Colombia - Northern Andes: Medellin & surrounds 2025

09 Nov 2025 - 18 Nov 2025 (10 days)

USD4,995 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Carlos Bocos

Tour price (Per person): USD4,995 * GBP3,987 * EUR4,798 * AUD7,692

Single Supplement: USD690 * GBP551 * EUR663 * AUD1,063

Can be linked with: Colombia - Northern Andes: Bogota & surrounds 2025

Colombia has more species of birds than any other country - a staggering 1900 species are to be found within the confines of this incredible nation; of which, at least 89 are endemic. This huge diversity of species results from the equally diverse range of habitats: three Andean Cordilleras (Western, Central and Eastern Andes), two inter-Andean valleys (the Cauca and Magdalena Valleys), the lowland forests of the Amazon and Orinoco regions, the isolated snow-capped Santa Marta Mountains, the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, deserts and lakes, and the rich wet forests of the Chocó all help to make it one of the most exciting countries to bird on earth!

Our series of northern Andes tours focus on the bulk of endemics that Colombia has to offer, working our way through the Central and Eastern Andean ranges, Magdalena and Cauca Valleys, as well as the dry Guajira desert and the impressive Santa Marta Mountains.

The Medellin and surrounds tour takes us to Arrierito Antioqueno, Medellin, Las Tangaras, Gorrion de Andivia, Jardin and Loro Orejiamarillo for Antioquia Brushfinch, Red-bellied Grackle, Gold-ringed, Flame-rumped, Multicolored & Black-and-gold Tanagers, Chestnut-capped Piha, Velvet-purple Coronet, Crested Ant Tanager, Munchique Wood Wren, Antioquia Wren, Apical Flycatcher, Greyish Piculet and Yellow-eared Parrot.

Top Birds

Antioquia Brushfinch; Stiles’s & Tatama Tapaculos; Red-bellied Grackle; Gold-ringed, Multicolored, Flame-rumped & Black-and-gold Tanagers; Chestnut-capped Piha; Yellow-headed Manikin; Velvet-purple Coronet; Empress Brilliant; White-throated Daggerbill; Crested Ant Tanager; Munchique Wood Wren; Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer; Dusky Starfrontlet; Antioquia Wren; Apical Flycatcher; Greyish Piculet; Yellow-eared Parrot; Black-billed Mountain Toucan; Tourmaline Sunangel; Chestnut-crested Cotinga (rare)

Habitats Covered

Gallery forest, grasslands, humid forest, Choco forest, coffee plantations, scrub

Expected Climate

Cool in highlands, mostly hot and humid in lowlands

Max Group Size

8 with 1 Rockjumper leader and 1 local leader

Tour Pace & Walking

Moderate to difficult. Endemic and target focussed trip. Not suitable for dedicated photographers; inexperienced birders; or anyone with mobility or health challenges. Tour pace is fast. Several drives, some long or impacted by heavy city traffic. Mostly sealed roads between towns, changing to dirt in remoter areas. Mountain passes & eroded dirt roads can be bumpy. Risk of landslides & road closures.

Accommodation

Comfortable, some lodgings are simple/basic.

Ease of Birding

Challenging. Several skulkers and low-density targets that require repeated efforts.

Number of Species Expected

650+ (complete Northern Andes series)

Other Attractions

spectacular scenery

Photographic Opportunities

Reasonable to good. Typical forest lighting difficulties. Several feeders.

What our clients say about us

Forrest Rowland
PI, Colombia 2018

Thank you so much for a wonderful experience on my Remote Colombia Tour. Forrest remains among one of the best guides I have ever travelled with. His knowledge of the areas within Colombia is astounding, he clearly knows his birds and their respective calls, he knows the off-track spots to seek out the more difficult species and the local people he interacts with clearly respect and value their relationship with him. Witnessing the interaction of these relationships makes for such a more enjoyable overall experience. Forrest as a guide brings a strong combination of spotting birds, knowing the bird calls and getting people on the bird. Equally important, he interacts with each and everyone of his participants and just displays such a passion for birds, wildlife and the local culture.

Robert Williams
SP, Colombia 2019

Rob did an outstanding job on this tour. He is an excellent birding guide, great personality and provided insights on a variety of diverse subject matters. I was also impressed with the local operator and their quick actions in dealing with unexpected situations like the general strike and road closure to Medellin.

Tuomas Seimola
MS, Colombia 2021

"Tuomas was excellent. He made extreme efforts to make sure everyone saw the birds. Great itinerary. Covid testing was easy and smooth. Local guides were wonderful. Special dietary needs were met. Thanks again!!"

Dušan Brinkhuizen
SS, Colombia 2021

Dusan is an excellent guide (best ears in the business!) as well as a wonderful person to share this long of an adventure. He’s very concerned for everyone’s health, safety and enjoyment of the birding.

Dušan Brinkhuizen
PE, Colombia 2021

I would just like to praise Dušan for all the constant effort he put in during a trip with external problems. He dealt with the bureaucracy of all our nations in getting our covid tests and the form filling, and it was no easy task. His knowledge of the birds and especially their calls, gave the the whole trip an extra level and I profited handsomely from his skills. I would be most happy to go on a tour with Dusan again.

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