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Colombia - Southern Andean Endemics

© Multicolored tanager by Adam Riley
Colombia - Southern Andean Endemics 2026

18 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2026 (14 days)

USD6,400 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Alexander Alvarado

Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated and dates may change*

Tour price (Per person): USD6,400 * GBP5,109 * EUR6,147 * AUD9,855

Colombia has more species of birds than any other country – nearly 2000 species are to be found within the confines of this incredible nation’s borders; 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 tour focuses on the rarely visited southern Andes. Starting in the beautiful city of Santiago de Cali, we move up and out of the Valle de Cauca through the Farellones de Cali towards Anchicaya. Having so far taken in a fascinating traverse of the southwestern Andes, we shall turn around and bird another traverse taking us further north of Cali to Buga and Laguna del Sonso for a final few endemics.

Very few birders have been much further south of Cali. Indeed, even as recently as 2014 – insurgents made it impossible to deviate off Ruta 25 en route to Ecuador. Nowadays, we can freely explore the incredible Andean ridges from montane cloud forests all the way to the foothills along seemingly impossible road traverses including the sure to be famous Trampolina de la Muerte / de las Aves.

Top Birds

Colombian Chachalaca; Cauca & Baudo Guans; Chestnut Wood Quail; Crested Ant Tanager; Multicolored Tanager; Western Emerald; Blue-headed Sapphire; Purple-chested Hummingbird; Purple Quail-Dove; Pallid Dove; Cloud Forest Pygmy Owl; Five-colored & Toucan Barbets; Choco Woodpecker; Rose-faced Parrot; Pacific Tuftedcheek; Stub-tailed & Esmeraldas Antbirds; Narino Tapaculo; Sooty-headed Wren; Choco Warbler; Pacific Flatbill; Long-wattled Umbrellabird; White-bibbed, Golden-collared & Club-winged Manakins; Black-headed Brushfinch; Yellow-green, Golden-chested, Black-chinned Mountain, Purplish-mantled, Glisten-green, Blue-whiskered & Scarlet-and-white Tanagers.

Habitats Covered

Upper and foothill choco forest, lowland rainforest, subtropical forest, marshes and lakes

Expected Climate

Warm to hot with high humidity in the Pacific Coastal 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.

Accommodation

Comfortable, some lodgings are simple/basic.

Ease of Birding

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

Photographic Opportunities

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

What our clients say about us

Robert Williams
JP, Colombia 2021

I was extremely pleased with Rob and his ability to locate birds and get all members of the group on them for viewing. This was no small task given the reclusive nature of many of the species and the size of our group. In addition to Robs valuable birding skills are his management skills in planning and timing and surmounting both the usual and the unexpected difficulties associated with delays and circumstances. Rob is extremely knowledgeable and has excellent communication skills. His stories are informative and most often entertaining. He was a fun guide and I give him a 5 star plus rating.

Robert Williams
JF, Colombia 2021

The Santa Marta Mountains were truly a great place to bird with several endemics to be seen and spectacular mountains views. The lodge was a fantastic place to stay for three nights. Highly recommend this extension tour!!!!

Tuomas Seimola
TK, Colombia 2019

Two great tours led by Tuomas, who is an outstanding birder and great tour leader. Local guides were also very good, so we all saw virtually all of our hit list birds. Thanks to all.

Tuomas Seimola
GP, Colombia 2019

Tuomas was excellent. He was an excellent birder and group leader, ensuring the everyone saw each bird. He was persistent in pursuing our target birds but knew when enough was enough for the day. Tuomas has an easy going manner, but he (and the local leader) were efficient and effective in dealing with problems in the field or with the accomodation.

Tuomas Seimola
EM, Colombia 2019

"Tuomas was very knowledgeable, personable, and savvy. He did an excellent job of balancing hard core birding with the needs of the group. The accommodations and food were good throughout and the transportation was excellent! This was an adventurous, fun, and challenging trip and I very much enjoyed it. Roger, the local guide, was also very good. Thank you!"

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