colombia birding with John Cahill
August 2023, dates tba
Guided by John Cahill
Guided by John Cahill
Colombia is the top destination for birding with over 1,900 species of birds recorded!
We offer 3 tours to distinct areas of this amazingly bio-diverse country. You can take one, two, or combine all three for great coverage and an amazing bird list. Birding with John Cahill is a treat. He knows this area well, having spent some of his university time here.
1. Birding starts in Northern Colombia including a visit to the amazing El Dorado bird lodge looking for endemics such as the endangered Santa Marta Parakeet and another 18 endangered bird species, including the Santa Marta Warbler and the yet-to-be-described Santa Marta Screech-Owl.
2. Four full days at Montezuma Eco-lodge in Tatamá National Park - one of the best places to bird in the country, with an elevation gradient on the track from 3,600 to 9,000 feet, making it one of the most diverse areas in all Colombia with more than 600 species recorded. Up to 11 endemics can be spotted in just a few days. Among the best are Gold-ringed Tanager, Crested Ant-tanager and Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer.
3. We end our birding adventure in Western Colombia, where you travel to a limited area of the country, yet you have the chance to see a number of endemics, including the biggest prize of all, the beautiful Fuertes’ Parrot. Destinations include Otun Quimbaya National Park with good chances to see the Cauca Guan, thought extinct but re-discovered only in 1994. The park serves as a buffer zone between the city of Pereira and Los Nevados National Park, resulting in a biological corridor of great importance in the Central Andes. Onward to Manizales, the center of the coffee region of Colombia, but also known for antpittas. Fuertes’ Parrot is one of the most endangered birds in the world. It too was thought extinct over 100 years ago and only recently found. Fortunately, land has been put aside for its survival. Part of the proceeds from this tour will contribute to its upkeep.
We offer 3 tours to distinct areas of this amazingly bio-diverse country. You can take one, two, or combine all three for great coverage and an amazing bird list. Birding with John Cahill is a treat. He knows this area well, having spent some of his university time here.
1. Birding starts in Northern Colombia including a visit to the amazing El Dorado bird lodge looking for endemics such as the endangered Santa Marta Parakeet and another 18 endangered bird species, including the Santa Marta Warbler and the yet-to-be-described Santa Marta Screech-Owl.
- Pace: many early mornings, some long days in the field, easy walking, some 4X4 rides.
- Days: 8 days/ 7 nights
- Scheduled dates: 2023 - August dates tba
- Price: from $TBA per person in double room
- Download detailed itinerary - pending - interested? Send an email
2. Four full days at Montezuma Eco-lodge in Tatamá National Park - one of the best places to bird in the country, with an elevation gradient on the track from 3,600 to 9,000 feet, making it one of the most diverse areas in all Colombia with more than 600 species recorded. Up to 11 endemics can be spotted in just a few days. Among the best are Gold-ringed Tanager, Crested Ant-tanager and Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer.
- Pace: many early mornings, some long days in the field, easy walking, 4X4 rides
- Days: 6 days/ 5 nights
- Scheduled dates: 2023 - August dates tba
- Price: from $TBA per person in double room
3. We end our birding adventure in Western Colombia, where you travel to a limited area of the country, yet you have the chance to see a number of endemics, including the biggest prize of all, the beautiful Fuertes’ Parrot. Destinations include Otun Quimbaya National Park with good chances to see the Cauca Guan, thought extinct but re-discovered only in 1994. The park serves as a buffer zone between the city of Pereira and Los Nevados National Park, resulting in a biological corridor of great importance in the Central Andes. Onward to Manizales, the center of the coffee region of Colombia, but also known for antpittas. Fuertes’ Parrot is one of the most endangered birds in the world. It too was thought extinct over 100 years ago and only recently found. Fortunately, land has been put aside for its survival. Part of the proceeds from this tour will contribute to its upkeep.
- Pace: many early mornings, some long days in the field, easy walking. Driving limited.
- Days: 9 days/ 8 nights
- Scheduled dates: 2023 - August dates tba
- Price: from $TBA per person in double room
- Accommodations: Small hotels or lodges, single rooms limited. All have hot water and private bath, but some are rustic, wifi is limited throughout.
- Included: lodging with taxes. transportation by van or 4X4, guide services of John Cahill and local guides, escorted by Eric Stager of JB Journeys, park entry fees, all meals, basic gratuities for meals & drivers
- Not included: International airfare, private transfers if not on group flight, drinks, guide gratuities, travel insurance (highly recommended), personal expenses, spa or hot springs visits
- Bring: Binoculars, camera, appropriate field clothing, walking stick, sunblock, bug juice, good walking shoes. More on confirmation.