Jan 10, 2027 — Jan 20, 2027

Araucana Lodge in Colombia’s Western Andes has been one of our most popular trips since we began offering it in 2023. It was originally designed for birders who haven’t traveled abroad previously AND it offers the best of everything for birders who are on a tight schedule. Both beginning birders and seasoned veterans have enjoyed this birding tour, ticking off a few mega-finds along the way! That part of the trip hasn’t changed.

But the trip was also initially designed as one of our original Home Base trips where you unpacked once and came home to the same lovely room each night. We paired the trip with a different extension each year where birders who had an extra week and the inclination to do so could visit a different part of Colombia. We’re trying something new this year–—the first week at Araucana Lodge remains unchanged, but we’re adding three more days at the end where you’ll stay at the Eco Hotel Hacienda El Diamante in the foothills of the Central Andes where a new suite of birds awaits.

And now for the good part. Why Colombia? Easy. It’s the birdiest country on earth, with 1,930 species—almost 20% of the world’s total in 1% of its landmass, with new species still being discovered and new records being announced regularly. There are several reasons for this: Colombia is tropical yet it also has ample elevation changes due to the Andes; it has both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts; it has a wide range of different habitats, and different habitats ensure a wide range of bird species.

This trip includes visits to some of Colombia’s most iconic birding locations, including KM 18 and the San Antonio Cloud Forest (an excellent introduction to birding in the Colombian Andes), the San Cipriano Reserve (which features the humid forests of the Pacific lowlands), the Anchicaya Valley (which is located in one of the most biodiverse national parks in the planet), and an active Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek, Sonso Lagoon (an extensive remnant wetland boasting 368 bird species).

Along the way you’ll stay in very comfortable accommodations while birding some of the best sites in Colombia without having to spend much time in a vehicle—or packing your suitcase every other day! Araucana Lodge opened in January 2019 and was designed specifically for birders and nature lovers, with spacious rooms and all the comforts that ensure a good night’s rest. El Diamante is an equally beautiful hotel and is also run by a conservation-minded family.

Don’t forget to pack your camera—both hotels and many of the reserves along the route have excellent feeder set-ups that  provide some of the best photographic opportunities in Colombia, with targets ranging from hummingbirds to toucans. 

For a list of the birds in this area, click  here.

$4,395 per person (7–8 participants)
$4,795 per person (5–6 participants)
$5,395 per person (4 participants)

All prices double occupancy

$750 single supplement. Limit 8 people.