Tailormade Holidays in Colombia

Tour Code: TCOL

Enquire Now Saved Tours

Sample Itineraries

Create your own Tailormade holiday to Colombia with dates and an itinerary to suit you. Click one to scroll down and view more info.

Colombia - Marvellous Magdalena

12 Days

More Info

When to Go

Good Time to Go

January to April, July to December

Best Time to Go

January to April, November to December

Speak to a Colombia expert

Andy Tucker

Managing Director

Email Call 1-844-433-9473

Where to Go

The Eastern and Central Andes
The Western Andes
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
The Caribbean Coast
+1 more

View all

Summary

Colombia’s ecological diversity is astonishing, holding close to 10% of the planet’s biodiversity, including over 1,900 species of bird – the highest of any country on Earth! Despite its troubled past, Colombia has embraced a bright new future and is welcoming tourists back to enjoy its breathtaking scenery, fascinating culture, exceptional lodges, world-class coffee, and unrivalled wildlife treasures. Throughout the astonishing range of habitats, birds are the most conspicuous form of wildlife in Colombia, and with around 80 endemic species and over 100 near endemics, it is truly a birder’s paradise! Star species can be found in every corner of the country; however, several ‘birding meccas’ stand out, such as the endemic-rich Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains and several distinct strands of the Andean Mountain range, each with its own unique suite of dazzling species. The rich Pacific ‘Choco’ coastal forests and the incredibly diverse Amazon region both harbour a similarly delectable array of stellar attractions. Colombia also boasts a staggering variety of mammals, including sought-after species such as Jaguar, Spectacled Bear, Mountain Tapir, Giant Anteater and Olinguito, not to mention endemic primates such as the marvellous Cotton-top Tamarin and the elusive Variegated Spider Monkey. The country is also a botanist’s paradise, with over 4,000 species of orchid and countless other fascinating plants, with new species being discovered all the time. It is worth considering combining Colombia’s birding and wildlife with the famous coffee region, the history, culture and museums of Bogota, and the historic port of Cartagena which provide all the ingredients for a varied and exciting wildlife and cultural holiday.

Our Locations

From Colombia’s southern border, the Andes fan out creating a unique topography and an incredible diversity of habitats, including high altitude páramo (Andean bogs), sub-páramo, subtropical montane forests, and both dry and humid tropical lowland forests. The wide Eastern Andean range supports its own suite of special birds including Green-bearded Helmetcrest, Turquoise Dacnis, Black Inca and Recurve-billed Bushbirds. In Chingaza National Park, a stunningly beautiful high-altitude region of wildlife habitat awaits. Recently, the reserve has become one of the world’s most reliable locations for sightings of wild Spectacled Bear. While the bear is undoubtedly a highlight, other mammals include White-tailed Deer, the endemic Bogota Tapeti, and such elusive Andean rarities as Little Red Brocket Deer and Mountain Coati. Sought-after birds, such as Rufous-browed Conebill and Silvery-throated Spinetail, often make an appearance, while the beautiful Golden-fronted Whitestart, here in its white-faced form, regularly betrays its location with repeated contact calls. Tawny Antpitta can be surprisingly conspicuous, unlike Rufous Antpitta, which is far more furtive and 'antpitta like'. The transitional zone of the east Andean foothills offers encounters with further specialties, including the recently discovered Cundinamarca Antpitta, the beautiful Brown-bellied (Flame-winged) Parakeet, and the endemic Ornate Titi and Brumback’s Night Monkey. Wildlife exploration in such stunning Andean scenery is a real treat – especially when the weather behaves itself.

The undulating hills surrounding Manizales and Pereira offer some of the world’s finest submontane wildlife habitat. Finca’s like Hacienda el Bosque cater to photographers, providing the opportunity to capture stunning images of more than 140 species of bird, including such sought-after species as Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan, Hooded Mountain Tanager, Crescent-faced Antpitta and Andean Motmot. Further up the Andean slope, dazzling birds such as Buffy Helmetcrest and Rainbow-bearded Thornbill vie for your attention. The cloudforests of Otun Quimbaya hold some of the most elusive mammals on the continent, including the spectacular Mountain Tapir. This attractive animal, known for its thick black woolly coat and bright white lips, is the smallest of the tapir species. It is confined to a narrow band of Andean cloudforest and was rarely seen until recently. Other mammalian targets here include Lemurine Night Monkey, Andean White-eared Opossum, Mountain Coati, Mountain Paca, Northern Oncilla and the near-endemic and recently described Olinguito, whilst further birding highlights include Crested Ant-Tanager, Red-ruffed Fruitcrow, Torrent Duck and the endemic Cauca Guan.

Accommodation in The Central Andes

Termales del Ruiz

Details

Bogota from Monseratte Peak (George Vincent).jpg

One of the largest and busiest cities in South America, and indeed the world, Bogota is Colombia’s legislative, judicial and economic capital. It is also one of the highest capital cities on the planet, resting on an expansive plateau that averages out at over 2,600 metres above sea level. The city experiences a maritime climate that mirrors something of an English late-spring, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 9-20°C. As well as blossoming into a rapidly growing financial hub, Bogota is home to several important landmarks and cultural attractions that are well worth visiting. These include La Candelaria (the historic neighbourhood), Monserrate Peak and a host of interesting museums, such as the Gold Museum which houses the largest collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts in the world. A morning can be spent birding the nearby La Florida wetlands for the endemic Bogota Rail, or perhaps at a nearby hummingbird garden, where such Andean specialities as White-bellied Woodstar, Sparkling Violetear and Amethyst-throated Sunangel can be easily photographed. Bogota’s central location also makes it the country’s key transportation hub, with good connections by road and air to the rest of the country.

Accommodation in Bogotá

Hotel de la Opera

Details

Hilton Garden Inn

Details

Colombian Red Howler Monkey shutterstock_111214541.jpg

Nestled between the Central and Eastern Andes lies the spectacular Magdalena Valley. This region offers many star birds including White-mantled Barbet and Beautiful Woodpecker, as well as a host of impressive endemic mammals. In Rio Blanco reserve, no fewer than five species of antpitta can be seen in a single morning’s birding! Here too, it’s possible to enjoy a few days in a traditional coffee ‘finca’, enjoying gentle birding, coffee-tasting tours and perhaps a little relaxation by the pool. Reserves such as Bellavista and Rio Claro are home to a wide array of avifauna, and they also harbour strong populations of the mega-endemic Silvery Bare-faced Tamarin. For more adventurous wildlife watchers, a visit to El Paujil Nature Reserve is particularly recommended. This private reserve was set up to conserve the critically endangered Blue-billed Curassow, which is easily seen around the lodge, and now contains some of the last unspoilt lowland forest left in the Magdalena region.

Accommodation in The Magdalena Valley

Cartagena’s geographical position on the Caribbean coast historically facilitated its development as one of the most important commercial ports on the continent. The city offered a key trade link between South America, the West Indies and Europe, and Cartagena ultimately became a crucial player in the Spanish export of Peruvian silver during colonial times. Cartagena is steeped in history and the supremely well-preserved Old Town, with its vibrant restaurants and bars, makes for an unmissable stopover. The city experiences warm weather and sunshine year-round. A blend of its pleasant climate, pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, historical legacy and fascinating culture, make Cartagena a real Colombian gem.

A vast swathe of Amazonian lowland forest covers the entire south-eastern portion of the country, and offers a veritable treasure-trove of natural wonders to the visitor. Several key areas stand out, however, and your choice of destination will depend on your specific interests. The southernmost town of Letica sits on the banks of the Amazon River, and is a gateway to Colombia’s Amazon Rainforest. Here a number of excellent riverside lodges allow guests the opportunity to experience ‘classic’ Amazonas. Both Grey and Pink River Dolphins occur here and are relatively easy to locate, whilst in the forest canopy Linnaeus's Two-toed Sloths and several species of monkey are frequently sighted. The birding is also good, with standout species including Wattled Curassow and Amazonian Umbrellabird. However, dedicated birders might well choose the remote town of Mitu as their Amazonian birding base. Here white-sand tropical rainforest habitat holds many sought-after and range-restricted species such as Fiery Topaz, Orinoco Piculet, Bar-bellied and Lineated Woodcreepers, Tawny-tufted Toucanet, and Chestnut-crested Antbird to name but a few. All birding here takes place with friendly local indigenous guides whilst staying in one of the simple lodges in the sleepy town of Mitu itself. Quite simply, this is one of the finest birding locations in the entire Amazon basin!

It is worth spending a night or two on the Caribbean coast, exploring the tropical dry forests and coastal lagoons, where further exciting species occur, including the striking White-whiskered Spinetail and the dazzling Vermillion Cardinal. A little further along the coast lie the slightly more humid forests of Tayrona National Park where, in addition to the striking endemic Cotton-top Tamarins, more outstanding birds can be found such as Northern Royal Flycatcher, Golden-winged Sparrow and Southern Bentbill. This special region, with its unique and contrasting habitats, is undoubtedly one of the very finest birding locations in Colombia! It is also a perfect location should you want to put your feet up and relax in one of the many excellent beach lodges at the end of your tailormade holiday; or alternatively, a few additional days in the historic port city of Cartagena is highly recommended.

Accommodation in The Caribbean Coast

Senda Koguiwa (Tayrona)

Details

The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a beautiful, isolated mountain range, which overlooks the warm tropical waters of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Despite its isolated position the range boasts the tallest peaks in Colombia and offers some of the country’s most scenic vistas. This isolation has led to the evolution of around 20 endemic species of birds, as well as more than 70 sub-species which may well be raised to species level in future. Time in the Sierra Nevada area is usually spent covering all the elevations accessible by road. The higher elevations may offer Santa Marta Parakeet, Yellow-crowned Redstart, Santa Marta Warbler, Brown-rumped Tapaculo and Santa Marta Antpitta, while the lower ranges offer White-tailed Starfrontlet, Streak-capped Spinetail and Black-cheeked Mountain Tanager, amongst many others!

Accommodation in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

El Dorado Lodge

Details

Hotel Minca

Details

Andean Cock-of-the-rock (Robert Davidson).JPG

Colombia’s Western Andes provide access to one of South America’s most active Andean Cock-of-the-rock leks, and offer up star species such as Ornate Hawk-eagle, Multicoloured Tanager, Dusky Starfrontlet, Yellow-eared Parrot, Multicolored Tanager and Gold-ringed Tanager, all against a backdrop of magnificent mountain vistas! The western slope descends all the way to the Pacific coast, traversing the special ‘Choco’ habitat of the Cauca Valley, where legendary species such as Scarlet-and-white Tanager, Rose-faced Parrot, Oscellated Antbird, Lita Woodpecker and Long-wattled Umbrellabird are all possible. The herpetofauna is also impressive with many sought-after specialties, including Cauca, Black-legged, and Harlequin Poison Frogs.

Accommodation in The Western Andes

Montezuma Lodge

Details

The Los Llanos region is vast, stretching from eastern Colombia, south of the Andes, across the border into north-central Venezuela. It is a diverse ecozone composed of a mosaic of tropical and subtropical savannah, forest, wetland, and grassland. Precipitation follows a distinct seasonal pattern, with a rainy season lasting from April to November and a dry spell spanning from December to March. This dry season offers the best opportunities to observe the region's large mammals as they gather around water sources and core areas become more accessible. Although far from guaranteed, Jaguar can be spotted during this period, along with other elusive cats including Puma, Ocelot, and Jaguarundi. More commonly encountered mammals include White-tailed Deer, Giant Anteater, Southern Tamandua, Colombian Red Howler, Nine-banded Armadillo, Crab-eating Fox and Capybara. Reptiles, including Orinoco Crocodile, Red-footed Tortoise, and even Green Anaconda, are frequently encountered. In fact, Los Llanos is possibly the best place in the world to find this giant snake! The birding is exceptional, with highlights including the Burrowing Owl, Orinoco Goose, Pale-headed Jacamar, Wire-tailed Manakin, Double-striped Thick-knee, Rufous-vented Chachalaca, and great congregations of waterbirds, containing various ducks, herons, ibises, and storks, among many others.

View Map

View key locations on the map.

Sample Itineraries

This fantastic 14-day itinerary combines the very best of Colombia's iconic heritage with some spectacular Andean birding.

Day

Depart UK

Days

2 - 4

Bogota

Days

5 - 9

Eastern Andes

Days

10 - 12

Cartagena

Day

Depart Bogota

Day

Arrive UK

14 Days (Flight Inclusive)

Enquire Now

This exciting itinerary visits both the eastern and western Andean slopes, the endemic-rich Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta region and the Amazon lowlands, taking in some of the most bird-rich locations on earth.

Day

Depart UK

Days

2 - 5

Eastern Andes

Days

6 - 8

Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

Days

9 - 12

Western Andes

Days

13 - 16

Amazonian Lowlands

Day

Depart Bogota

Day

Arrive UK

18 Days (Flight Inclusive)

Enquire Now

This wonderful 12-day itinerary focusses on the staggeringly diverse Magdalena Valley with an extension to the tropical forests of the Caribbean Coast.

Day

Depart UK

Days

2 - 3

Rio Claro

Days

4 - 6

El Paujil

Day

Rio Claro

Days

8 - 10

Tayrona

Day

Depart Bogota

Day

Arrive UK

12 Days (Flight Inclusive)

Enquire Now

A comprehensive 24-day extravaganza targeting some of Colombia’s star mammals alongside a wealth of birds and other wildlife

Day

Depart UK

Days

2 - 5

Central Andes

Days

6 - 10

Magdalena Valley

Days

11 - 13

Caribbean Coast

Day

Bogota

Days

15 - 18

Eastern Andes

Days

19 - 22

Los Llanos

Day

Depart Bogota

Day

Arrive UK

24 Days (Flight Inclusive)

Enquire Now

The Essentials

Wildlife Guides

Superb local naturalists are available, as well as specialist ornithologist guides. All are bilingual.

When to Visit

Colombia has a high degree of altitudinal variation. As such, climatic conditions vary from place to place, and most itineraries will visit both warm low-lying locations as well as higher cooler climes. Colombia can be considered a year-round destination, although the period from November to the end of March is an excellent time to combine the Andean region and Santa Marta, when rainfall is generally at its lowest. The climate of the vast Amazon region varies from place to place. Around Letica the period from July until November is usually very good, whereas around Mitu the months from November to April are most favourable.

Getting Around

Colombia is a vast country, so one or two domestic flights are often necessary. A few remote locations require the use of 4WD vehicles to access, but we employ well-maintained vehicles and excellent drivers throughout the country.

Why Naturetrek Tailormade?

A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.

Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age

Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!