Feathered Wonders and Cloud Forest Trails with Marck

-Welcome to Colombia, where the lush green tapestry of Quindío greets us the airport.

-After a smooth group transfer, we settle into our eco-lodge, a sanctuary cradled by the Andean foothills and surrounded by the region’s famed biodiversity.

-The rest of the day is yours to wander, breathe in the mountain air, and acclimate to the rhythms of the Coffee Triangle.

-As dusk falls, we gather for our first dinner, sharing stories and anticipation for the wild beauty that lies ahead.

-We start with breakfast at our eco-haven before venturing into the reserve for a morning of birdwatching, where the air is alive with the calls of endemic species and the wisdom of the forest. We'll have the chance to see the Andean Motmot, Emerald Toucanet, Golden-olive Woodpecker, Striated Heron, Tropical Kingbird, Yellow-rumped Cacique, and Tanagers! Using both our eyes and ears, we’ll connect with Colombia’s avian diversity in a setting shaped by conservation and ancestral stewardship.

-Lunch is served in the heart of nature, followed by a scenic drive to Pijao, a town celebrated for its slow-living ethos and coffee heritage.

-At Café La Floresta, we dive into a sensory journey with a coffee tasting, learning how terroir and tradition shape every cup.

-As twilight paints the sky, we embark on a guided hike along the Rincón Santo Ecological Trail, looking out for reptiles and amphibians while discovering the magic of the Andean dusk. Keep your eyes peeled for Pijao glass frog (Nymphargus pijao), the chocolate frog, and even poison dart frogs.

-Return for dinner and well-earned rest.

-After breakfast, we head to Salento, gateway to the legendary Cocora Valley.

-Here, towering wax palms (the tallest in the world) stand sentinel over emerald hills, offering a surreal backdrop for our trek.

-The Acaime Natural Reserve beckons with its vibrant hummingbirds and tranquil streams, perfect for wildlife photography and quiet contemplation. Keep an eye out for Lazuline Sabrewing (Campylopterus falcatus), Buff-tailed Coronet (Boissonneaua flavescens), Andean Emerald (Amazilia franciae), and Green Violet-ear.

-We break for lunch amidst this natural splendor before returning to our base in Quindío, hearts full and memory cards brimming with new images.

-Fuel up with breakfast before we set out for the Barbas-Bremen Nature Reserve, a corridor of cloud forest where howler monkeys echo and rare orchids bloom. Our hike immerses us in the wilderness that inspires both conservationists and storytellers. If you're lucky, you may see Cauca Guan, Emerald Toucanet, Inca Jay, and Sickle-winged Guan.

-Afterward, we return to the colorful town of Filandia, famed for its artisanal spirit and panoramic vistas.

-At the Colina Illuminada Viewpoint, we take in sweeping views of the Coffee Axis.

-Lunch in town offers a taste of local life before we return to our eco-lodge for a final evening in Quindío.

-Your day begins with a relaxed breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out and a transfer to Quindío airport for your flight to Bogotá.

-After arriving in Bogotá, you’ll head straight to your rural lodging near Chingaza National Park, where you can settle in and enjoy some free time.

-As evening falls, the adventure continues with a night walk to observe owls and other nocturnal wildlife.

-If the weather cooperates, you’ll cap off the day by ascending to 'La Paloma' for a memorable stargazing experience.

-After breakfast, ascend into the misty heights of Chingaza National Park. This protected paramo ecosystem unfolds in a patchwork of frailejones, crystalline lakes, and ancient Andean legends. Our hike reveals the delicate balance of life at altitude, with opportunities to spot rare flora and fauna.

-Lunch is enjoyed in the wild, and as the sun dips, we settle back at the lodge, surrounded by the silence of the mountains and the promise of starry skies.

-We rise early for a morning walk in search of the elusive Golden Hummingbird, white-tailed deer, or the Andean bear.

-Chingaza’s biodiversity is a living testament to Colombia’s conservation efforts, and our visit culminates in a hands-on workshop where we learn from local experts about protecting these fragile landscapes.

-After lunch in the park, we return to Bogotá for a relaxed evening, carrying with us a deeper understanding of the wild heart of the Andes.

-Our final morning is for reflection and goodbyes.

-After breakfast and checkout, a group transfer takes us to the airport, where we part ways. Thank you for joining me in Colombia. Until the next adventure!