Doing wildlife photography in the Pantanal, Brazil, is an adventure that marks you forever. The first thing you feel is the immensity of this wetland, the silence broken only by the sounds of birds, monkeys, and the splash of caimans moving through the water. Every day you wake up with the rush of adrenaline, knowing that at any corner, the king of this land—the jaguar—might appear. On our last photo tour, we were blessed beyond measure: 20 different jaguars in a single trip. Each encounter was unique, from a powerful male patrolling the riverbank to a young one resting in the shadows. But the true highlight was a female with three playful cubs proctoring a a dead bull, Watching her protect them, teach them, and at times allow them to play close to the river was one of those magical moments where you forget to breathe and just keep pressing the shutter, hoping to capture even a fraction of that wonder. Pantanal is not just photography—it’s heart-pounding adventure, respect for the wild, and the privilege of being part of a story bigger than yourself. Tour: Pantanal - Brasil. Next adventure: September 2026. Gear: #LeicaSL3 and #leicaoptics @leica_camera_latam @leicanature @leica_camera @leicacameramx @cprazzini @jaguaridproject #leicaphoto #leicaphotography #leicasociety #birdsphotography #birdingphotography #pantanal #pantanalbrasil #jaguars #jaguarsofinstagram

As a bird photographer, capturing the stunning purple-backed hummingbird has been a true privilege. Its vibrant colors and swift movements are a testament to nature’s talent. Tour: Hummingbirds from Colombia. #purplebackedthornbill #hummingbirds #hummingbird_moments #birds #hummingbirdsofinstagram #birdsohotography #retornophototours #colombia

Red-bellied Grackle (Endemic) One of the highlights of our Emblematic Photography Tour in the Colombian Andes Range. #redbelliedgrackle #endemic #birds #birdsonearth #birdphotographer #birdingphotography #retornophototours

👉Discover the rare and stunning Green Bearded Helmetcrest, an endemic hummingbird that graces the rugged highlands of Colombia from July to August. This elusive species is a true jewel for bird enthusiasts and photographers alike, embodying the vibrant beauty of Colombia’s unique biodiversity. Its striking green beard feathers, make it a captivating subject for wildlife photography. At Retorno Photo Tours, we specialize in guiding you to the best locations where you can encounter this incredible bird in its natural habitat. Our Dazzling Bird Photography Tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to photograph the helmetcrest amidst breathtaking landscapes, with expert guidance to help you capture perfect shots. Whether you’re an experienced or enthusiast photographer, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure and a chance to document one of Colombia’s most extraordinary endemic species during its peak season. Camera: #leicasl3 #leicaphoto #birdwatchingphotography #birdphotography #birdphotographer #birdingphotography #birdphototours #birds #birdsofinstagram #hummingbirds #colombia #greenbeardedhelmetcrest

Wildlife Photo Tour in the Mavicure Hills – Walking in Humboldt’s Footsteps 📸🦜 High in the heart of Guainía, Colombia, the majestic Mavicure Hills rise from the ancient Guiana Shield — some of the oldest rocks on Earth. This is not just a destination; it’s a living page from natural history. In 1800, the legendary naturalist Alexander von Humboldt ventured through this very region, driven by a bold mission: to identify and document the astonishing diversity of plants, animals, and landscapes hidden deep within the Orinoco basin. With Retorno, our wildlife photo tour reconnects you to that same spirit of exploration. Here, river dolphins break the surface of blackwater rivers, macaws paint the sky in vibrant reds and blues, and orchids cling to granite cliffs that have stood for nearly two billion years. Every click of the shutter here is more than a picture — it’s a continuation of Humboldt’s legacy, capturing life in one of the planet’s most biodiverse corners. Tour: Wildlife Expedition Mavicure Hills. Camera: #leicasl3 #leicacamera 1. Cliff flycatcher 2. Mavicure Hills 3. Pink Dolphins 3. Black collared Hawk 4. Giant Otter 5. Fishing 6. Moqueado Fich (typical dish) 7. Sunset at Diablo Hill 8. Sunset at San Joaquín #Mavicure #Guainía #WildlifePhotography #ColombiaTravel #RetornoBirding #HumboldtLegacy #NatureExpedition #BiodiversityHotspot #OrinocoBasin #retornophototours #colombia #colômbia #birdphotographer #birds #birdphoto #cliffflycatcher #blackcollaredhawk #giantotter #cerrosdemavicure

Photographing the Golden-bellied Starfrontlet (Endemic) in Colombia's Andean cloud forests is an exhilarating experience. ✨ This stunning hummingbird's iridescent greens and gold tones glisten amidst the misty, sun-dappled landscape. Tour: Dazzling Birds Pictures doing whit #leicaphotography #leicasl3 #leicacamera #leicaphoto #goldenbelliedstarfrontlet #coeligenabonapartei #hummingbirds #hummingbirdsofinstagram #endemicspecies #birdsphotography #birdingphotography #birdsonearth #colombia

The Yellow-eared Parrot is a brilliant splash of life in Colombia’s high Andean forests—a survivor and a symbol of resilience. Once facing severe habitat loss due to deforestation, this species has bounced back thanks to determined conservation efforts and the protection of the wax palms it calls home. For bird photographers, finding it is a thrilling challenge: hiking through cool mountain mist, scanning the skies for that vivid green body and golden cheek patch, and hearing its calls echo over the slopes. Photographing it isn’t just about the image—it’s about honoring the bird’s story of endurance. Each shot becomes a tribute to the wild places still standing and a reminder of what we can protect when passion meets action. Out there, with camera in hand, we witness not just a bird—but hope in flight. Tour: Emblematic Birds Location: Colombia. #yellowearedparrot #parrot #birdsphotography #birdingphotography #birdphotographer #birdwatchingphotography #birds_captures #endemicbirds #colombia #retornophototours #birdphotographyworld

During the last bird photography tour in July, we photographed three excellent hummingbirds nesting — the Collared Inca, Buff-tailed Coronet, and Shining Sunbeam. In all of them, the female works alone. She builds a small cup with moss and plant fibres, lays two eggs, keeps them warm and later feeds the chicks. The males defend their area and show off. The eggs hatch after about 16–18 days, and the chicks stay in the nest for around three weeks before flying. The Collared Inca nests low in the plants, the Buff-tailed Coronet is about 3–5 meters high, and the Shining Sunbeam is sometimes up to 15 meters. It is incredible to see how these little mothers work so hard in the cold mountains to bring new life to the world. Note: Take a look at the belly of the female hummingbird. #hummingbirdsofinstagram #hummingbird #hummingbirdnest #nesting #birdphotographersofindia #birdphotographer #birdsofcolombia #retornophototours #bestbirds #phototour @leicanature @leicacameramx @leica_camera_latam @leica_camera @leicacamerausa #leicasl3

Iconic Birds is a photography tour in the south of Colombia that offers a perfect blend of wilderness and well-managed reserves with feeders. Nestled between lush coffee plantations and pristine national parks, this journey takes you through the heart of regions like Huila, Cauca, Nariño and Putumayo,m—where nature still whispers secrets to those patient enough to listen. You’ll have the chance to photograph some of Colombia’s most iconic birds. It’s a rare opportunity to experience the raw magic of wild encounters while enjoying the comforts and accessibility of conservation-focused reserves. December to February. Birds: 1. Golden-eared Tanager 2. Gray-headed Tanager 3. Red-breasted Meadowlark 4. Striated Heron 5. Crimson-backed Tanager 6. Yellow-headed Caracara 7. Yellow-bellied Dacnis 8. Violet-headed Hummingbird #BirdPhotographyColombia #birdphotographyindia #birdphotographer #birds_captures #bestspotsbirdphotography #colombiabirds #retornophototours #wildlifephotography #birdingphotography

✨ During our bird photography tours, every day has a purpose — one special target, never random. We chase dazzling jewels, and today’s gem is the Gorgeted Woodstar 💎 — a near-endemic hummingbird of Colombia, delicate and elusive. Capturing this beauty isn’t just luck — it takes patience, timing, and the right place. A perfect perch, golden light… and a little extra effort. But at RETORNO Colombia, we make the impossible possible. 📸🇨🇴 #RetornoPhotoTours #BirdPhotographyColombia #HummingbirdsOfColombia #GorgetedWoodstar #BirdingGoals #BirdLovers #NaturePhotography #ColombiaBirdwatching #BirdsofSouthAmerica #BirdPhotographyTour #ColombianJewels #RetornoMagic

Photographing antpittas in Colombia is a truly magical experience—one that brings you face-to-face with some of the country’s most elusive and enigmatic birds. These shy creatures, often hidden in the dense understory, are rarely seen in the wild. Yet, thanks to the dedication of local “antpitta whisperers”—charming forest keepers who have patiently earned their trust—we’re given a unique opportunity to witness and photograph them up close. It’s a moment where silence, patience, and wonder come together, allowing us to capture images of birds once thought nearly impossible to see, let alone frame through a lens. Bird: Equatorial Antpitta #equatorialantpitta #antpittas #birdsonearth #birdsphotography #birdingphotography #birdphotographyindia #birdphotographer #leicaphoto @leica_camera @leicacameramx @leicanature

🇨🇴 Colombia is the most fantastic destination for bird photography — not only because of our unmatched diversity, with more bird species than any other country, but because of the community that brings this magic to life. In Colombia, birding is more than a hobby — it’s a movement. RETORNO photographers patiently wait for the perfect shot, and the communities help us protect the forests and open their hearts to visitors. This shared passion creates something powerful. Every photo tells a story of connection — to nature, to people, to territory. When we come together as a community, we not only discover our birds like never before, but we also protect them for generations to come. Let’s keep building this network of wings, lenses, and hearts. The birds are here. The time is now. And the journey is better when we fly together. 🐦📸💚 Bird: Bar-crested Antahrinke (Endemic) #barcrestedantshrike #birds #birdsonearth #birds_captures #birdphoto #birdphotographyindia #birdphotographer #birds_nature #retornophototours @akhilvinayakmenon

During our Emblematic Birds Photography Tour, there are some opportunities to photograph amazing birds, such as Toucans and Toucanets. Here are some of them: 1. Black-billed Toucan 2. Crimson-rumped Toucanet 3. Gray-breasted Mountain Toucan 4. Collared Aracari 5. Southern Emerald Toucanet 6. Toucan Barbet #toucansofinstagram #toucan #southernemeraldtoucanet #crimsonrumpedtoucanet #graybreastedmountaintoucan #toucanbarbet #collaredaracari #blackbilledmountaintoucan #retornophototours #colombia

Photographing the Golden-collared Manakin (Manacus vitellinus) in Colombia is a thrilling experience, especially for bird photographers who appreciate both behavior and color. These birds are true performers of the forest understory, best known for their energetic courtship displays—a rapid-fire mix of wing snaps, flips, and hops that take place in small “leks” where males compete for the attention of visiting females. At RETORNO Photo Tours, we know the spots where these manakins dance their magic. It’s not just about getting a photo—it’s about witnessing a secret ritual of the forest few ever get to see. #retornophototours #birdphoto #birdwatching #birdphotographer #birdphotography

Colombia 🇨🇴 is the best playground for a Bird photography experience for sure. 1. Sword-bellied Hummingbird 2. My Leica gear. 3. Velvet-purple Coronet 4. Northern Slaty Brushfinch #birdphotographyworld #birdsphotography #birdseyeview #birdsofcolombia #birdslife #birdphototours #retornophototours #leicaphotography #leicacamera #leicagram

We were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a tiny Crowned Chat-Tyrant, a charming little flycatcher, gracefully perched nearby during our latest photo tour. It was a delightful moment filled with the beauty of nature! #crownedchattyrant #birdsonearth #birdsphotography #birdingphotography #birdingtours #birdphotographersofindia #retornophototours #leicasl3 #leicaphoto #leicacamera

During the Emblematic Photography Tour in Colombia 🇨🇴, you’ll discover different types of hides for various birds. One of them is the Cinnamon Becard, a hardy bird, common to hear, but impossible to photograph. Don’t worry. With RETORNO’s photography tours and our team, you’ll be able to photograph many wonderful birds. Our goal is for you to fully enjoy our selected and unique reserves, with good food, comfortable lodges and wonderful and selective birds. #leicaphotography #leicacamera #leica #birds #birdwatching #birdsphotography #birdingphotography #birdwatchingphotography #birdsofindia #birdsphotographer @leica_camera @leicacameramx @leicanature @leica_camera_latam

Behind the scenes 🎬 During our last Emblematic Birds Photo Tour with www.retornophototours.com, we took Murali and his family to explore more than 12 fabulous reserves and secret spots across Colombia. It was a 10-day adventure full of colour, patience, and wonder. Murali and Family — @murali_nature_photography, Neel @neelmuralikc, and Chandrika @chandrikamulakala — brought their deep love for wildlife and their incredible experience as photographers. Together, we chased light and feathers, from misty mountains to lush forests, capturing some of the most iconic birds of Colombia. Each click of the camera was more than a photo — it was a moment of connection with nature, and a memory we’ll carry forever. 1. Hooded Mountain Tanager 2. Orchids ( Colombia is the most biodiverse country in the world in this category, as well as birds) 3. Panama flycatcher 4. Night Monkey (Aotus lemurinus brunneus) Endemic to Colombia, it is the number 5 in this category, with more than 40 primates. 5. Black-collared Jay 6. Family of Wildlife and Bird Photographers. Video 1. Muralis feeds with the flower of its hand the enigmatic and common Buff-tailed Coronet Video 2. A female Collared Inca with her belly after nesting. The latest Photos of me showing Leica Equipment. @leica_camera @leicacameramx @leica_camera_latam @leicanature @leica_camera_deutschland #birds #birdsonearth #birdsphotography #birdsphotography #birdingphotography #birdphotographyindia #birdphotographersofindia #photographer #phototour #colombia