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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

Tuomas Seimola
MR, Colombia 2021

Tuomas is a great guide and excellent with bird IDs and helping people see all of the birds as much as possible. He also managed to maintain group morale despite a very ambitious and exhausting itinerary.

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.

Tuomas Seimola
GP, Colombia 2019

Tuomas was excellent. He was an excellent birder and group leader, ensuring the everyone saw each bird. He was persistent in pursuing our target birds but knew when enough was enough for the day. Tuomas has an easy going manner, but he (and the local leader) were efficient and effective in dealing with problems in the field or with the accomodation.

Forrest Rowland
AH, Colombia 2018

I have travelled with Forrest before, and still he manages to beat my expectations with his wonderful visual and auditory skills, hard work and preparation, and he is just fun to travel with. Special kudos on this trip for how he continued on despite being very unwell with fever and chills.

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.

Colombia - Southern Andean Endemics 2025

06 Mar 2025 - 19 Mar 2025 (14 days)

USD7,000 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Tuomas Seimola

Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated and dates may change*

Tour price (Per person): USD7,000 * GBP5,659 * EUR6,565 * AUD10,910

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