Dazzling Testimonial by Shannon Hobs

Shannon Hobbs • April 15, 2026

After years of photographing birds close to home near Washington, DC, I started to miss the thrill of discovery that first drew me into bird photography. Travelling with Retorno Photo Tours in Colombia completely reignited that sense of wonder.

by Shannon Hobbs

INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK: @shannonhobbsphotography



What impressed me most was how willing they were to design a custom itinerary around my goals. Together we focused on some truly challenging species, including the elusive Andean bear, the Bogotá Rail, and several endemic birds of the Bogotá region. Their deep local knowledge and patience made experiences possible that I never would have achieved on my own.

One unforgettable moment was watching a female Andean bear and her cub quietly cross the road just yards away in Chingaza National Park. Another was photographing the incredibly secretive Bogotá Rail out in the open—something few photographers ever get the chance to do.

Beyond the wildlife, I really appreciated Retorno’s mission to support local communities and promote conservation through responsible tourism.

If you’re looking for a photography experience that goes beyond the usual hotspots and focuses on meaningful wildlife encounters, I highly recommend Retorno Photo Tours.

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