Colombia: A Wildlife Exploration January 2026

Day notes

Welcome to Colombia! Bienvenido a colombia!

Bogotá is Colombia’s beating heart, perched at 2,640 metres (8,660 ft) above sea level. It is an engaging and vibrant capital, cradled by chilly Andean peaks, friendly people and beautiful scenery.  

We will be picked up with a welcome sign at El Dorado Airport and driven in a private car to the Cité Hotel, our base for the next three nights. (30-60 minute drive, depending on the traffic)

Cité Hotel in Bogotá is the only hotel in the heart of Parque el Virrey, near Zona Rosa and Parque de la 93.  It has comfortable, modern rooms, a bistro for dining and a heated pool with an impressive 360° view of the city.

Day notes

La Laguna El Tabacal Nature Reserve and Honda, City of Bridges

An early start at 0600 this morning so we will take a boxed breakfast with us.

We depart the city and begin our scenic journey towards the high Magdalena Valley, where the rich natural beauty of the region awaits.

Arrive at the Laguna El Tabacal Nature Reserve, located in the lush municipality of La Vega.

Nestled at an altitude of 1,250 meters, this stunning lagoon is surrounded by abundant native vegetation and a unique premontane forest, offering an ideal habitat for a wide variety of bird species. Here, we’ll have the chance to observe endemic species like the Velvet-fronted Euphonia and Apical Flycatcher, as well as near-endemic birds such as the Bar-crested Antshrike and the vibrant Scrub Tanager.

The reserve is also home to numerous other species, including the Spectacled Parrotlet, Pied-billed Grebe, and Ruddy Quail-Dove, offering a rich and rewarding birdwatching experience. As we explore this pristine natural setting, look for the striking colours of the Crimson-backed Tanager and the calls of the White-winged Becard.

From here we drive to Honda (lunch en route). Colombia has 17 heritage towns; one of them is Honda (Tolima), located on the left bank of the Magdalena Rive with narrow cobblestone streets, houses with colonial balconies and architectural gems from several centuries,

Enjoy a late afternoon walk on its streets and learn about the history of this charming place.

Overnight at Hotel Boutique Posada Las Trampas, Honda. It is located close to the Plaza Municipal de Mercado and Catedral de Nuestra Senora del Rosario.  Make yourself at home in one of the 14 individually decorated guest rooms with private balconies or patios and en-suite bathrooms with rainfall showers. Take in the views from a rooftop terrace and garden.

Day notes

Drive from Honda to Rio Claro (3 hours)

Breakfast at 08:00 and we leave by 08:40.

As we travel through lush mountains and valleys, we will enter one of Colombia’s most pristine areas, where towering cliffs, crystal-clear rivers, and dense forests await. Once we arrive at El Refugio Río Claro, we’ll be ready to explore this hidden gem.  We will arrive in time for lunch.

El Refugio, nestled within the Rio Claro Nature Reserve in Antioquia, Colombia, offers a unique eco-lodge experience that immerses guests in the heart of the rainforest. It is accessible only by foot, a 10-minute walk from the main restaurant. Cabins are rustic structures integrated into the karst formations of the canyon, offering open-air designs without traditional windows. Instead, large open spaces with railings provide unobstructed views of the forest, allowing us to fully experience the sounds and sights of the jungle. Each room is equipped with electricity, lighting, and a private bathroom.

This afternoon we will stretch our legs on the trails in the reserve and see what comes along!

Day notes

Birdwatching in the Heart of Rio Claro Nature Reserve and drive from Rio Claro to Medellín, via Santa Elena

Early morning birding from 05:30 - 08:00.

This morning,  we will immerse ourselves in the lush, tropical landscapes of Río Claro Nature Reserve, a birdwatcher’s paradise located in Colombia’s Antioquia department. This private reserve, nestled along the crystalline waters of the Río Claro, is home to over 350 bird species and boasts a rich variety of flora that supports diverse ecosystems.

As we explore this humid tropical forest, we'll be looking to encounter some of Colombia’s most sought-after bird species, such as the Antioquia Bristle-Tyrant and the Magdalena Antbird. Keep binoculars ready for spectacular sightings of the Blue-chested Hummingbird, Bicolored Antpitta, and the vibrant White-mantled Barbet.  Other target species for the day include the Indigo-winged Parrot, the colourful Saffron-headed Parrot, the majestic Citron-throated Toucan, and the unique Oilbirds inhabiting the reserve’s caves.

After breakfast, we will head out on our drive to Medellín

After three hours, we will arrive at Santa Elenta to break up our journey and have a late lunch (around 14:00) at a "silletera" farm.  Silleteros is the term used for the farmers who create beautiful flower arrangements on a silleta (a chair-like contraption for carrying flowers on a person’s back). 

Before this, we will take a short tour through Placita de Flórez, a market square in the city where farmers (silleteros) sell products and flowers they produce on their plots. 

Afterwards, a 45-minute drive to Medellín and check in at Hotel Quinta Ladera.  This hotel's elements were designed in detail to create spaces full of natural light, fresh air and vegetation. In addition, the decoration comes from the hands of Colombian artisans and groups of local artists, giving the hotel a unique design for each space.  

The rooms at Quinta Ladera are spacious, with natural light and ventilation. Each room has a unique style, personalised by Colombian artisans and artists.  There are no televisions and with a focus on sustainability;  cloth bags, glass bottles and biodegradable and organic amenities.

Day notes

A Day of Birds, Blooms and Photos at Finca Romelia

Breakfast at 07:00 and departure 08:00.

A 3.5 hour drive from Medellin, Finca Romelia is an eco-sanctuary lovingly created by José and Marisa, a couple whose life journey is intertwined with the beauty of flora and fauna.

Birdwatching: Idyllic trails snake through diverse vegetation, each a habitat for unique bird species. Armed with a specially curated checklist, discover and document the avifauna of this incredible farm. 

Orchid Odyssey: José and Marisa have dedicated their lives to studying and conserving these delicate flowers. End our exploration with a guided tour of the nursery and main house  This is a photogenic adventure. Every corner offers photo opportunities of rare bird species and exotic orchids. What makes Finca Romelia so special is the family's unwavering commitment to restoring native flora and preserving wildlife. 

Afterwards we continue our drive for another 1.5 hours to reach Hacienda El Bosque, our home in the Coffee Triangle for two nights.

Hacienda El Bosque is a must-visit destination for birdwatching in Colombia's Central Andes. This cattle ranch protects extensive high Andean forest areas, and its nature tourism project stands out as one of the most successful in the Manizales region.

Eco-friendly cabin accommodations blend comfort with nature. Each cabin is designed to provide a luxurious experience amidst the natural surroundings. Enjoy stunning views of the mountains through large windows equipped with blinds for privacy. The cabins feature separate bathrooms and fireplaces, ensuring a cozy stay even at high altitudes.

In addition to the cabins, Hacienda El Bosque has a welcoming restaurant that serves delicious and plentiful meals.  The lodge's commitment to sustainability and conservation is evident in its design and operations. It is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers seeking a retreat in a serene environment.

Day notes

Hacienda El Bosque to Bogota

This morning we leave at 09:00 and drive for 2.5 hours to Pereira Airport for a flight back to Bogota.

Overnight in Aloft, an airport hotel, as we have an early flight to Yopal tomorrow morning.

Day notes

Bogota - Yopal and Ecolodge Juan Solito

Our flight this morning departs Bogota at 0730 so we leave the hotel at 05:00 with a boxed breakfast.

The drive to Ecolodge Juan Solito will be approximately 4 hours, with a stop en route for lunch at Guarulo.

This afternoon, our first activity will be a sunset safari on the river (15:00 - 18:00)  Dinner at 19:00

Ecolodge Juan Solito, located within the stunning Hato La Aurora Reserve, offers an immersive experience in the heart of Colombia’s Llanos region.  The lodge, a working farm, provides an authentic stay that brings guests closer to the wildlife and landscapes of this unique ecosystem.

Our cabin rooms will be simple and rustic.  Here, we focus on nature, life on a working farm and the wildlife we will encounter during our stay.

Day notes

Early morning safari and return to Bogota

After breakfast at 06:00, we head out for a four-hour safari at 07:00.  We will be walking in the forest area to see what wildlife we can spot there.

We will leave at 11:00  to head to the airport with lunch en route at 14:00.  We aim to be at Yopal airport by 16:00.

An evening flight to Bogota will see us land at 19:14 and either a last night at Aloft or onward to international flights, depending on schedule times.  A last night is included in the rate and can be removed accordingly.

Day notes

International flights home