Birds of the Cauca Valley, best travel experience for Bird Watching in Cali, Colombia.

Bird watching in the department of Valle del Cauca, located in the Western Andes of Colombia, is an enriching experience for lovers of ornithology and nature. This region offers diverse environments that are home to a wide variety of bird species and impressive landscapes.

Valle del Cauca is a department that combines beautiful beaches on its Pacific coast with imposing mountains in the Andes. This diversity of habitats offers a wide range of birds to observe. In the coastal area, it is possible to see seabirds. In the interior, in the forests and valleys, you can find toucans, parrots, owls and aquatic birds in the rivers and wetlands.

In Valle del Cauca, there are multiple nature reserves and national parks that are important refuges for birds and offer exceptional opportunities for bird watching. In Valle del Cauca, the Farallones de Cali National Natural Park and the Fauna and Kilometer Dieciocho of Los Farallones are popular destinations.

In conclusion, Valle del Cauca is a privileged destination for bird watching in the western Andes. The diversity of species, the impressive landscapes and the preservation of their ecosystems make these regions a paradise for bird watchers and a unique opportunity to connect with nature.

Day 1: Once your plane has landed in the city of Cali, capital of Valle del Cauca, one of our guides and our specialized driver will be with you. waiting at the airport to take you to the hotel we have chosen for you. Our guide will also give you information. a talk about the fauna and ecosystems that you can observe in the following days. That night they will spend the night at the hotel and the next day they will begin the bird watching tour of the Cauca Valley.

Day 2: You will begin your tour of Valle del Cauca at the La Florida bird watching reserve, recognized for being specialized in bird photography. Its hosts have built and enabled spaces so that photographs turn out spectacular and visitors take away unique memories. It is also recognized for its great variety of bird species, since more than 330 have been recorded, including the endemic Pied Tanager (Chlorochrysa nitidissima).

Day 3: San Felipe Birding is a nature reserve located in the Cali cloud forest. In 2004, this region was declared by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Conservation Area (AICA/IBA). Due to its geographical location, the property is part of one of the most biologically important hydrographic basins in southwest Colombia. Visit Finca Alejandría “Paraíso de los Hummingbirds” It is a unique experience for bird lovers. This farm is a pioneer in bird watching in Colombia. Which makes it one of the most important reserves in the entire country. Along the ecological trail of the farm, you will be able to see many plants rich in nectar and beautiful orchids. The property has been replanted with 200 palm trees and heliconias, which attracts a wide variety of birds.

Day 4: Early in the morning you will go to Doña Dora's bird watching farm to spot the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. This farm is recognized for the large number of species that reach the garden of the main house, occupying the number one position in the entire department of Valle del Cauca, with more than 500 registered species. Among the birds that we can observe in this place we find the famous and iconic Compass (Semnornis ramphastinus), Cock of the Rock (Rupicola peruvianus), the endemic Tufted Bean (Habia cristata), and even the Emerald Tanager (Chlorochrysa phoenicotis).

Day 5: You will begin this day with a delicious breakfast at the Campanario Hotel, where you will then sail in search of water birds. Laguna de Sonso is a true paradise for lovers of bird watching. With its lush wetland environment and diverse ecosystems, Laguna de Sonso is home to an extraordinary variety of bird species. From beautiful herons and graceful kingfishers to majestic eagles and captivating ducks, the lagoon is home to a host of migratory and resident birds, each one more fascinating than the last.

Day 6: Curigua Ecolodge is a true paradise for bird watchers. With a privileged location in the imposing central mountain range, it offers an exceptional natural environment where the diversity of birds comes to life. From the moment you arrive you are immersed in a world where the singing of birds becomes the soundtrack of the experience. Every moment in this special place is precious. designed to connect visitors with the grandeur of the Andes and their winged inhabitants.

Day 7: Hacienda El Diamante is an ideal place to enjoy nature and watch birds in Buga, Valle del Cauca. Buga is a territory rich in biodiversity and has more than 300 registered bird species. The Hacienda El Diamante Hotel is located between 1,000 and 2,700 meters above sea level, making it an ideal home for many birds.

Day 8: End of the Tour. It has been a true pleasure to share with you this photographic experience of animals in Colombia. Over the past few days we have had the opportunity to explore some of the most spectacular landscapes of this beautiful country and photograph some of the most beautiful and rare animals in the world. We want to thank you for your participation and company on this journey. Your enthusiasmiasm and passion for photography and nature has been a source of inspiration for us. We hope this experience has been as memorable and enriching for you as it has been for us. Additionally, we want to highlight the importance of wildlife conservation and the protection of the natural habitats of these animals. In Colombia, as in many other parts of the world, these species face constant threats due to the destruction of their habitat and illegal hunting. We hope that the photographs taken and this experience can help raise awareness of these issues and inspire others to protect and preserve wildlife. We would love to have you back on future animal photography safaris and explore more natural wonders together. Once again, thank you very much for your participation in this trip and we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. Sincerely, The Ocampo Expeditions team.

COMMERCIAL CONDITIONS AND CANCELLATION POLICY

We require written notice of any cancellation, which will take place immediately. effect upon receipt. If you need to cancel your reservation, you must inform us immediately at ocampo.wpe@gmail.com and we will confirm your cancellation.

Depending on the date we receive your cancellation notice, per-person cancellation fees will apply. The rate plan also applies to travel extensions before or after the trip, as well as travel extensions. as transfers of extensions from one trip to another. In compliance with this, the cancellation policies are established as follows:

30% of the total value of the confirmed itinerary is due at the time of booking, of which 30% (less bank charges) is refundable in case of cancellation up to 90 days before the start of the trip , 20% (less bank charges) up to 75 days before the start of the trip, 10% (less bank charges) up to 60 days before the start of the trip and 0% after 59 days before the start of the trip of the beginning of the trip. However, 10% of this deposit will accumulate if you decide to take the trip in the future for 1 year.

The remaining 70% of the tour cost must be paid, as desired by the client, between 59 and 30 days before the start of the tour. This payment will be refundable in case of cancellations as follows: 70% (less bank charges) is refundable in case of cancellation up to 58 days before the start of the tour, 50% (less bank charges) up to 30 days before the start of the tour, 25% (less bank charges) up to 15 days before the start of the tour and 0% after that period. However, 30% of this deposit will accumulate if you decide to take the trip in the future for 1 year.

GENERAL CONDITIONS IN THE PROVISION OF THE SERVICE

Price increase:

Due to the possibility of many circumstances beyond our control, the total cost of the trip is subject to change. Subject to change, although this is only considered a last resort. You will be notified Participants will be informed if there is any change in the cost of the trip. We do our best to anticipate cost increases on services in each area in which we operate, but when there are unexpected increases, we reserve the right to increase our price by 10% of the trip price. If additional increases are required, participants can withdraw from the tour without incurring cancellation penalties.

Please note that your accommodation preferences will be honored to the extent possible, but cannot be guaranteed. In some remote locations (e.g. at field stations) this is not always possible and arrangements must be adjusted. When we are aware of these situations, we will always inform you. to participants before making the reservation. When an unexpected change is needed (especially in remote locations where communication is difficult), the lack of availability at a particular hotel or accommodation is usually not reported in advance and is only discovered upon arrival. In these circumstances, your leader will make everything possible to satisfy the group's preferences.

Vaccines for Colombia:

A vaccination certificate is not required when entering Colombia; However, it is important to keep these recommendations in mind:

There are no major problems with mosquitoes in most reserves. It is recommended to be vaccinated against typhoid fever and hepatitis A. Yellow fever is very rare in Colombia.

Malaria is present in many low-lying areas of Colombia. Although it is not known to exist near our reserves, it is known to exist. present in some cities in the regions of the Western, Central and Eastern Andes, Magdalena, Santa Marta, Guajira and Chocó. In these areas, it is best to reduce the number of insect bites by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and applying insect repellent, especially at dawn and dusk.

Dengue, although not common, is also a possibility, and once again, it is recommended to reduce the risk of insect bites and be attentive to the symptoms of this fever.

Leishmaniasis, a disease transmitted by sand fly bites, is also a possibility in low-lying areas, and again, visitors should be aware of the symptoms. There have only been rare cases in the communities of the Magdalena Valley, but not within the reserve. Mites are also found in tall grass around the Caribbean coast, away from main roads. Cover your legs with pants, shoes and a belt with insect repellent.

Photo gallery of this experience: Attached in a folder.