Rio Blanco is an important IBA and conservation area that is already recognised as one of the best bird watching sites in Colombia. The reserve has an altitudinal range of between 2,239 and 3,699 meters, covers an area of 7,949 acres and protects cloud forests and paramo. More than 335 species have been recorded here, including several endemics and endangered species.
Birding & Culture in the Central Andes of ColombiaThis birdwatching tour in Colombia’s central Andes is perfect for novice birders. You will encounter diverse birdlife and culture with a knowledgeable guide by your side – all in a region adorned with astonishing mountains, lush coffee plantations, deep valleys and rivers. During the tour, we will visit La Florida Regional Park, Chingaza Natural Park, Rio Blanco Reserve and Otun Quimbaya Sanctuary, were you will have the opportunity to see many species. We will also visit La Candelaria (Historic Old Town) in Bogota, the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira and a traditional coffee plantation in Colombia’s Coffee Region to learn everything about the coffee-making process. EXPERIENCE TYPE Birding, Eco-Tourism & Local Traditions |
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Tour Highlights
Rio Blanco Nature Reserve
Otun Quimbaya Fauna & Flora Sanctuary
This national protected area was created in 1996 and belongs to the "Bosques del Oriente de Risaralda" IBA. It is located on the west slope of the Central Andes in an area well recognised for its biological richness and of course its birds. The sanctuary covers 1,208 acres between 1,749 and 2,250 meters above sea level, where clouds drench the mountains with misty rains.
Historic Centre of Bogota
The capital city of Colombia has grown around La Candelaria, the famous colonial neighbourhood where most of the historic sites, museums and ancient churches are located. Practically every street corner in La Candelaria marks an important event in Colombian history.
Visit of a coffee farm
During the tour, you will have the opportunity to visit an authentic, functioning coffee farm to learn about the planting, picking, drying and roasting processes that culminate in your morning cup of coffee.
What to Expect
Detailed Itinerary
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DAY 1 Join Tour in Bogota
Arrive at any time. We will pick you up at the airport and drive you to your hotel in Bogota. Depending on the traffic, the drive from the airport takes around 30-45 minutes.
At the hotel, we will check again your itinerary to make sure everything is clear, help you with anything you may need and give you some practical information about Bogota and Colombia. Depending on the time of your arrival, you may have some time to start exploring the city on your own or just to relax.
Overnight: Bogota - Hotel Hacienda Royal Meal Plan: Dinner
DAY 2 Bogota City Tour
Today, you will have the chance to admire the world's largest collection of pre -Hispanic gold at the Gold Museum, and check the artistic work of Fernando Botero, Colombia's most famous painter and sculptor at the Museo Botero. We will glimpse the diversity of architectural styles on display at the historic neighbourhood of La Candelaria and we will capture spectacular panoramic views of the city from the top of Cerro de Monserrate.
Overnight: Bogota - Hotel Hacienda Royal Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 3 Flight to Manizales and Birding in Rio Blanco Natural reserve
In the morning, we will fly to Manizales and go to Rio Blanco Natural reserve . We will spend two nights at the natural reserve, where we will have the opportunity to see 5 species of Antpitta, hummingbirds such as Tourmaline Sunangel (Heliangelus exortis) and many others.
Today, you will be birding in the afternoon and early evening.
Overnight: Rio Blanco Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4 Full Day at Rio Blanco Nature Reserve
Very early in the morning, we will start birding at the reserve. At midday we will go back to the lodge for lunch and then continue in the afternoon.
Overnight: Rio Blanco Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 Birding in Rio Blanco Nature Reserve and Transfer to Otun Quimbaya
We will have the morning to do a bit more birding before starting our journey to Otun Quimbaya Fauna and Flora Sanctuary.
Overnight: Otun Quimbaya Lodge Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 Full Day at Otun Quimbaya Fauna & Flora Sanctuary Reserve
We will spend the day at this beautiful flora and fauna sanctuary where clouds drench the mountains with misty rains and where there are more than 300 bird species tobe seen including: Torrent Duck (Merganetta armata), Cauca Guan (Penelope perspicax), Sickle-winged Guan (Chamaepetes goudotii) and, many Tanagers and parrots.
Overnight: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Meal Plan: Otun Quimbaya Lodge
DAY 7 Birding in Otun Quimbaya Fauna & Flora Sanctuary and Tansfer to Salento
We will have the morning at Otun Quimbaya before travelling back to Bogota in the afternoon.
Overnight: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Meal Plan: Salento – Hotel Reserva El Cairo
DAY 8 Visit of Valle de Cocora & Coffee Plantation
Today we will visit the Valle de Cocora (Valley of Cocora) Natural Park. The cloud forest at Valle de Cocora is a prime example of the amazing diversity of fauna and flora characteristic of Colombia's coffee region. While trekking across the valley, surrounded by the famous and unique palmas de cera Page 28 of 49 (wax palms), we will hear stories about this amazing place and its meaning for the native tribes that inhabited the area before the Europeans came to America. We will have lunch at the park rangers’ base before continuing our trip to visit a coffee plantation nearby.
At the coffee plantation, you will learn the details of each step from planting the coffee beans all the way through the picking and roasting process. We will learn how to select and pick only the ripe coffee cherries and also how to taste and evaluate the coffee's quality, just like an expert coffee taster.
Overnight: Salento – Hotel Reserva El Cairo Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9 Flight to Bogota
Today we will travel back to Bogota. Upon arrival in Bogota, we will transfer you to the hotel. In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner.
Overnight: Bogota - Hotel Hacienda Royal Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10 End of Tour, Airport Transport
Your adventure in Colombia ends today. At the time required, we will transfer to the airport.
Overnight: Meal Plan: Breakfast
Essential Information
What's Included
- Airport pick up and drop off
- 9 nights' accommodation
- Domestic flights
- Private ground transport
- Meals as defined in the itinerary
- Birding and local tour guides fluent in English
- Entry tickets to natural parks and reserves mentioned in the itinerary
- Entry tickets to museums and tourist locations mentioned in the itinerary
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Tips and other discretionary expenses
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.