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Chocó / Pacific Coast

Chocó Endemics: 10-Day Pacific Birding Tour

Ten-day birding expedition through Colombia's Chocó biogeographic region, one of the wettest and most biodiverse places on Earth, targeting Pacific-slope endemics.

Duration
10 days
From
$3,600 USD
Group size
2-6
Difficulty
moderate
Best months: JanuaryFebruaryMarchJulyAugust
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Overview

The Chocó is the wettest lowland forest on Earth. Colombia’s share of this biogeographic region runs from the Darién border to the Ecuadorian border along the Pacific slope, and it hosts more than 60 endemic or near-endemic bird species. Our ten-day itinerary covers two of the best-known access points, Anchicayá and Cerro Montezuma, combined with eastern cloud forest at Otún Quimbaya for species overlap.

Who this tour suits

Intermediate birders. Expect humidity, rain, and moderate trails at elevation. Accommodations are rustic-comfortable rather than luxury.

Why do this tour

Chocó endemics do not travel. If you want the Gold-ringed Tanager, the Munchique Wood-wren, or the Black-and-gold Tanager on your list, you have to come here. Cerro Montezuma is the single best site on Earth for all three.

Target species

  • ● Multicolored Tanager
  • ● Gold-ringed Tanager
  • ● Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer
  • ● Munchique Wood-wren
  • ● Black-and-gold Tanager

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Arrival in Cali

    Transfer from Cali airport. Evening briefing at hotel.

  2. Day 2

    Km 18 / Finca Alejandría

    Hummingbird feeders, mixed flocks. Andean Motmot, Multicolored Tanager if we are lucky.

  3. Day 3

    Anchicayá Valley Lower

    Descent toward Pacific slope. Toucan Barbet, Olivaceous Piha.

  4. Day 4

    Anchicayá Valley Upper

    Full day at cloud forest. Orange-breasted Fruiteater, Indigo Flowerpiercer.

  5. Day 5

    Transfer to Tatamá / Cerro Montezuma

    Long drive. Afternoon at base of Montezuma.

  6. Day 6

    Cerro Montezuma | Upper

    Pre-dawn start. Gold-ringed Tanager, Munchique Wood-wren, Black-and-gold Tanager.

  7. Day 7

    Cerro Montezuma | Mid

    Second day at the mountain, different elevation. Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer.

  8. Day 8

    Otún Quimbaya

    Transfer east. Cauca Guan, Multicolored Tanager (second chance), Red-ruffed Fruitcrow.

  9. Day 9

    Los Nevados foothills

    Rusty-faced Parrot, Crescent-faced Antpitta, Bearded Helmetcrest if reachable.

  10. Day 10

    Departure from Pereira

    Morning birding, transfer to Pereira airport.

What's included

  • ✓Professional bilingual birding guide
  • ✓All accommodations
  • ✓All meals
  • ✓Ground transportation in 4x4 vehicles
  • ✓Park and reserve entry fees
  • ✓eBird daily checklist compilation

Not included

  • ×International flights
  • ×Travel insurance
  • ×Alcoholic beverages
  • ×Tips for guides and drivers