurs., Jan. 25 : Santa Rosa Road to El Cortaderal

settlement, agriculture, and livestock farming, thus leading many species towards the edge of extinction. Remnants of high-Andean forests in the central portion of this cordillera have become the last refuge for species such as the Indigo-winged (Fuertes´s) Parrot, one of the species that was rediscovered not long ago and whose population is currently considered critically endangered. The area of El Cortaderal, about two hours away from the municipality of Santa Rosa de Cabal, is home to these bird species and others that are found in these patches of forests. Due to the winding and poor nature of the roads in the mountains here, we use 4-wheel drive vehicles for our trip today and get an early start to be at the right place at daybreak for the parrot. At this high elevation location, we have a chance to spot the majestic Andean Condor, along with other montane species such as Black-billed and Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Mountain Avocetbill, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Agile Tit-Tyrant, Barred Fruiteater, and a plethora of tanagers. Besides offering a great variety of bird species, the area also provides views of some truly impressive landscapes of the Central Andes. Birdwatching is very easy here, located over a solitary and unpaved road in great conditions; we frequently observe large mixed-species flocks of birds as they travel and one may observe birds at different heights of the forest.
Accommodations in Santa Rosa de Cabal (B,L,D)

Fri., Jan. 26 : UTP Botanical Garden

Today, we have a slightly slower day. After breakfast at our hotel, we travel to the Botanical Garden of the Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira on the edge of town. The botanical garden, in addition to its collection of native plant species, has some remnant pieces of the dry forest habitat that use to cover the region that Pereira is located in. Therefore, it allows for good viewing of a variety of species that we do not encounter elsewhere on the tour. Species we look for here include Turquoise Dacnis, Parker’s Antbird, Plain Antvireo, Streak-headed Woodcreeper, Acorn Woodpecker, and Blue-necked Tanager. With luck, we may also hear Colombian Red Howler Monkeys sounding off, which also inhabit these relict habitat fragments. After a morning birding, we have lunch at a restaurant in Pereira, and then return to our hotel for a free afternoon or some birding on the grounds of the hotel.
Accommodations in Santa Rosa de Cabal (B,L,D)

Sat., Jan. 27 : Sancocho Experience | Tinamú Lodge

We begin the day with something completely different and completely Colombian: a unique experience in where we go to the traditional food market in Colombia to buy the main ingredients of a Colombian Sancocho and then we prepare this classic Colombian food! We will do the entire process from the market to the stomach; a very fun, super cultural, and really delicious experience all around.

We then transfer to the Tinamú Natural Reserve, located about one hour outside Manizales in the village of San Peregrino. The reserve, which is focused on shade coffee production and other different local agricultural products, has found an interesting economic alternative with birding tourism, thus promoting conservation. Tinamú Reserve is a habitat mosaic composed of shade coffee, secondary growth, and patches of native forest that have been transformed into a sustainable coffee production system that contributes to bird conservation. Tinamú is at an elevation of about 1250 meters (4000 feet) and has a bird list of 430 species, in addition to many species of plants, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

The reserve currently has very productive and even entertaining feeders and water supplies installed for different types of species. Tinamú provides great lodging accommodations and offers meals for visitors, making it one of the most desired locations by all birdwatchers, especially by many photographers who can dedicate long hours photographing the birds that arrive at the feeders. In the interior of the reserve, there is a 5 km network of trails with a medium level of difficulty, offering great photographic opportunities of bird species that do not normally occur at the feeders. Tinamú is definitely one of the best lodges in the country and one of the most pleasant places for birdwatching in Colombia. We spend some time after arrival and check-in exploring the Reserve’s trails and feeders, looking for Common Potoo, Andean Motmot, Great Antshrike, Golden-collared Manakin, Green Hermit, and many tanagers, including Crimson-backed, Guira, Bay-headed, Scrub, and Blue-necked. All this exploration works up an appetite and we enjoy our dinner at the fine dining porch of the Lodge.
Accommodations at Tinamú Birding Lodge, Manizales (B,L,D)

Sun., Jan. 28 : Río Blanco Nature Reserve

Today we visit the Río Blanco Nature Reserve, a designated Important Bird Area, outside the city of Manizales. The Andean and high-Andean ecosystems on the reserve’s grounds, which are framed on a cloud forest that belongs to the city of Manizales, have been protected for many years due to the importance of the water resources provided to the city. This is a legendary birding destination in Colombia and, to date, over 500 bird species have been recorded! Many of these species are endemic to Colombia and many have very restricted geographic ranges. In fact, the main attractions of this reserve are the antpitta and hummingbird feeders (almost 50 species of hummingbirds are known from the reserve!). For birders world-wide, it is known to be one of the most famous places to observe antpittas at very close range, including Brown-banded, Bicolored, Chestnut-crowned, and Slate-crowned. Rio Blanco one of the most popular places in Colombia to observe birds, so it is no coincidence that it is also one of the most visited places by birdwatchers.

Birding options here include observing the hummingbird feeders at the main lodge, which attract a frenzy of species like Buff-tailed Coronet, Sparkling Violetear, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Tourmaline Sunangel, and White-bellied Woodstar. Fruit feeders nearby may bring in Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, and Slaty Brushfinch. We interrupt this great watching with timed visits to the antpitta feeding stations, where different species are fed at different times, and slow walks on the nearby road system. The roads are fabulous birding, with the possibilities almost endless including Masked Trogon, Sharpe’s and Mountain Wren, Plushcap, and flocks of tanagers including Blue-and-black, Beryl-spangled, Metallic-green, and Blue-capped. We bring a picnic lunch to be eaten on the lodge of the reserve’s porch in order to maximize our time at this famous birding and natural history destination. At the end of the day, we return to our lodge for our checklist and dinner.
Accommodations at Tinamú Birding Lodge, Manizales (B,L,D)

Mon., Jan. 29 : La Romelia Reserve

Located about 45 minutes away from the city of Manizales, the Finca La Romelia offers a great place to appreciate the agricultural landscape of the Central Andes, walking around the local field crops and learning about them. In addition to birds, La Romelia also provides an incredible private collection of native and exotic species of orchids for visitors to enjoy, showcasing hundreds of rare and endemic specimens. The beautiful gardens are excellent to sit down and enjoy the almost 270 bird species that have been recorded here. Some of the avian highlights we search for include Ultramarine Grosbeak, White-vented Plumeleteer, Scarlet-fronted Parakeet, and Flame-rumped Tanager. The owners of the Finca, the Londoño Arango family, are definitely lovers of nature and they enjoy sharing their passion with visitors. While wandering the trails, you not only observe birds but also learn about citrus crops, orchids, and the history behind the cultural landscape of the coffee area. One of the benefits of visiting La Romelia is an excellent lunch served right on the outside patio, so we can eat and enjoy the feeder traffic at the same time!
Accommodations at Tinamú Birding Lodge, Manizales (B,L,D)

Tues., Jan. 30 : Tinamú Lodge | Nevados del Ruiz National Natural Park

We spend the morning today exploring the grounds of Tinamu Lodge in search of species we may have missed or to try to get better views or photos of some previously found. Or, you may choose just to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of this lovely birding lodge. After lunch at the Lodge, we transfer to Los Nevados del Ruiz, one of the major snow-capped volcanoes of the Central Cordillera with a high point of 5,311 meters (17,425 feet)! We stay at the classic Hotel Termales del Ruiz (which is at an elevation of 3,500 meters/11,500 feet), originally constructed in 1937 and located in the Park’s buffer zone. The hotel is famed for its therapeutic baths filled with naturally hot water from nearby springs. For the birder and naturalist, the hotel also maintains hummingbird feeders which attract a variety of high elevation Andean hummingbirds hard to easily find elsewhere, such as Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Shining Sunbeam, Great Sapphirewing, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, and Black-thighed Puffleg. Fruit feeders here also attract a variety of mountain-tanagers, brushfinches, flowerpiercers, and Andean Guan. We take all our meals right in the hotel’s elegant dining room.
Accommodations at Hotel Termales del Ruiz, Manizales (B,L,D)

Wed., Jan. 31 : Los Nevados del Ruiz National Natural Park

This natural area is located in Central Andes, about 1 hour away from the city of Manizales. Its landscape is surrounded by three snow-capped peaks that are considered to be active volcanoes: El Ruiz, Santa Isabel, and Tolima. Although habitat conversion has occurred in areas that are adjacent to the national park, the patches of very high elevation, above tree-line sub-páramo and páramo habitat are well preserved within this protected area. These habitats are an extremely important reservoir of biodiversity of bird and plant species restricted to these ecosystems. Without a doubt, the park is one of the most beautiful places in the country, with incredible landscapes and a gorgeous diversity of birds, making this location in Colombia a must-visit for any kind of birdwatcher. The plants of this area are also a great attraction, with an immense amount of rare and unique species that blend in the with wild volcanic landscape which is home of the largest and most important active volcano in the country. We prepare for cold, wet weather today as we explore the higher elevations in search of the unique birds found there, like Tawny Antpitta, Buffy Helmetcrest, Many-striped Canastero, White-chinned Thistletail, Band-tailed Seedeater, and Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle. The scattered high elevation wetlands also harbor unique birds we have not found before such as Andean Teal, Andean Duck, Noble Snipe, and Stout-billed Cinclodes. We typically spend a full morning at the higher elevations of the Park, then return to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, you may choose to do some more birding on the trails and roads around the hotel or simply sit back and enjoy the natural hot spring outdoor pool that we have access to. Dinner is tonight at the hotel.
Accommodations at Hotel Termales del Ruiz, Manizales (B,L,D)

Thurs., Feb. 1 : Hacienda el Bosque, Pereira

Time permitting, we may have a short bird walk on the grounds of the Hotel Termales and adjacent roads before departing. Our primary site today will be Hacienda El Bosque, a relatively newly opened place for birding, located about one hour outside Manizales. It contains large patches of high-Andean forest that blend with meadows used for livestock and potatoes. Hacienda El Bosque has recently become even more popular due to the incredible feeders installed for antpittas, tanagers, and hummingbirds, and also because many species of mountain-tanagers and mountain-toucans tend to occur in the vegetation around the main house. The Hacienda provides great meal services, which primarily include traditional regional cuisine. The reserve also has excellent trails that are pleasant for walking and observing birds with ease. It currently has a bird list of over 200 species, including highlight species like Purple-backed Thornbill, Crescent-faced Antpitta, Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan, Ocellated Tapaculo, and Plushcap. While there, we enjoy a classic Colombian lunch in their elegant dining room with its majestic views over the valleys below. After lunch, we drive the few hours back to our hotel in Pereira for a mid-afternoon arrival. Those leaving the next day may choose to organize their things while those continuing on the extension may choose a short walk around the grounds or a dip in the pool.
Accommodations at Sonesta Hotel, Pereira (B,L,D)

Fri., Feb. 2 : Departures

For those not continuing on the extension, you can depart at your leisure from Pereira (PEI) this morning. Transportation to the airport is provided in time for your flight. (B)

Cali Post-Tour Extension

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Fri., Feb. 2 : Travel to Cali

For those participating in the extension, we spend the day traveling by vehicle to Cali, following the scenic valley of the Cauca River. We stop for birding, wildlife viewing and lunch along the route at the Parque Nacional de la Uva (Grape Park). The Park is an iconic park in Cauca Valley where you can see some of the unique species of tropical dry forest, among which is the incredible Ruby-topaz Hummingbird. This species is a frequent visitor to a small agave farm where it is usually easily seen and poses phenomenally for photos. Here, it is also possible to see many other species of birds, such as Grayish Piculet, Apical Flycatcher, Merlin, Yellow Oriole, Crested Bobwhite, and Jet Antbird. In addition to enjoying the wonderful birding in the park, those so inclined may enjoy learning about the local wine culture. Leaving here in late morning, we continue our drive south, stopping for lunch at a restaurant along the way.

After lunch, we continue on to the city of Cali, third largest in Colombia, for an early afternoon arrival in time to get settled in and enjoy an informal happy hour on our hotel’s lovely patio before dinner there that evening. Our hotel is nestled in a leafy neighborhood on the west side of Cali, tucked into the slopes of the Western Cordillera in which we will spend the next several days. The hotel is quiet and, if you are lucky, you may see a Blue-headed Parrot or Chestnut-fronted Macaw perched in the tree branches outside your room!
Accommodations at Hotel Movich Casa de Alférez, Cali (B,L,D)

Sat., Feb. 3 : Western Cordillera

We begin the day with an early breakfast at the lodge, so that we can get a head start on our exploration today of the west slope of the Western Andes. Located about two hours outside of Cali, the Anchicayá River Canyon is next to the small municipality of El Danubio, over the old road that leads to the coastal port town of Buenaventura. The climate in Anchicayá is framed within the characteristics of the Pacific Coast of the Cauca Valley, described as being tropically humid, with high temperatures, although not excessive, and humid air due to its relatively high level of humidity and heavy rains. The overall area for birdwatching is located between 400-1000 meters (1300 – 3250 feet) elevation, located on an unpaved road surrounded by primary and secondary forests. The old road to Buenaventura is one of most famous places to observe birds in the Western Andes with a species list approaching 500! Birding and wildlife watching is very easily done right from the dirt road in average conditions; there is very little vehicular traffic and it’s the perfect to spot great bird species, in addition to being easy to hike and a very safe place for observers. Along this road, we encounter the highly biodiverse avifauna of the Chocó ecoregion and hope to find such specialties such as Baudo Guan, Choco Toucan, Orange-breasted Fruiteater, Golden-winged Manakin, and numerous tanagers, including Golden-chested, Scarlet-and-white, Gray-and-gold, Scarlet-browed, and Glistening-green.

We base our activities for the day at the Descanso Doña Dora, which is an incredible place to relax and enjoy the feeders for hummingbirds and tanagers. We also enjoy lunch here; the food is amazing and it provides spectacular photographic opportunities (you may find it hard to decide whether to feed your eyes or your stomach!). The Doña Dora house is located at a mid-high elevation range (1600 meters/5250 feet) where there is a confluence of Andean species as well as species from wetland forests in the adjacent Chocó. Doña Dora has become the must-see place to visit in the Anchicayá River Canyon is the top place to see Toucan Barbet, a species restricted to the western Andes of Colombia and Ecuador. The hummingbird feeders there are fantastic, with numerous birds repeatedly visiting the feeders and bickering with each other; common attendees include Green Thorntail, Crowned Woodnymph, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, Empress Brilliant, Velvet-purple Coronet, and Rufous-gaped Hillstar. The fruit feeders, not to be left out, offer Silver-throated, Rufous-throated, and Golden Tanager; Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager; and Tricolored and Black-headed Brushfinch. We also spend some time walking on the lightly-trafficked road that runs by Doña Dora’s in search of species that do not come to feeders such as Yellow-throated Chlorospingus, Uniform Treehunter, Cinnamon Flycatcher, and Choco Tyrannulet. After exploring this beautiful place, we return to our hotel in Cali for a short rest, an optional happy hour, bird list review, and dinner.
Accommodations at Hotel Movich Casa de Alférez, Cali (B,L,D)

Sun., Feb. 4 : Western Cordillera

We dedicate another full day to exploring the Western Cordillera of the Andes. After breakfast at our hotel, our first stop is La Florida Bosque de las Aves, located on the road that connects Cali with the port city of Buenaventura. One area along this road through the ridge of the cordillera is the most famous roadside birding area in Colombia, known simply as “Km 18”, and it has been declared as an Important Bird Area, due to the diversity of bird species that are found there. La Florida is a private tourism and conservation project in which the owner is very dedicated to and passionate about providing the best viewing for visitors possible for tanagers, toucans, and woodpeckers. La Florida also has probably the best feeders for seeing the amazing Chestnut Wood-Quail (a Colombian endemic) where a very stable population of this hard-to-see species comes to eat corn almost every day; Sickle-winged Guans also come close to eat here. In addition to these and other ground-foraging species, La Florida is one of the best places to take pictures of the unique (and aptly named!) Multicolored Tanager, Andean Motmot, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, and a diverse group of tanagers, hummingbirds, and other birds. La Florida is also known for the amazing services and the wonderful special coffee and food recipes which contribute to an unforgettable experience.

After enjoying our stay at La Florida, we continue on to our next stop for the day, the La Minga Ecolodge. La Minga is located in the small town of Dapa within the Km 18 Important Bird Area in cloud forest at 2200 meters (7200 feet). This area is close to the summit of the Western Cordillera of the Andes, with a forest that is protected inside and outside of the reserve. We have lunch here upon arrival, then proceed to spend the afternoon birding the grounds and watching the feeders. The access route to La Minga is a rural unpaved road and provides more excellent birding, being flanked by primary and secondary forests and fields of tea plants. The tanager and hummingbird feeders are probably the biggest attractions at La Minga, offering fantastic opportunities to photograph and observe great species at a very close distance, such as Golden, Saffron-crowned, Golden-naped and Flame-rumped Tanager; Red-headed Barbet; Green Jay; Booted Racket-tail; and Brown Violetear. La Florida and La Minga make a perfect combination that makes this a great day of birds and nature. After finishing birding here, we return to Cali for our farewell dinner in the hotel’s restaurant.
Accommodations at Hotel Movich Casa de Alférez, Cali (B,L,D)

Mon., Feb. 5 : Departures

Depart at your leisure for home or your final destination from Cali (CLO). Transportation to the airport is provided in time for your flight. Those leaving in the morning can proceed directly to the airport. For those with late afternoon or evening flights home, we spend the day exploring the Cauca Valley itself. Our primary destination is the Laguna de Sonso, is an oxbow of the Cauca River. Sonso is the most important bird reserve in the Valle del Cauca region, as it is one of the last remnants of riverside habitat that has survived the heavy impact of the sugar cane industry over many years. While extensive conversion of natural habitat to crop fields and livestock farming along the edge of the Cauca River have critically transformed the wetlands of this region, the Laguna is a protected area and provides the perfect habitat for many lowland birds and species from the surrounding dry forests from the Valle del Rio Cauca. Therefore, the Laguna de Sonso has become a biodiversity oasis in the middle of an industrial expansion area. The site is located a few minutes away from the city of Buga with easy access. Its wetlands and dry forest ecosystems provide a habitat for a diversity of bird species with well over 400 species known currently. We look for characteristic wetland species of the Cauca Valley such as Horned Screamer, Masked Duck, Buff-necked Ibis, and Snail Kite along with many restricted-range dry forest birds such as Apical Flycatcher, Grayish piculet, Jet Antbird, and Dwarf Cuckoo.

Cost of the Journey

$5590 DBL / $6290 SGL from Pereira, based on double occupancy and includes: airport transfers, accommodations for 11 nights, meals as specified in the itinerary, professional guide services, local guides, local park and reserve entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses. Cost of the extension is $1850 DBL / $2050 SGL. Tour cost does not include roundtrip airfare to or from Pereira, or items of a personal nature like laundry, telephone, drinks from the bar, or gratuities for porterage or personal services.

Travel Details

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Arrival and Departure Airport: Pereira Matecaña International (PEI)

Arrival Details:  Plan to arrive January 22, at your leisure

Departure Details: Plan to depart February 2, at your leisure

Extension Departure Airport: Cali Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International (CLO)

Extension Departure Details: Plan to depart February 5, at your leisure.

Travel Tips: If you arrive early to rest up from your travels, we can book an early night for you at our first night tour hotel, the Sonesta Hotel. This modern hotel has restaurants, bars, and a pool and is great for relaxing after a long flight. If you want to do some exploring around Pereira, the Ukumari Park is a zoo very close to the hotel. They have an array of animals from around the world as well as a bird exhibit. The Pereira Art Museum is small, yet has diverse exhibits from contemporary Colombian artists. Bolivar Plaza is another great place to visit if you want to see one of the major city squares and do some shopping, eat local food, or see the beautiful Our Lady of Poverty Cathedral. The hotel is located about 25 minutes outside the city and the best method of transportation is a taxi. If you are joining us for the Cali extension and would like to stay an extra night at the end of the tour, we can book a room for you at our last night tour hotel, the Hotel Movich Casa de Alférez. Cali has a famous zoo, similar to the San Diego Zoo, that is worth a visit if you have extra time.

Visa Requirements:  US Citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of this length in Colombia.

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

• Dave Mehlman
  

  Dave is a naturalist with interests in birds, migration, ecosystems and natural disturbances, plants, and gardening. He holds a PhD from the University of New Mexico. Dave worked for The Nature Conservancy for 25+ years as Director of its Migratory Bird Program. He has researched in Latin American and the Caribbean. An avid birder, Dave enjoys teaching about natural habitats and local cultures. He has published papers in scientific and popular journals.

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    April 27 - May 5, 2024
  • Birding Canyon Country
    Zion, Bryce Canyon & Grand Canyon National Parks
    May 18 - 26, 2024
  • Scottish Highlands & Islands
    FULL - See our August departure!
    June 7 - 19, 2024
  • Panama: Three Great Lodges
    July 6 - 18, 2024
  • Michigan’s Isle Royale & Keweenaw Peninsula
    August 20 - 28, 2024
  • Michigan’s Isle Royale & Keweenaw Peninsula
    August 30 - September 7, 2024
  • Birding Canyon Country
    Zion, Bryce Canyon & Grand Canyon National Parks
    September 17 - 25, 2024
  • Brazil’s Pantanal: Jaguars! And More…
    FULL - See our August departure!
    October 7 - 17, 2024, w/Atlantic Forest extension
  • Belize: Three Great Lodges
    FULL - Check out Western Panama: Tranquilo Bay in November!
    November 6 - 16, 2024
  • New Mexico Nature & Culture
    December 5 - 12, 2024
  • Western Panama: Tranquilo Bay
    January 18 - 25, 2025, w/Mt. Totumas extension
  • Guyana: Unspoiled Wilderness
    February 6 - 18, 2025
  • Colombia: Santa Marta & the Atlantic Coast
    March 2 - 11, 2025

Essential Information +

Pace & Protocols +

Packing List +

Suggested Reading List +

Useful Links +

• Best of Belize
  FULL - Check out Best of Belize tour in March
  January 13 - 21, 2024
• Western Panama: Tranquilo Bay
  FULL - Take a look at our April departure!
  February 1 - 8, 2024, w/Canopy Lodge extension
• Honduras: Stellar Birding & Maya Ruins
  FULL - Check out Best of Belize!
  February 11 - 18, 2024