Southern Colombia Birding & Culture Expedition
Birds & Culture in Southern Colombia
Benefitting the Grassland Bird Trust
12 Days - 11 Nights
Professional local birding guides
Explore an area only recently opened to tourism
Comfortable vehicle; all lodging and meals included
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Post-tour extensions are available. Ask Us!
Price includes a $1,000 tax-deductible donation to a conservation-missioned 501c3
Why This Tour is Special
Your trip helps protect grassland and grassland birds. Each ticket sold for the tour includes a $1,000 tax-deductible donation to the Grassland Bird Trust.
Colombia is the birdy-ist country on earth with over 1,950 species (almost 20% of the world’s total). Putumayo and the Colombian Massif are home to over 1,000 of these species.
Bird amongst ancient civilizations. A UNESCO world heritage since 1995, San Agustin presents the largest group of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures in South America while also providing intact habitat for some great birding.
More than birds. Birding is the focus, but the rainforest teams with life. You are likely to see monkeys, tamarins, rare butterflies, and some of the world’s most unique frogs.
This is responsible tourism at work. You will visit, stay, and dine with local families, gaining an intimate overview of local culture and the benefits of birding tourism to the community. Local businesses provide professional birding guides, lodging, meals, and more. Our tour is a powerful incentive for local communities to protect their natural habitats, and making wildlife worth more alive than dead.
A pair of hoatzin surveying the Putumayo nature scene. Image: ©Adalbertus
Detailed Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Bogotá
Upon arriving in Bogotá, you will be transferred to a comfortable hotel in the city. Here you will be met for a welcome dinner by your tour leader, with time to talk through some of the exciting adventures to come.
Night at Hotel Blue Suites
Day 2: Chingaza National Park & Hummingbirds Observatory
Páramo of Chingaza National Park. Image: ©Inga Locmele Courtesy Colombia Travel.
We will make an early start to venture into the hills, ascending high into an elfin forest in the huge Chingaza National Park, which is 53,000 ha (205 sq mi) and provides the majority of the drinking water for Bogota. You will find most of the Eastern Andean Highland near endemics here.
The short-stunted trees and nearby páramo habitat encourages small mixed roving flocks. Amongst these, we will search for Rufous-browed Conebill, Silvery-throated Spinetail, and the skulking Pale-bellied Tapaculo. The White–faced form of Golden-fronted Whitestart, Black-chested, Buff-breasted, and Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanagers, Red-crested Cotinga, Pale-naped Brush-finch, Rufos Wren, Superciliared, Black-eared, Black-headed, and Oleaginous Hemispingus, and other delights, such as Plushcap, Black-crested Warbler, White-throated Tyrannulet, Rufous Antpitta, Glowing and the near-endemic Coppery-bellied Puffleg.
We may even entice an Andean Pygmy-owl to show itself; if we are fortunate, we could find Bronze-tailed Thornbills. The endemic Brown-breasted Parakeet is one of the targeted species, and artificial nest boxes have been set up in the area for the continued survival of this endemic species.
Making our way higher in elevation, we can continue searching for Tyriant Metaltail, Glossy and Masked Flowerpiercer, Barred Fruiteater, Slaty Brus-finch, White-chinned Thistletail, Streak-throated Bush-tyrant.
In the afternoon, we will visit some Hummingbird feeders where we have good chances to see the Sword-billed Hummingbirds, Great Sapphirewing Green violetear, Sparkling Violetear, Amethyst-throated Sunangel, Black-tailed and Green-tailed Trainbearers, Purple-backed Thornbill, Glowing Puffleg, Coppery-bellied Puffleg, Shining Sunbeam, Blue-throated Starfronlet, Mountain Velvet-breast, and White-bellied Woodstar.
Night at Hotel Blue Suites
Day 3: Morning at Botanical Garden & Flight to Puerto Asis
Brown Inca Hummingbird. Image: ©Onda ej Prosicka
We will visit the José Celestino Mutis Botanical Garden if we have time before our flights. Few urban birding locations offer such a perfect combination of birds, scenery, tranquility, and biodiversity. Named after the noted Spanish botanist and Enlightenment figure José Celestino Mutis, the Bogotá Botanical Gardens are a rare haven of peace and calm in an otherwise busy city.
And for urban birders, the garden’s proliferation of native plants, flowers, fruits, and fresh water is the perfect combination to attract a healthy number of resident and migratory species. The melodious call of the Yellow-backed Oriole is a near-constant soundtrack, and with patience, they can usually be seen as well. Purple Gallinule, Striated Heron, Rufous-browed Conebill, White-throated Tyrannulet, Mountain Elaenia, Both Rusty and Black Flowerpiercers, Palm and Blue-gray Tanagers and among the species that we will be looking for that morning.
Since we will be birding during migration season, we can expect an exciting number of boreal migrants such as Summer and Scarlet Tanagers, Blackburnian and Black-and-white Warblers, Swainson’s Thrush, and Red-eyed Vireo.
Depending on the flight schedule, we may go straight to the airport to catch the flight to Puerto Asis or return to the hotel for lunch before heading out to our flight.
Night at Kofan Hotel, Puerto Asis
Black-handed Titi. Image courtesy of El Encanto Nature Reserve
Day 4: Playa Rica
We will have a full-day birding adventure through the lush varzea and Heliconia forest of the Playa Rica community, where you'll have the opportunity to spot some of the most remarkable avian species in the region. The Playa Rica community, whose inhabitants have realized how diverse and vital the forest is in their surroundings, is now dedicated to preserving this incredible ecosystem, ensuring that these magnificent birds and their habitats are protected for generations. Main targets include Rufous-headed Woodpecker, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Long-billed Woodcreeper, Orange-backed Troupial, White-eared Jacamar, and more.
Night at Kofan Lodge, Puerto Asis
Day 5: Amazon Bird Reserve & Transfer to Mocoa
A lush oasis that has defied the odds is nestled in the center of an area that has undergone unrelenting devastation for decades. Meet Amazon Bird, a small private reserve that a family has lovingly protected for half a century. This patch of forest stands strong among the swaths of land cleared for farming and animals, affording refuge to a stunning diversity of feathered and furry creatures. The sanctuary is home to numerous species of monkeys and birds.
Glass butterfly along the Guarapas River. Image: Courtesy of El Encanto Nature Reserve
While walking the reserve's trails, we might spot the elusive pygmy marmoset! These tiny primates, famed for their small stature and charming features, have been observed frequenting the Amazon Bird feeders. Imagine these pocket-sized monkeys delicately plucking at fruits and seeds with their tiny fingers. The scene will take your breath away.
After enjoying a delicious lunch prepared by the reserve owners' skilled hands, with a spread of fresh organic fruits and vegetables handpicked from their garden, we will set out for Mocoa, full bellies and renewed enthusiasm, ready to experience all the wonders it has to offer.
Night at Suma Wasi Hotel, Mocoa
Day 6: Donde se Oculta el Sol Reserve & Visit to ASOMI Project
Step into the magical world of "Donde se Oculta el Sol" - an indigenous family-owned Reserve that is on a mission to safeguard the treasures of nature, from the lush woods to the dense jungles, and preserve the traditional practices and customs of the Inga Wasipungo people. By promoting tourism, they incentivize indigenous people, farmers, and communities to develop their territory in a responsible and environmentally sustainable manner.
Their skilled guides will present us with many fluttering butterflies, birds, and primates as we hike the reserve's pathways while sharing fascinating stories and traditions from the region's villages.
In the afternoon, we will visit ASOMI, a beacon of hope led by indigenous women passionately dedicated to preserving the region's traditional craft heritage while empowering women in need. Get ready to be inspired by their work and encouraged to support their cause as we explore their vibrant and colorful world.
Night at Suma Wasi Hotel, Mocoa
Day 7: San Agustin Archeological Park & Transfer to El Encanto Reserve
Statue at the San Augustin Archeological Park. Image courtesy of Informacion Turistica San Agustin
Prepare to journey back in time as we explore the wonders of San Agustin Archeological Park, a remarkable testament to the ancient indigenous cultures that once roamed this land. The park contains Latin America's most extensive collection of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures and is considered the world's largest necropolis. The statues' dates are unknown; however, they are thought to have been carved between 5 and 400 AD. The origin of the carvers remains a mystery, as the site is largely unexcavated.
Marvel at the massive necropolis, which serves as a final resting place for generations of ancestors, and discover the intricate art, fascinating history, and awe-inspiring architecture that make this site one of the most important archaeological treasures in the world. This visit will deepen your understanding of Colombia's rich past and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the remarkable achievements of our ancestors.
After lunch, we will drive to the charming El Encanto Reserve.
Night at El Encanto Reserve
Days 8 & 9: El Encanto Reserve
Settled within the lush wilderness lies El Encanto - a charming little reserve where a dedicated family has steadfastly protected the endangered habitats of at least ten endemic bird species and many lesser-known creatures. Through their hard work and persistence, they have expanded this hidden gem, creating exceptional bird feeders and spectacular trails that offer a captivating journey through nature's beauty.
We will spend three exciting days in this reserve. This charming little paradise is home to some of the region's most elusive and little-known birds. But fear not; with our expert guides and state-of-the-art feeders, we'll have the chance to observe these magnificent creatures up close. The main lodge boasts five endemics that visit the feeders, such as Apical Flycatcher, Colombian Chachalaca, Indigo-capped Hummingbird, Tolima Blossomcrown & the secretive Tolima Dove. But the show's true star is the uncommon Golden-eared Tanager, a jewel-like bird that dazzles with its bright colors. And if that wasn't enough, the feeders are also visited by a variety of colorful tanagers and hummingbirds, including the gorgeous Ruby Topaz.
Golden Tananger. Image: ©David Havel
As we ascend to higher elevations, we'll have the chance to spot even more endemics, such as the Red-bellied Grackle, East-Andean Antbird, and the Huila Parakeet, a unique form of the Maroon-tailed Parakeet found only in this region. But the real adventure begins in the upper reaches of the reserve, where elusive species like the Hooded Antpitta and the White-bellied Antpitta await. And if we're lucky, we might even glimpse the rare Schwartz's Antthrush, a true highlight for any birdwatcher.
As the sun sets, the real magic begins at this lodge. The family has curated special activities to make your stay even more memorable. The night's highlight is the traditional cooking workshop, where the family chef will reveal the secrets of their mouth-watering dishes. Get your hands dirty and learn how to cook like a pro while enjoying the authentic and delicious flavors of the region. These cooking workshops are one of the main reasons this lodge is so famous among its visitors.
Night at El Encanto Reserve
Day 10: Morning at the reserve & flight to Bogotá
On our final morning at the lodge, we can go all out and hit our remaining birdwatching targets or sit back and bask in the stunning scenery while enjoying the vibrant birdlife at the feeders. As the afternoon approaches, we'll bid farewell to this magical place and embark on our journey back to Bogota.
Sumapaz National Park. Image courtesy Parque Nacional Natural Sumapaz
Night at Hilton Garden Bogotá
Day 11: Sumapaz National Park
The Sumapaz Páramo is an exceptional location within the Eastern Andean Mountain Range in the province of Sumapaz. This vast páramo habitat is recognized as the world's largest and promises a breathtakingly magnificent landscape. This trip aims to see some of the most elusive birds, such as the Bearded Helmecrest, Apolinar's Wren, and the Bogota Rail. We'll also be looking for the exquisite Bronze Tailed Thornbill, Chestnut Winged Cinclodes, and Many Striped Canastero, among other species. Other species we hope to see include the Andean Tit Spinetail, Paramo Seed-eater, Plain Coloured Seedater, and the majestic Black Chested Buzzard Eagle.
Night at Hilton Garden Bogotá
Day 12: Return flights
As we reach the end of this unforgettable adventure, we are confident that you will depart with a heart filled with memories of Colombia's breathtaking natural wonders. You will have spent 12 days immersing yourself in the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes that make this country unique.
Wildlife
Wildlife
Colombia is widely considered the second most biodiverse country in the world, and per square kilometer, the country is the most biodiverse. In 2020, according to the Colombian Biodiversity Information System, a total of 63,303 species of flora, fauna, and fungi were registered in the country, of which more than 8,800, or over 14%, are considered endemic species. While occupying only 1% of the earth’s surface, Colombia hosts almost 10% of the world’s biodiversity.
There are more bird, amphibian, butterfly, and frog species here than anywhere else in the world. And although Colombia is a relatively small nation, it holds the sixth position in biodiversity of mammals.
Putumayo is one of the most biodiverse departments in Colombia; the Colombian Massif is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1979. Putumayo is home to a wide range of charismatic wildlife, such as parrots, toucans, monkeys, tapirs, tamarins, capybaras, jaguars, pumas, spectacled bears, and a great variety of hummingbirds.
I wonder how this character got its name? Crimson-rumped Toucanette. Image: ©Steve Herrmann
Birds
Colombia is currently home to 1958 bird species, of which 80 are endemic; this equates to approximately 20% of all bird diversity worldwide. In addition, it boasts the greatest diversity of hummingbirds, with 165 species of the 355 found on the entire American continent.
The Colombian Massif and Putumayo region in southwestern Colombia is rapidly being recognized as the next go-to destination for birding in the country. With 1013 registered bird species, Putumayo has 52% of Colombian bird species.
Based on eBird data, 1065 species of birds have been identified in Putumayo. We will have an opportunity to see approximately 805 species.
Western Emerald Hummingbird. Image: ©Onda ej Prosicka
Endangered species we may see:
Tolima Dove
Bogota Rail
Magdalena Tapaculo
Endemics we may see:
Colombian Chachalaca
Chestnut Wood-Quail
Green-bearded Helmetcrest
Black Inca
Tolima Blossomcrown
Indigo-capped Hummingbird
Tolima Dove
Bogota Rail
Rufous-fronted Parakeet
Brown-breasted Parakeet
Silvery-throated Spinetail
Apolinar's Wren
Yellow-headed Brushfinch
East Andean Antbird
Parker's Antbird
Muisca Antpitta
Magdalena Tapaculo
Apical Flycatcher
Apolinar's Wren
Velvet-fronted Euphonia
Yellow-headed Brushfinch
Dusky-headed Brushfinch
Red-bellied Grackle
Flame-rumped Tanager
Others
Frogs: There are at least 800 species of amphibian in Colombia, but 250 of these are considered endangered. In Putumayo, there are at least 111 species of frogs, including a number of poisonous ones. Putumayo’s frogs are some of the most colorful in the world.
Reptiles: 87 species of reptiles are listed on Nature for Putumayo, including 56 snakes, a variety of lizards, iguanas, anoles, and geckos, plus a dwarf caiman.
Butterflies: Colombia is a butterfly paradise. The country is second in the world in butterfly species, after Peru, with around 3400 species, and it has the largest number of unique butterflies, with 350 endemic species. Putumayo is known as a hot spot for butterfly viewing within Colombia.
Jaguar frog (Dendropsophus reticulatus). Image courtesy El Encanto Nature Reserve
Accommodations
Accommodations
At Destination: Wildlife, we strive to apply the principles of conservation tourism - travel that supports wildlife, habitats, and local communities. This implies a commitment to ensure your tourism dollars stay local, creating jobs and improving the livelihoods of those that live there. We use locally owned and operated accommodations, restaurants, and other providers for these reasons. But this commitment also ensures you receive the personal touch only a small business can provide while giving you a more authentic experience.
Hotel Blue Suites, Bogotá
A locally owned hotel with a friendly and helpful staff, Blue Suites Hotel is conveniently located in the neighborhood of El Chico, an area known for its accessibility to Parque ‘93, a section of the city featuring the best restaurants, bars, financial institutions, art galleries, and shopping centers, all within walking distance.
Kofan Lodge, Puerto Asis
Built and managed by a local family that oversaw every aspect of its design and construction, Kofan Lodge is modern and comfortable. Its inviting outdoor eating area is magical, but keep your eye out for the little monkeys. (Photos coming)
Suma Wasi Hotel, Mocoa
Suma Wasi means Beautiful House. This locally owned establishment is five minutes from the center of Mocoa, and has a full selection of modern amenities, including a pool, restaurant, bar, cafe, and crafts shop. The restaurant specializes in local cuisine.
Suma Wasi serves as a clean and simple oasis of calm while offering ease of access to the local birding hotspots.
El Encanto Nature Reserve, Palestine
Almost 20 years ago, the owners of this former coffee farm began to transform the property into a bird and nature reserve. The lodge is very charming because of its native construction style, open layout, and bird-and nature-themed decorations throughout. Everything here, from the bird blinds to the guest room interiors, was designed and built by the Molina family.
The restaurant uses produce grown on the farm, and the chef offers cooking classes in local cuisine. And before you leave, you will want to grab a package or two of the coffee they grow and roast onsite.
With an eBird list of 357 species, your birding can begin at the front door. Or walk the winding hiking trails around the reserve, spend some time in one of the blinds specially prepared for photography, or walk down to the Guarapas River. The number of hummingbirds is incredible. You can spend all day lounging tranquilly under a shade tree, watching them flit between flowering plants, or visit the various flora around the reserve to tick as many species as possible. This is a magical place for birders.
Airport Hilton Garden Inn, Bogotá
Located minutes from El Dorado International Airport in the Ciudad Salitre neighborhood. The hotel has the usual amenities expected in a Hilton-branded hotel, including a fitness center, lounge, business center, and room service. Although we usually try to use non-branded local accommodations, the Hilton Garden Inn provides easy access to Sumapaz National Park and the airport on our final day.
Tour Information
Tour Information
Blue-necked Tanager. Image: ©Harold Stiver
Dates
► January 15 - 26, 2024
► January 28 - February 8, 2024 (Sold Out)
Price
$5,775 ex flights.
► Price does not include round-trip airfare to Colombia and two internal flights within Colombia (currently estimated at $300).
► There is a single-room supplement of $250.
► A $1,000 donation to the Grassland Bird Trust is included in the price of the tour, and this donation is tax deductible for US residents.
Group Size
Limited to 6 Guests per date. The group size on this tour is limited to 6 guests plus a tour leader and local expert guide. Our small group policy is an essential aspect of our tours. It allows for more interaction between guests, our birding guide, and local community members and is less likely to influence wildlife behavior. And our small number means more flexibility in our accommodation and ground-travel choices. In all, the small group size can provide for a richer personal experience.
Included
► Tour Price Includes: Accommodations, services of a trip leader and professional birding guide, entrance into all reserves and parks, private transportation, all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on the final day, snacks during the excursions, airport transfers on the first and final days, and all internal transfers.
► Donation: A $1,000 donation to the Grasslands Bird Trust is included in the price of the tour, and this donation is tax deductible for US residents.
Not Included
Travel to and from Bogata, Colombia, the internal flights between Bogata and Puerto Asis, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, passport and visa fees, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry and internet, etc.), airline baggage fees, airport and departure taxes, travel protection, and medical evacuation insurance.
Please note that the internal flight between Bogata and Puerto Asis on Day 3 and the internal flights between Puerto Asis and Bogata on Day 10 are not included. Destination: Wildlife will book the flight, but it is not included in the tour price. As of this writing, airfare for this flight was approximately $300.
Andean Otter. Image courtesy of El Encanto Nature Reserve
Physical Requirements
Moderate. This tour is not especially physically demanding, but guests must be able to walk unassisted over uneven, muddy, and slippery terrain. Hikes of 2-3 miles can be expected with altitude gains of approximately 500 feet (300m). At least one day, we will be at altitudes up to 11,500 feet (3,500m).
Roads throughout the trip are often bumpy and can be winding in the mountains. Guests prone to motion sickness may wish to take precautions on drives and on the small plane flight from Bogata to Puerto Asis.
Meals
Most dietary restrictions (plant-based diets, gluten-free, etc.) can be accommodated at the hotels and lodges, but we recommend packing personal snacks if you have dietary restrictions or allergies. Please inform us of any dietary requirements due to serious medical conditions or strict personal restrictions as soon as possible.
Need to Know
Birding: Everyone is welcome, but this is primarily a birding trip. Due to the small group size, our ability to accommodate varying interests is limited. The tour is suited for both new and experienced birders, and hummingbird lovers will be especially pleased with the number and variety of species. Live for birds? The second date is your best choice.
Tourism Infrastructure: This area of Colombia was the center of an armed conflict for over 40 years, and it has only recently left that history behind. Tourism is only starting to develop in some of the areas we are visiting, but the people are friendly, helpful, and very proud of their unique ecosystems. Although we and our tour operator do not anticipate significant issues, you may experience small delays and inconveniences as we travel through this newly opened area. We asked you to keep in mind that your adventure here helps ensure that the peace lasts and that local communities are encouraged to preserve one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
Weather: Weather is generally warm in Putumayo in January. Temperatures typically average between 65 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but it may feel cooler in the mountains, especially in the evenings. Conditions are often damp, and very heavy rainfall may occur at any time. They call it a rainforest for a reason! We will provide a recommended packing list, but lightweight rain gear, quick-drying clothes, and a fleece jacket or sweater for evenings is recommended.
Mandatory Insurance
Due to the wild and remote nature of portions of this tour, we require that all guests have medical evacuation insurance with a minimum coverage of $200,000. As with all international travel, we highly recommend comprehensive travel insurance. A variety of policies are available to cover cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and trip interruptions. Destination: Wildlife can assist in purchasing travel or evacuation insurance, but you are under no obligation to use our services.
Getting There and Back
Please schedule your flights to arrive by 3 pm to allow time for delays and to attend the orientation dinner on Day 1 of the tour. You are free to depart at any time on the final day.
Cancellation Policy
A pair of Blue-naped Chlorophonia. Image: ©Onda ej Prosicka
Making a Difference
How Your Trip Makes A Difference
Grassland Bird Trust
Conserving critical habitat for endangered, threatened and rapidly declining grassland birds
The Grassland Bird Trust, Inc. (GBT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit land trust conserving critical habitat for endangered, threatened, and rapidly declining grassland birds in the Washington County Grasslands Important Bird Area (IBA) in Fort Edward, New York.
The Washington County Grasslands IBA is critical to the survival of the New York State endangered Short-eared owls and threatened Northern Harriers, according to wildlife biologists at the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The IBA is listed in the New York State Open Space Plan as a regional conservation priority. It supports 10 of 11 grassland birds listed as “species of greatest conservation need” in the New York State Wildlife Action Plan. This area is one of eight “Grassland Bird Conservation Centers” at the heart of the state’s grassland bird conservation efforts.
Since GBT’s founding in 2010, we’ve acquired and permanently protected 78 acres of critical habitat in the heart of the IBA and assisted New York State DEC with the acquisition of another 180 acres of critical habitat nearby.
GBT has also constructed and manages the Alfred Z. Solomon Grassland Bird viewing area and covered viewing blind that overlooks GBT’s conserved lands. In 2022, the AZS view area was added to the New York State Birding Trail. GBT is in the process of building a 2-mile hiking trail through the viewing area to introduce birding enthusiasts to the IBA.
A portion of your trip’s cost is donated directly to help support The Grassland Bird Trust.
Go to grasslandbirdtrust.org to learn more about this wonderful organization.
Birds, Biodiversity, and Peace
Colombia is generally accepted as the second-most biodiverse country on the planet, and it is the country with the most diverse bird population. But it also has an immense amount of timber and significant mineral deposits. Our tourism dollars help ensure the future of Colombia’s biodiversity by providing cash flow to local communities living in and around the Colombia Massif, creating jobs, and improving livelihoods. Your presence becomes a powerful incentive for these communities to protect their natural resources, including birdlife.
By practicing responsible wildlife tourism, we ensure that our dollars stay local and help support families and individuals even after we leave. When it pays, it stays. We practice wildlife conservation by making the rainforest more valuable as a habitat for wildlife than timber, and this tour makes you part of that effort.
But birding in Colombia matters for a second reason. It is important for the peacebuilding efforts following 40 years of strife. A responsible tourism industry based on the region’s abundant flora and fauna presents an opportunity to generate more employment opportunities in the territories most affected by the armed conflict. Economic prosperity and peace are often mutually reinforcing, and a recent study concluded that birding tourism has the potential to generate $46 million in tourism revenue annually and create over 7,500 jobs. And now you can help jumpstart the process of building a sustainable birding tourism industry in an area that desperately needs it.
Colombian Organizations Your Trip Supports
Nature Colombia: Nature Colombia is the firm providing our transportation, local birding guides, and support for our tour of Southern Colombia. When Angela Gomez and Luisa Conto founded Nature Colombia, they were the first women in Colombia to create an agency dedicated to birding and wildlife viewing. They are committed to women’s empowerment. Each trip the company runs strives to highlight the power and resilience of Colombian women who are entrepreneurs, local leaders, skilled bird watchers, professional chefs, artists, and experts in building meaningful connections.
Mama Narcisa (far right)—a Kamentsa master weaver, healer, and founding member of ASOMI— with three apprentices holding a woven chumbe, traditionally wrapped around the waist. Image courtesy of Amazon Conservation Team.
Amazon Bird: A small reserve owned by a family who have been protecting this area from deforestation for about 50 years. Currently, it is one of the last remaining patches of forest in the area of the reserve. This small forest plot protects a significant number of and variety of monkeys and birds.
Playa Rica: Playa Rica is a small village whose inhabitants have long understood the importance of the forest. The village is making a concerted effort to protect local habitats and make birding tourism the centerpiece of the local economy.
ASOMI: The Asociación de Mujeres Indígenas (Association of Indigenous Women) is an organization dedicated to conserving their ancestral territory and cultural traditions in the Putumayo region. They practice their traditional craft heritage and support women in need.
El Encanto Nature Reserve: A former coffee farm near Natural Serranía de los Churumbelos National Park, El Encanto, has been repurposed by the Molina family as a birding and nature reserve. The family is now expanding their model onto a second property that they own nearby.
Green Jay in the Colombian Massif. Image: ©Roberta Kravette
Reviews
Guest Reviews
Lesson’s Saddle-back Tamarin. Image courtesy of El Encanto Nature Reserve
Reviews for Destination: Wildlife
Kate, New York State
Birding in Costa Rica
10, it was an amazing trip. (Please rate from 1- worst to 10 – best)
Liz and Alan, New York State
Birding Costa Rica and Private Sail Cruise 2021
We are in awe of the care that you took to make our trip successful. The attention to detail, your ready availability when things didn’t go as planned. Your excitement as our trip progressed and the supervision to the very end to make sure everything turned out alright. Thank you for all that you do. Liz & Alan
Noreen, New York State
Exploring Women’s Winter Wolf Trek
The trip was fabulous and couldn't have been much better. My one suggestion is around the Zoom call. I was impressed that you did a Zoom call rather than just sending a gear list - it is an example of how much personal attention you devoted to us.
John, New York
Birding Namibia & Botswana
I highly recommend the Birding Safari presented by Destination Wildlife. Professional, highly educated guides treat one to the beauty of nature and all the creatures big and small living within. An absolute must in your journeys. 10 stars.
Reviews for Nature Colombia
Richard
United Kingdom
“Nature Colombia put together a great birding tour for us that went like clockwork. All arrangement and logistics fell neatly and smoothly into place. Our guides and drivers were all brilliant. oh, and the birds were fantastic. We can’t wait to get back to do it all again and see more!”
Ann & Neal
California
“Roger was a great guide. We were a mixed group with different levels of birding knowledge and physical capabilities. Roger was very patient making sure all of us were able to enjoy the experience and making adjustments to plans as required. Best wishes.”
Wanda & Sergio
“We have traveled with them for 10 years and we have never had a problem that they could not solve. Besides they are friendly and knowledgeable about Colombian ecology. Their guides, especially, Trevor, are excellent. We could not ask for a better traveling partner.”
Salvador
"It was an honor to work with such professional and attentive people. We discover incredible things in places where few have arrived. I take with me spectacular photos, extensive knowledge, and learning, as well as unforgettable experiences. I can't wait for my next trip with you"
Are you ready to fly away to Colombia? Give is a call. Image: ©Paul Wolf