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 northern Andes tours focus on the bulk of endemics that Colombia has to offer; working our way through the Central and Eastern Andean ranges and both the Magadalena and Cauca Valleys, as well as the dry Guajira desert and the impressive Santa Marta Mountains.
Our tour of the Central and Western Andes starts off at the antpitta haven of Rio Blanco near Manizales where up to 5 species may be seen, including the endemic Brown-banded and rarely seen Bicolored. Our next morning see us climbing high into the elfin forest and paramo grasslands of Los Nevados in search of Rufous-fronted Parakeet, Buffy Helmetcrest and a range of high altitude near endemics. We spend an afternoon around the gorgeous town of Jardin watching a lek of Andean Cock-of-the-rock. The following morening we shall head high above Jardin to the Loro Orejiamarillo reserve to find Yellow-eared Parrot and Tanager Finch before making our way to the Choco cloud forests of Cerro Montezuma. The forests bristle with activity, and will hopefully give up Gold-ringed Tanager, Munchique Wood Wren, Black-and-gold Tanager and chances for Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer. As we head north east towards Medellin, we shall stop in at Santa Cecilia for Baudo Guan and spend a morning near Apia searching for Tatama Tapaculo, Parker’s Antbird and Turquoise Dacnis. Our final afternoon will be spent near Bolombolo looking for some dry forest speices such as the newly described Antioquia Wren, Apical Flycatcher and Greyish Piculet.
Brown-banded Antpitta, East Andean Antbird, Rufous-fronted Parakeet, Buffy Helmetcrest, Gold-ringed, Black-and-gold & Flame-rumped Tanagers, Yellow-eared Parrot, Munchique Wood Wren, Dusky Starfrontlet, Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer, Baudo Oropendola, Tatama Tapaculo, Turquoise Dacnis, Parker’s Antbird, Antioquia Wren, Apical Flycatcher, Greyish Piculet
cloud forest, elfin forest, paramo, alpine grassland, upper choco forest, lowland rainforest, stunted forest
temperate to cold in highlands (very cold on Los Nevados), hot and possibly humid in lowlands
brisk pace, some demanding walks
spectacular scenery in Los Nevados NP
From the several members of the office staff to the actual tour itself, I have nothing but high praise for my Rockjumper experience. This was my first tour with Rockjumper, but I hope it won’t be my last. Alison and Sarah were tremendously helpful. Rob Williams is as good a leader as I have ever…
Thank you so much for a wonderful experience on my Remote Colombia Tour. Forrest remains among one of the best guides I have ever travelled with. His knowledge of the areas within Colombia is astounding, he clearly knows his birds and their respective calls, he knows the off-track spots to seek out the more difficult species and…
We had a great time with Forrest Rowland in Colombia. A wonderful country. Forrest is a fantastic birder and a great guide.
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 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.
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…
I was thrilled when Forrest Rowland agreed to run another Colombia Mega, as I really wanted to join a tour led by him – he has such extensive experience of this country and its birds. Even with that expectation, the trip exceeded my wildest dreams. Forrest’s grasp of Colombia’s birds, herps, plants, geography and history…
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…
No one beats Rockjumper and Forrest Rowland for running wonderful trips. The logistics are incredible and involving so many Colombians to get us places and up steep trails were amazing. Thanks to all involved at Rockjumper for making this trip possible.
