Emblematic Birds

16 days/16 nights

#1 Election for Bird Photographers

The tour begins from: Medellin, Pereira or Cali.

Location: West and Central Andes Range (Antioquia, Caldas, Risaralda, Quindio, Valle del Cauca and Tolima).

The Coffee Zone of Colombia is nestled within the Andean region. This unique geography gives rise to a blend of ecosystems, including cloud forests, lush valleys, and traditional coffee plantations, where nature and human industry coexist harmoniously. At altitudes between 1,200 and 4,400 meters, it enjoys a mild, temperate climate, with misty mornings and sunny afternoons, a perfect setting for bird photography.


Cloud forests, in particular, are a jewel of biodiversity. Their dense canopies, fed by moisture from the clouds, create an ideal habitat for a wide range of bird species. eBird reports over 800 bird species in the Coffee Zone alone, with many endemic or near-endemic to the Andean region. Some of the most emblematic species include the Violet-tailed Sylph, known for its vibrant plumage and a long tail; the dazzling Multicolored Tanager, a birdwatcher’s dream; and the rare Yellow-eared Parrot, whose survival story is a symbol of conservation in Colombia.


Culturally, the Coffee Zone is steeped in tradition. Generations of coffee-growing families live in colourful haciendas, preserving a way of life that has remained essentially unchanged for centuries. Local festivals celebrate the coffee harvest, and traditional crafts, music, and dances add a rich cultural dimension to any visit.


Choosing RETORNO as the operator of your dream bird photo tour in Colombia will give you an extraordinary trip. You will visit some of the best places for this activity. Not only will you photograph more than 130 of these incredible birds, but you will also experience the heart and soul of Colombia, where thriving ecosystems and centuries-old traditions come together in a remarkable landscape.


It will be a pleasure to present you with the way we see our country, a way full of birds, emotions, culture, tradition, and kindness.

Day 0: Arrival Day, Medellin, Antioquia. (-,-,d)

I will pick you up at Medellín International Airport and take you to rest.


Day 1; San Rafael, Antioquia. (b,l,d) 

We will begin by photographing the endemic White-mantled Barbet and other species like Tanagers, Barbets, and Hummingbirds.


Day 2: San Rafael, Antioquia. (b,l,d)

Today's focus is the Sooty Ant Tanager (endemic). We'll also capture images of Little Cuckoos and Collared Aracaris before heading to Jardín for some rest.


Day 3: Jardín, Antioquia. (b,l,d)

We will photograph the rare Oilbird and our third target, the Red-bellied Grackle (endemic), along with other bird species. In the afternoon, we will travel to Mistrató.


Day 4: Mistrató, Risaralda.  (b,l,d)

Our main target is the beautiful Black and Gold Tanager (endemic). We will also photograph other species before heading to Tatamá National Park.


Days 5-6: Tatamá National Park, Risaralda.  (b,l,d)

We will spend two days photographing incredible species at various elevations, focusing on the Gold-ringed Tanager (endemic) and other difficult-to-capture birds. Wildlife Photography.


Day 7: Manizales, Caldas.  (b,l,d)

We'll relax at a scenic cattle farm and capture images of the Gray-breasted mountain toucan, Crescent Face Antpitta and more. 


Day 8: Manizales, Caldas. (b,l,d)

In Los Nevados National Park, we'll photograph the Buffy Helmetcrest (an endemic), several Tanagers, Antpittas, and Hummingbirds.


Day 9: Manizales, Caldas. ( b,l,d)

Today's target is the elusive Bicolored Antpitta, along with Black-bellied Toucans and Masked Trogons.


Day 10: Manizales, Caldas. (b,l,d)

We will visit a home dedicated to attracting birds, focusing on photographing the endemic Brown-banded Antpitta and other species before travelling to Chinchiná.


Day 11: Chinchiná, Caldas. (b,l,d)

Here, you'll enjoy coffee and photograph a unique Honeycreeper showing bilateral gynandromorphism. In the afternoon, we'll head to Cajamarca.


Day 12: Anaime, Tolima.  (b,l,d)

A productive day awaits with the chance to photograph five targets: Yellow-eared Parrot, Tolima Blossomcrown, Tolima Dove, Colombia Chachalaca, and Indigo-capped Hummingbird, along with other specialties.


Day 13: Transition Day - Dagua. (b,l,d)

We'll travel from Anaime to Cali, stopping to photograph the stunning Ruby Topaz hummingbird.


Day 14: Dagua - Valle Del Cauca.  (b,l,d)

The Valle del Cauca region is a prime birdwatching area, and today, we will visit the best spot to capture rare species like the Glittering-green Tanager, the Toucan Barbet, the Spot-crowned Barbet, and more. 


Day 15. Km 18, Valle del Cauca.  (b,ld)

You will have the opportunity to capture two endemic species with your lens: the multicoloured Tanager and the Chestnut Wood-Quail, among other specialties.


Day 16. RETORNO HOME, Cali.  (b,-,-)

End of the Tour. Early in the morning, we take you to the International Airport of Cali. 

These prices are valid until 2025.

One Photographer:      USD$ 10,573 

Two Photographers:    USD$ 5,833

Three Photographers: USD 5,034

Four Photographers:   USD 4,624

Five Photographers:    USD 4,386 

Six Photographers:       USD 3,837


The reservation is made with 50% of the budget, and the balance is due 30 days before the tour begins.



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A green and yellow bird perched on a tree branch.
A small yellow and black bird perched on a branch

Additional information

  • Ground transportation on the stipulated routes.
  • Sixteen days, Sixteen nights in double accommodation. 
  • Professional guide.
  • Local guides were necessary.
  • Meals specified for each day: b- Breakfast, l- Lunch, and d- Dinner.
  • Entrance fees to the reserves.
  • Pick up at Medellín International Airport.
  • Drop off at Cali International Airport.
  • Accompany to take every picture as needed.

  • International flights.
  • Domestic flights.
  • Nights before or nights after the tour.
  • Meals not stipulated.
  • Laundry services.
  • Alcohol Beverages.
  • Insurance (5 USD per day).
  • Equipment carrying services (10 USD per day)
  • Other unspecified expenses.
  • Gratuities.


  • Photography equipment (lens 400 mm or 600 mm).
  • External memory for downloading pictures at night.
  • Computer to process at night.
  • Be prepared for rain and sun: a waterproof rain jacket and quick-drying clothing.
  • Camera protector.
  • Silica gel is used to store the equipment at night to avoid humidity.
  • Sunscreen, hat, or cap.
  • Waterproof trekking boots or rubber boots.
  • VERY IMPORTANT: Insect repellent.

LOGISTICS COULD CHANGE FOR MANY REASONS AS FOLLOWS:

a. Bird activity.

b. For the decision of the travellers.

c. Security issued. Healthy issue. Road Issue.

e. Other not specified.


The travellers have to accept any of these changes. If the shift carries extra costs, they assume them. The price is budgeted before the change.


Retorno does not provide equipment rental or loan services. To carry out the activity in the best conditions, each person must bring their cameras, lenses, batteries, memories, and a computer. Retorno is not responsible for the loss, deterioration, or theft of photographic equipment or accessories.


RETORNO does not guarantee any species of birds or photography of them; nature is unpredictable.


RETORNO works hard to have the best logistics and protocols for safety during your visit to COLOMBIA BIRD PARADISE.

Travel Schedule

Join Emblematic Birds Photo Tour

Date Tour Ubication #Days From USD
Oct. 4; 2025 Emblematic Birds Antioquia, Caldas, Risaralda and Valle del Cauca. 16 $3.837
Nov. 1; 2025 Emblematic Birds Antioquia, Caldas, Risaralda and Valle del Cauca. 16 $3.837

Testimonials

What Photographers say About Us

A hummingbird is perched on a branch in sierra nevada

Gilberto López Espina

From: Cuba/USA

Tour: Emblematic

February 2025

ING: @glopezespina


"Except for those times I was guiding tours, I’ve spent my entire professional career photographing by myself. However, the logistics of traveling through the Colombian Andes created immense challenges since the best photographic locations are very remote and extremely difficult to find. Luckily, a friend gave me information about David Casas, from Retorno Photo Tours. What a pleasure to work with another human being whose sole interest is to get wonderful images. The custom tour he created was spectacular and focused on the emblematic birds of Colombia. Along with his incredible knowledge of the species and where to find them, the joint venture was a truly unforgettable experience. Highly recommendable to any serious photographer who is searching for an expert and a very accommodating guide."

A group of people are posing for a picture in front of a building.

Akhil Vinayak Menon

From: India

Emblematic 14 Days Tour.

November 2024

ING @akhilvinayakmenon


“I recently joined Retorno Photo Tours on a bird photography trip to Colombia, and it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. As one of a small group of six, I was impressed by how well-planned and executed the entire trip was. The guide arranged by Retorno was not only highly knowledgeable about the incredible variety of birds in Colombia but also had an excellent rapport with the group, making every moment enjoyable and insightful.




The attention to detail, seamless organization, and commitment to providing a memorable experience truly stood out. I would wholeheartedly recommend Retorno Photo Tours to anyone looking to combine their passion for photography with unforgettable travel. I’m already looking forward to joining another trip in the future to uncover new destinations and capture more incredible bird species! Highly recommend!

A man and a woman are posing for a picture in front of trees

Emil and Lily Vacek

From: Canada

Emblematic 11 Days Tour.

November 2024

ING @emilv_photography, @lily.vacek



"We love birds. Bird photography is our passion. We have watched a lot of YouTube videos about Colombia's nature and birds and wished we could go there. We were a bit worried about the safety since a lot of people in Canada do not think Colombia is a safe place to go to. Emil (emilv_photography) and I (@lily.vacek) decided to book a private bird photography tour with David Casas of Retorno.phototours and hoped for the best.

David made us feel very safe. He was a most wonderful host and we felt like we have always known him. He introduced us to his country, culture, people and, of course, all those wonderful birds he promised he would. He was very professional, knowledgeable about the birds, locations and worked very hard to find us all the birds that were listed on the Emblematic photo tour. All locations that we visited with David offered lots of birds and we had plenty of time to photograph each and every one of them numerous times.


The icing on the cake was the photo opportunity at La Florida Bosque when Ornate Hawk Eagle showed up in the tree looking for food. David and Emil climbed to the top of the very steep hill to be closer to the bird and got the photos and videos that were out of this world. Thank you David.


We would love to go back to Colombia and join David on another photo tour soon. David truly knows how to take care of his guests that are looking for unique bird photography experience".


Carlos Pache

From: España

Emblematic 14 Days Tour.

March 2024.

ING @carlospache1974



"Mi primera experiencia con David,de RETORNO, fue simplemente espectacular. 


Nos dirigió en un fantástico tour geográfico por las mejores localizaciones de aves que se conocen en Colombia para ello empleo toda su experiencia para que mi compañero y yo nos trajimos más de cien especies de aves difíciles de localizar y fotografiar, sin lugar a dudas recomiendo encarecidamente a este guía en Colombia para mi próximo viaje".


Cielo Millán Álvarez

From: Colombia

Multiple tours

Octubre 2024

ING @el.cielo.fotografia


"Llevo más de tres años realizando viajes icónicos por Colombia haciendo Tours Fotográficos de Aves y naturaleza con Retorno lo que me ha llevado a conocer excelentes lugares del País donde ha cumplido con todas las expectativas propuestas en las especies que hemos ido a buscar para fotografiar.


 Conociendo regiones maravillosas del país con viajes seguros e inolvidables. 


Además cabe resaltar el conocimiento que tiene de las reservas que se visitarán, de la planeación de las especies locales que posiblemente se pueden avistar y fotografiar la utilización de servicios locales y guías de la zona. Lo que hace que Viajar con el Retorno sea una de las mejores experiencias y opciones de fotografiar la exuberante Avifauna Colombiana".


Anita Treasurer

From: USA

Multiple Tours

April 2025

ING: @anitatreasurer


My husband and I went on our first bird photography tour this past July with Retorno Birding. Our guide was a trained biologist, and his knowledge was invaluable in spotting different species and educating us about them. We liked working with Retorno and our guide so much that my husband booked a second tour with them a few months later.

Gilberto López Espina

From: Cuba/USA

Tour: Emblematic

February 2025

ING: @glopezespina


"Except for those times I was guiding tours, I’ve spent my entire professional career photographing by myself. However, the logistics of traveling through the Colombian Andes created immense challenges since the best photographic locations are very remote and extremely difficult to find. Luckily, a friend gave me information about David Casas, from Retorno Photo Tours. What a pleasure to work with another human being whose sole interest is to get wonderful images. The custom tour he created was spectacular and focused on the emblematic birds of Colombia. Along with his incredible knowledge of the species and where to find them, the joint venture was a truly unforgettable experience. Highly recommendable to any serious photographer who is searching for an expert and a very accommodating guide."

Akhil Vinayak Menon

From: India

Emblematic 14 Days Tour.

November 2024

ING @akhilvinayakmenon


“I recently joined Retorno Photo Tours on a bird photography trip to Colombia, and it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. As one of a small group of six, I was impressed by how well-planned and executed the entire trip was. The guide arranged by Retorno was not only highly knowledgeable about the incredible variety of birds in Colombia but also had an excellent rapport with the group, making every moment enjoyable and insightful.




The attention to detail, seamless organization, and commitment to providing a memorable experience truly stood out. I would wholeheartedly recommend Retorno Photo Tours to anyone looking to combine their passion for photography with unforgettable travel. I’m already looking forward to joining another trip in the future to uncover new destinations and capture more incredible bird species! Highly recommend!