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COLOMBIA PHOTO TOUR
 

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TOUR DETAILS

Embark on a delightful journey spanning 10 nights, exploring the enchanting regions of Medellin, Manizales, and Cali. This trip has been carefully scheduled for the best times of the year, taking into consideration the favorable weather conditions and abundant bird activity. To ensure the utmost comfort throughout the tour, I have handpicked some of the best lodges for your stay.

DATES: 

April 25 to May 5, 2024 (4 spaces available)

Dec 4 to 14, 2024 (6 spaces available)

Arrival airport: CLO (Cali)
Departure Airport: MDE (Medellin)


TOUR LEADER:  Magdalena Sanchez  

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Detailed Itinerary 

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Day 1- Upon arrival at Cali (CLO), we will transfer you to our carefully chosen lodge near KM 18.

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Day 2- We will dedicate the morning to exploring the renowned El 18, situated on a breathtaking 1800-meter (5,900-ft) pass just 18 kilometers (11 miles) northwest of Cali. This location, along the road connecting Cali with the port city of Buenaventura, offers exceptional photo opportunities. Prepare to capture remarkable shots of Chestnut Wood-Quail, the spectacular Multicolored Tanager (Endemic), Flame-rumped, Golden, Saffron-crowned, and Golden-naped Tanagers, as well as the Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager frequenting the feeders. Additionally, keep an eye out for Scaled Antipitta, Green Jay, Colombian Chachalaca, Acorn Woodpecker, and Crimson-rumped Toucanet.

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Day 3- We will visit another splendid location, also situated in KM 18. Here, you can photograph Saffron-crowned and Golden-naped Tanagers, Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, Andean Motmot, Red-headed Barbet, Little Tinamou and Orange-billed Nightingale Thrush among many others.

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Day 4- On this day, we will embark on an early start and drive to the biodiverse Choco region, where we will visit a feeder set up by a local resident named Dona Dora. Our primary targets will be Choco endemics, including the Toucan Barbet, Glistening Green Tanager, Velvet Purple Coronet, and Black-chinned Mountain Tanager, among several others.

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Day 5- Today, we will drive to the captivating city of Manizales, where we will spend the next four nights. Manizales is a highlight of the trip, as it offers some of the most remarkable areas for bird photography in the region.

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Day 6- We will spend the day at a beautiful dairy farm nestled in the Central Andes. This property, which has preserved extensive forests and paramo ecosystems for decades, boasts incredible bird activity. Our targets here include Crescent-Faced Antpitta, Equatorial Antpitta, Gray-Breasted Mountain Toucan, Hooded Mountain Tanager, Collared Inca, Tourmaline Sunangel, Buff-Winged Starfrontlet, Mountain Velvetbreast, Masked Flowerpiercer, Sparkling Violetear, Sword-Billed Hummingbird, and more. A knowledgeable local guide will accompany us for the day. We will enjoy breakfast and lunch here. 

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Day 7- We will visit another picturesque location high up in the mountains near Manizales. The place offers astonishing bird species visiting the feeders. Our journey involves an early departure, where we will embark on a scenic drive and transfer to a Totoya Land Cruiser, accompanied by a skilled guide who will also serve as our driver. Upon arrival, we will enjoy breakfast and witness a captivating show of avian wonders. Expect to encounter Black-billed Mountain Toucan, Andean Guan, Hooded Mountain Tanager, Lachrymose Mountain Tanager, Slaty Brushfinch, Gray-browed Brushfinch, Bicolored Antpitta, Collared Inca, Shining Sunbeam, Long-tailed Sylph, Buff-tailed Coronet, and many other beautiful species. Unanticipated bird sightings are also possible, making it an exciting experience!

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Day 8- We will visit beautiful private reserve where we will spend a full day of photography at hides. Our main targets today are 3 types of Antpittas, Green-and- black Fruiteater, several hummingbirds and tanagers 
 


Day 9- After a satisfying breakfast, we will embark on a journey to Jardin. Although the drive typically takes around 5 hours under normal traffic conditions, we will ensure a timely arrival. Prepare to witness a truly awe-inspiring show at the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek, which is just a short walk away from downtown Jardin. This unique lek is located in the backyard of a private residence, where these magnificent birds have grown accustomed to human presence, allowing for up-close encounters and excellent photo opportunities. Alongside the impressive Cock-of-the-Rock, we may also observe the Andean Motmot and various tanager species visiting the banana feeders. However, the true star of the location remains the captivating Cock-of-the-Rock.

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Day 10- Seize your final opportunity to capture stunning photographs of the iconic Cock-of-the-Rock during the morning session. Afterward, we will commence our journey back to Rio Negro (MDE) for our last evening together, cherishing the memories and reflecting on the incredible experiences we've had throughout the trip.

 

Day 11 - After breakfast transfer to the MDE airport for your international flight home. 

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PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

 

  • This is a very relaxed trip and involves very little walking 

 

HOW TO JOIN THE WORKSHOP?

 

  • Please read all terms and conditions 

  • Contact me using the contact form below 

  • If you are interested in private tours please let me know in your email 

 

COST & TERMS 

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  • $4,500 USD per person in shared accommodation 

  • $5,000 USD per person in single accommodation  

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  • A deposit amount of $1000 is required to book your space

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  • How to pay: Bank transfer, check & PayPal options are available  

WHAT'S INCLUDED

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  • Lodging 

  • Meals from breakfast on day 2 to breakfast on the last day

  • Private transportation 

  • Professional guide and photography mentor

  • Local guides at multiple locations 

  • Entrance Fees 

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WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

 

  • Dinner on the first night 

  • Any drinks other than what's included in the itinerary 

  • Visa fees, if required 

  • Airfare 

  • Insurance 

  • Alcoholic beverages 

  • Snacks 

  • Phone calls 

  • Laundry 

  • Tips 

  • Cost of hospitalization and evacuation if necessary

 

PAYMENT POLICY 

$1,000 payment to confirm your seat and the remaining 45 days before the trip start date. 

 

CANCELLATION POLICY 

​The booking amount is non-refundable. 

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Remaining amount:

  • 45 to 30  days before the start of the tour: Refund of 50% of the remaining payment (not including deposit), less $100 convenience fee.

  • 30 days before the start of the tour: No refunds will be given, and all payments will be forfeited. 
     

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HOW MANY PARTICIPANTS IN THE TOUR 

A max of 8 photographers 

 

WHAT PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR TO BRING? 

We recommend bringing your longest telephoto lens, preferably 300mm or more. A full-frame camera is good to have. Pack a ton of memory cards as well. 

 

A sturdy tripod or monopod is required 

 

Since it can be rainy sometimes you might want to get some sort of a rain jacket as well. 

 

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TRAVEL INSURANCE

We recommend that you purchase travel insurance to protect your trip investment and yourself while traveling. 

 

Our tours do not take the liability for your flight cancelations, medical expenses, gear damage, accidents, natural disasters, extended stays and other unforeseen emergencies.  

BOOKING ENQUIRY 

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