Emblematic Birds

Photo Tour - Workshop

18 days/18 nights

A bird with a yellow beak is perched on a tree branch.

#1 Election for Bird Photographers

The tour begins from: Medellin, Pereira or Cali.

Location: West and Central Andes Range (Antioquia, Caldas, Risaralda, Quindio, Valle del Cauca and Tolima).

The Coffee Zone of Colombia is nestled within the Andean region. This unique geography gives rise to a blend of ecosystems, including cloud forests, lush valleys, and traditional coffee plantations, where nature and human industry coexist harmoniously. At altitudes between 1,200 and 4,400 meters, it enjoys a mild, temperate climate, with misty mornings and sunny afternoons, a perfect setting for bird photography.


Cloud forests, in particular, are a jewel of biodiversity. Their dense canopies, fed by moisture from the clouds, create an ideal habitat for a wide range of bird species. eBird reports over 800 bird species in the Coffee Zone alone, with many endemic or near-endemic to the Andean region. Some of the most emblematic species include the Violet-tailed Sylph, known for its vibrant plumage and a long tail; the dazzling Multicolored Tanager, a birdwatcher’s dream; and the rare Yellow-eared Parrot, whose survival story is a symbol of conservation in Colombia.


Culturally, the Coffee Zone is steeped in tradition. Generations of coffee-growing families live in colourful haciendas, preserving a way of life that has remained essentially unchanged for centuries. Local festivals celebrate the coffee harvest, and traditional crafts, music, and dances add a rich cultural dimension to any visit.


Choosing RETORNO as the operator of your dream bird photo tour in Colombia will give you an extraordinary trip. You will visit some of the best places for this activity. Not only will you photograph more than 130 of these incredible birds, but you will also experience the heart and soul of Colombia, where thriving ecosystems and centuries-old traditions come together in a remarkable landscape.


It will be a pleasure to present you with the way we see our country, a way full of birds, emotions, culture, tradition, and kindness.

Day 1: San Rafael

We will begin by photographing the endemic White-mantled Barbet and other species like Tanagers, Barbets, and Hummingbirds.


Day 2: San Rafael

Today's focus is the Sooty Ant Tanager (endemic). We'll also capture images of Little Cuckoos and Collared Aracaris before heading to Jardín for some rest.


Day 3: Jardín

We will photograph the rare Oilbird and our third target, the Red-bellied Grackle (endemic), along with other bird species. In the afternoon, we will travel to Mistrató.


Day 4: Mistrató

Our main target is the beautiful Black and Gold Tanager (endemic). We will also photograph other feeder species before heading to Tatamá National Park.


Days 5-7: Tatamá National Park

We will spend three days photographing incredible species at various elevations, focusing on the Gold-ringed Tanager (endemic) and other difficult-to-capture birds.


Day 8: Manizales

We'll relax at a scenic cattle farm, capturing images of the Gray-breasted mountain toucan and other avian species.


Day 9: Manizales

In Los Nevados National Park, we'll photograph the Buffy Helmetcrest (an endemic), several Tanagers, Antpittas, and Hummingbirds.


Day 10: Manizales

Today's target is the elusive Bicolored Antpitta, along with Black-bellied Toucans and Masked Trogons.


Day 11: Manizales

We will visit a home dedicated to attracting birds, focusing on photographing the endemic Brown-banded Antpitta and other species before travelling to Chinchiná.


Day 12: Chinchiná

Here, you'll enjoy coffee and photograph a unique Honeycreeper showing bilateral gynandromorphism. In the afternoon, we'll head to Cajamarca.


Day 13: Anaime

A productive day awaits with the chance to photograph five targets: Yellow-eared Parrot, Tolima Blossomcrown, Tolima Dove, Colombia Chachalaca, and Indigo-capped Hummingbird, along with other specialties.


Day 14: Transition Day - Km 18 

We'll travel from Anaime to Cali, stopping to photograph the stunning Ruby Topaz hummingbird.


Day 15: Dagua

The Valle del Cauca region is a prime birdwatching area, and today, we will visit the best spot to capture rare species.


Day 16. Km 18

You will have the opportunity to capture two endemic species with your lens: the multicolored Tanager and The Chestnut Wood-Quail, among other specialties.


Day 17. RETORNO HOME

End of the Tour. 

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A bird with a large beak is perched on a branch
A green and blue hummingbird is flying in the air

Additional information

  • Ground transportation on the stipulated routes.
  • Eighteen days, eighteen nights in double accommodation. 
  • Professional guide.
  • Local guides where necessary.
  • Meals specified for each day: b- Breakfast, l- Lunch, and d- Dinner.
  • Entrance fees to the reserves.
  • Pick up at Medellin International Airport.
  • Drop off at Cali International Airport
  • Accompany to take every picture as needed

  • International flights.
  • Domestic flights.
  • Nights before or nights after the tour.
  • Meals not stipulated.
  • Laundry services.
  • Alcohol Beverages.
  • Insurance (5 USD per day).
  • Equipment carrying services (10 USD per day)
  • Other unspecified expenses.
  • Gratuities.

  • Bring Binoculars.
  • Photography equipment (lens 600 mm).
  • External memory for downloading pictures at night.
  • Computer to process at night.
  • Be prepared for rain and sun: waterproof rain jacket and quick-drying clothing.
  • Camera protector.
  • Silica gel is used to store the equipment at night to avoid humidity.
  • Sunscreen, hat, or cap.
  • Waterproof trekking boots or rubber boots.
  • VERY IMPORTANT: Insect repellent.

LOGISTICS COULD CHANGE FOR MANY REASONS AS FOLLOWS:

a. Bird activity.

b. For the decision of the travellers.

c. Security issued. Healthy issue. Road Issue.

e. Other no specify.


The travellers have to accept any of these changes. If the shift carries extra costs, they assume them. The price is budgeted before the change.


Retorno does not provide equipment rental or loan services. To carry out the activity in the best conditions, each person must bring their cameras, lenses, batteries, memories, and computer. Retorno is not responsible for the loss, deterioration, or theft of photographic equipment or accessories.


RETORNO does not guarantee any species of birds or photography of them; nature is unpredictable.


RETORNO works hard to have the best logistics and protocols for safety during your visit to COLOMBIA BIRD PARADISE.