Thank you for registering to go birding!

Dear Fellow Adventurer,

Thank you for signing up for an international adventure to a birdwatcher’s paradise with an expert local guide. You will be showing pictures and telling stories about this trip for years to come.

A few of reminders

Trip begins at Cali Airport and ends at the Bogota Airport.
You are responsible for your own flights to/from Colombia.
The dates are November 7-15, 2023. The full cost of $2,860/person includes guides, food, lodging, and in country transportation.

Make sure your passport has at least 6 months left before its expiration date during this trip!

Make sure your vaccinations are up to date. Check with the CDC here

Buy trip insurance

Download birding apps for Colombia

CDC Info

Short Itinerary (subject to change)

Day 0 – Nov 07: Arrival to Cali airport and transfer to the hotel (90 minutes).
Day 1 – Nov 08: Visit to Cali (3,000’ elevation, warm weather) then a 12-mile drive to the Cloud forest at 5-7,000’ elevation and cold weather.) This day we will search for hummingbirds and beautiful tanagers and perhaps a golden-headed Quetzal. Overnight at Araucana Lodge or Natural Luxury Hotel.
Day 2- Nov 9: Full day at Queremal (5,000’ above sea level, warm weather) and drive to Buga. Early morning drive down Highway 55 to observe endemic and rare birds of the Chocó region.
Day 3 - Nov 10: La Florida Farm and Sonso Lagoon (2-3,000’ elevation) Early morning birding followed by lunch and a 2-hour drive to the Sonso Lagoon for aquatic species. Overnight at the Guadalajara Hotel.
Day 4 – Nov 11: Pereira and Otun Quimbaya Reserve (6,500’ elevation and rainy.) A 3-hour drive to the Otun Quimbaya reserve for many endemics, like the Cauca Guan, long thought to be extinct until a healthy population was rediscovered in 1989. Overnight at Cumanday Hotel.
Day 5 – Nov 12: Tinamú Bird Lodge (4,500’ elevation and warm.) A 2-hour drive to the private Tinamou Reserve protecting 13 acres of the Andean lowlands and the perfect place for rare and interesting species. Overnight at Tinamou Bird Lodge.
Day 6 - Nov 13: Birding to Nevado del Ruiz (13,000+ and Very Cold). Overnight in Manizales (7,300’ elevation.) A 2-hour drive to Nevado del Ruiz National Park – main target will be the rare and endemic Buffy Helmetcrest and possibly an Andean Condor.
Day 7 – Nov 14: Full day Rio Blanco (8,300’ elevation with fresh air.) The Rio Blanco reserve is so diverse it is possible to see over 360 bird species. Overnight in the city of Manizales.
Day 8 – Nov 15: After a quick visit to Camegudua Marsh for local rarities, we drive 90 minutes to the Pereira Airport for a flight to Bogotá and then back home.

Itinerary changes due to local conditions should be expected.
Changes made by customers involving additional costs must be paid by themselves.
Additional alcohol or other items consumed in hotels and sites are not included.

Thanks for signing up. I’m excited to share this adventure with you!

Sincerely,

Chris Cameron, naturalist

Nature Up Close

805-441-9736, chris@natureupclose.com