Valle del Cauca
Cauca Valley (Medium Trip)
An unforgettable 7-day birdwatching experience through the lush Valle del Cauca, from the Yotoco Reserve to Anchicayá and the cloud forest of San Antonio.
Duration
7 days
Best season
Year-round
Group
2-10 pax
The expedition
Embark on an unforgettable birdwatching experience in the lush Valle del Cauca, where Colombia's natural diversity spreads its wings before your eyes. This tour will take you to some of the region's most pristine corners, starting with the majestic Yotoco Reserve, home to a rich array of bird species hidden among the dense greenery of the forest. From there, we'll immerse ourselves in the unique ecosystems of the Río Bravo Reserve, where the calls of endemic birds blend with the river's whisper, creating an unparalleled natural symphony.
The journey continues to the Laguna de Sonso, where aquatic birds dominate the landscape, before heading to the enchanting Anchicayá sector at Doña Dora's farm, renowned for its stunning views and fascinating species like the Toucan Barbet. In the misty cloud forest of San Antonio, the haze gently touches the treetops, revealing fleeting moments with birds like the Long-tailed Sylph gliding through the foliage. At the Bosque de Niebla farm, located at the iconic kilometer 18, the contrasts of the Andean landscape provide the perfect backdrop to admire endemic species in their natural habitat.
The accommodations on this journey have been carefully selected to enhance your experience: from the exclusive Hotel La Huerta in Calima, with its proximity to nature and impeccable service, to La Araucana Lodge, where every detail is designed for a deep connection with the surroundings. Among the birdsongs and vibrant green landscapes, you'll savor the region's authentic cuisine, an exquisite blend of traditional flavors that reflect the heart of Valle del Cauca.
This tour is more than just a birdwatching adventure—it's a complete immersion into the landscapes, culture, and nature that make this region a paradise for bird enthusiasts.
Target highlights
Toucan Barbet
Cauca Guan
Andean Cock-of-the-rock
Long-tailed Sylph
Day by day
The route, unfolded.
Day 01
Arrival in Cali: Welcome to the Valle del Cauca, Colombia
Upon your arrival at Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport in Cali, the Ocampo Expeditions team, consisting of a driver and one of our expert birdwatching guides, will be ready to welcome you to Colombia. From the airport, you will be transferred to Hotel La Huerta, located in the Calima sector, approximately a one-hour drive from the city. Hotel La Huerta offers comfort and fresh, locally sourced food, much of which is grown and raised on-site. Additionally, it is strategically situated near key birdwatching hotspots such as the Yotoco Forest Reserve, the Río Bravo Reserve, and the Sonso Lagoon, making it the ideal base for your birdwatching experience.
After checking in, you will enjoy lunch and have the afternoon free to explore the hotel's trails, take a refreshing dip in the pool, or begin birdwatching on the premises. In the evening, your guide will provide an introduction to the areas you will be visiting and the bird species you may encounter, should nature be generous with us.
Day 02
Birdwatching in Yotoco Forest Reserve
Your day begins early with a departure from Hotel La Huerta to the Yotoco Forest Reserve, a protected area managed by the National University of Colombia since 1959. Spanning 559 hectares, Yotoco boasts one of Colombia's highest biodiversities, home to over 350 bird species, including the Cauca Guan, as well as howler monkeys, armadillos, various orchids, and more. This reserve serves as a research hub for scientists, researchers, educators, and students alike.
After a morning of birdwatching, you will return to Hotel La Huerta for lunch. The afternoon offers flexibility—you can choose to continue exploring the hotel's trails in search of more birds, relax, organize your photos, or back up your photographs. Dinner and overnight accommodations will again be at Hotel La Huerta.
Day 03
Exploring the Río Bravo Reserve
After a restful night at La Huerta Hotel, you will head out to the Río Bravo Reserve, a critical conservation area that hosts 522 bird species, including endangered ones such as the Crested Eagle (Spizaetus isidori) and the Guacharaca (Penelope ortoni). The reserve's rich ecosystems are also home to 105 mammal species, 56 amphibian species, and 59 reptile species, many of which are also at risk.
During your visit, you will have the opportunity to observe an impressive array of birdlife in one of Colombia's most ecologically diverse regions. After the excursion, you will return to Hotel La Huerta for lunch. The afternoon is free for you to relax or continue birdwatching on the hotel's grounds. Dinner and accommodations will be provided at La Huerta once again.
Day 04
Discovering Laguna de Sonso: A Wetland Paradise
Today, you will depart from Hotel La Huerta and head towards the Laguna de Sonso, approximately a 35-minute drive away. Here, you will have breakfast and lunch at the Horned Screamer Research Center. The Sonso Lagoon is the main wetland in the Cauca River floodplain and is renowned for its high concentration of resident and migratory birds, including species such as the Horned Screamer.
The terrestrial exploration of the lagoon will allow you to observe a variety of wetland and shoreline bird species in their natural habitat. The Sonso Lagoon also serves as a regulatory basin for the Cauca River's floods and is the last substantial remnant of the native lagoon ecosystem in the Valle del Cauca, supporting various local communities.
After your morning of birdwatching, you will travel to La Araucana Lodge. This lodge offers extreme comfort, catering to birdwatchers from around the world with its luxurious infrastructure, delicious cuisine, and excellent bird photography opportunities. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be at La Araucana Lodge.
Day 05
Birdwatching at Finca Doña Dora
The day begins early with a departure from La Araucana Lodge to Finca Doña Dora, located in El Queremal. This site is a favorite among local and international birders, thanks to its large ficus tree that attracts numerous bird species when fruiting. At Finca Doña Dora, you can observe a wide range of birds, from tanagers and toucanets to Torrent Ducks and the Barred Hawk.
The finca also tells an inspiring story of perseverance and dedication, featuring stunning bird murals painted by tourism agencies and international birders. After a day filled with birdwatching, you will return to La Araucana Lodge for a relaxing evening.
Day 06
San Antonio Cloud Forest and Bosque de Niebla Birding Nature Reserve
Today, you will depart from La Araucana Lodge to visit the San Antonio Cloud Forest, a natural treasure located just 10 minutes from the hotel. This enchanting cloud forest is home to approximately 360 bird species, including the Semicollared Hawk and the Long-billed Gnatwren, set within a magical environment rich in biodiversity and beautiful orchids.
After exploring the cloud forest, you will visit the Bosque de Niebla Birding and Nature Reserve located at Kilometer 18. Here, you can observe up to 270 bird species thriving in the humid, high-altitude forest environment. After a morning filled with birdwatching, you will return to La Araucana Lodge for dinner and overnight accommodations.
Day 07
Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred directly to Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport in Cali for your departure flight. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for choosing Ocampo Expeditions for your birdwatching adventure in the Valle del Cauca. We hope your experience has been rewarding and memorable, filled with unique bird sightings and unforgettable moments. Safe travels!
Lodges & accommodations
Where you'll rest.
Hotel La Huerta
Calima sector, near Yotoco, Río Bravo and Sonso Lagoon
La Araucana Lodge
Km 18, San Antonio cloud forest
Visit website
eBird hotspots
Verified on the route.
What's included
The fine print.
Included
- Transportation throughout the tour.
- Accommodation.
- Main meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) as stipulated in the itinerary.
- Private transport. Includes 4x4 transportation if necessary.
- Entrance fees to all reserves visited during the tour.
- Travel insurance.
- Professional guide expert in birds.
- Driver.
Not included
- International or domestic flights.
- Laundry service. Personal hygiene items.
- Room service.
- Medical expenses that are not covered by the travel insurance granted by us.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Activities not included in the itinerary.
- Extensions in the trip due to events of force majeure or fortuitous event.
- Tips.
Gallery
Scenes from
this expedition.
Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture, taste delicious Colombian cuisine and live unforgettable adventures in every corner of the country. Are you ready for this magical journey?
Reserve your spot now and join us on the trip of a lifetime! The wildest and most exciting experiences in Colombia await you. Don't let them tell you, be part of the magic!