Hi George et al. - This feedback is for the recent back-to-back Choco and High Times tours with Mollee and Yesennia, as well as the "bonus" guides Josh and Manuela. I have nothing but positive things to say. The logistics, day-to-day communications, adaptive management, and birding expertise were all great. This is despite our train and miner strike adventures on our day to/from San Cipriano, which I would visit again in a heartbeat. I hope that stays on the tour. It was great to meet, bird, and hang out with Mollee (the podcast creates an illusion that we know folks), but it's nothing like time together in the field. Yesennia was incredible on the birding, organization, and hard work fronts. Both she and Mollee have such great temperaments and can put up/take care of demanding customers (like me) with grace and ease. They worked great together. I first met Josh on the Santa Marta tour in Feb 2024 and it was great to bird with him a year later. While he was great then, he seemed more comfortable as a guide and expert. Manuela also seemed great, but I did not get as much direct time with her. The lodging was all great the logistics seamless and I will recommend Hillstar without hesitation. You have a great team and hopefully you can maintain the "culture". All the best and safe travels to all! Gene Revelas

This was my third trip to Colombia with Hillstar Nature, and I enjoyed just as much as the first two trips. I had the opportunity to visit the Tatamá National Park and stay at the Montezuma Rainforest Ecolodge. The Tapasco family extended their extensive knowledge of the area as well as their hospitality. We were fortunate to have Yesennia Tapasco, along with Mollee Brown as our guides. From there we traveled to our three night stay at the Araucana Lodge. From there we visited Laguna el Sonso to bird the wetlands, lake, and forests where we saw a wide variety of birds including Horned Screamer, Lesser and Common Nighthawks, and Common Potoo with her baby. Our next visit was to see the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock at the Finca Doña Dora.In addition to seeing many of the Finca’s birds, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast and lunch. We were also treated to an overview of how Doña Dora and her family started their Finca. They work very hard to maintain their business and extend their hospitality. Later that day we visited La Florida- Bosque de Las Aves and were able to see our target birds, Little Tinamou, and Chestnut Wood-Quail along with many other birds and hummingbirds of the area. Our last visit was to the town of San Cipriano where we were able to see Trogons, Motmots, Chocó Screech Owl, Tiny Hawk and many others. Our guides Yesennia, and Mollee as well as a great group of people made this a great trip and birding experience.

The High times in the the Cordillera birding adventure was spectacular. Accommodations were perfect, logistics were well handled. And our guides Mollee and Yessina were truly exceptional. Their expertise was over the top, extremely friendly and they are masters at finding birds and sharing information.

A truly exceptional experience. All was well planned, logistics well managed. Our 2 guides Josh and Manuela were brilliant. Birding was over the top. I highly recommend this trip with Hillstar Nature.

Hillstar Nature – A Truly Unforgettable Birding Adventure in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and Coastal Region. From the moment I stepped off the plane and saw a friendly face waving my name on a sheet of paper, I knew I was in for something special. Hillstar Nature’s guided tour through Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and coastal region was an experience beyond anything I could have imagined. From start to finish, I was completely taken care of—first-class accommodations, breathtaking landscapes, delicious meals, and warm, attentive service. And the Santa Marta sunsets? Absolutely second to none. A huge thank you to our guides, Josh and Manuela, who went far beyond just being expert birders. Their passion, knowledge, and dedication elevated every moment of the trip, ensuring we didn’t just see birds but truly experienced them. And, of course, the birds—the whole reason I joined the tour! Every day was packed with unforgettable sightings. From the thrill of catching even a fleeting glimpse of a Santa Marta Screech Owl to watching a Rufous-tailed Jacamar snatch butterflies in midair, to the stunning sight of a pair of Vermilion Cardinals feeding from a cactus—there were “wow” moments at every turn. The hummingbirds alone were worth the trip, with jaw-dropping views of so many dazzling species. One of the standout moments was watching Jonus, one of the incredibly skilled local guides, give a play-by-play as a Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl found itself the target of an all-out mobbing by various songbirds. His enthusiasm and sharp eye made it feel like we were witnessing a live nature documentary. Hillstar Nature delivered on every level, and I can fully and unreservedly recommend them to any birdwatcher or nature lover. If you want to be wowed, this is the trip for you! Vernon Buckle, Forteau, NL, Canada