Overview
Embark on a captivating adventure across Colombia’s most diverse and vibrant ecosystems. The “Colombian Wildlife Quest” takes you through the country’s five main geographical regions—Andean, Pacific, Caribbean, Llanos, and Amazon—each offering unique landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Start your journey in Bogotá, the cultural heart of Colombia, before heading to the lush Eastern Andes to seek out the elusive spectacled bear and a variety of exotic birds. Venture into the vast tropical savannahs of the Llanos region, where you’ll encounter riparian birds, majestic storks, and large mammals like capybaras and deer. Explore the Amazon rainforest, the world’s largest tropical forest, teeming with endless fauna, including playful monkeys and colourful birds.
Your quest continues to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, home to the endangered ecosystem of Tayrona National Park. Here, the dramatic meeting of mountains and sea creates a paradise of tropical dry forests and pristine beaches. Throughout this journey, you’ll stay in comfortable accommodations that reflect the local charm and culture, ensuring a truly immersive experience.
Guided by expert naturalists, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with local communities, learn about conservation efforts, and witness Colombia’s unparalleled natural beauty up close. Whether you’re navigating the Amazon River, spotting wildlife on a safari in the Llanos, or hiking through Tayrona’s tropical landscapes, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Colombia’s wild heart.
Highlights
Bogotá Exploration: Discover the vibrant capital city with its rich culture, history, and excellent gastronomic scene.
Eastern Andes Adventure: Spot the elusive spectacled bear and a variety of exotic birds in the lush highlands.
Llanos Wildlife Safari: Experience the tropical savannahs with sightings of capybaras, deer, riparian birds, and the giant anaconda.
Amazon Rainforest Expedition: Navigate the world’s largest tropical forest, encountering playful monkeys, colourful birds, and the mighty Amazon River.
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta: Explore Tayrona National Park’s unique ecosystem, where mountains meet the Caribbean Sea, offering stunning beaches and tropical dry forests.
Maikuchiga Foundation Visit: Learn about primate rehabilitation efforts and local conservation initiatives in the Amazon.
Tarapoto River and Lake Tour: Search for Amazonian pink river dolphins, river otters, and the legendary Ceiba tree.
Immersive Cultural Experiences: Engage with local communities and learn about indigenous cultures and traditions.
Comfortable Accommodations: Stay in charming lodges and hotels that reflect the local culture and offer modern amenities.
Expert Naturalist Guides: Benefit from the knowledge and expertise of professional nature guides throughout the journey.
Departure Date
Price
Single Supplement
Schedules
Day 1: Arrival in Bogota
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Bogotá! Nestled at 2,600 metres above sea level and surrounded by the imposing Cerros Orientales, Bogotá is the vibrant capital and largest city of Colombia. With average temperatures of 17ºC year-round, this cool-weather city is a melting pot of cultures from across the country, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity.
Upon your arrival, take some time to unwind and acclimate to the altitude. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and start soaking in the local vibe of this fascinating city.
Day 2: Arrival in the Eastern Plains
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, you’ll fly to Yopal and then transfer to Hato Montana, a journey that takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Along the way, you’ll notice the landscape gradually changing as you enter the Eastern Plains, a region known as the Llanos. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, as there will be opportunities to start wildlife watching from the car.
Upon arrival at Hato Montana, one of the many ranches transitioning from cattle ranching to tourism, you’ll enjoy a typical lunch ‘a la Llanera’ (stake-in-the-ground roasted veal). This 9,000-hectare reserve, with its hunting ban in place for decades, is a haven for wildlife. In the afternoon, embark on a safari by boat or 4x4, exploring the savannah, forests, rivers, and lagoons to spot riparian birds, large mammals, and reptiles.
Day 3: Exploring Hato Montana
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today will be dedicated to exploring the expansive Hato Montana in search of its abundant wildlife. Start your day with a focus on the main targets such as the giant Jabiru stork, Nacunda Nighthawks, Orinoco Goose, and the two Llanos restricted endemics – Pale-headed Jacamar and White-beared Flycatcher.
Given the vastness of the reserve, your guides will discuss recent wildlife sightings and trends to tailor the day’s activities. You may choose between a boat trip in search of the anaconda or a 4x4 drive to uncover other hidden gems.
After lunch at the lodge, you can continue your wildlife search in the afternoon or, following a legendary Llanos sunset, opt for a nocturnal outing to try and find some of the more reclusive residents like the Armadillo, Jaguarundi, Ocelot, Puma, and even the elusive Jaguar.
Day 4: Final Day at Hato Montana
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is your last full day to explore the wonders of Hato Montana. Spend the morning searching for any species you may have missed so far. After lunch at the lodge, enjoy the various activities available on the ranch, such as a monkey search, a tour of the stable, an artisan cocoa process demonstration, a tour of the archaeological zone, and a crafts workshop.
In the evening, take in one last beautiful Llanero sunset before preparing for your next destination.
Day 5: Flight to Bogota
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an enriching stay in the Eastern Plains, it’s time to head back to Bogotá. Depart from Hato Montana and transfer to Yopal airport for your flight back to the capital. Enjoy the changing scenery as you leave the vast plains and start entering the mountainous regions once more.
Upon arrival in Bogotá, you’ll have some time to relax and reflect on your incredible experiences in the Llanos.
Day 6: Journey to the Amazon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your day early with a flight to Leticia, the gateway to Colombia’s Amazon region. Covering almost a third of the country, the Amazon is a vast and diverse wilderness. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to the pier and board a private launch that will take you up the mighty Amazon River.
Traveling for nearly 2 hours and about 80 km, you’ll reach the small, car-free town of Puerto Nariño, Colombia’s first sustainable tourism destination. After checking into your charming jungle lodge, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. In the evening, venture out for a guided night walk to explore the jungle’s nocturnal wildlife, including frogs, insects, and if fortunate, mammals.
Day 7: Maikuchiga Foundation
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise early and have a packed breakfast to make the most of your day. At 5 am, transfer by launch to the Maikuchiga Foundation, located about 30 minutes away. This foundation is dedicated to the rehabilitation and conservation of primates.
Start your day with a walk through the secondary tropical forest, keeping an eye out for common Squirrel Monkeys, tiny Pygmy Marmosets, Yellow-handed Titi, and if fortunate, Spix’s Night Monkeys. As you continue deeper into the primary forest, look for large groups of Red Howler Monkeys and Humboldt’s Woolly Monkeys.
Enjoy a packed lunch either on the trail or at the foundation’s base camp. Learn about the foundation’s efforts to rehabilitate monkeys rescued from the illegal pet trade and hear from the local Ticuna community members about their culture and conservation work. After returning to Puerto Nariño, visit the local NGO Natutama, which works to raise awareness about the Amazon’s delicate ecosystems. End the day with a visit to the community’s Maloka to hear from the elders about their ancient traditions.
Day 8: Tarapoto River and Lake
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin your day with a short boat ride to one of the Amazon’s main attractions, Tarapoto Lake. This ancient oxbow lake, approximately 14 km in length, is surrounded by virgin jungle teeming with wildlife.
Navigate through the ‘Correo’ canal into the lake, where you can spot various species of monkeys, birds, and if you’re fortunate, river otters. Along the riverbanks, keep an eye out for raptors like the Black-collared Hawk and Laughing Falcon, as well as other riparian wildlife such as Great Egrets, Cocoi Herons, and Black-capped Donacobious.
Enjoy lunch by the lake before setting out in search of the famous Amazonian Pink River Dolphins, which sometimes surface close to the boats. Grey River Dolphins also inhabit these waters. After exploring the lake and looking for Black Caiman, take a walk along the trails around the lake’s pristine forests. Look for the legendary Ceiba tree, and learn about the medicinal plants from your local guide.
Return to Puerto Nariño for dinner and participate in an evening activity prepared by the local community.
Day 9: Flight to Santa Marta
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, you’ll leave the Amazon and head to the stunning beaches of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Santa Marta. Upon arrival, you’ll travel to Maloka Barlovento, located at the base of the majestic Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
This area offers a unique combination of tropical beaches and lush green nature, providing breathtaking views of the mountains rising from the ocean. Spend the rest of the day settling into your hotel and soaking in the magical realism of Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
Day 10: Tayrona National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, explore the natural beauty of Tayrona National Park, a stunning blend of tropical rainforest, pristine beaches, and the Caribbean Sea. Begin with a morning trek to Arrecife or La Piscina, a beautiful natural pool ideal for a relaxing swim.
As you hike along Tayrona’s picturesque beaches, you’ll understand why they were voted the ‘world’s most beautiful’ by Discovery Channel. The park’s combination of humid tropical forest and dry forest to the south hosts a remarkable array of flora and fauna, much of it unique to this region.
For those eager to explore further, the hike continues towards Cabo de San Juan, arguably Tayrona’s most photogenic spot. After your hike, enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure, soaking in the serene surroundings of this tropical paradise.
Day 11: Transfer to the Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast
On your final day, enjoy a leisurely morning soaking up the last moments in this beautiful region. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey, taking with you unforgettable memories of your Colombian Wildlife Quest.
Safe travels and we hope to see you again on another adventure!
Special Note
We carefully craft each itinerary, but sometimes, due to operational needs, we might have to adjust the order of activities or the planned route. While these changes are rare, please view the itinerary as a flexible guide rather than a set-in-stone plan.
Itinerary
Inclusions
Flights and Transportation
Domestic flights from Bogota to Yopal
Domestic flights from Yopal to Bogota
Domestic flights from Bogota to Leticia
Domestic flights from Leticia to Santa Marta
Domestic flights from Santa Marta to Bogota
Transfers
Airport transfer pick up and drop off
Excursions
Entrances
Activities mentioned in the itinerary
Meals
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Snacks & hydration
Others
All accommodations
Professional nature guides in all destinations
All taxes and fees
Accommodations
Accomodation List
Hotel in Bogota: Movich Buró 26 or a similar
Hotel in Yopal: Hato Montana or a similar
Hotel in Amazon: Calanoa Reserve or a similar
Hotel in Tayrona: Maloka Barlovento or a similar
*Accommodation is subject to change based on availability at the time of confirmation. Details about your accommodation will be included in the Departure Package.
Upgrade Options
Special Message
Find the latest visa and travel requirements for your trip
Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of 20% of the trip cost is required at the time of booking.
Final Payment: The remaining balance is due 120 days prior to the departure date of the tour.
Hike in Tayrona National Park
The hike in Tayrona National Park is a breathtaking journey through some of Colombia’s most stunning natural landscapes. Starting at the park’s entrance, you will trek through lush tropical rainforest, passing by pristine white-sand beaches and the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea.
Hike Details:
Distance: 8.7 km (5.4 miles)
Ascent: +97 m (+318 ft)
Descent: -456 m (-656 ft)
Maximum Altitude: 65 m (213 ft)
Base Altitude: Sea level (0 ft)
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆
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