8 DAY / COLOMBIAN ANDES
HUMMINGBIRD PHOTOGRAPHY TRIP
$3200USD
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
Experience the ultimate 8-day Colombian Andes hummingbird photography tour, perfect for photography enthusiasts. Led by the acclaimed wildlife photographer Jeff Cremer, this tour combines professional photography insights with stunning Colombian landscapes in the Coffee Region and Central Andes. Enjoy top-notch photography equipment, comfortable accommodations, and specialized image processing workshops while exploring diverse birdwatching destinations.
Tour Highlights:
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Jardín, Antioquia: Known for its natural beauty, wildlife diversity, and cultural richness, Jardín offers numerous photographic opportunities. Key attractions include:
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Diverse Bird Species: Spot the Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Yellow-eared Parrot, and many more.
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Hummingbird Photography: Capture unique hummingbird species like the Sapphire-throated Hummingbird and Green-crowned Brilliant in their natural habitat.
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Scenic Views and Coffee Farm Tours: Ideal for landscape and cultural photography, experience the golden hours and coffee cultivation.
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Manizales - Tinamú Lodge and Termales del Ruiz Hotel:
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Tinamú Lodge: Home to 260 bird species, including various hummingbirds and tanagers. Rare sightings may include the Lemurine Night Monkey.
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Termales del Ruiz Hotel: Perfect for high-altitude birding and photography. Explore the paramo and cloudforests for unique species like the Sword-Billed Hummingbird and Black-Billed Mountain Toucan.
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Additional Attractions:
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Enjoy natural thermal baths at Termales del Ruiz Hotel, adding a relaxing touch to your adventurous tour.
This tour not only focuses on bird photography but also offers a deeper appreciation of Colombia’s cultural heritage and natural beauty, enhancing your photographic skills in breathtaking settings.
WHATS INCLUDED
INCLUDES
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High-end photography equipment and expert guidance
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Accommodations in wildlife lodges with essential amenities
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All meals, accommodating dietary and vegetarian preferences
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Fluent English-speaking guide
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Comprehensive transportation, including 4×4 vehicles and airport transfers
EXCLUDES
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International flights to and from Colombia
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Personal travel insurance
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Alcoholic Beverages
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Personal items
TRIP DETAILS
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Dates: Trips available anytime
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Duration: 8 Days
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Minimum Group Size: 1 Guest
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Maximum Group Size: 3 Guests
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Physical Difficulty: Easy
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Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
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Recommended Gear: All cameras & lenses included
INCLUSIONS
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High-end photography equipment and expert guidance
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Single occupancy accommodation in wildlife lodges with essential amenities
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All meals, accommodating dietary and vegetarian preferences
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Fluent English-speaking photographer | guide
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Comprehensive transportation, including 4×4 vehicles and airport transfers
EXCLUSIONS
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International flights to and from Colombia
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Personal travel insurance
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Alcoholic Beverages
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Personal items
The tour was well-organized, ensuring we experienced a variety of landscapes and wildlife. The high-end Canon lenses provided made a significant difference in my shots. It's an unforgettable experience that I would recommend to any photography enthusiast.
- Deborah Clark
Our photography tour kicks off with convenient airport pickups at Jose Maria Cordova Airport, Medellin, ensuring a smooth start to a journey meticulously crafted for photography enthusiasts. Led by renowned wildlife photographer Jeff Cremer, our tours are specifically designed to maximize photographic opportunities, taking you to Colombia's prime birdwatching destinations. These locations are selected for their rich biodiversity and unique chances to capture wildlife in their natural habitats.
Tour Highlights:
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Tailored itineraries by photographers for photographers, ensuring optimal photographic moments.
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Exploration of Colombia's prime birdwatching spots, known for their biodiversity.
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Special days dedicated to photographing in diverse ecosystems like the paramo and cloudforest, targeting species such as the Sword-Billed Hummingbird and Black-Billed Mountain Toucan.
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Opportunities to capture rare sights, including the elusive Antpitta species and the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock's lek.
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Specialized photography workshops to enhance your skills, covering various techniques for wildlife photography.
This tour blends expert guidance with the beauty of Colombia's natural landscapes, offering an unparalleled experience for photography enthusiasts.
OVERVIEW
Complete Itinerary
ITINERARY
Complimentary pickup service - The first day of your trip to Medellín, Colombia is designed for your comfort and convenience. Upon your arrival at the airport, you'll be greeted with a complimentary pickup service. This service ensures a smooth and hassle-free transfer from the airport to your hotel in Medellín.
Overnight stay in Medellin - After the journey, you can check into your hotel where you will spend the night. This arrangement allows you to rest and recuperate from your travels, preparing you for the exciting days ahead on your trip. Enjoy the evening at your leisure, perhaps exploring the local area or dining at one of Medellín's excellent restaurants.
Today's journey takes you from Medellín to Jardín, located in the heart of Colombia's renowned coffee region:
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Scenic Drive to Jardín: Depart from Medellín and enjoy a four-hour drive through the lush landscapes of Colombia. This route offers picturesque views and a preview of the region's natural beauty.
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Arrival in Jardín: Upon arrival in Jardín, you will find yourself surrounded by the serene vistas of one of Colombia's most beautiful coffee-growing areas.
Andean Cock-of-the-Rock Photography Experience:
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Location: The afternoon session is dedicated to photographing the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, known for its brilliant red plumage and striking appearance.
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Behavior and Habitat: These birds are often found in humid forest areas where they participate in an elaborate mating dance known as lekking. This behavior, where males display their vibrancy to attract females, provides dynamic and vivid photography opportunities.
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Photography Tips: For wildlife photographers, capturing the flurry of activity requires patience and a fast shutter speed. The dense forest setting may challenge light conditions, so a good lens and possibly a tripod might be necessary to get the best shots.
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Unforgettable Experience: Witnessing the Cock-of-the-Rock in its natural habitat is an unforgettable experience, providing not only spectacular photo opportunities but also a chance to observe one of nature’s most fascinating mating rituals.
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Evening Relaxation: After an eventful day, unwind at Hotel Valdivia Plaza, conveniently located in the center of Jardín. This offers you a comfortable setting to review your photographs and prepare for more adventures.
This itinerary blends a scenic travel experience with a unique wildlife photography opportunity, making it a perfect day for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
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The second day of your photography adventure in Jardín is devoted to capturing images of some of Colombia's most elusive and spectacular bird species:
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Yellow-Eared Parrot: Start your day focusing on the rare Yellow-Eared Parrot. Known for its distinctive yellow patch behind each eye, this endangered species makes for a compelling subject. Their habitat in the cloud forests around Jardín provides a beautiful natural backdrop for photography.
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Hummingbird Diversity: Jardín's various ecosystems attract an array of hummingbird species. Spend time at local feeders or gardens where you can photograph beautiful hummingbirds such as the Steely-vented Hummingbird, Western Emerald, and the stunning White-necked Jacobin. Their rapid movements and vibrant colors offer challenging yet rewarding photography opportunities.
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Rare Antpittas: The day continues with the chance to photograph rare Antpittas, birds that are often shy and difficult to spot. These include species like the Brown-banded Antpitta and the Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, known for their unique plumage and elusive nature.
After another productive day of photography, you will spend another night in Jardín, giving you a chance to rest and prepare for more adventures. This setup allows you to maximize your time in the field, capturing the early morning and late afternoon light, which is ideal for bird photography. This overnight stay ensures that you are well-rested and ready for whatever the next day may bring in this vibrant and biodiverse region.
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Your day at the Tinamú Birding Nature Reserve will be filled with exceptional birdwatching and photography opportunities. After a full day immersed in the lush habitats and diverse wildlife of the reserve, you will travel to nearby Manizales for a relaxing evening.
Full Day at Tinamú Lodge:
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Morning Birdwatching: Start your day early with a guided tour to take advantage of the best bird activity hours. Capture photos of species such as the Andean Motmot, Colombian Chachalaca, and various exotic hummingbirds including the White-necked Jacobin and Rufous-breasted Hermit.
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Photography Amenities: Utilize the lodge's well-positioned bird feeders and hides for optimal photography setups. The hummingbird garden is especially vibrant, providing endless opportunities to photograph these energetic birds up close.
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Exploration and Relaxation: Wander the lodge’s extensive private trails through the humid forest, which are safe and secluded, offering peaceful encounters with nature. Take time to visit the birding library and use the space for workshops or to review your photographic captures on the wide screens provided.
Evening in Manizales:
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Dinner in the City: After a day in the serenity of nature, head into the city of Manizales. Here, you can enjoy a variety of dining options that offer local and international cuisine. Experience the warm hospitality and delightful culinary offerings of this charming city.
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Hacienda El Bosque, located near Manizales, is a unique destination for birdwatching and photography. This family-owned estate, situated about 30 minutes from Manizales, spans a diverse altitude range from 2,800 to 3,900 meters, encompassing various ecosystems including pastures for dairy farming and extensive protected high Andean forests and paramo.
With over 127 bird species recorded in the area, Hacienda El Bosque offers a rich avian experience. It’s particularly noted for its feeding stations that attract rare species like the Crescent-faced Antpitta, which is seen only in this region stretching from northern Ecuador to Colombia.
The hacienda also features a Gray-breasted Mountain-toucan feeding station and regular visits by the Barred Fruiteater and Andean Guan. Photographers will enjoy the unique opportunity to capture these species, along with Hooded Mountain-tanager, in natural settings. The hacienda's cabins offer stunning mountain views and an on-site restaurant provides local culinary delights.
Activities:
Explore diverse bird habitats.
Photography at feeding stations for rare and endemic species.
Enjoy the scenic beauty and tranquil environment.
Key Bird Species:
Crescent-faced Antpitta (Grallaricula lineifrons)
Gray-breasted Mountain-toucan (Andigena hypoglauca)
Barred Fruiteater (Pipreola arcuata)
Andean Guan (Penelope montagnii)
Hooded Mountain-tanager (Buthraupis montana)
Additional Information:
Offers a full morning or full day experience.
Located at a high elevation, providing a unique ecosystem for birdwatching.
Hacienda El Bosque, located near Manizales, is a unique destination for avid birdwatchers and wildlife photographers. Situated about 30 minutes from the city, this family-owned estate covers a diverse altitude range, from 2,800 to 3,900 meters. The area includes various ecosystems, from pastures used for dairy farming to extensive protected high Andean forests and páramo. This diverse habitat supports a wide range of bird species, making it a prime location for photography and birdwatching.
Photography and Birdwatching Highlights:
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Rich Avian Biodiversity: With over 127 bird species recorded in the area, Hacienda El Bosque offers an exceptional opportunity to observe and photograph a variety of birds. The estate is particularly known for its feeding stations that attract rare and elusive species.
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Rare Species Photography: Photographers can capture rare birds such as the Crescent-faced Antpitta, which is typically only seen in this region stretching from northern Ecuador to Colombia. Additionally, the hacienda features a Gray-breasted Mountain-toucan feeding station and regular visits by the Barred Fruiteater and Andean Guan.
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Target Species for Photography: The estate's diverse ecosystems make it an ideal spot to photograph the Buffy Helmetcrest, a unique hummingbird found in the páramo. Other key species include:
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Crescent-faced Antpitta (Grallaricula lineifrons)
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Gray-breasted Mountain-toucan (Andigena hypoglauca)
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Barred Fruiteater (Pipreola arcuata)
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Andean Guan (Penelope montagnii)
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Hooded Mountain-tanager (Buthraupis montana)
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Amenities and Experience:
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Comfortable Accommodations: The hacienda's cabins offer stunning mountain views, providing a peaceful retreat after a day of photography and exploration.
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Local Cuisine: An on-site restaurant serves local culinary delights, allowing visitors to enjoy traditional flavors amidst the natural beauty of the high Andes.
Activities:
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Spend a full day exploring the diverse bird habitats, including the unique high-elevation páramo.
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Utilize the well-maintained feeding stations to photograph rare and endemic species.
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Enjoy the scenic beauty and tranquil environment of Hacienda El Bosque, which offers both full morning and full-day experiences tailored to birdwatching and photography enthusiasts.
This full-day experience at Hacienda El Bosque is not just about birdwatching; it's an immersive exploration of the Andean landscape, offering photographers and nature lovers a chance to connect with the region's unique wildlife and breathtaking vistas.
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This day offers a splendid opportunity for bird photography at the Termales del Ruiz and Los Nevados National Park. The area is renowned for its breathtaking high Andean scenery and diverse birdlife. The morning starts at Termales del Ruiz, famous for its thermal hot springs and excellent birding opportunities.
The lodge's garden is a haven for hummingbirds, with numerous feeders attracting a variety of species.
In the afternoon, explore the Los Nevados National Park, a high-altitude paramo ecosystem. Here, you can photograph the endemic Buffy Helmetcrest, often found feeding on Espeletia flowers, along with other high-altitude species in a landscape of vast grasslands and misty conditions.
Activities:
Morning hummingbird photography at Termales del Ruiz.
Afternoon exploration of Los Nevados National Park.
Enjoying the Hot Springs: The hotel is named after its natural hot springs, which are a major attraction. The thermal pool, fed directly from the mountain, offers a relaxing experience, especially after a day of birdwatching and photography
Key Bird Species:Termales del Ruiz: Shining Sunbeam, Black-thighed Puffleg, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill.
Los Nevados National Park: Buffy Helmetcrest, Tawny Antpitta, Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant.
Photographic Opportunities
Hummingbirds at feeders in beautiful garden settings.
Unique high-altitude birds against the backdrop of the paramo.
Birding Opportunities: The hotel's garden is a paradise for hummingbird enthusiasts. The garden's setup provides ample opportunities for close-up photography of these vibrant birds.
Additional Information
The altitude at Los Nevados National Park can reach up to 13,800 ft, offering a unique ecosystem and bird species adapted to this environment. The dramatic, high Andean scenery provides a stunning setting for photography
As your photography tour in Colombia concludes in Manizales, you'll embark on a journey back to Medellín. This return trip marks the end of an unforgettable experience, filled with rich cultural encounters and unparalleled photographic opportunities. The transition from the serene, lush landscapes of Manizales to the vibrant, bustling streets of Medellín offers a moment to reflect on the diverse beauty of Colombia.
Journey Duration: Approximately 4-5 hours by road, or a quick 40-minute flight.
Relaxation: Use this comfortable journey to unwind and reminisce about the tour's memorable moments, from capturing stunning birdlife to immersing in local traditions.
This travel back to Medellín not only signifies the end of your tour but also the beginning of cherishing and sharing the incredible moments and photographs you've collected along the way.
Whether you choose the scenic route by bus or the expediency of a flight, your return journey is the perfect time to reflect on the rich experiences you've had in Colombia's beautiful coffee region.
GALLERY
GALLERY
THE DESTINATION
Highlights of the Colombian Coffee Region:
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Stay at eBird Hotspots: eBird Hotspots are designated areas recognized for their high bird activity, where birdwatchers can share sightings and contribute to global avian research and conservation efforts.
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Biodiversity & Photography: Manizales and Jardin are home to hundreds of bird species, including endemics like the Andean cock-of-the-rock and Yellow-eared Parrot, the region is ideal for birding and wildlife photography.
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Varied Ecosystems: From coffee plantations to cloud forests and páramos, these ecosystems provide habitats for unique species.
The Colombian Coffee Region, encompassing Jardín and Manizales, is not only recognized for its natural beauty, with verdant landscapes and the misty Andes, but also for its rich biodiversity and coffee culture.
MAP
TRIP LEADER
Jeff Cremer
Jeff Cremer, an acclaimed wildlife photographer featured in National Geographic and BBC, has made significant contributions to wildlife photography, especially in the Peruvian Amazon. His career has spanned Latin America, capturing stunning imagery, including a high-resolution photo of Machu Picchu. Cremer's journey, originating from Colorado, USA, reflects his passion for exploring and photographing the world's natural wonders.
THE PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography tours in Colombia leverage the country's status as the most bird-rich nation on earth, with eco-tourism flourishing and creating numerous opportunities for capturing images of the nearly 2000 bird species that call Colombia home.
Photography opportunities include:
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Visits to bird feeder sites for photographing hummingbirds, tanagers, and antpittas.
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Close-up photography opportunities at Antpitta Feeding Stations.
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Specialized multi-flash setups for capturing hummingbirds in flight.
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Photographing the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock at mating display areas.
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Trips to high elevation sites for unique bird species and landscapes in the Andean ecosystems.
Species:
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Antpittas: Crescent-Faced, Equatorial, Bicolored, and other unspecified species.
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Toucans: Gray-Breasted Mountain Toucan, Black-Billed Mountain Toucan.
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Tanagers: Hooded Mountain Tanager, Lachrymose Mountain Tanager, and various others.
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Hummingbirds: Collared Inca, Tourmaline Sunangel, Buff-Winged Starfrontlet, Mountain Velvetbreast, Sparkling Violetear, Sword-Billed Hummingbird, Shining Sunbeam, Long-Tailed Sylph, Buff-Tailed Coronet, and other unspecified hummingbirds.
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Others: Andean Guan, Slaty Brushfinch, Gray-Browed Brushfinch, Green and Black Fruiteater, Masked Flowerpiercer, Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Andean Motmot.
Jeff Cremer is an award-winning wildlife photographer published in National Geographic, Discovery Channel and the BBC. He is known for his remarkable work in the Peruvian Amazon, where he has been based for several years as a professional wildlife photographer. His journey through photography has taken him across various parts of Latin America, including Costa Rica, Peru and Colombia.
Cremer's work has not only captured the essence of wildlife and nature but has also led him to undertake notable projects such as capturing the highest-resolution photo of Machu Picchu. Originally from Colorado, USA, his wanderlust and search for compelling images have brought him to amazing places all over the world
PHOTO TRIP LEADER
JEFF CREMER
