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Colombia - Northern Andes: Medellin & surrounds

© Antioquia Bristle Tyrant by Dusan Brinkhuizen

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

brisk pace, some demanding walks

Accommodation

basic to comfortable hotels & lodges

Ease of Birding

moderate with some challenging species

Number of Species Expected

700+ (full Northern Andes series)

Other Attractions

spectacular scenery

Photographic Opportunities

average to good

What our clients say about us

Robert Williams
IS, Colombia 2019

Rob's combination of bird finding skills and tour management expertise made for a great birding trip which was enjoyed by all.

Forrest Rowland
SS - Colombia 2019

First of all, Forrest Rowland's profound knowledge of the full range of bird identification traits, songs and calls, habitat preferences and behavioural detail was indispensable to our ability to view, hear, and understand what we were looking for/at. Even more so, his knowledge and ability to effectively convey such information in a timely and readily comprehensible manner was an essential component of our ability to get on birds effectively. Plus his expertise and experience did not stop with the bird life. Secondly, he was an amazing leader in keeping a diverse group of participants focused on tasks at hand and committed to an inclusive "team" dynamic, not an easy feat! His very personable and easy going style kept everyone engaged and appreciating contributions from the whole group... and no one ever appeared isolated. Lastly, and also crucial to an effective journey of this type, Forrest was always on top of tour logistics and management, which are extremely complex and sometimes change with little notice (e.g. flights being cancelled). ln part this was due to his own experience travelling within Colombia, building upon the wonderful network of supporting "staff/contributors", and he was always able to easily provide next step details, rationales, and alternatives to the group.

Robert Williams
LW, Colombia 2021

"This was the fourth of four tours we did for Colombia 2021. This was a great experience. Such diversity of habitats and birds in this small area! Both our guides were excellent. Rob particularly went above and beyond all expectations helping participants with the logistics of getting Covid testing done under the severe time restrictions imposed by recent changes in US rules. We always feel secure traveling with Rockjumper because of the quality of the tour leaders!!"

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.

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.

Colombia - Northern Andes: Medellin & surrounds 2024

07 Nov 2024 - 16 Nov 2024 (10 days)

USD4,795 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Lev Frid

Tour price (Per person): USD4,795 * GBP3,840 * EUR4,484 * AUD7,339

Single Supplement: USD540 * GBP432 * EUR505 * AUD826

Flight costs: USD170 * GBP136 * EUR159 * AUD260

Can be linked with: Colombia - Northern Andes: Central Andes 2024

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 * GBP4,000 * EUR4,671 * AUD7,645

Single Supplement: USD690 * GBP553 * EUR645 * AUD1,056

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

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