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.
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)
Gallery forest, grasslands, humid forest, Choco forest, coffee plantations, scrub
Cool in highlands, mostly hot and humid in lowlands
8 with 1 Rockjumper leader and 1 local leader
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.
Comfortable, some lodgings are simple/basic.
Challenging. Several skulkers and low-density targets that require repeated efforts.
650+ (complete Northern Andes series)
spectacular scenery
Reasonable to good. Typical forest lighting difficulties. Several feeders.
Stephan Lorenz is an outstanding guide – extremely knowledgeable, extremely diligent in getting target birds, and is full of enthusiasm every day. A real pleasure.
Our guide Tuomas was excellent, the trip was excellent!
Forrest Rowland was superb as usual. Both his birding skills and people skills are extraordinary.
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.
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!!!!
07 Nov 2024 - 16 Nov 2024 (10 days)
USD4,795 - Spaces Available
Tour Leader: Lev Frid
Tour price (Per person): USD4,795 * GBP3,820 * EUR4,446 * AUD7,265
Single Supplement: USD540 * GBP430 * EUR501 * AUD818
Flight costs: USD170 * GBP135 * EUR158 * AUD258
Can be linked with: Colombia - Northern Andes: Central Andes 2024
09 Nov 2025 - 18 Nov 2025 (10 days)
USD4,995 - Spaces Available
Tour Leader: Carlos Bocos
Tour price (Per person): USD4,995 * GBP3,979 * EUR4,631 * AUD7,568
Single Supplement: USD690 * GBP550 * EUR640 * AUD1,045
Can be linked with: Colombia - Northern Andes: Bogota & surrounds 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
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