Coffee Triangle · Valle del Cauca
Coffee Region and Cauca Valley
A 10-day birding tour for the most passionate birders, spanning Colombia's Coffee Region, Valle del Cauca, and the Pacific Region.
Duration
10 days
Best season
Year-round
Group
2-10 pax
The expedition
Embark on a 10-day birding tour designed for the most passionate birders, eager to expand their species lists with exciting new discoveries. This unique journey will take you through some of Colombia's most biodiverse regions, spanning the Coffee Region, the Valle del Cauca, and the Pacific Region. Each area is home to a variety of habitats, offering countless opportunities to spot rare and endemic species, perfect for those aiming to add new birds to their checklists.
We begin in the Coffee Region, a true haven for birdwatchers. Explore the renowned Río Blanco Reserve, a sanctuary for endemic species and elusive birds found within the dense forest. Next, the majestic Hacienda El Bosque will captivate you with its diversity of highland species. As we ascend, we'll reach the stunning Laguna Negra and the Brisas sector in the Los Nevados National Natural Park, where soaring Andean Condors and colorful hummingbirds will greet you against a backdrop of páramo landscapes and volcanic peaks.
The journey continues into the Valle del Cauca, a region famous for its rich biodiversity. Here, you'll delve into the natural surroundings of the Yotoco Reserve, where the tropical dry forest is home to a fascinating array of birds. As we move on, we'll explore the scenic landscapes of the Río Bravo and Laguna de Sonso, where the spectacle of waterfowl and migratory birds is simply unparalleled. Next, venture to Finca Doña Dora in the Anchicayá sector, known for species like the Toucan Barbet and the Crimson-rumped Toucanet. To top off the experience, immerse yourself in the magical cloud forests of San Antonio and Finca Bosque de Niebla Birding and Nature, nestled at kilometer 18. The mist and vibrant green forest provide a breathtaking setting for observing hummingbirds, tanagers, and raptors.
Throughout this journey, you'll enjoy the comfort and hospitality of first-class accommodations, such as Quo Quality Hotel in Manizales, the charming La Huerta Hotel in Calima, and the exclusive La Araucana Lodge near kilometer 18. Each has been carefully chosen to ensure your moments of rest are as rewarding as your birding adventures.
This tour not only offers the chance to significantly grow your bird species list, but also immerses you in the culture, landscapes, and biodiversity of Colombia, making each day an unforgettable experience for any birding enthusiast.
Target highlights
Brown-banded Antpitta
Toucan Barbet
Cauca Guan
Andean Cock-of-the-rock
Multicoloured Tanager
Day by day
The route, unfolded.
Day 01
Arrival in Pereira: Welcome to the Coffee Region
Upon your arrival at Matecaña International Airport (PEI) in Pereira, the Ocampo Expeditions team, consisting of one of our drivers and a professional birding guide, will be ready to welcome you to Colombia's renowned coffee region. From the airport, you will be transferred to Hotel Quo Quality in Manizales, approximately a one-and-a-half-hour drive.
Upon arrival at Hotel Quo Quality, you will enjoy a delicious lunch. Our guide will provide an introduction to the tour, outlining the locations you will visit and the bird species you may encounter, keeping in mind that sightings depend on nature's generosity. In the evening, you will dine and stay overnight at the hotel, allowing you to rest and prepare for the exciting days ahead.
Day 02
Exploring Rio Blanco Nature Reserve
Your day begins early with a departure from Hotel Quo Quality to the Rio Blanco Nature Reserve, a short 20-minute drive away. Located just 3 km from Manizales, Rio Blanco is an ideal spot for bird photography, boasting 4,932 hectares of cloud forest ranging from 2,150 to 3,700 meters above sea level. This reserve plays a crucial role in conserving the water supply for Manizales' residents and has historically recorded up to 517 bird species.
During your visit, you will explore ecological trails equipped with bird feeders attracting antpittas such as Grallaria milleri, Grallaria rufocinerea, and Grallaria ruficapilla. Breakfast and lunch will be enjoyed within the reserve, providing ample opportunities for photography amidst stunning natural backdrops. In the afternoon, you will return to Hotel Quo Quality in Manizales for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 03
Hacienda El Bosque: A Birdwatcher's Paradise
On this exciting day, you will embark early in the morning from Hotel Quo Quality to Hacienda El Bosque, one of the premier birding sites in Colombia's coffee region. Here, you'll have the opportunity to spotting stunning species, including the Grallaricula lineifrons, Ensifera ensifera, Buthraupis montana, and many more, with a remarkable record of up to 314 bird species documented in this area.
Breakfast and lunch will be served at Hacienda El Bosque, allowing you to savor the local flavors while surrounded by breathtaking scenery. In the afternoon, you'll return to Hotel Quo Quality for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 04
Birding in Laguna Negra and Brisas Zone (Los Nevados National Park)
This day will start with an early departure from Hotel Quo Quality to the Los Nevados National Park, where you'll visit two key birding hotspots. The first stop will be Laguna Negra, where you can observe species such as Cinclodes excelsior, Oxyura ferruginea andina, Anas andium andium, Catamenia homochroa, and Asthenes flammulata. The second stop will be the Brisas zone, known for birds like Atlapetes pallidinucha, Oxypogon stuebelii (a highlight), Geranoaetus melanoleucus, Ochthoeca fumicolor, and Asthenes flammulata. After birding in Los Nevados National Park, we will embark on a scenic 5-hour journey to La Huerta Hotel, Valle del Cauca, where we will enjoy dinner and rest for the evening.
Day 05
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 06
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 07
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 08
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 09
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 10
Departure
After breakfast at La Araucana Lodge, 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 Quo Quality
Manizales, base for the coffee region
Visit website
Hotel La Huerta
Calima, Valle del Cauca
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!