Colombia | Birding and Photography in the Cauca Valley with Award-Winning Photographer Krisztina Scheeff

Upon arrival at the airport, transfer to your hotel. This evening meet your guide for a program orientation and welcome dinner. Check in starts at 3 pm.

This morning, visit Laguna de Sonso Nature Reserve in the city of Guadalajara de Buga, a heritage town located 50 minutes from Cali's international airport. The Sonso Lagoon is an ancient Oxbow on the Cauca River and is the most important bird reserve in the Cauca Valley region. Extensive crops and livestock on the banks of the Cauca River have brought the wetlands of this region to a critical point; however, Laguna de Sonso is a protected area and offers the perfect habitat for many birds of the lowlands and dry valley forests from the Cauca River. The area functions as an oasis of biodiversity in the midst of industrial expansion. It is located a few minutes from the city of Buga and is very easy to access, featuring wetland ecosystems and dry forest with a diversity of more than 390 bird species recorded to date. Some of the key species to spot here are Apical Flycatcher, Grayish Piculet, Horned Screamer, Jet Antbird, Masked Duck, Great Antshrike, Ruby-topaz Hummingbird, Dwarf Cuckoo, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Buff-necked Ibis, and Snail Kite. The elevation in this area is around 3,280 feet, with temperatures ranging between 80 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit. The terrain consists of unpaved rural roads and trails at the edge of the wetland. Next, visit Eco-Hotel Hacienda El Diamante. This is a new birdwatching spot located 20 minutes Buga. The hotel features some feeders where more than 12 species of hummingbirds and some tanagers visit, as well as forests and lakes with roosting egrets, herons, and other wading birds. Some of the target species to look out for here are Apical Flycatcher, Grayish Piculet, Bar-crested Antshrike, Ruby-topaz Hummingbird, Andean Emerald, Buff-tailed Coronet, Blue-necked Tanager, Black-capped Tanager, Fawn-breasted Tanager, and Little Cuckoo. Later, travel to your hotel located near Calima Lake. Elevation: 3,937 feet / Mobility: Easy / Temperature: 66 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

Visit the Río Bravo Nature Reserve, which national and international experts consider one of the most important for its impressive biodiversity and endemism. The Río Bravo area is prioritized worldwide as a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) within the Tropical Andes Biodiversity Hotspot. Likewise, it is classified as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) due to its remarkable presence of birds, which encompasses 64 percent of the birds in the department of Valle del Cauca and 27.2% of the birds in all of Colombia. With an immense wealth of birds, mammals, and orchids, Río Bravo is not only great for its biodiversity, but also for the imposing rocks of Santa María bathed with waterfalls and gorges that cross rocky landscapes. On the road that leads to the sector of Río Azul and Chancos, there are majestic views of the Calima Lake and beautiful blue streams. Some of the birds that are possible to spot here are Multicolored Tanager, Toucan Barbet, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Parker's Antbird, Tatama Tapaculo, Golden-winged Manakin, Golden-collared Manakin, Glossy-black Thrush, Golden-crowned Brushfinch, Purplish-mantled Tanager, Rufous-throated Tanager, Golden-naped Tanager, and Sooty-headed Wren. Elevation: 6,561 feet / Track: unpaved rural roads / Temperature: 68 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

La Minga Farmhouse, is located in the municipality of Dapa, within the IBA (Important Bird Area) zone of Km 18; on a cloud forest at 7217 ft altitude, in the summit of the Western Wordillera of the Andes, with a forest that is protected inside and out of the reserve. The access route is a rural unpaved road and provides an excellent spot for birdwatching, being flanked by primary and secondary forests and tea crop fields. The tanager and hummingbird feeders are probably the biggest attractions of La Minga, offering fantastic opportunities to observe and photograph great species of birds. Key species: Multicolored Tanager, Golden headed Quetzal, Crested Quetzal, Masked Trogon, Red headed Barbet, Blue winged Mountain Tanager, Colombian Chachalaca, Blue headed Sapphire, Golden naped Tanager, Metallic green Tanager, Saffron crowned Tanager, Bronzy Inca, Andean Emerald. Elevation: 7217 ft / Track: rural unpaved road, trails along the farmhouse / Temperature: 60 75°F. The Natural Reserve of San Antonio, is located on the road that connects the city of Cali with the port city of Buenaventura, passing through the edge of the mountain range known as km 18, which has been declared as an AICA (IBA Important birds Area), due to the bird species found here. The unpaved rural road is very productive in terms of birds, this road leads to the area known as the Antenas that eventually becomes a path only for walkers, on the edge of the road, patches of primary and secondary forest with stubble areas. San Antonio is also famous for the abundance of birds such as the Andean Cock of the Rock that is usually easily seen in the area or stays in constant lek. Key Species: Nariño Tapaculo, Multicolored tanager, Scaled Fruiteater, Golden headed Quetzal, Crested Quetzal, Masked Trogon, Red headed Barbet, Blue winged Mountain Tanager, Colombian Chachalaca, Blue headed Sapphire, Golden naped Tanager, Metallic green Tanager, Saffron crowned Tanager, Bronzy Inca, Andean Emerald. Elevation: 8202 fasl / Track: unpaved rural road / Temperature: 60 75 ° F.

This morning, begin the day 1 hour and 45 minutes from the city of Cali, on the old road that leads to the Pacific Ocean, at Doña Dora's house. Doña Dora originally set up a café and restaurant at her home that later grew into a must-visit spot for local birders over the years due to the impressive variety of birds, especially Chocó endemics, that her garden attracted. It is an incredible place to sit and enjoy observing the drinking troughs and feeders for different hummingbirds and tanagers. Located at an average height of 5,200 feet, there is a confluence of both Andean species and species from the humid forests of the Chocó ecoregion. Enjoy great food and spectacular photo opportunities at this must-see place in the Anchicayá River Canyon. Some of the species that can be found here are Empress Brilliant, Toucan Barbet, Green Thorntail, Red-headed Barbet, Silver-throated Tanager, Rufous-throated Tanager, White-booted Racket-tail, Glistening-green Tanager, Violet-tailed Sylph, Velvet-purple Coronet, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, and Golden-naped Tanager. Elevation: 5,249 feet/ Track: asphalt road / Temperature: 68 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

Along the enchanting forest area in KM 18, San Felipe Birding Natural Reserve is a private birding paradise in a designated Important Bird Area (IBA) celebrated for its rich avian diversity. The meticulously curated sanctuary offers an effortless birdwatching and photography experience, making it a haven for enthusiasts of all levels. Here, it is possible to find a variety of carefully designed photographic setups that attract a dazzling array of bird species. Watch as striking tanagers, toucans, wood quails, antpittas, and woodpeckers grace the feeding stations, providing unparalleled opportunities for capturing stunning images. Renowned for its exceptional service and breathtaking photographic vantage points, this hidden gem near Cali promises an unforgettable experience. The target species here include Chestnut Wood-Quail, Little Tinamou, Scaled Antpitta, Blue-necked Tanager, Orange-billed Nighttinghale-Thrush, Red-headed Barbet, Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, Colombian Chachalaca, Blue-headed Sapphire, Golden-naped Tanager, Metallic-green Tanager, Saffron-crowned Tanager, Bronzy Inca, and Andean Emerald. Elevation: 8,202 feet / Track: rural unpaved road / Temperature: 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

On the scenic KM 18 ridge from Cali to Buenaventura, La Florida - El Bosque de las Aves is a premier birdwatching haven and Important Bird Area (IBA). Managed with dedication by Javier, this sanctuary is a showcase of avian diversity, featuring prime spots for vibrant tanagers, majestic toucans, and elusive woodpeckers. Enjoy the chance to marvel at the rare Chestnut Wood-Quail and capture stunning photos of the dazzling Multicolored Tanager amidst the reserve's finest feeders. Beyond birdwatching, indulge in exceptional coffee and unique culinary delights that elevate your experience. La Florida - El Bosque de las Aves offers a remarkable journey into Colombia's avian wonderland, making it a must-visit destination for bird enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. Some of the key bird species at La Florida to keep an eye out for are Nariño Tapaculo, Multicolored Tanager, Scaled Fruiteater, Golden-headed Quetzal, Crested Quetzal, Masked Trogon, Red-headed Barbet, Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, Colombian Chachalaca, Blue-headed Sapphire, Golden-naped Tanager, Metallic-green Tanager, Saffron-crowned Tanager, Bronzy Inca, and Andean Emerald. Elevation: 8,202 feet / Track: rural unpaved road / Temperature: 60° to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Travel to the airport for your flight home. Check-out is at 1 pm.