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Frequently asked questions
General
Terms and Conditions
Absolutely! We get it, Colombia is full of amazing photo oportunities and it can be hard to choose just one region. We are more than happy to plan a custom tour to multiple regions including Cali, Manizales (and surrounding areas), and/or the Western Andes. Just fill out an inquiry form a(https://www.overlanduncharted.com/tourinquiry)nd let us know what you are interested in.
Gladly! Check out this itinerary (https://overlanduncharted.com/calitour#cali-tour-itinerary)for the Cali region and this one (https://overlanduncharted.com/manizalestour#cali-tour-itinerary)for Manizales.
It all starts with filling out an inquiry form-(https://www.overlanduncharted.com/tourinquiry) let us know where you want to go, time frame, and your group size. Give us 24-48hrs to get back to you and we will respond with a suggested basic itinerary and pricing. To reserve your tour, 50% non-refundable deposit is required. Remaining balance will be due no later than 45 days prior to start of your tour date. Detailed itinerary will be sent upon reciept of deposit.
Tour pricing varies based on several factors — including trip length, regions visited, group size, and overall customization. Because every itinerary is tailored to your personal preferences, we provide pricing after learning more about your goals so we can design an experience that fits both your vision and your budget.
That said, we can confidently say our custom tours are priced well below most comparable bird photography offerings in this market — without sacrificing quality or access. Reach out and we’ll build a package that works for you.
Most of our tours are based on double-occupancy lodging, which helps keep overall pricing reasonable while maintaining comfort. We carefully vet every ecolodge and hotel we use to ensure they meet our standards for cleanliness, safety, location, and hospitality. These are places we’ve personally stayed, worked with, and trust. We do our best to pair roommates thoughtfully and will always respect gender preferences. If you prefer a single room, that can typically be arranged and may include an additional supplement based on availability.
Our tours are designed for all experience levels—from beginners learning to use their camera in manual mode to experienced photographers refining their field technique. We provide hands-on mentorship throughout the trip.
Our tours are all-inclusive: lodging, ground transportation, meals, drinking water, local birding guides, and photography instruction are included in the trip price. NOT INCLUDED: Airfare, travel insurance, alcoholic beverages, tips, personal expenses, and any extra nights outside the tour dates are not included.
Yes! We travel in safe, well-known birding regions, and partner with trusted local guides. We spent a whole month traveling on our own there and never once felt our safety was at risk. We understand safety is a priority—like any country, Colombia has areas best avoided, and we do just that. Our tours only visit well-known, secure birding regions where tourism is established and safety is carefully managed.
We keep our groups small and personal, usually between 4–6 participants, to ensure a relaxed atmosphere and more individual attention in the field. However, we can work with larger groups if your party includes more people as well.
In general, you'll ideally want to bring a lens in the 400-600mm range, the faster the better of course. A shorter and faster 200mm or 300mm is also recommended for darker lit and close encounter situations. We’re happy to offer recommendations and help you get the most out of whatever camera you bring. A tripod or monopod is also highly recommended. NO FLASH as most the reserves we'll visit have strict no flash policies to respect the animals.
Absolutely! Our tours are immersive and enjoyable for nature lovers, spouses, or companions who simply want to enjoy beautiful landscapes and incredible wildlife. They are subject to the same pricing, however.
We balance early mornings and time in the field with rest, good food, and flexibility. Unlike some fast-paced tours, we will be returning to the same home base each night to allow for deeper exploration of the region and to have ample photo opportunities to capture stunning images.
We recommend flying into Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO) in Cali, Colombia. The airport is easy to navigate and typically experiences far less congestion than major hubs like Bogotá or Medellín, making arrivals and departures smoother and more efficient. Cali is also conveniently located near many of the birding lodges and reserves we visit, reducing overall transfer time and maximizing your time in the field. If your schedule allows, Cali itself is well worth exploring before or after your tour — from its world-famous salsa culture to its vibrant culinary scene and rich urban character.
Colombia offers great birding year-round, but the dry seasons (roughly December–March and July–August) typically offer the best conditions for photography, trails, and bird activity.
Yes, we recommend bringing some Colombian pesos for small purchases, tips, or incidental expenses. While many places accept cards, remote birding lodges and local vendors often prefer or only take cash. ATMs are available in major towns, but may not always be nearby during the tour.
This is an individual preference and will vary from person to person. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and travel delays. This is not included in the tour price and must be arranged independently.
Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness. While the pace is comfortable, you’ll need to be able to walk and stand for extended periods, sometimes on steep, uneven trails in wet or muddy conditions. Our tours often involve early mornings and time in humid, rainforest environments, so being able to comfortably maneuver through the jungle is essential for both safety and enjoyment. If you have specific mobility concerns, we're happy to discuss how we can accommodate you.
It depends on your nationality. Citizens of the United States, Canada, the UK, the European Union, and many other countries do not need a visa for tourism stays of up to 90 days in Colombia.
You will need:
• A valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date)
• Proof of onward or return travel (such as a return flight)
• Proof of accommodation or tour reservation (if asked by immigration)
If you're from a country that requires a visa, we recommend checking with your nearest Colombian embassy or consulate, or visiting the official website of Migración Colombia for the most up-to-date requirements.
We’re happy to assist you if you're unsure—just reach out!
No, our kids will not be on the tour with us. We love seeing families with young children immersed in nature and encourage it! However, due to the nature of bird photography tours—which often involve long days, early mornings, and extended periods of quiet and stillness—only children aged 12 and older are welcome. They are subject to full pricing and must be registered separately. All minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian. This ensures a positive experience for all parties including the animals. Thank you for understanding!
Yes!! Every image of a bird you see on our website was taken by us on real tours—no stock photos here. We believe in showing you the genuine beauty of the places we explore, birds we encounter, and moments we share. Please ask before using any of our photos—we're proud of our work and love to keep it personal.

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