Your day begins early with a departure from Hotel Quo Quality to the Rio Blanco Nature Reserve, a short 20-minute drive away. Located just 3 km from Manizales, Rio Blanco is an ideal spot for bird photography, boasting 4,932 hectares of cloud forest ranging from 2,150 to 3,700 meters above sea level. This reserve plays a crucial role in conserving the water supply for Manizales’ residents and has historically recorded up to 517 bird species.

During your visit, you will explore ecological trails equipped with bird feeders attracting antpittas such as Grallaria milleri, Grallaria rufocinerea, and Grallaria ruficapilla. Breakfast and lunch will be enjoyed within the reserve, providing ample opportunities for photography amidst stunning natural backdrops. In the afternoon, you will return to Hotel Quo Quality in Manizales for dinner and overnight stay.

Hotel Quo Quality: https://quo.com.co/

Rio Blanco Nature Reserve eBird Hotspot: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2241379/bird-list

On this exciting day, you will embark early in the morning from Hotel Quo Quality to Hacienda El Bosque, one of the premier bird photography sites in Colombia’s coffee region. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to photograph stunning species under optimal conditions, including the Grallaricula lineifrons, Ensifera ensifera, Buthraupis montana, and many more, with a remarkable record of up to 314 bird species documented in this area.

Breakfast and lunch will be served at Hacienda El Bosque, allowing you to savor the local flavors while surrounded by breathtaking scenery. After a fulfilling day of bird photography, you will head to Hotel Termales del Ruiz, where you can unwind and immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and natural wonders that await you.

Hotel Termales del Ruiz: https://termalesdelruiz.com

Hacienda El Bosque eBird Hotspot: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L7816358

On this exciting day, we will explore three fascinating zones, beginning in the morning at Termales del Ruiz. Here, you will have the opportunity to photograph remarkable bird species, including Anisognathus igniventris, Silvicultrix frontalis, Chalcostigma herrani, Grallaria quitensis, Anisognathus lacrymosus, Iridosornis rufivertex, Aglaeactis cupripennis, and Myioborus ornatus. This stunning location has recorded up to 294 bird species.

Following our time at Termales del Ruiz, we will proceed to the Laguna Negra area, where over 150 bird species have been documented. Afterward, we will visit the Brisas Sector, known for its impressive diversity, hosting around 220 bird species. Notable sightings may include Anas andium andium, Oxyura ferruginea andina, and Asthenes flammulata. However, the highlight of this visit will undoubtedly be Oxypogon stuebelii, which will be our tour leader's primary focus to ensure you can photograph this stunning species.

After enjoying these exceptional birdwatching opportunities, we will descend back to Termales del Ruiz Hotel for lunch. Following our meal, we will embark on a scenic six-hour journey to the Cauca Valley, specifically to La Araucana Lodge. This idyllic lodge is a haven for birdwatchers, featuring top-notch facilities, professional chefs, and an atmosphere tailored to birdwatching enthusiasts. After a delightful dinner, you can unwind and rest, preparing for another day of adventure ahead.

Termales del Ruiz eBird Hotspot: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L4057071

Laguna Negra eBird Hotspot: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L4979884/bird-list

Brisas Sector eBird Hotspot: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L5069164

On this day, you will rise early to embark on a journey to Finca Doña Dora, renowned as the site with the highest recorded number of bird species in the Cauca Valley. This remarkable finca has documented over 500 bird species historically, making it a premier destination for birdwatchers and photographers alike.

During your visit, you will have the chance to photograph an impressive array of bird species, including Semnornis ramphastinus, Chlorochrysa phoenicotis, Ixothraupis rufigula, Atlapetes tricolor, Urosticte benjamini, Aulacorhynchus haematopygus, Uropsalis lyra, Tangara icterocephala, Thalurania colombica, Malacoptila mystacalis, and many more.

At Finca Doña Dora, you will be provided with breakfast and lunch, allowing you to recharge while surrounded by the beautiful sounds and sights of nature. In the afternoon, you will return to La Araucana Lodge for dinner and relaxation after an exciting day of birdwatching.

Finca Doña Dora eBird Hotspot: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L4375590

On this day, you will depart early from La Araucana Lodge to visit La Florida, one of the premier bird photography locations in the Cauca Valley. Here, you will have the opportunity to photograph special birds, including the endemic Chlorochrysa nitidissima, as well as unique species like Saltator atripennis, Crypturellus soui, Atlapetes albinucha, Chalcothraupis ruficervix, Zentrygon frenata, Odontophorus hyperythrus, Eubucco bourcierii, and Tangara xanthocephala. More than 360 bird species have been recorded at La Florida, and you will enjoy breakfast during your visit.

Afterward, you will head to Bosque de Niebla Birding and Nature for lunch. This location provides excellent opportunities to photograph hummingbirds in optimal lighting and background conditions. Species you may encounter include Coeligena coeligena, Ocreatus underwoodii, Heliodoxa rubinoides, Uranomitra franciae, and other birds such as Tangara nigroviridis, Masius chrysopterus, Cyanocorax yncas, and many more.

In the afternoon, you will return to La Araucana Lodge for dinner and relaxation after a fulfilling day of birdwatching.

La Florida eBird Hotspot: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L10440585

Bosque de Niebla Birding and Nature eBird Hotspot: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L7827417

On this final day, after enjoying breakfast at La Araucana Lodge, you will depart directly for Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport in Cali (CLO).

Thank you for joining us on this remarkable journey through the Coffee Region and Cauca Valley in Colombia. On behalf of the entire team at Ocampo Expeditions, we appreciate your passion for birdwatching and hope you carry unforgettable memories of the stunning landscapes and incredible wildlife we encountered together. We look forward to welcoming you on another adventure in the future!