Resume of the last photography expedition: Three hummingbirds, a Tanager, a pair of Gnateaters, a duo of friends, and a warm Colombian host. Alongside these encounters, we shared countless stories, engaging conversations, and unforgettable moments. 1. Velvet-purple Coronet 2. Rainbow-bearded Thorntail 3. Ruby-topaz Hummingbird 4. Multicolored Tanager 5. Chestnut-crown Gnateater Female 6. Chestnut-crown Gnateater Male 7. Pair of fiends. @pauljanosiphotography @j.iocco #colombia #birdsphotography #birdsphotographers #velvetpurplecoronet #rainbowbeardedthornbill #multicoloredtanager #chestnutcrowngnateater #birdsphotographers

Doing birds and wildlife photography in Colombia is joining communities in their commitment to protect, conserve, and regenerate habitats, while capturing the stories of a land that continues to heal and flourish. @retorno.phototours #retornophototours #colombia #birdphoto #birdphototours #birdsandwildlife

The Oilbird could be one of the most challenging birds to observe and photograph, but in Colombia, it can be easy. We have an excellent spot where you can take your time photographing it in a nest. #oilbird #nesting #birdphotographý #birdphotographer #colômbia #birdscolombia #retornophototours

I can’t be prouder of myself or more grateful for the life that gave me the chance to photograph birds in Colombia, one of the five things I like the most. This sequence of pictures is a story in itself: how one of my pictures becomes the cover photo of one of the most prestigious and famous birding magazines, @birdingmagazine, always begins with a tour. 1. @birdingmagazine 2. @retorno.phototours 3. My beloved father enjoys his magazine in Canada 🇨🇦 Some other species you can see on this photography expedition in South Colombia. Tolima Blossomcrown (E) Turquoise Tanager Paradise Tanager Saddleback Tamarin #goldenearedtanager #paradisetanager #turquoisetanager #birdingmagazine #colombia #saddlebacktamarin #colombia @rettermichael Some photos of the birds were taken in: @elencantonaturereserve

Simply: White-footed Tamarin (Saguinus leucopus) Endemic IUCN Status: Endangered (EN) #saguinusleucopus #whitefootedtamarim #tamarin #monkey #enedemic #colombia

I present to you one of the most beautiful Night Monkeys (Aotus griseimembral), which you can spot during the Birds and Wildlife Photo Tour in Colombia. These monkeys sleep in families in tree cavities to protect themselves from predators. I present to you an extraordinary wildlife photographer who lives in Canada, @fred_in_the_wild #nightmonkey #aotusgriseimembra #antioquia #colombia #wildlifephotography #monkeys #monkeysofinstagram

More than 40 years ago, I was born in one of the most biodiverse countries in the world — home to nearly 2,000 bird species. If I count only the birds I’ve photographed (the beautiful ones, of course 😄), I’m probably close to 1,000 species. For me, keeping an eBird list isn’t the most important thing. It’s fun, yes — but what’s even more fun is photographing as many birds as possible, from the most common to the most extraordinary, always leaving something unmistakable behind: my own signature, my own visual mark that only means RETORNO TO PROTECT, CONSERVE AND REGENERATE TERRITORIES FOR US AND FOR THE FUTURE OF THE HUMANITY. Tour: Emblematic Birds. 1. Spectacled Owl 2. Rufus tailed Jacamar 3. Lineated Woodpecker 4. Barred Puffbird 5. Tayra #birds #spectacleowl #rufustailedjacamar #lineatedwoodpecker #barredpuffbird #tayra #colombia #birdscolombia #birdphotography

The Barred Puffbird is one of those birds that brings me from the past to the present — a déjà vu of happiness. Its slow movements and calm presence feel like a silent lesson in wisdom. I was deeply moved to photograph this bird again, this time in a new reserve in Antioquia — a place that promises everything and gives you even more. Next year, this reserve will surely be part of the bucket list of The Emblematic Birds Photography Tour. #barredpuffbird #nystalusradiatus #birds #birdsphotography #colombia #birdsofcolombia #retornophototours

Andean Bear and his cub. One of the most beautiful pictures of this animal that I have ever seen was taken by @macriscuellar during a tour with @caminantesdelretorno @retorno.phototours She went in the last 4 years more than anybody else, like a Wildlife Photographer, and saw more than 80 different individuals, a considerable number if you don't work at @parquescolombia or are a guide. #chingazanationalpark #chingaza #andeanbear #colombia #wildlifephoto #wildlifephotography #wildlifephotographer #conservationphotography #conservation

Celebrating María Cristina’s extraordinary dedication to documenting the majestic Andean bear in the pristine wilderness of Chingaza National Park, Colombia. This high-altitude páramo ecosystem, with its unique biodiversity, provides the perfect sanctuary for these remarkable creatures. Through years of perseverance and passion, María Cristina has captured over 85 sightings, revealing their intimate behaviors—mothers nurturing their cubs, dominant males patrolling their territory, and playful moments that remind us of the importance of coexistence with nature. Her journeys to Chingaza, organized with RETORNO and guided by our renowned wildlife and biologist photographer Sebastián Didomenico, embody her unwavering commitment to exploring and understanding this fragile environment. Her work highlights the crucial need for conservation—preserving these ecosystems is vital not only for the survival of the Andean bear but for maintaining the delicate balance of our planet’s biodiversity. Inspired by David Casas of Retorno Photo Tours, María Cristina continues to push boundaries, becoming the first woman in Colombia with the most registrations of the Andean bear. Her pioneering spirit and relentless pursuit of wildlife photography serve as a powerful call to action, inspiring us all to protect and cherish the natural wonders that surround us. Her story reminds us that dedication, passion, and a profound respect for nature can lead to meaningful change. Let us honor her commitment and be inspired to contribute to the preservation of our shared ecological heritage. Pictures by @macriscuellar Guided by: @sebastiandido Tours by: @caminantesdelretorno 👉@retorno.phototours #andeanbear #chingaza #chingazanationalpark #colombia #tremarctosornatus #conservation #wildlife #wildlifephotography #retornophototours #inspiration #protectnature #bears

Experience the birding adventure of a lifetime with Retorno Photo Tours in Cundinamarca’s stunning landscapes! 🌿✨ Our “Dazzling Birds” tour is a must-do for bird enthusiasts, offering the chance to see an incredible array of species, especially during the prime seasons of July and August. 🗓️ 2026. Spot majestic creatures like the Black and Chestnut Eagle, the vibrant Flame-faced Tanager, and the striking Sword-billed Hummingbird. Capture rare sightings of the Green-bearded Tanager, Bronze-tailed Thornbill, and the shimmering Glowing Puffleg. Don’t miss the colorful Golden-bellied Starfrontlet, Gorgeted Woodstar, and Blue-throated Starfrontlet, all species that will truly take your breath away! 📸🦜 Explore the unique habitats where the Muisca Antpitta, Bogota Rail, and Chestnut-eared Aracari thrive, and marvel at the White-booted Racket-Tail and Apolinar’s Wren. This tour is a perfect blend of adventure, nature, and photography. 1. Black and Chestnut Eagle 2. Flame-faced Tanager 3. Green-bearded Helmetcrest (E) 4. Purple-backed Thornbill 5. Bronze-tailed Thornbill (E) 6. Sword-billed Hummingbird 7. Mountain Velvetbreast 8. Glowing Puffleg 9, 10 and 11. Golden-bellied Starfrontlet (E) 12. Gorgeted Woodstar (E) 13. Blue-throated Starfrontlet (E) 14. White-booted Racket-Tail 15. Apolinar's Wren (E) 16. Black-faced Tanager 17. Streak-throated Bush Tyrant 18. Bogota Rail (E) 19. Chestnut-eared Aracari 20. Muisca Antpitta (E) 🌎✨ #BirdingColombia #DazzlingBirds #RetornoPhotoTours #Cundinamarca #NaturePhotography #BirdLovers #birds_captures #birdwatchingphotography #birdingphotography #colombia #birdscolombia

I started chasing colours in motion. Now I chase meaning in stillness. Every image—one step closer to the essence of nature. Grateful for the journey, for the wings that inspired me, and for the chance to live through the lens of wonder. @retorno.phototours #colombia #birdsandwildlife

🚨 Open Season 2026! 🚨 Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience spotting the largest and most powerful eagle in the Americas — the legendary Harpy Eagle 🦅 Deep in the Colombian rainforest, where giants still rule the canopy. 📸 Book your spot now with Retorno Photo Tours, the prime bird photography company in Colombia. All details available on our website — spaces are limited for this epic adventure. #HarpyEagle #BirdPhotography #RetornoPhotoTours #WildlifePhotography #ColombiaBirding #Birdwatching #EaglePhotography #NatureTourism #birdingcolombia

A trilogy of fantasy unfolds in a heartbeat — the White-bellied Woodstar dances through light and air, a gem suspended between dreams and motion. Photographing hummingbirds is not just about speed — it’s about patience, rhythm, and wonder. Every frame is a glimpse into nature’s most delicate symphony. #HummingbirdPhotography #WhitneyBelliedWoodstar #BirdPhotography #NatureMagic #whitebelliedwoodstar #chaetocercusmulsant #hummingbirdsofinstagram

✨ The wind in the moor whispers through the frailejones, gently moving the shiny emerald beard of the Green-bearded Helmetcrest (Oxypogon guerinii). A true jewel of the high Andes, this hummingbird shines where few species dare to live — in the cold, magical heart of Colombia’s páramos. 💚 #birdphotography #colombia #hummingbird #wildlifephotography #birdwatching #paramo #naturelovers #birdingcolombia #retornophototours

BIRDS and JAGUARS… one world, many species, too much to protect and conserve. My photography is a powerful expression of my passion for wildlife conservation. Retorno to protect and regenerate. 1. #barefacecurassow 2. #jaguars @cprazzini #brasil #birdsphotography #wildlifephotography #jaguars #conservation @agendadelmar

The perfect complement to the Pantanal Jaguar tour is the Atlantic Forest Bird Photography Tour, an experience filled with colourful and stunning birds. Here I show you how my camera captured the red-breasted toucan, one of my favourites. #redbreastedtoucan #toucan #mataatlântica #brasil #birdphotographer #birdphotography #retornophototours #birds #birdwatching #birdwatchingphotography

Pantanal moments with the #LeicaSL3. Out here, in the heart of the wild, I’m the only one carrying a Leica—feeling exceptional, confident, and deeply connected to the moment. Every click captures the soul of the Pantanal: birds, jaguars, and the raw magic of nature. #birdphotography #pantanal #jaguars #photographer #birdingphotography #birdphototours #birdwatchingphotography #birdsphotography #birdphotography birdwatchingphotography