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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)

USD6,495 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Alexander Alvarado

Tour price (Per person): USD6,495 * GBP4,872 * EUR5,687 * AUD10,207

Single Supplement: USD490 * GBP368 * EUR429 * AUD770

Flight costs: USD140 * GBP105 * EUR123 * AUD220

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

DIFFICULT: This is a high-intensity “mega” tour designed for passionate listers and serious birders who enjoy a fast-paced schedule. Due to its demanding nature, it’s not recommended for avid photographers, inexperienced birders, or anyone with mobility or health limitations.

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.

Forrest Rowland
CL & RL - Colombia 2019

Forrest Rowland: We think you did a great job organising and leading this trip. It all seemed to go very smoothly so, if you had any problems, they weren't obvious to us. We thought your fieldcraft was also first class. Clearly, all your previous experience has meant that you know the birds, their calls and the sites exceptionally well. We think we did very well with the avifauna, in no small part thanks to you.

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!!!!

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.

Forrest Rowland
AH, Colombia 2018

I have travelled with Forrest before, and still he manages to beat my expectations with his wonderful visual and auditory skills, hard work and preparation, and he is just fun to travel with. Special kudos on this trip for how he continued on despite being very unwell with fever and chills.

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