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Xavier Amigo
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With over 700 species, birds are the undisputed stars of the Llanos. They share these large savannahs with an incredibly rich Amazonian fauna, Tamandua and Jaguar, armadillos and anaconda, howler monkey and capibara. Irrigated by the Orinoco River, these large ecosystems of grasslands, savannahs and wetlands interspersed with forests are a destination of choice for experienced birders and beginners alike, and especially for photographers. During this short stay, we will explore the large seasonally flooded grasslands and gallery forests of the Llanos. Safaris by jeep, tractor and boat. Night excursions will also be possible so as not to miss any of this rich wildlife. This is a very enjoyable addition to many of our tours in Colombia. A wild, safari-like adventure just a few hours from the Colombian capital.
Early breakfast and departure by private vehicle in the direction of the elfin forests of the eastern cordillera (about 2 hours drive). The climb along the eastern cordillera will allow us to better locate ourselves in this complex topography. During the trip, we will make several stops to start our birding list, before reaching the high areas of the Paramo de Sumapaz, where we will observe high altitude avifauna. These 154,000 hectares will have much to offer us in terms of nature in general, we will spend the day in the different areas of the National Nature Park to explore its different ecosystems. The large colonies of frailejones (Espeletia sp.) and its multiple high altitude lakes are without doubt its most impressive naturalist attractions. We then head towards the eastern foothills of the mountain range to reach the gateway to the Llanos. Arrival in the town of Villavicencio in the late afternoon. Settle into our hotel before the briefing for the next few days. Dinner and overnight in a comfortable hotel in Villavicencio.
Transport and private specialist guide
Targeted birds: Green-bearded Helmetcrest, Great Sapphirewing, Chestnut-winged Cinclodes, Many-striped Canastero, White-capped Tanager, Ochre-breasted Tanager, Brushfinch, Bronze-tailed Thornbill, Shining Sunbeam, Blue-throated Starfrontlet, Coppery-bellied Puffleg , Bronze-tailed Thornbill, Glowing Puffleg, Longuemare´s Sunangel, Apolinar’s Wren, Tawny Antpitta, Black-chested Mountain Tanager, Matorral Tapaculo, Andean Siskin, Golden faced Redstart, Black-headed Hemispingus, Brown-breasted Parakeet
Breakfast at dawn and departure for the Gayabetal areas. We will visit the Refugio del Tororoi, to try to observe the Cundinamarca Antpitta, one of the rarest endemic species of Colombia, which comes to feeding areas and thus facilitates its observation. In the same area other species sometimes appear, which will help us to increase our list of rare birds. Some complementary higher altitude species should also brighten up our morning. Lunch on the way. During the rest of the day we will explore the site of Monteredondo, located at the lower edge of the Chingaza National Park, which contains a large number of species typical of the eastern foothills of the Cordillera. Return to the Amazonian llanos plains in the late afternoon. Settling in our hotel before the briefing for the next days. Dinner and overnight stay in comfortable hotel in Villavicencio.
Transport and private specialist guide
Targeted birds: Brown-breasted Parakeet, Crested Spinetail, Ochre-breasted Brush Finch, Pale-bellied Tapaculo, Golden-bellied Starfronlet Violet-fronted Brilliant, Green-bellied hummingbird, Orange-eared Tanager, Cliff Flycatcher, Cundinamarca Antpitta, Muisca Antpittas, Ochrebreasted Brushfinch, Brown-breasted Parakeet, Greater Schythebill, White-capped Tanager, Blackcollared Jay, Golden-headed Quetzal and Ocellated Tapaculo
The Bosque Bavaria, a few kilometres away from our accommodation, is the main observation point for piedmont ecosystems, with more than 350 species of birds, in an altitudinal gradient of between 200 and 800 metres asl. This private conservation project contrasts drastically with the semi-arid savannah plains around Villavicencio. This will be an opportunity to look for different birdlife, barbets, trogons, manakins, tanagers and hornbills. We will also have the opportunity to observe a large number of mammals: sloth, capuchin monkey, squirrel saimiri, coati, tayra. Return to Villavicencio in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay in comfortable hotel in Villavicencio.
Transport and private specialist guide
Targeted birds: Speckled Chachalaca, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Dwarf Cuckoo, Cobalt-winged Parakeet, Blue-headed Parrot, Green-rumped Parrotlet, Spectacled Parrotlet, Red-bellied Macaw, Scarlet-fronted Parakeet, Lettered Aracari, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Collared Forest-Falcon, Orange-breasted Falcon, White-necked Jacobin, White-bearded Hermit, Green Hermit, Sooty-capped Hermit, Black-throated Hermit, Gray-chinned Hermit, Black-throated Mango, Long-billed Starthroat, Blue-tailed Emerald, White-vented Plumeleteer, Fork-tailed Woodnymph, Violaceous Jay, Gilded Barbet, Golden-headed Manakin, White-bearded Manakin, , Green Manakin, Striolated Manakin, White-winged Becard, Black-crowned Tityra, Amazonian Motmot, White-chested Puffbird, Moustached Antwren, Olivaceous Woodcreeper, Plain-brown Woodcreeper, Wedge-billed Woodcreeper, Burnished-buff Tanager, Silver-beaked Tanager, Solitary Black Cacique
Early departure to the north. After a 30 minute drive we arrive at the Camaná family reserve. Since 1993, Carlos, Martha and Nathalia, have transformed an old agricultural area into a nature reserve and a place of excellence for bird watching. The numerous paths and visiting areas are especially suitable for birdwatching. Along the different environments, rivers, lake, belvedere, dense foothill forests, we will have many opportunities to observe a large majority of the 190 species recorded on the reserve. During dinner we will have the opportunity to chat with the owners of this reserve to know a little more about their history. We will spend the night in the reserve to continue our progressive ascent towards the llanos the next day.
Transport and private specialist guide
Targeted birds: Spectacled Parrotlet, Cobalt-winged Parakeet, Barred Antshrike, Little Cuckoo, Chestnut-eared Aracari, Burnished-buff Tanager, Blue-necked Tanager, Turquoise Tanager, Swallow Tanager, Blue Dacnis, Purple Honeycreeper, Turquoise Tanager, Straight-billed Woodcreeper, Plain-brown Woodcreeper, Gray Seedeater, Pectoral Sparrow, Rufous-and white Wren, Rufous-fronted Thornbird, Black-banded Owl, Tropical Screech-Owl, Stygian Owl.
Before breakfast we will complete our observations around the lodge and then continue our expedition northwards towards Yopal. The atmosphere, landscape and climate will change completely from today. The pleasant road from Villavicencio to the Llanos will allow us to complete our observations and to take some landscape shots and to admire many rural scenes. We will make a first stop in the Monterrey area. We will probably have the opportunity to observe and photograph along the road some typical species of these Amazonian savannah ecosystems, including many birds such as the surprising Kamichi, Tantals, Herons, Heddocks, and a variety of ibises, including the superb Scarlet Ibis. We will focus on the mythical species such as the strange crested Hoatzin. Dinner and overnight in comfortable hotels in Yopal.
Transport and private specialist guide
Targeted birds: Spot-winged Antbird, Double-striped Thick-knee, Green Ibis, Bare-faced Ibis, Scarlet Ibis, Hoatzin, Red-bellied Macaw, Paradise Tanager, Turquoise Tanager, Magpie Tanager, Pectoral Sparrow, Whistling Heron, Little Blue Heron, Black-billed Thrush, Wood Stork, Masked Trogon, Moustached Puffbird, White-chested Puffbird, Yellow-ridged Toucan, Chestnut-eared Araçari
This new day will give us the opportunity to explore the surroundings of the eastern plains of the Colombian llanos. In this little visited area we will look for several species with a limited range. We also hope to see a plethora of waterfowl, including the majestic Jabiru, the prized Sunbittern and the curious Horned Screamer. Stretching from the eastern Andean foothills towards the Venezuelan border, along the great drainage basin of the Orinoco River, the llanos ecosystems, similar to the Brazilian Pantanal, abound with wildlife that is particularly easy to observe. Dinner and overnight in Yopal.
Transport and private specialist guide
Targeted birds: Scaled Piculet, Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, Northern Little Woodpecker, Great Potoo, Yellow-throated Flycatcher, Yellow-billed Nunbird
Today it will be time to reach the deep Llanos. From Yopal we have a fairly long drive east to our new accommodation and viewing site far from the base of the Andes. Several regular stops will be made along the ochre-coloured dirt road to observe birds. As we enter the heart of this savannah ecosystem, our observations will intensify. Large waders, birds of prey and many typical neotropical species will be seen through binoculars and lenses; kamichi, tantalus, heron, eddy-flycatcher, and a variety of ibis, including the superb scarlet ibis. Arrive at Hato La Aurora to settle in and get to know the area. At the end of the afternoon, the landscape offers magnificent light and contrasts for great photos and we can enjoy a pleasant moment of relaxation. Dinner and night in a traditional llanera farmhouse.
Transport and private specialist guide
Targeted birds: Burrowing Owl, Double-striped Thick-knee, Oriole Blackbird, Whistling Heron, Horned Screamer, Purple Gallinule, Pale-headed Jacamar, Sharp-tailed Ibis, Scarlet Ibis, Cocoi Herons, Roseate Spoonbill, Wood stork, Greater Ani, Anhinga, Blue-tailed and Glittering-throated Emeralds, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Little, Spot-breasted, Crimson-crested Woodpeckers, Lineated Woodpeckers, Yellow-crowned Parrot, Orange-winged Parrot, Brown-throated and Blue-crowned Parakeets
From today we will explore the different ecosystems near our accommodation by jeep, but also on foot, to try to observe the most emblematic and rare species of the area. In total, almost 470 species of birds have been recorded in this area of the Colombian Llanos. We will explore the grassy savannahs, swamps and gallery forests, allowing us to vary our observations between typical birds; Hoatzin, Agami Herons, Purple Gallinule, Limpkin and local fauna; primates, reptiles and mammals like the puma. Before dinner we will try to observe some nocturnal and crepuscular species around the lodge, such as Nightjar, Potoos, but also ocelots, crab eating fox and tigrillo. Dinner accompanied by the traditional "Arpa llanera", an insight into the local folklore through music with traditional poems and legends. Night in a traditional llanera farmhouse.
Transport and private specialist guide
Targeted birds: White-bearded Flycatcher, Great Horned Owl, Limpkin, Many-banded Aracari, Black-capped Donacobius, Orinoco Goose, Razor-billed Curassow, Rusty-backed Spinetail Boat-billed Heron,
Jabiru, Yellowish Pipit, Orinoco Goose, Green Ibis, Buff-necked Ibises, Sunbittern, Brazilian Teal, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Azure Gallinule, Rufescent Tiger, Capped Heron, Lesser-Yellow-headed Vulture, King Vultures, White-tailed Kite, Plumbeous Kites, Black-necked Stilt, Aplomado Falcon, Yellow-browed Tyrant, Hoatzin, Band-tailed Nighthawks, Nacunda Nighthawks
Breakfast at dawn followed by an exploration around our lodge where many species of open areas and forest edges can be observed. Between large herds of cattle and horses, we will also have the opportunity to observe several large mammals such as Tapirs, Capybaras, Peruvian Deer, Nine-banded Armadillo, Giant Tamandua, Otters, and hopefully Jaguar. Our immersion in these magical places will not only be for nature. The "LLanera" culture, that of the Colombian cowboy, is rich in gastronomy, legends, music and tradition. The owners of the place will take advantage of the meals to tell us a little about where these traditions come from, accompanied by a good drink and a good grilled meat, a speciality of the region. Dinner in the same accommodation.
Transport and private specialist guide
Targeted birds: Rufous-vented Chachalaca, Cinereous Becard, Rufous-fronted Thornbird, Masked Cardinal, Pale-eyed Pygmy Tyrant, Yellow-rumped Cacique, Double-banded Puffbird, Scaled Piculet, Little Cuckoo, Striped Cuckoo, Crane Hawks, White-tailed Hawks, Great-black Hawks, Pale-vented Pigeon, Scaled Dove, White-bearded Hermit, Black-crested and Barred Antshrikes, White-fringed Antwren, Straightbilled Woodcreeper, Pale-breasted Spinetail, Mouse-colored Tyrannulet, Yellow Tyrannulet, Paletipped Inezia, Ochre-lored Flatbill, Bicolored, Buff-breasted and Rufous-breasted Wrens, Spectacled Thrush, Black-faced Tanagers, Hooded Tanagers, Burnished-buff Tanagers, Orange-fronted
Yellow Finch, Yellow-browed Sparrow, Purple-throated Euphonia
This last morning will be an opportunity to complete our observations of the local birdlife around the Lodge and along the road back to the town of Yopal. On the way we will finalize our observations as we meet new people. We will leave Orinoquia, and its vast extensions of savannah, after a very productive "safari" in terms of species but also in terms of souvenirs. Arrival at the national airport in the middle of the afternoon to take our flight to Bogota or Medellin, depending on your extension.
Transport and private specialist guide
Targeted birds: Cobalt-winged Parakeet, Double-toothed Kite, Chestnut-eared Aracari, Grey-chinned Hermit, Rough-legged Tyrannulet, Yellow-browned Tody-Flycatcher, White-bearded Manakin, Black-faced antbird, Black-tailed Leaftosser, Spectacled Thrush.
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Itineraries may be subject to last-minute changes due to natural disasters or changes in domestic legislation. The visitor must take into account and accept the possibility of last-minute changes in the organisation of the trip. The operator therefore reserves the right to make the necessary changes to ensure the safety and integrity of the travellers and to respect the laws in force. The hotels are given as an indication only and are subject to availability at the time of booking the tour. In case of unavailability, a hotel of the same category will be proposed.
* In US dollars based on double room accommodation. These rates are valid for the dates selected but may be subject to increase at the time of booking and depending on the tourist season and local holidays. Our quotations are calculated in US Dollars and we are committed to this amount. The equivalent value in Euros or in any other currency is therefore indicative and calculated on the basis of the exchange rate on the day of the offer.
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