Colombia has more species of birds than any other country - a staggering 1930+ 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 and both the Magadalena and Cauca Valleys, as well as the dry Guajira desert and the impressive Santa Marta Mountains.
Our tour of Bogota and the Upper Magdalena Valley takes us to the Eastern Andes sites of Chingaza, Guasca, Sumapaz and Chicaque for Flame-winged Parakeet, Green-bearded Helmetcrest, Apolinar's Wren, Bogota Rail and Moustached Brushfinch. We next move west, visiting the hummingbird paradise of Jardin Encatado en route to Mariquita. The dry forest sites are home to Velvet-fronted Euphonia, Apical Flycatcher and Tolima Dove, while the higher cloud forests of Clarito Botero hose Yellow-headed Brsuhfinch and Crested Ant Tanager. A quick side stop to Canon Combeima should deliver Tolima Blossomcrown, before we continue to Loros Andinos for the rarely seen Fuertes's Parrot. Finally, we have a day around Otun-Quimbaya to find the formerly presumed extinct Cauca Guan and possibly Multicolored Tanager.
Client Testimonials
Can be linked with: Colombia - Northern Andes: Best of the Central and Western Andes 2021
Tour price (Per person): USD2,995 * GBP2,172 * EUR2,583
Single Supplement: USD240 * GBP174 * EUR207
Flight costs: USD100 * GBP73 * EUR86
Can be linked with: Colombia - Northern Andes: Best of the Central and Western Andes 2022
Tour price (Per person): USD2,995 * GBP2,172 * EUR2,583 * AUD3,987
Single Supplement: USD190 * GBP138 * EUR164 * AUD253
Flight costs: USD130 * GBP94 * EUR112 * AUD173
Can be linked with: Colombia - Northern Andes: Best of the Central and Western Andes 2023
Tour price (Per person): USD3,345 * GBP2,426 * EUR2,885 * AUD4,453
Stephan Lorenz is an outstanding guide – extremely knowledgeable, extremely diligent in getting target birds, and is full of enthusiasm every day. A real pleasure.
Rob's combination of bird finding skills and tour management expertise made for a great birding trip which was enjoyed by all.
Forrest Rowland was superb as usual. Both his birding skills and people skills are extraordinary.
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.
From the several members of the office staff to the actual tour itself, I have nothing but high praise for my Rockjumper experience. This was my first tour with Rockjumper, but I hope it won't be my last. Alison and Sarah were tremendously helpful. Rob Williams is as good a leader as I have ever experienced. He not only knows the birds, but he made sure that we all got to see them, showing patience way beyond what I thought necessary. When one of our participants lost his passport, Rob bent over backwards to help this hapless person, never complaining while doing so. Rob always told us what the plan was for the next day. When Plan A didn't pan out, he had Plan B ready. If something went askew, he handled it with aplomb, always keeping his sense of humour. Did I mention he showed us wonderful birds? Oh, we saw some beautiful ones!