Colombia Flatlands and Harpy Eagle Extension

Nature Photography

South America | Colombia Flatlands and Harpy Eagle Extension

Discover one of Colombia’s most exciting bird photography adventures, a journey designed to capture the extraordinary diversity of the Andes, the eastern foothills, and the vast tropical savannas. From the first day overlooking Bogotá at the iconic Cerro de Monserrate, your camera will be immersed in a dazzling world of hummingbirds and colorful mountain species, including the spectacular Sword-billed Hummingbird, the elegant Blue-throated Starfrontlet, and the remarkable Black-tailed Trainbearer. As the expedition moves east into lush foothill forests like La Leona Birdwatch, you will explore vibrant habitats where manakins, emerald hummingbirds, and brilliant forest jewels appear in perfect photographic settings.

The adventure then unfolds across the dramatic Llanos savannas and Amazonian foothills, where wetlands, gallery forests, and open plains offer encounters with striking species such as Scarlet Ibis, Chestnut-eared Aracari, and the iconic Giant Anteater. A highlight of the journey is the rare opportunity to observe and photograph the legendary Harpy Eagle in its natural nesting territory, one of the most powerful and elusive raptors on Earth. The tour concludes in the misty Andean cloud forests of Refugio del Tororoi Reserve, where dedicated hides and feeders provide exceptional chances to photograph the endemic Cundinamarca Antpitta and a glittering array of hummingbirds. This carefully crafted expedition combines breathtaking landscapes, world-class birding locations, and unforgettable wildlife encounters—an inspiring experience for photographers and nature lovers seeking Colombia’s most extraordinary species.

Important: If the Harpy Eagle nest is not active, the itinerary will be only 10 days.

Day 1: Arrival in Bogotá 2.600 m.a.s.l.

Arrival in Bogotá (2.600 m.a.s.l.) and visit Cerro Monserrate (2.900 m.a.s.l.) to try some Hummingbirds at the first spot of this tour, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Blue-throated Starfrontlet, Glowing Puffleg, Black-tailed Trainbearer. Overnight in Hotel AZ.

Early drive to La Leona Birdwatch, but before, we will do some pictures a La Esperanza Birdwatch in Ubalá, where it is possible to see many Hummingbird species like Lazuling Sabrewing, Violet-fronted Brilliant, Green-bellied Hummingbird, Long-tailed Sylph, and others. The arrival at La Leona will be in the afternoon. Overnight in La Leona.

Full day in La Leona (1.200 m.a.s.l.), on this day we will be looking for Wire-tailed Manakin, White-bearded Manakin,  Golden-tailed Sapphire, Blue-fronted Lancebill, Glittering-throated Emerald, and others, overnight in La Leona.

Full day in La Leona and nearby areas.

Birding in the morning in La Leona to take advantage of the golden hour, and after lunch, we will drive to our next destination, Restrepo in Meta department, aka the flatlands or savanna foothills. Overnight in Rancho Camaná (500 m.a.s.l.)

Full day in Camaná to try Oriole Blackbird, Chestnut-eared Aracari, Speckle Chachalaca, and others. Overnight in Camaná.

Visit to the Flatlands to try Scarlet Ibis, White Ibis, Egrets, Spoonbills, Whistling Heron, Double-striped Thick-knee, and if we are lucky, it is possible to find the amazing Giant Anteater and Brumback`s Night-monkeys. In the afternoon, we drive 3 hours to our next place to get ready for the Harpy Eagle nest. Overnight in Mesetas or Vista Hermosa.

Full day in the Harpy Eagle spot (more details about the place when the locals confirm exactly which one of the three nests will be active).

One more day to enjoy with the Harpy Eagle, in the afternoon, we will come back to the city, and overnight in Villavicencio.

We will drive to Guayabetal and then, we will take 4×4 cars to head to Refugio del Tororoi Reserve at 2.300 M.A.S.L. to try the elusive Cundinamarca Antpitta and other species of this place like Ochre-breasted Brushfinch, night in Refugio del Tororoi.

One more day in this reserve (2.300 m.a.s.l.) to try the endemic Cundinamarca Antpitta and also several Hummingbird species like Collared Inca, Speckle Hummingbird, White-bellied Woodstar, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Bronzy Inca, etc. in the afternoon, drive to Bogotá. Night in Bogotá.

Visit to Campo Tangara (2.500 m.a.s.l.) at 1/30 hours from Bogota to try the beautiful Golden-bellied Starfrontlet and other special birds of this place, night in Bogota.

In the morning, we will visit the Horned Lark (South Americasn subspecies and candidate to be split), then in the afternoon, drop off at the airport.

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