Located in the southwestern region of the Colombian Andes, La Cocha is the country's second-largest natural body of freshwater. It was recognised as a wetland of international importance under the RAMSAR convention. This Andean lake is located 2,800 meters above sea level and sits 20 kilometres from the capital city of Pasto. About 140 bird species have been registered in La Cocha, including threatened species related to high Andean wetlands such as Yellow-billed Pintail (Anas georgica) and Colorado Duck (Anas cyanoptera). This beautiful lake is also houses a large number of migratory boreal and austral birds.
Adventure to Colombia’s SouthwestVisit the habitats of fascinating endemic and migratory species during this unforgettable birding tour in southwest Colombia. We will cover a variety of different landscapes: from the wetlands, lakes and mountains of the Andes towering 2,800 meters above sea level, to the tropical rainforest of the Pacific Coast. You will have the chance to see a large number of aquatic birds, including endemic and migratory species, at the spectacular Laguna de La Cocha and Isla de La Corota. You will visit the Pacific rainforest in La Planada Nature Reserve (IBA) to see endemic and endangered species such as the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan (Andigena laminirostris). Finally, we will observe a great community of hummingbirds (31 species) in Río Ñambí Nature Reserve (IBA) before visiting a beautiful famous sanctuary. EXPERIENCE TYPE Birding, Eco-Tourism & Culture |
|
Tour Highlights
Laguna de La Cocha
Fauna & Flora Sanctuary Isla de La Corota
This peaceful island is located in Laguna de La Cocha and is the smallest natural protected area in Colombia. It is an integral part of the entire wetland ecosystem of La Cocha and is the perfect place to spot aquatic birds.
La Planada Nature Reserve
Located in the Pacific side of the Andes Mountains, La Planada is part of the Chocó biogeographic region. It is one of the most bio-diverse coastal tropical rainforests in the world. Nearly 283 bird species have been registered here including endemic and endangered species such as the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan (Andigena laminirostris). La Planada Nature Reserve is also a great place to observe spectacled bears, the last remaining short-faced bear species.
Rio Ñambi Nature Reserve
Nestled in the Pacific coastal foothills of Nariño (one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world) this nature reserve is an IBA with 354 registered bird species. At Rio Ñambí, we will find a great community of hummingbirds (31 species), as well as an extensive variety of butterflies and large animals such as the ocelot, the jaguar and the anteater. At night, we can observe nocturnal plants and animals, such as fluorescent fungus.
San Juan de Pasto
Also known as Pasto, the capital of the department of Nariño sits in the southwestern region of Colombia with a spectacular view of the Galeras Volcano. This city is famous for its beautiful churches and architecture, as well as for the Black and White Carnival.
What to Expect
Detailed Itinerary
Show All
DAY 1 Travel to Pasto & City Tour and Transfer to La Cocha
Early in the morning, we will pick you up at your hotel in Bogota for your flight to Pasto. After arriving in Pasto, we will have a city tour to see some of the most iconic places of this charming city.
In the afternoon, we will transfer you to your hotel in La Cocha, Colombia’s biggest natural lake.
Overnight: La Cocha - Hotel Chalet Guamez Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2 Birding in La Cocha
There are more than 50 natural reserves around La Cocha. One of the best reserves is El Encanto, which covers nearly 2.5 ha of paramo. The Grey-breated Mountain Tucan is surprisingly common here. The Mountain Cacique (cacicus chrysonotus), Speckle-faced (pionus tumultuosus) and Bronze-winnged parrots (Pionus chalcopterus) amongst other species can also be spotted.
We will also spend some time at La Corota Island to see even more bird species.
Overnight: La Cocha - Hotel Chalet Guamez Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3 Birding in La Cocha and Visit of the Sanctuary of Las Lajas,
We will spend the morning exploring another natural reserve around La Cocha before travelling to the magnificent Sanctuary of Las Lajas, one of the most unique churches in the world. It was built atop a bridge spanning a gorge below the village of Las Lajas.
We will spend the night in Ipiales.
Overnight: Ipiales Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4 Birding in Rio Ñambí
Today we will go to Río Ñambí Natural Reserve, located in one of the most biodiverse regions of the world. This reserve protects nearly 1,000 ha of pristine rain forest with a high degree of endemism. It is a paradise for observing specialties of the Western Andes and Pacific Rainforest that are difficult to see elsewhere. We will have the opportunity to see more than 30 hummingbird species.
The evening is to explore the reserve and see the unique fluorescent fungus and other plants and nocturnal animals.
Overnight: Rio Ñambí Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 Birding in Rio Ñambí and La Planada
We will continue exploring Rio Ñambí in the morning and have the chance to see the near endemic Violet-tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus coelestis) and Rufous-breasted Antthrush (Formicarious rufipectus) amongst other birds.
Then, we will go to La Planada, a natural reserve located in the Pacific slope of the Eastern Andes. This reserve covers 3,200 ha of primary and secondary wet forest with more than 283 species registered here, including the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan (Andigena laminirostris) and Club-winged Manakin (Machaeropterus deliciosus).
Overnight: La Planada Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 Birding in La Planada and Flight to Bogota
We will continue exploring other sectors in La Planada Nature Reserve to see more birds, possibly including near-threatened species such as the Orange-fronted Barbet (Capito squamatus) and the Toucan Barbet (Semnornis ramphastinus).
Overnight: Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Essential Information
What's Included
- Airport pick up and drop off
- 5 nights' accommodation
- Domestic flights
- Private ground transport
- Meals as defined in the itinerary
- Experienced local birding guides fluent in English
- Entry tickets to all natural parks and reserves mentioned in the itinerary
- Entry tickets to all touristic places mentioned in the itinerary
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Tips & other discretionary expenses
How to Book
If you wish to book this tour, please click on the yellow "Book Now" button, select the date, number of people, complete the details and go through a secured online payment platform.
If you have any question or whish to change something, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Accommodations
We have carefully chosen the right accommodations with different styles and standards depending on the cities, small towns or natural reserves visited. We personally ensure that each property has the right combination of features such as cleanliness, location, friendly staff and good service.