Colombia: The West

Colombia’s Western Cordillera or ‘cordillera occidental’, isolated by the Pacific to the West and the dry Cauca Valley to the East, is one of the highest centers of endemism in the world. On our tour, we can expect to see an amazing number of unique birds endemic to this range, including Velvet-purple Coronet, Rufous-gaped Hillstar, Toucan Barbet, Five-colored Barbet, Tatama Tapaculo, Choco Brushfinch, Glistening-green Tanager, Black-and-gold Tanager and Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer.

The Montezuma Road is one of the best birding locations in Colombia with more than 500 species recorded. Birding here, surrounded by pristine cloud forest all the way up to 8,500 feet, is an unforgettable experience with mixed-species flocks often containing more than 20 bird species. We’ll also visit numerous feeder stations attracting stunning birds such as Empress Brilliant, Purple-throated Woodstar, Violet-tailed Sylph, and Green Thorntail as well as Red-headed Barbet, Colombian Chachalaca, Toucan Barbet, the amazing Multicolored Tanager, and so many more. Paradise for birdwatchers and photographers!

Along our route from Pereira to Cali, we’ll stay at just three hotels, including four nights at the very comfortable Araucana Lodge. A relaxing afternoon at the lodge, enjoying a cup of Colombian coffee (or a tropical fruit juice, or a beer!) is always an option.

Along with the overwhelming avian diversity here, the assortment of plants, crickets, butterflies, orchids, and frogs is absolutely incredible and we’ll see some wonderful creatures.

This tour can be taken in conjunction with Colombia: Central.