Colombia Bird Tours

*** New Tours for 2008 available ***

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Welcome

Colombia is usually one of those places you've heard mention, probably because of its drug problem, but never considered visiting. In reality the country is a birder's dream; with the highest species count of any country in the World, over 1810, it really is a must for any serious neotropical birder.

This huge diversity of species results from the equally diverse range of habitats: three Andean Cordilleras, two inter-Andean valleys, the Amazon, Orinoco, Santa Marta, Pacific and Caribbean coasts, deserts and lakes, and the rich Chocó biogeographical region all help to make it one of the most varied in South America.

[Santa Marta Mts, dpto Magdalena]

As for the problems Colombia faces day to day, rarely will these affect the average tourist. My only recommendation is you learn some Spanish as this will make travelling around much easier as few people speak English.

[Finger of God, dpto Nariño]

Note: It is important to take local advice before travelling away from the principle tourist areas. If you are warned not to enter an area, under no circumstances go. On too many occasions advice has not been heeded and has resulted in kidnappings. Some good birding areas are guerrilla strong holds or are primary Coca growing areas. Any foreigner will be viewed with great suspicion.

The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office currently recommends against travel to Putumayo, Arauca, Nariño, Caqueta, Guaviare and Norte de Santander departments, and to rural areas of Sucre, Bolivar, Choco, Antioquia, Valle de Cauca, Cauca and Huila departments. They also advise against all travel to southern parts of Meta department and to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (including the ‘Lost City’). There is a high risk to your personal safety in these areas. For full details please visit their website at http://www.fco.gov.uk.

Carl Downing
Cali, Colombia

Video: Colombia is Passion