Top Bird Photography Tours in Colombia for International Enthusiasts
Top Bird Photography Tours in Colombia for International Enthusiasts
Colombia is a paradise for bird lovers. With over 1,900 bird species recorded, the country holds the title of the most bird-rich nation on Earth. From shimmering hummingbirds in the high Andes to toucans in the lowland Amazon and the endemic treasures of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia is a living, breathing aviary.
In recent years, the nation has become a world-class destination for bird photography tours, attracting enthusiasts from North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond. These tours combine expert guiding, breathtaking landscapes, and carefully planned itineraries to ensure photographers have the best possible opportunities to capture Colombia’s feathered jewels.
In this article, we will explore the best bird photography tours in Colombia, what makes them special, and why international photographers should consider Colombia as their next big adventure.
Why Colombia is Perfect for Bird Photography
Before we dive into the tours themselves, it’s important to understand why Colombia is consistently ranked as a top destination for birdwatchers and photographers.
1. Unmatched Biodiversity
Colombia boasts 1,900+ species of birds, which is more than the United States and Canada combined. Among these are over 80 endemic species, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world.
2. Varied Habitats
The country’s geography creates an extraordinary variety of ecosystems:
- Andean cloud forests filled with hummingbirds, tanagers, and antpittas.
- Amazon rainforest, home to parrots, macaws, and harpy eagles.
- Pacific Chocó region, one of the wettest places on Earth, teeming with rare species.
- Llanos grasslands, perfect for photographing large raptors, storks, and herons.
- Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the most endemic-rich mountain range on the planet.
3. Accessibility and Infrastructure
Unlike decades past, Colombia is now well-prepared to welcome international birders. Many reserves have specialized lodges, photography blinds, and hummingbird feeders, offering the chance to shoot professional-level images without long treks.
4. Conservation Through Tourism
Photography tours directly support conservation. Many reserves are managed by local communities, where income from tourism helps protect the forests and the birds that live in them.
What to Look for in a Bird Photography Tour
Not all birding tours are designed with photographers in mind. Bird photography tours must balance the excitement of seeing rare species with the patience required to capture them in good light and settings. Here are key features international photographers should look for:
- Small group sizes: Fewer participants mean less disturbance and more time per photographer.
- Expert guides: Leaders who understand not just where to find the birds, but how to position photographers for the best shots.
- Photography-friendly pacing: Enough time at each site to set up tripods, wait for the light, and shoot.
- Varied habitats: Tours that cover different elevations and ecosystems maximize species diversity.
- Comfortable accommodations: After long days, good lodges with feeders and perches make photography easier.
Top Bird Photography Tours in Colombia
Below are some of the most highly regarded tours currently available in Colombia, run by expert companies and designed specifically for bird photographers.
1. Go Birding Colombia – “Winged Jewels Photography Tour”
Duration: ~15 days
Regions Covered: Andes, Chocó, and Inter-Andean Valleys
Focus: Hummingbirds, tanagers, and endemic specialties
This flagship photography tour by Go Birding Colombia is tailored for photographers who want both variety and quality. Participants travel through multiple ecosystems, from high-altitude páramos to lush cloud forests and Pacific rainforests.
Highlights:
- Photographing up to 40 species of hummingbirds.
- Visits to feeder-rich lodges where tanagers, woodpeckers, and motmots come within arm’s reach.
- Time in reserves such as Río Blanco and Tatamá National Park.
Why It’s Great for Photographers: The pace is relaxed enough to allow multiple attempts at key shots. The guides are experts at setting up natural perches and helping photographers work with light.
2. Bogotá Birding – 15-Day Photography Bird Tour
Duration: 15 days
Regions Covered: Nevados, Río Blanco, Tatamá, and Central Andes
Focus: Endemics of the Andes, hummingbirds, antpittas
Bogotá Birding is one of the best-known birding companies in Colombia. Their dedicated photography itinerary is among the most comprehensive, offering international travelers a chance to capture Colombia’s diversity across many elevations.
Highlights:
- Antpitta feeding stations where these shy birds come into the open.
- High-altitude páramos with helmetcrests and other rare hummingbirds.
- Cloud forests full of mixed flocks of tanagers.
Why It’s Great for Photographers: The company balances birding and photography well, making it an excellent choice for photographers who still want to see high species numbers.
3. Araucana Lodge – Bird Photography Retreat
Duration: 6 days (flexible)
Region: Western Andes (near Cali)
Focus: Feeder photography and close encounters
Araucana Lodge is one of Colombia’s most photography-friendly lodges. Its gardens are designed with feeders, natural perches, and open spaces that make capturing birds easy.
Highlights:
- 20+ species of hummingbirds visible daily at feeders.
- Fruiting trees attracting tanagers, motmots, and toucanets.
- Comfortable lodge setting with minimal travel required.
Why It’s Great for Photographers: Perfect for those who prefer to stay in one place and let the birds come to them. Ideal for short trips or those seeking a relaxed pace.
4. Overland Uncharted – Wildlife & Photo Tours
Duration: Varies (10–14 days)
Regions Covered: Coffee Region, Santa Marta, Amazon, Andes
Focus: Iconic birds, varied habitats, and creative photography
Overland Uncharted is known for blending adventure with photography. Their Colombia itineraries are small-group and highly customizable, making them perfect for enthusiasts who want more flexibility.
Highlights:
- Visits to Santa Marta for endemic species like the Santa Marta Parakeet.
- Coffee Region cloud forests filled with hummingbirds and tanagers.
- Opportunities for landscape and cultural photography alongside birds.
Why It’s Great for Photographers: The itineraries are flexible, giving participants more time to perfect shots rather than rushing.
5. Trogon Tours – Colombia Bird Photography Tour
Duration: 14–16 days
Regions Covered: Andes, Coffee Region, and Santa Marta
Focus: Rare and endemic birds, hummingbirds, antpittas
Trogon Tours has a strong international reputation, and their Colombia photography tour emphasizes specialized techniques such as multi-flash setups for hummingbirds.
Highlights:
- Multi-flash hummingbird sessions for professional-quality shots.
- Dedicated time with antpittas and parrots.
- Wide variety of habitats visited.
Why It’s Great for Photographers: Aimed at serious photographers with professional gear, this tour provides advanced setups not always available in other itineraries.
6. Wild Lenses – 8-Day Andes Hummingbird Tour
Duration: 8 days
Region: Coffee Region & Central Andes
Focus: Hummingbirds and tanagers
Wild Lenses is ideal for photographers short on time but eager to capture Colombia’s most colorful birds.
Highlights:
- Dozens of hummingbird species in a compact itinerary.
- Visits to photography blinds and reserves with high bird activity.
- Relaxed group size with strong focus on feeders.
Why It’s Great for Photographers: With a shorter duration, it’s ideal for those combining birding with other travel or those with limited vacation time.
7. Retorno Photo Tours – Iconic Birds of Colombia
Duration: 14 days
Regions Covered: Andes, Cauca Valley, Santa Marta
Focus: Rare, elusive, and iconic species
Retorno Photo Tours specializes in bird photography for serious enthusiasts. Their guides are photographers themselves, and the itineraries focus on giving participants the conditions to create award-winning images.
Highlights:
- Access to sites where rare species like the Black Inca and Santa Marta Blossomcrown can be found.
- Long sessions in fewer locations to allow photographers to perfect shots.
- Strong emphasis on conservation and supporting local communities.
Why It’s Great for Photographers: This is one of the most specialized photo tours, ideal for those who value quality over sheer numbers of species.
Choosing the Right Tour for You
With so many excellent choices, how should an international enthusiast decide?
- Short on time? → Araucana Lodge or Wild Lenses tours.
- Want maximum species diversity? → Bogotá Birding or Go Birding Colombia.
- Prefer relaxed pace and close feeders? → Araucana Lodge.
- Looking for advanced photography setups? → Trogon Tours or Retorno Photo Tours.
- Want off-the-beaten-path adventure? → Overland Uncharted or Retorno Photo Tours.
Tips for International Photographers Visiting Colombia
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round birding is possible, but December–March and July–September are drier.
- Gear Recommendations: Long lenses (400–600mm), a fast camera body, tripod/monopod, rain covers, and flash (for hummingbirds).
- Travel Prep: Work with companies that handle logistics (internal flights, transport) since some reserves are remote.
- Health & Safety: Colombia is safe in tourist regions, but always follow local guidance.
Conclusion: Colombia as the Bird Photography Capital of the World
From the snowcapped peaks of Los Nevados to the lush rainforests of the Amazon and the endemic-rich Sierra Nevada, Colombia offers unmatched opportunities for bird photographers. The tours described above highlight the best ways to experience this natural wonderland.
Whether you’re a beginner hoping to capture your first hummingbird shot or a seasoned professional chasing rare endemics, Colombia has a photography tour designed for you.
By joining one of these tours, international enthusiasts not only return home with breathtaking images but also contribute to the conservation of Colombia’s extraordinary avian diversity.
In short, if bird photography is your passion, Colombia should be at the top of your bucket list.
