“With over 1,900 avian species—more than any other country in the world—Colombia is a birder’s paradise waiting to be discovered. Explore high elevation mountains, dry forest, páramo, and coastal habitats in search of an array of tropical avifauna, including flycatchers, hummingbirds, tanagers, toucans, and more. Throughout your journey, meet members of the local community and learn about their conservation efforts.” — Audubon
The is no doubt that Colombia is a paradise for Nature and Landscape Photography, Birding and Ecotourism. With our partners, we explore the following Birding Routes:
- WESTERN ANDES, CAUCA VALLEY AND PACIFIC LOWLANDS
This route highlights the birding sites within the Cauca Valley state, one of the most diverse in the country. An astonishing 1,000 species have been recorded in the state.
Best Months to Visit: Late November to late March and late June to early September. - NORTHERN COLOMBIA BIRDING TRAIL:
SANTA MARTA MOUNTAINS, GUAJIRA AND SERRANIA DE PERIJA
In Northern Colombia, the Caribbean coast hosts the tallest coastal mountain range on earth — the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. These isolated mountains have been identified as the planet’s single most important site for threatened and endemic biodiversity.
Best Months to Visit: Late November to early April and mid June to late August. - CENTRAL ANDES AND NORTHERN PORTION OF WESTERN ANDES
This route focuses on the coffee growing region of the western and central Andes, where more than a quarter of the country’s endemics can be found. The central Andean region is dominated by glaciated volcanoes that reach heights of over 5,000 m (16,500 ft). Its home to one of Colombia’s largest national parks,
Best Months to Visit: Late November to late March and late June to early September. - EASTERN ANDES AND MAGDALENA VALLEY
This route focuses on the birding sites near the capital city of Bogota (2,600 m) and the extensive Magdalena Valley. The Eastern Andes include various plateaus that harbor wetlands that are home to many sought-after species.
Best Months to Visit: Late November to late March and late June to early September - SOUTHERN COLOMBIA: PUTUMAYO AND THE COLOMBIAN MASSIF
The Colombian Massif and Putumayo region in southwestern Colombia is rapidly being recognized as the next go-to destination for birding in the country. The area has only recently opened up to tourism, so it is relatively unexplored. The Colombian Massif is a Unesco Biosphere Reserve. The area gives birth to five of Colombia’s most important rivers: the Cauca, the Magdalena, the Patía, the Putumayo and the Caquetá.
Best Months to Visit: December to early March and late June to early September. - REMOTE COLOMBIA: MITU, SAN JOSE DEL GUAVIARE, INIRIDA, HATO LA AURORA
This route highlights various birding sites in remote destinations in the Amazon and Orinoco regions of Colombia.
Best Months to Visit: Considering these destinations are spread out geographically, the best months to visit and accessibility will vary. - REMOTE COLOMBIA: URABA GULF
Colombia’s northwestern Uraba region is located along the Panamanian border and borders both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean. This area of Colombia is still unknown. The Uraba region is the latest destination in Colombia to welcome international birders. More than 600 species occur in the area.
Best Months to Visit: Late November to March
Photo: Female Red-headed barbet ( Eubucco bourcierii ). Western Andes © Kike Calvo
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