Trip Report: Central Andes & Cauca Valley (March 2019)

Welcome to our Trip Report series, where we share the field notes and highlights from our latest birding tours Colombia. Each report serves as a real-world example of what our Colombia birding itineraries deliver: exceptional birds, expert birding guides Colombia, and seamless logistics.

This Colombia birding trip report details a compact but incredibly diverse journey through the country’s Western and Central Andes birding circuits. For birders planning their own custom Colombia birding trip, this route from Cali to Manizales showcases the region’s spectacular highlights, from vibrant tanager flocks to rare high-altitude hummingbirds.

A Birding Triumph in the Andes: Happy Warblers’ Central Andes & Cauca Valley Tour (March 2019)

Dates: March 6 – 14, 2019

Total Species: 308

Complete eBird trip report: https://ebird.org/tripreport/435637

This was the third trip organized by Birding Tours Colombia for Joe Giunta’s Happy Warblers touring company. On this occasion, we designed a compact but diverse route, rich in birdlife and color, starting in Cali and ending in Manizales. Participants arrived via Cali’s airport and departed from Pereira, making logistics simple and efficient.

This Colombia birding tour combined the lush Western Andes with the fertile Cauca Valley, moving east into the Central Andes—a perfect sample of Colombia’s exceptional avian diversity. It proved ideal for both birdwatchers and bird photographers interested in Andes birding tours and private birding tours in Colombia.

Eight Days, 308 Birds: A quick glance at the itinerary. 

Our journey packed an extraordinary amount of birding into just eight days, showcasing how incredibly productive the Western and Central Andes can be. We began with a short drive from Cali to the iconic Kilómetro 18 (Km 18), spending the morning between the famed feeders of Finca Alejandría and the forested road to Dapa. After a delicious lunch at Aquí me Quedo, surrounded by a flurry of hummingbirds, we continued toward Buga, making a fruitful stop in the semi-dry forest of El Vínculo Regional Reserve.

The following day offered a deep dive into the wetlands of Sonso Marsh, a full morning filled with classic Cauca Valley specialties. In the afternoon we traveled to Otún-Quimbaya Wildlife Sanctuary, birding along the Otún River in search of the charismatic torrent trio: Torrent Duck, White-capped Dipper, and Torrent Tyrannulet.

We devoted a full day to exploring Otún-Quimbaya, from the lodge to the traditional fonda at El Cedral, followed by a second productive morning before heading toward Manizales. En route, we added more marsh species at Cameguadua Reservoir, near Chinchiná.

The final stretch of the trip took us high into Los Nevados National Park, where we enjoyed unforgettable views of high-Andean specialists, excellent activity at the feeders of Hotel Termales del Ruiz, and a rewarding hike down the Old Road. We continued with a morning of antpittas, mixed flocks, and mountain forest magic at Río Blanco, closing the tour with a relaxed and bird-filled visit to Tinamu Lodge, just below Manizales.

Despite the compact itinerary, the group achieved an outstanding total: 308 species recorded in only eight birding days—a remarkable result and a testament to the diversity and accessibility of these Andean regions.

Day 1: Western Andes Wonders at Km 18 and El Vínculo

Our first morning of birding in Colombia began just outside Cali at the famous “Kilómetro 18”, perched in the Western Andes. The cloud forest and gardens at Finca Alejandría offered immediate action, with feeders exploding in color.

Highlights included Long-tailed Sylph, White-booted Racket-tail, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, the near-endemic Purple-throated Woodstar, and the uncommon Blue-headed Sapphire—a dazzling start to our Colombia hummingbird tour segment.

Tanagers provided even more colors: Flame-rumped Tanager, Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, the endemic Multicolored Tanager, Golden-naped Tanager, Metallic-green Tanager, Saffron-crowned Tanager, Golden Tanager, Black-winged Saltator, Hepatic Tanager, and Summer Tanagers. 

On the forested Dapa Road, mixed flocks yielded Red-headed Barbet, Red-faced Spinetail, Streak-capped Treehunter, Montane Woodcreeper, and Uniform Antshrike. We also found Scarlet-fronted Parakeet,  Pewee, Golden-crowned Flycatcher, the musical Chestnut-breasted Wren, and Andean Solitaire.

After lunch at Aquí Me Quedo, with its excellent hummingbird feeders, we drove toward Buga.

Afternoon at El Vínculo Regional Reserve

En route, we birded the semi-dry forest of El Vínculo Regional Reserve13. The habitat change in the Cauca Valley was remarkable. We enjoyed excellent views of Spectacled Parrotlet, Lineated Woodpecker, and Streak-headed Woodcreeper, followed by the near-endemic Bar-crested Antshrike and Scrub Tanager. The supporting cast included Mouse-colored Tyrannulet, Crimson-backed Tanager, Streaked Saltator, Tropical Parula, and Yellow Oriole. This provided a fine transition from humid montane to dry valley habitats as we continued to Buga.

Day 2: Sonso Marsh Wetlands and the Ascent to Otún

Our second morning was dedicated to Sonso Marsh, a key wetland in the Cauca Valley for resident and migratory species. This mosaic of habitats offered non-stop activity, typical of the best birding tours Colombia. Excitement began with a pair of Horned Screamers, a flagship species here.

Waterfowl followed: Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, the threatened resident Cinnamon Teal, Least and Pied-billed Grebes, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Striated Heron, Cocoi Heron, Little Blue Heron, and Buff-necked Ibis. Raptors included Snail Kite and Limpkin. We also spotted Purple Gallinule, Black-necked Stilt, Wattled Jacana, and Southern Lapwing.

Drier sections produced Greater Ani, Smooth-billed Ani, Striped Cuckoo, and three kingfishers: Ringed, Amazon, and Green Kingfisher. A woodland stretch yielded Spot-breasted and Red-crowned Woodpecker, Cocoa Woodcreeper, Great Antshrike, and the impressive Jet Antbird.

Flycatcher highlights included Yellow-bellied Elaenia, Slate-headed Tody-Flycatcher, Yellow-olive Flatbill, Vermilion Flycatcher, and Colombia’s endemic Apical Flycatcher—a key find for any Colombia birding trip. We closed the morning with Cinerous Becard, Oriole Blackbird, Masked Cardinal, and Tropical Gnatcatcher.

Leaving Sonso with over 90 species, we began our afternoon ascent toward the Central Andes, birding the Otún River en route to Otún-Quimbaya Wildlife Sanctuary. The drive provided the classic “torrent trio”: Torrent Duck, White-capped Dipper, and Torrent Tyrannulet.

Day 3: Cloud Forest Treasures of Otún-Quimbaya

Located on the western slope of the Central Andes, the Otún-Quimbaya Wildlife Sanctuary is a premier site for Andes birding in Colombia. Our full day exploring the lush montane forest was magnificent. Early morning revealed Wattled Guan, Sickle-winged Guan, and the sought-after endemic Cauca Guan.

Along the river, we again found the Torrent Duck, White-capped Dipper, and Torrent Tyrannulet. Forest clearings produced White-collared Swift, Gray-rumped Swift, Pale-vented Pigeon, Bronze-winged Parrot, and Southern Lapwing.

The canopy buzzed with Squirrel Cuckoo, Bronzy Inca, Collared Trogon, and Andean Motmot. We also added Golden-olive Woodpecker, Streaked Xenops, and Strong-billed Woodcreeper. Mixed flocks carried Plumbeous-crowned Tyrannulet, Variegated Bristle-Tyrant, and the Marble-faced Bristle-Tyrant. Flycatchers included the near-endemic Rufous-breasted Flycatcher, Acadian Flycatcher, and Western Wood-Pewee.

The gorgeous Red-ruffed Fruitcrow was booming, and we also saw Green Jay, White-winged Becard, Rufous-naped Greenlet, and Pale-eyed Thrush.

Tanagers provided a spectacle: Black-capped, Blue-necked, Beryl-spangled, Metallic-green, and Bay-headed Tanagers. Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch was common, and we recorded Three-striped, Bay-breasted, Blackburnian, Canada, and Black-and-white Warblers. A Giant Cowbird and Yellow-bellied Siskin rounded out the day.

Day 4: Cameguadua Marsh Specialties

After a final morning at Otún-Quimbaya, we shifted habitats to Cameguadua Marsh near Chinchiná. This accessible Cauca Valley wetland is reliable for aquatic and edge species. We had pleasant surprises, including a nesting endemic Grayish Piculet and the rare Ultramarine Grossbeak.

We also found Blackish Rail, Purple Gallinule, Western Emerald, Spot-breasted Woodpecker, Pale-breasted Spinetail, Sooty-headed Tyrannulet, Vermilion Flycatcher, Pied Water-tyrant, Cattle Tyrant, Rusty-margined Flycatcher, Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Yellow-bellied & Ruddy-breasted Seedeater, Thick-billed Seed-finch, Olive-crowned Yellow-throat, Yellow Oriole, Yellow-hooded Blackbird, and Carib Grackle.

With over 70 species recorded, Cameguadua was an excellent transition before heading to the high Andes.

Day 5: High Andes Birding at Los Nevados National Park

Birding Los Nevados National Park is a jewel of the Central Andes birding circuit. We focused on the páramo ecosystem above 3,800 meters. At Laguna Negra, we found Andean Teal and Andean Duck.

Road stops produced Golden-plumed Parakeet, Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant, Brown-bellied Swallow, Sedge Wren, Rufous Wren, Black-capped Hemispingus, and three Mountain-Tanagers: Hooded, Lacrimose, and Scarlet-bellied.

Open grasslands with scattered shrubs held Stout-billed Cinclodes, Andean Tit-Spinetail, Tawny Antpitta, Plumbeous Sierra-Finch, Paramo Tapaculo, Plain-colored & Paramo Seedeater.

Elfin forest flocks included White-throated Tyrannulet, Golden-crowned Tanager, Blue-backed Conebill, Glossy & Black Flowerpiercer, Pale-naped Brush-finch, the near-endemic Golden-fronted Redstart, Black-crested Warbler, and Hooded Siskin.

A highlight of any Colombia birding tour was the endemic Buffy Helmetcrest, giving extraordinary views among Espeletia flowers.

The hummingbird feeders at Hotel Termales del Ruiz provided an amazing show: Purple-backed & Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Tyrian & Viridian Metaltail, the near-endemic Black-thighed Puffleg, near-endemic Golden-breasted Puffleg, Shining Sunbeam, Collared Inca, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, Mountain Velvetbreast, and Great Sapphirewing.

Day 6: Antpittas and Mixed Flocks at Rio Blanco Reserve

Birding Rio Blanco Reserve is famous for its antpitta feeding stations and rich mixed flocks. This was our chance to see the Chestnut-crowned Antpitta and the endemic Brown-banded Antpitta up close. We also heard Bicolored & Slate-crowned Antpitta calling from dense bamboo.

Other great birds today included Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Masked Trogon, Andean Motmot, Southern Emerald Toucanet, Black-billed Mountain-Toucan, Scaly-naped Parrot, and Glossy-black Thrush.

The mix flocks were rich, attended by Pearled Treerunner, Flammulated Treehunter, Streak-headed Antbird, Rufous-crowned Tody-flycatcher, Cinnamon & Pale-edged Flycatcher, Green-and-black Fruiteater, Mountain Wren, Sharpe´s Wren, Gray-breasted Wood-wren, Black-eared Hemispingus, Gray-hooded Bush-tanager, Buff-breasted Mountain-tanager, Blue-and-black Tanager, Beryl-spangled & Metallic-green Tanager, Capped Conebill, Plushcap, White-naped Brush-finch, Slaty Brush-finch, Slate-throated & Golden-fronted Redstart.

The lodge feeders attracted White-throated Wedgebill, Lesser & Sparkling Violetear, Tourmaline Sunangel, Speckled Hummingbird, Long-tailed Sylph, Bronzy & Collared Inca, Buff-tailed Coronet, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, and White-bellied Woodstar.

Days 7 & 8: Tinamú Reserve and the Coffee Region

We descended into the lush foothills of the Coffee Region to Tinamú Lodge, one of the premier birding lodges in Colombia. This private reserve is a paradise for photographers and birders, offering close encounters with Central Andes specialties.

Gentle trails revealed Golden-collared Manakin, Gray-headed Dove, Moustached Puffbird, Golden-crowned Warbler, Plain-brown Woodcreeper, Common Potoo, Green Hermit, Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant, and White-breasted Wood-Wren.

Banana feeders were attended by Guira Tanager, Crimson-backed Tanager, Green Honeycreeper, Clay-colored Thrush, Gray-headed Tanager, and Yellow-backed Oriole.

Hummingbirds darted among the feeders, including White-necked Jacobin, Crowned Woodnymph, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, White-vented Plumeleteer, Andean Emerald, Black-throated Mango, and Steely-vented Hummingbird.

The forest edge held Andean Motmot and Bar-crested Antshrike, while Jet Antbird called from bamboo. Openings provided views of Spectacled Parrotlet, Bronze-winged Parrot, Brown-throated Parakeet, and Yellow-faced Grassquit. This tranquil finale emphasized the comfort and biodiversity that defines birdwatching tours Colombia.

Trip Favorites and Final Reflections

On our final evening, the group deliberated on their favorite birds of the trip.

The list included:

• Black-billed Mountain-Toucan
• Wattled Guan
• Golden-collared Manakin
• Buffy Helmetcrest
• White-capped Dipper
• Moustached Puffbird
• Blue-headed Sapphire
• Andean Motmot

Over eight days, our group traversed an extraordinary range of habitats—from lowland wetlands to cloud forests and high páramo—recording a stunning diversity of species. This journey through the Central and Western Andes proved again why Colombia remains the top destination for Neotropical birding tours. The Happy Warblers group from New York departed with memorable lifers, countless photos, and the shared realization that birding in Colombia offers an experience that goes far beyond the species list—it’s a journey through color, culture, and connection.

This trip was a perfect introduction to the country’s spectacular and accessible birdlife. If this Colombia birding itinerary inspires you, explore our scheduled Colombia birding tours 2026 and 2027, or contact us to design your own private birding tours Colombia. We look forward to showing you the avian abundance and cultural warmth of our country.