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.
Our tour of Bogota and surrounds takes us to the Eastern Andes sites of Laguna Pedro Palo, Laguna Tabacal, Chingaza, BioAndina, Sumapaz, Chicaque and Tororoi for Black Inca, Turquoise Dacnis, Flame-winged Parakeet, Green-bearded Helmetcrest, Cundinimarca Antpitta, Apolinar's Wren, Bogota Rail and Moustached Brushfinch.
Black Inca; Turquoise Dacnis; Moustached Brushfinch; Golden-bellied Starfrontlet; Silvery-throated Spinetail; Indigo-capped Hummingbird; Rufous-browed Conebill; Coppery-bellied Puffleg; Blue-throated Starfrontlet; Flame-winged Parakeet; White-capped Tanager; Cundinimarca & Muisca Antpittas; Bronze-tailed Thornbill; Green-bearded Helmetcrest; Apolinar’s Wren; Bogota Rail; Ochre-breasted Brushfinch; Brown-breasted Parakeet.
montane forest, montane grassland, montane lakes, crater lakes, dry forest, cloud forest, temperate forest
temperate to cold in highlands, hot and possibly humid in lowland
8 with 1 Rockjumper leader and 1 local leader
brisk pace, some demanding walks
basic to comfortable hotels & lodges
moderate with some challenging species
700+ (full Northern Andes series)
spectacular scenery
average to good
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 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!"
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!
Tuomas was an excellent guide and organizer.
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!!!!
01 Nov 2024 - 07 Nov 2024 (7 days)
USD2,995 - Spaces Available
Tour Leader: Lev Frid
Tour price (Per person): USD2,995 * GBP2,409 * EUR2,802 * AUD4,604
Single Supplement: USD290 * GBP233 * EUR271 * AUD446
Can be linked with: Colombia - Northern Andes: Medellin & surrounds 2024
18 Nov 2025 - 24 Nov 2025 (7 days)
USD3,595 - Spaces Available
Tour Leader: Carlos Bocos
Tour price (Per person): USD3,595 * GBP2,892 * EUR3,363 * AUD5,526
Single Supplement: USD410 * GBP330 * EUR384 * AUD630
Can be linked with: Colombia - Northern Andes: Central Andes 2025
Colombia - Highlights (ECU replacement) 2024 - January 2024
Colombia - Northern Andes: Central Andes 2023 - October 2023
Colombia - Northern Andes: Medellin & surrounds 2023 - October 2023
Colombia - Northern Andes: Bogota & surrounds 2023 - October 2023
Colombia - Northern Andes: Santa Marta 2023 - September 2023
Colombia - Santa Marta Extension I 2023 - August 2023
Colombia - Highlights 2023 - August 2023
Colombia - Santa Marta Extension II 2022 - December 2022
Colombia - Northern Andes: Western & Central Andes 2022 - November 2022
Colombia - Northern Andes: Medellin & Magdalena Valley 2022 - November 2022
Colombia - Northern Andes: Bogota & surrounds 2022 - November 2022
Colombia - Highlights 2022 - September 2022
Colombia - Mega Birding Tour II 2021 - November 2021
Colombia - Mega Birding Tour I 2020 - January 2020
Colombia - Highlights 2019 - November 2019
Colombia - Santa Marta Extension 2019 - November 2019
Colombia - Perijá & Santa Marta Endemics (SGT) 2019 - October 2019
Colombia - Mega Birding Tour 2019 - February 2019