Arrival in Cali (Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport). 

At night we will have a welcome dinner, during which we will meet all the participants; then we will have a short meeting in which we will report on the activities of the following days.

In the morning we will go to a small farm located approximately 45 minutes from Cali. This place is located in the western Andes of Colombia (2,000 m.a.s.l.) and has a list of more than 20 species of hummingbirds, it is also a good place to see various species of tanagers.

At the feeders it is possible to spot up to 30 species of tanagers, including the famous Multicolored Tanager (Chlorochrysa nitidissima), one of the main objectives of this trip!

Also, other species of birds such as flower piercers, honeycreepers, jay, toucans, woodpeckers, etc.

In addition, during these days, we will have the opportunity to take multi-flash photography, in which we will be able to obtain very beautiful photos of hummingbirds in flight and perched near the feeders.

*Note: If the dates coincide with the nesting season of the Ornate hawk-eagle (spizaetus ornatus). Of course we will go there!

Today we will go to the La Rivera Reserve, to see and photograph the famous Red-ruffed Fruitcrow (Pyroderus scutatus), in the afternoon we will visit the Finca Don Miguel reserve in Chinchiná, to photograph the Bay-headed Tanager (Tangara gyrola), then we will head towards Manizales.

After breakfast, we will go to Cajamarca, in search of another main target of the trip, the Yellow-eared Parrot (Ognorhynchus icterotis)

Once we arrive at the place, and if it is not too late, we will have the opportunity to visit a reserve of “Palmas de Cera” trees, which are nesting places for parrots.

Likewise, we will have the opportunity to do multi-flash photographs of very beautiful hummingbirds in the area (Optional).

Depending on the success of the day before, we will visit again, early in the morning, the private reserve of “Palmas de Cera” trees in search of the Yellow-eared Parrot (Ognorhynchus icterotis).

Then we will go in search of another species of parrot. Or we can go to the bird feeders in the private reserve, where there are great chances of observing Tolima Blossomcrown (Tolima Blossomcrown) y Yellow-headed Brushfinch (Yellow-headed brushfinch), endemic species that frequently visit the gardens of the place.

After breakfast we will leave to outskirts of Manizales.

Once we arrive at the reserve, we will enjoy the company of hummingbirds in a full multi-flash day. With a nice cup of coffee and surrounded by the forest, we will be able to photograph the Steely-vented Hummingbird (Steely-vented hummingbird), Western Emerald (Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus), White- necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora), Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (Rufous-tailed hummingbird), White-vented Plumeleteer (Chalybura buffonii), Green hermit (Phaethornis guy), Black-throated Mango (Anthracothorax nigricollis), among others.

This beautiful dry forest, the perfect setting for a nature lover, offers us a great variety of species of birds that arrive at their feeders, among which we can observe and photograph the Clay- coloured Thrush (Mirlo pardo), Andean Motmot, (Momotus aequatorialis) Thick-billed Euphonia (Euphonia laniirostris), Crimson-rumped Tanager (Ramphocelus passerinii), Acorn woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus), Bay-headed tanager (Tangara gyrola), Blue-necked tanager (Stilpnia cyanicollis), Crimson-backed tanager (Ramphocelus dimidiatus), Scrub tanager (Stilpnia vitriolina), Blue-gray tanager (Thraupis episcopus), Guira tanager (Hemithraupis guira), Red-crowned woodpecker (Melanerpes rubricapillus), among others.

Additionally, when the lek activity is high, it is possible to approach to take good photographs of the Golden-collared Manakin (Manacus vitellinus).

This day we will visit a huge ranch with bird feeders, and one of its main attractions is to photograph the Crescent-faced antpitta (Grallaricula lineifrons) and Rufous antpitta (Grallaria rufula) while they are being fed.

Also, we will have great opportunities to photograph the Grey Breasted Mountain Toucan (Andigena hypoglauca), Barred fruiteater (Pipreola arcuata), Golden-fronted whitestart (Myioborus ornatus), Rufous-breasted chat-tyrant (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis), and the largest tanager of all, the Hooded Mountain-Tanager (Buthraupis montana).

In the afternoon we will do hummingbirds photography, which includes the famous Sword-billed hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera). Multi-flash.

This day we will get up very early to go to the high lands of cloud forests, where there is one of the places with an excellent opportunity to see and photograph several exotic birds, including the iconic Black-billed Mountain-Toucan (Andigena nigrirostris). Además podremos ver: Lesser Violetear (Colibri cyanotus), Sparkling Violetear (Sparkling Violetear), Tourmaline sunangel (Heliangelus exortis), Long-tailed sylph (Aglaiocercus kingii), Tyrian metaltail (Metallura tyrianthina), Black-thighed puffleg (Eriocnemis derbyi), Shining Sunbeam (Aglaeactis cupripennis), Collared Inca (Coeligena torquata), Buff-winged starfrontlet (Coeligena lutetiae), Mountain velvetbreast (Lafresnaya lafresnayi), Bicolored Antpitta (Grallaria rufocinerea).

In the afternoon/evening we will go to our hotel in Manizales.

In the morning we will go to a reserve located in the high Andean forests, near to the ” Natural Los Nevados National Park “. Here the goal will be to see and photograph the Southern Emerald-Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus albivitta). Although it is rare to see it, on this place we have a good chance of seeing it.

In the afternoon we will go to our hotel located at 3,400 m.a.s.l. This lodge is located in a privileged place that combines natural hot springs pools with a pleasant place for bird watching and photography.

Here, in the hotel feeders, we can photograph and enjoy the sighting of wonderful birds such as, el Black-thighed and Golden-breasted puffleg (Eriocnemis mosquera), Great sapphirewing (Pterophanes cyanopterus), Buff-winged Starfrontlet (Coeligena lutetiae), Collared Inca (Coeligena torquata), Mountain Velvetbreast (Lafresnaya lafresnayi); and, if we are very lucky, the magnificent Rainbow-bearded Thornbill (Chalcostigma herrani).

After breakfast we will go to a place located 10 km from the hotel, that is the paramo area of ” Natural Los Nevados National Park” where it is possible to photograph the endemic Buffy Helmetcrest (Oxypogon stuebelii), which usually approaches the wild flowers of the place; here patience and luck is paramount.

After a good night’s rest and a delicious breakfast we will be ready to go back home

Note: It is important to check flight departure times and arrive at the airport in good time.

Airport: Matecaña International Airport, located in Pereira city