5 Days
CALI, COLOMBIA
HUMMINGBIRD PHOTOGRAPHY TRIP
$2300USD
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
This five-day wildlife photography tour in Colombia offers an immersive journey through the country's lush landscapes, showcasing a diverse array of native bird species, particularly the captivating hummingbirds. The adventure begins in Cali with an overnight stay in Araucana, setting the tone for a trip that combines comfortable accommodations with exceptional birdwatching opportunities. On the second day, participants visit Parque de la Uva near Palmira city, where the vibrant Ruby-throated Hummingbird can be observed alongside other hummingbird species in agave fields that are a visual treat. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird, known for its brilliant red throat and agile flight, is a highlight for many enthusiasts.
The itinerary includes stays at beautiful boutique hotels and eco-lodges, specifically chosen for their commitment to conservation and their strategic locations near prime birdwatching spots. La Minga Farmhouse and Araucana Lodge offer not only rustic charm and stunning views but also direct access to cloud forests and well-maintained feeder sites that attract rare species like the Long-tailed Sylph and Booted Rackettail. At Doña Dora Feeders, located in a unique ecological niche where the Andean and Chocó bio-regions converge, guests enjoy the hospitality of a charming ecolodge, enhancing the birdwatching experience with comfort and style.
Highlights of the tour include:
Multi-flash hummingbird photography sessions at La Minga, capturing the dazzling movements of these tiny birds.
Observing a variety of hummingbird species, including the exquisite Ruby-throated Hummingbird, known for its energetic flight and striking appearance.
Luxurious stays at eco-friendly lodges like Araucana Lodge and the picturesque setting of Doña Dora’s, both offering excellent amenities and perfect locations for nature lovers.
The trip culminates with a convenient airport transfer on the final day, ensuring that participants leave Colombia enriched by the natural beauty and biodiversity they've experienced, with memories and photographs of some of the world's most spectacular birds.
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
WHATS INCLUDED
Trip Details
Dates: Trips available anytime
Duration: 5 Days
Minimum Group Size: 1 Guest
Maximum Group Size: 3 Guests
Physical Difficulty: Easy
Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Recommended Gear: All cameras & lenses included
Included
High-end photography equipment and expert guidance
Single occupancy accommodation in wildlife lodges with essential amenities
All meals, accommodating dietary and vegetarian preferences
Fluent English-speaking photographer | guide
Comprehensive transportation, including 4×4 vehicles and airport transfers
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.
THE DESTINATION
Highlights of the Colombian Coffee Region:
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.
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.
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.
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:
Visits to bird feeder sites for photographing hummingbirds, tanagers, and antpittas.
Close-up photography opportunities at Antpitta Feeding Stations.
Specialized multi-flash setups for capturing hummingbirds in flight.
Photographing the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock at mating display areas.
Trips to high elevation sites for unique bird species and landscapes in the Andean ecosystems.
Species:
Antpittas: Crescent-Faced, Equatorial, Bicolored, and other unspecified species.
Toucans: Gray-Breasted Mountain Toucan, Black-Billed Mountain Toucan.
Tanagers: Hooded Mountain Tanager, Lachrymose Mountain Tanager, and various others.
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.
Others: Andean Guan, Slaty Brushfinch, Gray-Browed Brushfinch, Green and Black Fruiteater, Masked Flowerpiercer, Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Andean Motmot.
PHOTO TRIP LEADER
JEFF CREMER
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
