EASTERN PLAINS & CAUCA VALLEY

TOUR INFORMATION

Embark on an 11-day journey through two of Colombia's most diverse and wildlife-rich regions: the vast Eastern Plains and the lush Valle del Cauca. Your adventure begins in the untamed wilderness of Hato La Aurora, a private reserve in the Eastern Plains, where the horizon stretches endlessly and the landscape is alive with the calls of birds and the presence of majestic wildlife.

Here, you'll witness a dazzling array of avifauna, including the elegant Syrigma sibilatrix, the vibrant Pipra filicauda, and the striking Hypnelus bicinctus. The colorful Paroaria nigrogenis will catch your eye, and the rare Brachygalba goeringi will be a prize sighting for any birder. Near the water, the graceful Eurypyga helias displays its intricate plumage, while the bold Jabiru mycteria stands tall in the marshes.

But this region offers more than just birds. Hato La Aurora is home to an astonishing variety of wildlife. As you explore, you'll encounter howler monkeys, giant river otters, giant anteaters, capybaras, and even white-tailed deer. The waterways are home to Orinoco crocodiles, caimans, and anacondas, while the plains hide apex predators like pumas and the elusive jaguar. This reserve is renowned for its jaguar sightings, making it the perfect destination for those hoping to glimpse this magnificent cat in the wild.

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After experiencing the raw beauty of the Eastern Plains, you'll take a flight to the vibrant city of Cali, your gateway to the Valle del Cauca. Here, you’ll explore a variety of habitats, starting with the Yotoco Forest Reserve, where towering trees shelter a wealth of bird species. In Rio Bravo, you’ll discover a rugged landscape of mountains and fast-flowing rivers, ideal for spotting species that thrive in these dynamic environments.

Next, you’ll visit the serene Laguna de Sonso, a wetland sanctuary brimming with life. The calm waters are home to herons, kingfishers, and countless other waterbirds, offering a peaceful yet thrilling birding experience as you explore its shores.

As you journey through this region, you’ll visit Doña Dora’s finca, a haven for birdwatchers, where you’ll be surrounded by colorful hummingbirds, tanagers, and toucans. The cool mists of the San Antonio cloud forest create an enchanting backdrop for birding, with the chance to spot endemic species among the trees. Your adventure continues into the heart of the Bosque de Niebla, where the dense vegetation and vibrant birdlife offer unforgettable moments.

Throughout your journey, you’ll stay in comfortable lodges that provide a seamless connection with nature, offering not just a place to rest, but a front-row seat to Colombia’s rich biodiversity. This 11-day experience will immerse you in the beauty of Colombia's landscapes, from the savannas of the Eastern Plains to the cloud forests, rivers, and wetlands of Valle del Cauca. Each day brings new discoveries, as you explore habitats filled with extraordinary birds and wildlife.