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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

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. Several drives, some long or impacted by heavy city traffic. Mostly sealed roads between towns, changing to dirt in remoter areas. Mountain passes & eroded dirt roads can be bumpy. Risk of landslides & road closures.

Accommodation

Comfortable, some lodgings are simple/basic.

Ease of Birding

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

Number of Species Expected

650+ (complete Northern Andes series)

Other Attractions

spectacular scenery

Photographic Opportunities

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

What our clients say about us

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!"

Forrest Rowland
DH & RD, Colombia Highlights

Forrest was absolutely fantastic. The best birder/guide that we have ever had the pleasure of travelling with. His enthusiasm and passion for his work were exceptional and made for an awesome birding trip.

Robert Williams
BA, Colombia 2017

Rob Williams and the Rockjumper folks were absolutely fantastic in helping me after I lost my passport. They made sure I got back to Bogota for the embassy appointments, changing plans on the fly. Very impressive dedication to help customers.

Forrest Rowland
MK, Colombia 2017

We had a great time with Forrest Rowland in Colombia. A wonderful country. Forrest is a fantastic birder and a great guide.

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.

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 * GBP3,838 * EUR4,484 * AUD7,339

Single Supplement: USD540 * GBP432 * EUR505 * AUD827

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 * GBP3,998 * EUR4,671 * AUD7,645

Single Supplement: USD690 * GBP552 * EUR645 * AUD1,056

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

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