Meeting day
The participants will be picking up at Bogota airport and then meet the guide at Night at Bogota-Dinner included.
The highest concentration of endemic birds
The Northern area of Colombia is one of the best birding destinations in South America. At least 700 species have been recorded in this area, including many endemic species, 18 globally threatened and at least 60 with restricted distribution. Additionally, this region is of high importance for migratory birds which are represented by more than 120 species. Linked with this wealth of birds, this region offers a wide variety of habitats and incredible landscapes that have easy access and short travel distances. Besides being a “must” for those interested in birds, this region has a lot to offer non birders. Idyllic beaches, pre-hispanic ruins, sports and other activities are available at or nearbirdwatching sites.
Itinerary
Chingaza National Park area Calera Feeders.
We will start our trip looking for some stars birds like Brown-breasted Parakeet (E), Bronze-tailed Thornbill (NE), Mattoral Tapaculo (E) and Rufous-browed Conebill (NE). We’ll also spend time looking for Golden-crowned Tanager, Andean Pygmy Owl, Ocellated Tapaculo, Black-billed Mountain-Toucan, Black-collared Jay, Rufous Antpittta, White capped Tanager, and Spectacled Prickletail. In the afternoon we’ll visit new fantastic feeders with species like Sword-billed Hummingbird, Blue-throated Starfrontlet, Coppery-bellied Puffleg, Black-tailded Trainbearer, Great-sapphire wing and many others. Night Bogota Hotel
Bogota -Minca- El Dorado Reserve.
Early flight at 7:30 am + Early birding around Minca and after an early lunch. start our drive to the beautiful and comfortable El Dorado lodge (1950 m.).
Morning in Minca looking for Santa Marta Sabrewing, SM Foliage-gleaner (E), Golden wing Sparrow, Sooty-capped Hermit, Venezuelan Tyrannulet, Military Macaw, Royal Flycatcher, Lance-tailed Manakin, Black-chested Jay (NE), Rufous-breasted Wren, Rufous-and-white Wren, Golden-fronted Greenlet (NE), Rosy Thrush-tanager, Thick-billed Seed Finch.
The total journey takes 2.5 hours, but we will spend the rest of the day birding the excellent habitat along this forested road on the way looking for species such as Blossomcrown (E), Rusty-headed Spinetail (E), , White-tailed Starfrontlet (E), Streak-capped Spinetail (NE), White-lored Warbler (E), Santa Marta Brush-finch (E),White-tipped Quetzal (NE), Yellow-billed Toucanet (NE), Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner, (E), Gray-throated Leaftosser, Coopery Emerald, Golden-breasted Fruiteater (NE), Santa Marta Tapaculo (E), Band-tailed Guan (NE), Black-hooded Thrush, Black-headed Tanager, Rusty-breasted Antpitta. Nightat El Dorado Lodge.
San Lorenzo Ridge- El Dorado Reserve
Today we will focus on the endemics and other specialities that are found only at the top of the road (2600 m). Birds we may see today include Santa Marta Parakeet (E), Black-backed Thornbill (E), Santa Marta (SM) Bush-Tyrant (E), Brown-rumped Tapaculo (E), SM Antpitta (E), the newly discovered Santa Marta Screech Owl (E), SM Rufous Antpitta (E), SM Mountain-tanager (E), Yellow-crowned Whitestart (E), SM Warbler (E) and many others quality ones like Andean Condor and Solitary Eagle.
On the late afternoon it will time to enjoy the fantastics feeders around our cabins. Black-fronted Wood Quail, Santa Marta Antpitta (E), White-tailed Starfrontle (E), Black-backed Thornbill (E), Santa Marta Woodstar (E), Lazuline Sabrewing, Blue.naped Chlorophonia are some of the nice staff to keep us busy. Night at El Dorado Lodge.
Need to Know Information For Your Birding Trip
All you need to now before travel
Flights
We do not include the cost of international airfare in our prices do not cover the cost of any flight tickets.
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Pablo has birded repeatedly at all the major birding locations in the country – and many of the minor ones also-. He speaks good English. He has a great temperament for guiding, being polite and patient (with us), and also persistent (with the birds). He has all the key birds on his Ipod and is very knowledgeable about the vast majority of the birds, and especially about where to find them. Currently his prices are an incredible value, and our trip cost far less than any of my other guided trips in the Neotropics. I would place Pablo at the top of the ladder when it comes to organization and consideration for our well-being and safety – and that counts for a lot in this new birding frontier; I highly recommend him. I am already planning to go back to Colombia soon, and to hire him again – that demonstrates my faith in his ability to find great birds (and to provide a trouble-free experience in the process). www.martinreid.com
Sep.2009
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We had another great trip in Colombia, lots of new species photographed and lots of Colombia seen. It’s a wonderful country, I notice the improvements just in the last 3 years (2008-2010). More peaceful, less military, the hotels and food are getting better. All in all, what’s not to like? I’ll be back many more times.
I have been traveling with Pablo 3 times in Colombia. He is a wonderful guide.I highly recommend him for birds and butterflies. He has tapes and knows most of the calls, He’s learning more and more about traveling around the country, is very patient w/our hunting for butterflies and his English is much improved. Plus he’s a really nice guy. www.neotropicalbutterflies.com
Oct 2010.
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Four of us joined Pablo on a 3.5 week tour. We were not disappointed. A total of 50 endemics plus 13 antpittas seen and more lifers for all of us than we had expected. The logistics were seamless, everything worked. Pablo has an outstanding knowledge of all the sites based on his own extensive experience of birding Colombia . He knows where to find all the key species and his knowledge of calls in particular is excellent. He has excellent relationships with all the key people at all the sites which makes for a smooth, safe and pleasant experience for all. Moreover Pablo is a thoughtful and sensitive person, a caring and attentive guide who made sure that everyone felt comfortable and able to enjoy the trip. We certainly did ….and for added measure the trip was very good value !
Aug 2011.
Enjoy The Best Experience with Us
We operate some standard tours with set itineraries, but we will also be delighted to help you plan an individual tour to suit your own customized itinerary.Our team combines the best in local expertise and equipment to ensure very successful tours, allowing our customers to enjoy a safe, comfortable and unique travel experience.