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Colombia - Southern Andean Endemics

© Multicolored tanager by Adam Riley

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 southern Andes tours focus on the rarely visited southern Andes. Starting in the beautiful city of Santiago de Cali, we move up and out of the Valle de Cauca through the Farellones de Cali in search of Chestnut Wood Quail and both Purplish-mantled and Multicolored Tanagers. We then make our way slowly down the Old Buenaventura Road towards Anchicaya filtering through numerous lowland Choco endemics. From the Pacific coastal city of Buenaventura, we visit San Cipriano where a short 'bruja' or platofrm train ride will get us up to the forest trails to find Five-colored Barbet, Sapayoa and Pacific Flatbill. Having so far taken in a fascinating traverse of the south western Andes, we shall turn around and bird another traverse taking us to Bosque Yotoco for Cauca Guan and onwards to Buga and Laguna del Sonso. We have a little time to find the an isolated population of Horned Screamer before making our way back to Cali where the tour will conclude.

Top Birds

Colombian Chachalaca; Cauca & Baudo Guans; Chestnut Wood Quail; Crested Ant Tanager; Multicolored Tanager; Western Emerald; Blue-headed Sapphire; Purple-chested Hummingbird; Purple Quail-Dove; Pallid Dove; Cloud Forest Pygmy Owl; Five-colored & Toucan Barbets; Choco Woodpecker; Rose-faced Parrot; Pacific Tuftedcheek; Stub-tailed & Esmeraldas Antbirds; Narino Tapaculo; Sooty-headed Wren; Choco Warbler; Pacific Flatbill; Long-wattled Umbrellabird; White-bibbed, Golden-collared & Club-winged Manakins; Black-headed Brushfinch; Yellow-green, Golden-chested, Black-chinned Mountain, Purplish-mantled, Glisten-green, Blue-whiskered & Scarlet-and-white Tanagers.

Habitats Covered

upper and foothill choco forest, lowland rainforest, subtropical forest, marshes and lakes

Expected Climate

warm to hot with high humidity in the Pacific Coastal lowlands

Max Group Size

8 with 1 Rockjumper leader and 1 local leader

Tour Pace & Walking

brisk pace, some demanding walks

Accommodation

mostly comfortable hotels

Ease of Birding

moderate with some challenging species

Photographic Opportunities

average to good

What our clients say about us

Stephan Lorenz
KH & DH - Colombia 2019

Stephan Lorenz is an outstanding guide – extremely knowledgeable, extremely diligent in getting target birds, and is full of enthusiasm every day.  A real pleasure.

Forrest Rowland
AF, Colombia 2018

Forrest Rowland was superb as usual.  Both his birding skills and people skills are extraordinary.

Robert Williams
JP, Colombia 2021

I was extremely pleased with Rob and his ability to locate birds and get all members of the group on them for viewing. This was no small task given the reclusive nature of many of the species and the size of our group. In addition to Robs valuable birding skills are his management skills in planning and timing and surmounting both the usual and the unexpected difficulties associated with delays and circumstances. Rob is extremely knowledgeable and has excellent communication skills. His stories are informative and most often entertaining. He was a fun guide and I give him a 5 star plus rating.

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!!"

Dušan Brinkhuizen
SS, Colombia 2021

Dusan is an excellent guide (best ears in the business!) as well as a wonderful person to share this long of an adventure. He’s very concerned for everyone’s health, safety and enjoyment of the birding.

Colombia - Southern Andean Endemics 2025

06 Mar 2025 - 19 Mar 2025 (14 days)

USD6,195 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Tuomas Seimola

Tour price (Per person): USD6,195 * GBP4,899 * EUR5,704 * AUD9,300

Single Supplement: USD450 * GBP356 * EUR414 * AUD676

Flight costs: USD130 * GBP103 * EUR120 * AUD195

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