Colombia: the best of MANIZALES
custom birding photography tours
picture this...
Imagine standing in the cool dawn light above Manizales, camera ready, as a flash of emerald hovers before you — the extraordinary Swordbilled Hummingbird, its impossibly long bill slicing through the mist of the Andean cloud forest. This is more than a birding trip — it’s a fully immersive, custom-crafted photography journey designed to place you face-to-face with one of Colombia’s most surreal icons and the dazzling diversity of the Western Andes. Each moment in the field moves you closer to rare, bucket-list images that few photographers ever capture. It’s the reason we created this experience.
CUSTOM TOUR DATES
Design your own unforgettable bird photography tour in Manizales, gateway to Colombia’s Central Andes and the dramatic ecosystems of Los Nevados National Natural Park. From cloud forest reserves to high-elevation páramo, this region offers access to iconic Andean species such as the Buffy Helmetcrest, endemic Rufous-fronted Parakeet, and the striking Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan — along with an extraordinary diversity of hummingbirds and antpittas. Instead of fixed departure dates, we build fully custom Colombia bird photography tours around your target species, preferred elevations, travel window, and photography goals. And because we’ve already spent extensive time scouting these habitats and refining access, you benefit from firsthand experience and trusted local partnerships from day one.
Now accepting bookings for July & August 2026
Custom Tour Overview
Strategic Itinerary.
The Central Andes surrounding Manizales offer dramatic elevation changes and diverse habitats within short driving distances, allowing us to design a flexible, species-focused itinerary across cloud forest, montane forest, and the high páramo of Los Nevados National Natural Park. Whether targeting antpittas or seeking hummingbirds and Andean endemics at higher elevations, each day is structured around habitat, bird activity, and your priority species list.
And because mountain weather and forest conditions can shift quickly, we teach you how to adapt when lighting isn’t ideal. From adjusting exposure in heavy cloud cover to positioning for soft overcast conditions, managing high-contrast forest scenes, or using natural backgrounds to your advantage, we provide real-time instruction to help you problem-solve in the field. Instead of waiting for “perfect” conditions, you’ll learn how to consistently create strong images in dynamic Andean environments — building skills that extend far beyond this tour.
All-inclusive.
Thoughtfully crafted for bird and nature photographers who want to focus on capturing stunning images in Colombia’s biodiverse Western Andes. You'll have the opportunity to visit top birding hotspots like KM18, the Anchicayá Valley, and private reserves with well constructed photo blinds and feeders. Enjoy seamless travel with private transportation, comfortable lodging, all meals, water, and entrance fees. We work with trusted, professional bilingual local guides that we've personally vetted- they know these birding hotspots like the back of their hand and put us right where the birds are.. You'll also receive unlimited mentorship from two experienced bird and wildlife photographers to level up your skills and portfolio. With every detail handled, you’re free to fully immerse yourself in the experience and make the most of your time in the field.
Because every itinerary is customized, lodging is selected strategically based on your target destinations and elevation focus. In many cases, we establish a comfortable eco-lodge near Manizales as a convenient home base, minimizing drive times while allowing repeat visits to productive photography locations under ideal conditions. When targeting specialized high-elevation species or remote habitats within Los Nevados National Natural Park, accommodations are positioned for early-morning access and efficient field days.
Lodging is almost always based on double occupancy, offering both comfort and value while keeping you close to Colombia’s most productive Andean birding environments. Guests can also enjoy delicious meals prepared fresh each day, locally sourced Colombian coffee served hot each morning, and refreshing fresh juices or drinks available upon request — providing a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere after rewarding days in the field. Comfort, convenience, and thoughtful hospitality are all part of delivering a seamless bird photography experience.
Comfortable Lodging
SAMPLE MANIZALESITINERARY
Day 1
Arrival in Cali & Transfer to Manizales EcoLodge
Touchdown in Cali at Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO) for 4.5 hour private transfer into the scenic Central Andes toward Manizales. Upon arrival, check in to a comfortable ecolodge where a hot Colombian meal will be ready. If timing allows, enjoy relaxed golden-hour birding at lodge feeders, with possible sightings of Green Hermit, Sparkling Violetear, and White-bellied Woodstar.
Day 2
Full-Day Birding at Mid-Elevation Forest and Feeders
Today focuses on a renowned mid-elevation reserve set in humid forest and shaded coffee habitat. Well-maintained trails and feeder stations offer close views of hummingbirds such as White-necked Jacobin, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Steely-vented Hummingbird, and violetears. Mixed flocks may include Guira Tanager, Golden-collared Manakin, and Andean Motmot. The relaxed setting allows excellent photography and extended observation time.
Elevation range: 1,200–1,400 m.
Day 3
Andean Cloud Forest Exploration
Birding moves higher into classic moss-draped cloud forest. Nectar feeders and flowering shrubs attract Buff-tailed Coronet, Long-tailed Sylph, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Speckled Hummingbird, and Tourmaline Sunangel. Forest trails offer chances for antpittas, mountain tanagers, and mixed flocks. A dusk session may target nocturnal species in the cool mountain air.
Elevation range: 2,200–2,800 m.
Day 4
Upper Montane Forest & Treeline Transition
Today focuses on a renowned upper montane reserve where established feeding stations provide exceptional views of Crescent-faced Antpitta and Equatorial Antpitta—this being one of the most reliable places anywhere in its limited range to see the Crescent-faced. A separate fruit station attracts the striking Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan, often at close range, while surrounding forest may produce Barred Fruiteater, Andean Guan, White-throated Quail-Dove, Hooded Mountain-Tanager, and high-elevation hummingbirds such as Sword-billed Hummingbird, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, and Golden-breasted Puffleg. Comfortable mountain cabins and a welcoming restaurant complete this dramatic high-Andean experience.
Elevation range: 2,800–3,500m
Days 5-6
High-Elevation Páramo Immersion
An early departure takes you into the sweeping alpine terrain of Los Nevados National Natural Park, climbing into true páramo habitat between 3,500–4,100 m. Here we target Colombia’s high-Andean specialists, including the remarkable Buffy Helmetcrest, soaring Andean Condor, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, and flocks of Rufous-fronted Parakeetmoving across open slopes. Other localized species such as White-chinned Thistletail, Stout-billed Cinclodes, and Andean Tit-Spinetail may also be encountered in this stark and beautiful ecosystem.
We overnight at a comfortable high-elevation ecolodge, which maintains additional hummingbird feeders that make for easier photographic opportunities and extended views of these specialized mountain species. Staying at altitude provides time to acclimate, enjoy warm meals, and gives us a second full morning to revisit key areas for any rarer targets missed the previous day before descending.
Elevation range: 3,500–4,100m
Day 7
Mid-Elevation Descent and Final Encounters
Today we descend gradually from the high Andes back through productive mid-elevation forest near Manizales, targeting species missed earlier in the week. This elevational transition zone can be excellent for hummingbirds such as the Swordbilled hummingbird, Long tailed Sylph, Collared Inca, and Tourmaline Sunangel, while mixed flocks may produce mountain tanagers, Dusky Piha, and other cloud forest specialties. At select feeder stations, there is often the memorable opportunity for gentle hand-feeding experiences, where hummingbirds briefly perch to sip nectar—offering remarkably close views and unique photographic moments. The afternoon allows time to relax at a comfortable lodge, review species lists, and enjoy a final celebratory Colombian dinner before preparing for departure the following day.
Elevation range: 2,000-3000m
Day 8
Departure & Transfer to Cali
Enjoy a final authentic Colombian breakfast and a relaxed morning before your scheduled private transfer back to Cali. The scenic drive of approximately 4.5 hours descends from the Central Andes into the Cauca Valley. You will be delivered directly to Cali International Airport for your onward journey, concluding your immersive Andean birding experience.
Please Note:
Tour participants will be sent a detailed itinerary upon booking.
Participants should be prepared for easy to moderate hiking with some steep hills and uneven terrain typical of navigating lush rainforest and montane environments. Trails may be muddy or slippery due to humidity and rainfall, so a basic level of fitness and comfort in natural conditions is recommended.
This itinerary may include optional high-elevation excursions exceeding 3,500 meters (11,500+ feet) in the Andean páramo. High altitude can pose health challenges for some individuals, including shortness of breath, fatigue, headaches, or more serious altitude-related conditions. Guests are strongly encouraged to consult with a medical professional prior to travel if they have any concerns regarding high-altitude exposure. Participation in high-elevation portions of the tour is voluntary; however, those who choose to participate acknowledge that they understand the inherent risks associated with altitude and assume full personal responsibility and liability.
As this is an eco-conscious experience, we kindly ask all guests to respect the environment. No smoking is permitted on trails, within nature reserves, or at wildlife viewing areas.
MANIZALES TARGET SPECIES
The region surrounding Manizales and extending into Los Nevados National Natural Park offers extraordinary avian diversity across a dramatic elevational gradient. Within a single itinerary, birders can realistically record 300+ species, ranging from tropical foothill birds to specialized high-Andean páramo species above 3,500 meters. The area supports more than a dozen Colombian endemics along with numerous near-endemics restricted to the Central Andes, making it one of the most concentrated and rewarding birding destinations in South America. It is our goal on to give you ample opportunity to capture quality images of most of the species outlined below:
buff breasted mountain tanager
Tanagers:
Beryl-spangled Tanager
Black-chested Mountain-Tanager
Blue-and-black Tanager
Blue-gray Tanager
Blue-necked Tanager
Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager
Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanager
Fawn-breasted Tanager
Flame-faced Tanager
Golden Tanager
Golden-crowned Tanager
Grass-green Tanager
blue capped tanager
(Tanagers continued)
Hooded Mountain-Tanager
Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager
Metallic-green Tanager
Orange-bellied Euphonia
Palm Tanager
Saffron-crowned Tanager
Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager
Scrub Tanager
dusky piha
Hummingbirds:
Andean Emerald
Black-thighed Puffleg
Black-throated Mango
Bronzy Inca
Buff-tailed Coronet
Buffy Helmetcrest
Collared Inca
Fawn-breasted Brilliant
Glowing Puffleg
Great Sapphirewing
Green-fronted Lancebill
andean emerald
(Hummingbirds continued)
Green Hermit
Golden-breasted Puffleg
Long-tailed Sylph
Rainbow-bearded Helmetcrest
Rufous-breasted Hermit
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird
Shining Sunbeam
Sparkling Violetear
Speckled Hummingbird
Steely-vented Hummingbird
Stripe-throated Hermit
sword billed hummingbird
(Hummingbirds continued)
Sword-billed Hummingbird
Tourmaline Sunangel
Tyrian Metaltail
Viridian Metaltail
Western Emerald
White-necked Jacobin
White-throated Daggerbill
White-vented Plumeleteer
chestnut crowned antpitta
Antpittas:
Bicolored Antpitta
Brown-banded Antpitta
Chestnut-crowned Antpitta
Crescent-faced Antpitta
Scaled Antpitta
Slate-crowned Antpitta
Undulated Antpitta
Toucans & Barbets:
Black-billed Mountain-Toucan
Crimson-rumped Toucanet
Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan
Toucan Barbet
masked trogon
Other:
Andean Guan
Colombian Chachalaca
Sickle-winged Guan
Andean Motmot
Moustached Puffbird
Lineated Woodpecker
Red-crowned Woodpecker
Golden-collared Manakin
Golden-headed Quetzal
Little Tinamu
Masked Trogon
Thick-billed Euphonia
Dusky Piha
Montane Woodcreeper
gray breasted mountain toucan
Disclaimer: 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.
Still not sure if this tour is right for you?
Let’s talk it through. If you’re on the fence or have questions, schedule a free 15-minute virtual call to get to know us, ask anything, and see if this adventure is the right fit for you. No pressure — just bird talk!
In the meantime- make sure to check the FAQs.
