Hummingbirds of the Colombia Andes

OBSERVATORIO DE LOS ANDES AND BOSQUE GUAJIRA RESERVE (BOGOTÁ)

After an early morning transfer to the highlands surrounding the capital, we will reach the Observatorio de los Andes, located in a high-elevation páramo ecosystem. This extraordinary site allows close views of up to ten hummingbird species, many adapted to cold Andean environments. Regular visitors include Black-tailed Trainbearer, Glowing Puffleg, Tyrian Metaltail, and Blue-throated Starfrontlet as well as the spectacular Sword-billed Hummingbird, one of the most iconic and sought after species in the Andes.

In the afternoon, we continue birding at Bosque Guajira Reserve, a patch of native forest that complements the highland experience with additional photography opportunities and species such as Longuemare’s Sunangel, Tourmaline Sunangel, Long-tailed Sylph, Bronze-tailed Thornbill, Coppery-bellied Puffleg, Shining Sunbeam, Bronzy Inca, Collared Inca, Mountain Velvetbreast, White-bellied Woodstar and Gorgeted Woodstar.

RETORNO DEL COLIBRÍ (ANAIME, TOLIMA)

This morning we travel to Anaime, Tolima, and towards Retorno del Colibrí, whose hummingbird gardens and feeder stations are a key site within the Upper Magdalena Valley Endemic Bird Area. Surrounded by well preserved Andean forest, this location offers exceptional opportunities for close range observation and photography.

The site is especially important for regional endemics such as Tolima Blossomcrown and Indigo-capped Hummingbird, along with a remarkable diversity of hummingbirds regularly visiting the feeders and forest edge. Expected species include Red-billed Emerald, White-necked Jacobin, White-tipped Sicklebill, Green Hermit, Tawny-bellied Hermit, Sparkling Violetear, Brown Violetear, Lesser Violetear, Black-throated Mango, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Western Emerald, White-vented Plumeleteer, Crowned Woodnymph, Steely-vented Hummingbird, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Andean Emerald, and Shining-green Hummingbird.

MONTEZUMA (RISARALDA)

The Montezuma Rainforest, located in the heart of the Chocó biogeographic region in Colombia, is part of Tatamá National Natural Park. This is a protected area of high scientific importance and a virtually intact natural refuge recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and distinguished with the IUCN Green List Standard. It is a region notable not only for its extraordinary biodiversity, but also for its remarkable richness of hummingbirds.

Here, we will enjoy a full day dedicated to birdwatching along the famous Montezuma Road. From the lodge (around 5,000 ft), we will ascend early in the morning to nearly 9,000 ft in just seven miles, covering an exceptional altitudinal gradient. Along this route, we will search for a remarkable diversity of hummingbirds, including Brown Inca, Empress Brilliant, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, Green-crowned Brilliant, Violet-tailed Sylph, Greenish Puffleg, Velvet-purple Coronet, Buff-tailed Coronet, and many more.

MONTEZUMA RAINFOREST LODGE (RISARALDA)

We will transfer to Montezuma Rainforest Lodge, where we expect to observe Velvet-purple Coronet, Rufous-gaped Hillstar, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Green-crowned Brilliant, Empress Brilliant, Purple-throated Woodstar, Western Emerald, Crowned Woodnymph, Steely-vented Hummingbird and Green Thorntail. All possible around the lodge feeders.

LOS NEVADOS NATIONAL NATURAL PARK AND HOTEL TERMALES DEL RUIZ (MANIZALES)

We will explore Los Nevados National Natural Park and the feeders of Hotel Termales del Ruiz within the high-elevation páramo ecosystem that hosts some of Colombia’s most iconic hummingbirds. Some of those are Buffy Helmetcrest, Tourmaline Sunangel, Purple-backed Thornbill, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Tyrian Metaltail, Viridian Metaltail, Golden-breasted Puffleg, Buff-winged Starfrontlet and Great Sapphirewing.

HACIENDA EL BOSQUE (MANIZALES)

Hacienda El Bosque is one of the premier bird photography locations in the Central Andes. This traditional dairy farm is surrounded by forest remnants and features several well maintained hummingbird feeder stations.

Here we expect excellent photographic opportunities with species such as Buff-Winged Starfrontlet, Black-thighed Puffleg, Mountain Velvetbreast, Tyrian Metaltail, Sparkling Violetear, Tourmaline Sunangel, Long-tailed Sylph, and Purple-backed Thornbill.

GLAMPING EL COLOR DE MIS REVES (MANIZALES)

Located in the Central Andes, El Color de Mis Reves is considered one of the most popular birding sites in Colombia. The exceptional hummingbird diversity here offers outstanding opportunities for photography.

Among the many species expected are Andean Emerald, Speckled Hummingbird, White-bellied Woodstar, Long-tailed Sylph, Mountain Velvetbreast, Buff-tailed Coronet and Fawn-breasted Brilliant

THE KM 18  (CALI)

Km 18 is one of the most recognized birdwatching sites in Colombia and an iconic location for ornithology in the country. It is part of the San Antonio and Km 18 cloud forest, an Important Bird Area (IBA). Its remarkable richness is due to its strategic location between the Western Andes and the humid forests of the Chocó biogeographic region, allowing a unique convergence of species.

For hummingbird enthusiasts, this site is particularly rewarding, offering excellent opportunities for observation under accessible conditions, as well as outstanding spots for photography. Here, it is possible to observe species such as Andean Emerald, Green-fronted Lancebill, Greenish Puffleg, Tawny-bellied Hermit, Green Hermit, White-booted Racket-tail, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, among others.

DRY FOREST ATUNCELA

Atuncela is a dry forest located in a sub-xerophytic enclave on the western slope of the Western Andes. Its ecosystems are characterized by a diversity of fauna and flora species with different types of adaptations to their environment. This is due to their exposure to severe drought conditions and extreme temperatures, often exceeding 24°C. Although it is one of the least known, most affected, and highly fragmented ecosystems in Colombia (largely due to intensive agriculture, with less than 8% of its original coverage remaining), this environment offers interesting opportunities for hummingbird observation, including the iconic Ruby-topaz Hummingbird, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, and occasionally the Blue-headed Sapphire.

Conservation does not happen only within protected areas; supporting local communities is equally essential. For this reason, we have included this site in our tour, inviting you not only to enjoy its unique beauty, but also to be part of the effort to value and preserve these fragile ecosystems.

DEPARTURES

Departures from Cali International Airport Alfonso Bonilla Aragon CLO.