Trip Length: 13 days. Additional activities may increase the trip length.

DAY 1: BOGOTÁ– SANTA MARTA (MAGDALENA)

Early in the morning we will fly from Bogota to Santa Marta.(Magdalena Department’s Capital). Upon arrival, we will travel by road to the Minca Corregimiento located close to El Dorado natural reserve where we will stay in an eco-lodge.
We will devote the afternoon bird watching and exploring the reserve. The El Dorado Natural Reserve is 1,800-acre area part of the Parque Nacional Natural Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Due to the variety of altitudinal zones, you will find in this reserve one of the highest concentration of continental range-restricted bird species found anywhere in the world. El Dorado reserve provides a critical habitat for several endangered amphibian and bird species including the Santa Marta parakeet (Pyrrhura viridicata).

DAY 2: EL DORADO NATURAL RESERVE (MAGDALENA)

In our second day, we will continue our bird watching experience. After breakfast we will go to Santa Marta’s Large Swamp viewpoint. In the afternoon, we will continue to explore the reserve’s fauna and flora.

DAY 3: EL DORADO NATURAL RESERVE (MAGDALENA)

In the morning we will walk along the reserve trails to observe the diversity of birds and vegetation. We will go to the Rodadero area to spy endemic species.

In the afternoon, we will be visiting the Macanca Reserve.

DAY 4: SANTA MARTA – CARTAGENA (BOLIVAR)

In the morning, we will head out to the city of Cartagena. We will pass by the city of Barranquilla, the capital of the Atlantico Department.
In the late afternoon, we will arrive to Cartagena. After settling in the hotel, go out for a night walk to appreciate the lit architecture of this romantic city. Cartagena's colonial walled city and fortress were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984

DAY 5: CARTAGENA (BOLIVAR)

Today, you will be by your own wandering around this historical site. Plan to visit the walled city, the Plaza Bolivar, the Cathedral, the Gold Museum, and much more. Getting out and seeing the Old City on foot is perhaps the most satisfying reason for visiting Cartagena.

DAY 6: CARTAGENA– MEDELLÍN - RÍO CLARO (ANTIOQUIA)

In the morning, we will fly to Medellin (Antioquia Department’s Capital). Upon arrival, we will go to the Rio Claro Natural Reserve.

This reserve is one of the most diverse sites for bird watching. Its marble beds that produce amazing green and blue tones contrasting with the surrounding vegetation highlight the clear waters of the Rio Claro. In this reserve, we will be able to walk in the canyons and explore the region’s caves.

DAY 7: RÍO CLARO (ANTIOQUIA)

In the morning we will walk along the reserve trail, to observe the diversity of birds and vegetation. Some of the most prominent plant families in this area include: Lauraceae, Fabaceae, Myrtaceae, Malvaceae and Araceae , in addition to the interesting Balanophoraceae.
After lunch and a short rest, we will visit the Cueva de los Guácharos (oil birds) National Park.. This park was created in 1960 and it is the oldest of the 51 protected areas of Colombia. The park was named after the nocturnal Guácharo bird (Steatornis caripensis), which lives in caves in the park.

DAY 8: RIO CLARO (ANTIOQUIA)

Early in the morning and through mid-day, we will walk along the river’s canyon to admire its natural beauty.
You will have the afternoon to rest or to enjoy the park.

DAY 9: RÍO CLARO – BAHÍA SOLANO (CHOCO)

During our 9th day, we will return to Medellín and from there we will fly to Bahía Solano (Solano Bay) in the Choco Department. Upon arrival, we will travel to the Valley.

In the afternoon and depending on the tide, we will trek in the Pacific coast.
The Choco department is located in the west of the country, and is the only Colombian department to have coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It also has Colombia’s entire border with Panama. Its capital is Quibdó. This department has an incredibly diverse geography, unique ecosystems and unexploited resources. The Departments is also known for its large Afro-Colombian population.
Three large rivers drain the Chocó Department, the Atrato River, the San Juan River and the Baudó River, each one with many tributaries. The Baudó Mountains on the coast and the Cordillera Occidental are cut by low valleys with an altitude less than 1,000 meters that form most of the territory. Most of the Chocó is thick rain forest. Most of the Colombia's internal consumption of wood comes from the Chocó, as well as a small percentage for export
In Choco, you will find the municipality of Lloró which holds the Highest Average Annual Precipitation record measured at 523.6 inches (13,300 mm) making it the wettest place in the world.

DAY 10: BAHÍA SOLANO (CHOCO)

Today we are going to explore by canoe the Tundo River and walk through the rain forest.

DAY 11: BAHÍA SOLANO (CHOCO)

Most of today, we will be walking to the Tiger waterfall.

DAY 12: UTRIA NATIONAL NATURAL PARK (CHOCO) (August – October: watching whales)

Today we are going to visit one of the most spectacular natural parks in Colombia: The Ensenada de Utria National Park. This park covers approximately 210 sq. miles and it has an average annual temperature of 28°C (or 82 °F). The geography of the park is extremely diverse, finding ecosystems like rain forest - home to the endangered Choco Tinamou bird; tangles of mangrove swamps; coral reefs and 43,000 acres of Pacific coastline. The park also has around 105 species of crustaceans. Several species of whales visit the park’s coral reefs, including the famous humpback whale.

DAY 13: BAHÍA SOLANO - BOGOTÁ

During our last day, we will return to Bahia Solano to then fly back to Bogotá.