Eastern Plains & Cauca Valley

Eastern Plains · Valle del Cauca

Eastern Plains & Cauca Valley

An 11-day journey through two of Colombia's most diverse regions: the vast Eastern Plains of Hato La Aurora and the lush Valle del Cauca.

Duration

11 days

Best season

December - March

Group

2-10 pax

The expedition

Embark on an 11-day journey through two of Colombia's most diverse and wildlife-rich regions: the vast Eastern Plains and the lush Valle del Cauca. Your adventure begins in the untamed wilderness of Hato La Aurora, a private reserve in the Eastern Plains, where the horizon stretches endlessly and the landscape is alive with the calls of birds and the presence of majestic wildlife.

Here, you'll witness a dazzling array of avifauna, including the elegant Syrigma sibilatrix, the vibrant Pipra filicauda, and the striking Hypnelus bicinctus. The colorful Paroaria nigrogenis will catch your eye, and the rare Brachygalba goeringi will be a prize sighting for any birder. Near the water, the graceful Eurypyga helias displays its intricate plumage, while the bold Jabiru mycteria stands tall in the marshes.

But this region offers more than just birds. Hato La Aurora is home to an astonishing variety of wildlife. As you explore, you'll encounter howler monkeys, giant river otters, giant anteaters, capybaras, and even white-tailed deer. The waterways are home to Orinoco crocodiles, caimans, and anacondas, while the plains hide apex predators like pumas and the elusive jaguar. This reserve is renowned for its jaguar sightings, making it the perfect destination for those hoping to glimpse this magnificent cat in the wild.

After experiencing the raw beauty of the Eastern Plains, you'll take a flight to the vibrant city of Cali, your gateway to the Valle del Cauca. Here, you'll explore a variety of habitats, starting with the Yotoco Forest Reserve, where towering trees shelter a wealth of bird species. In Rio Bravo, you'll discover a rugged landscape of mountains and fast-flowing rivers, ideal for spotting species that thrive in these dynamic environments.

Next, you'll visit the serene Laguna de Sonso, a wetland sanctuary brimming with life. The calm waters are home to herons, kingfishers, and countless other waterbirds, offering a peaceful yet thrilling birding experience as you explore its shores.

As you journey through this region, you'll visit Doña Dora's finca, a haven for birdwatchers, where you'll be surrounded by colorful hummingbirds, tanagers, and toucans. The cool mists of the San Antonio cloud forest create an enchanting backdrop for birding, with the chance to spot endemic species among the trees. Your adventure continues into the heart of the Bosque de Niebla, where the dense vegetation and vibrant birdlife offer unforgettable moments.

Throughout your journey, you'll stay in comfortable lodges that provide a seamless connection with nature, offering not just a place to rest, but a front-row seat to Colombia's rich biodiversity. This 11-day experience will immerse you in the beauty of Colombia's landscapes, from the savannas of the Eastern Plains to the cloud forests, rivers, and wetlands of Valle del Cauca. Each day brings new discoveries, as you explore habitats filled with extraordinary birds and wildlife.

Target highlights

01

Jaguar & Puma

02

Orinoco Crocodile

03

Giant Anteater

04

Jabiru mycteria

05

Toucan Barbet

Day by day

The route, unfolded.

  1. Day 01

    Arrival in Bogotá

    Pickup at El Dorado International Airport and transfer to Hotel Habitel Select. Lunch, briefing and overnight at the hotel.

  2. Day 02

    Bogotá → Yopal → Hato La Aurora

    Early flight to Yopal (Casanare), then a five-hour drive across the Eastern Plains to Juan Solito Eco Hotel at the gate of Hato La Aurora. Expect caimans, capybaras, giant anteaters and the first wave of llanero birds en route. Afternoon safari and overnight at Juan Solito.

  3. Day 03

    Full safari at Hato La Aurora

    Full day inside the reserve, working for Syrigma sibilatrix, Pipra filicauda, Hypnelus bicinctus, Paroaria nigrogenis and the chance of howler monkeys, giant otters, anacondas, Orinoco crocodiles, white-tailed deer and even jaguars — Hato La Aurora holds Colombia's highest jaguar density.

  4. Day 04

    Pre-dawn safari & return to Yopal

    Pre-dawn positioning deep in the reserve to maximize jaguar chances, then breakfast and lunch at Juan Solito. Afternoon transfer back to Yopal and overnight at Holiday Inn Express Yopal.

  5. Day 05

    Yopal → Cali → Calima

    Early flight from El Alcaraván Airport to Cali, lunch en route and transfer to Hotel La Huerta in Calima for dinner and overnight.

  6. Day 06

    Yotoco Forest Reserve

    Full morning at Yotoco (559 ha, 350+ species, including Cauca Guan). Lunch and flexible afternoon at La Huerta.

  7. Day 07

    Río Bravo Reserve

    Visit Río Bravo (522 bird species, including Crested Eagle and Baudó Guan), return to Hotel La Huerta.

  8. Day 08

    Sonso Lagoon → La Araucana Lodge

    Morning at the Sonso Lagoon wetlands (Horned Screamer guaranteed in the right conditions). Afternoon transfer to La Araucana Lodge at Km 18.

  9. Day 09

    Finca Doña Dora

    Full day at Finca Doña Dora in El Queremal — the famous fruiting ficus draws tanagers, toucanets, Torrent Duck and Barred Hawk.

  10. Day 10

    San Antonio Cloud Forest & Km 18

    Morning at the San Antonio Cloud Forest (~360 species) and the Bosque de Niebla Reserve at Km 18 (270 species). Overnight at La Araucana Lodge.

  11. Day 11

    Departure

    After breakfast, transfer to Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport.

Lodges & accommodations

Where you'll rest.

eBird hotspots

Verified on the route.

What's included

The fine print.

Included

  • Domestic connecting flights (Bogotá–Yopal) (Yopal–Santiago de Cali).
  • 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 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.

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!

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