Colombia, a paradise of wings and colors: the country is positioned as a world leader in birdwatching.
Colombia is consolidating its position as one of the main destinations for birdwatching globally, thanks to its remarkable biodiversity and the growing range of birdwatching experiences.
According to the newspaper El Espectador, with more than 1,900 registered species, the country ranks first in the world in bird diversity , as well as in butterflies and orchids, reinforcing its position as a paradise for nature tourism.
Booking.com noted that birdwatching has become a growing trend among domestic and international travelers.
This form of tourism attracts visitors seeking a more authentic connection with the natural environment , combining adventure, sustainability, and comfort.
From the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the Amazon rainforests, Colombia offers a multitude of locations where you can observe endemic and migratory birds in their natural habitat.
The richness of ecosystems— which include cloud forests, coffee plantations, nature reserves, and remnants of dry forest —allows for a diverse and unique experience for birdwatching enthusiasts.
There are more than 1,900 species registered in the country. Photo: National Parks of Colombia.
One of the keys to the country's consolidation as a birdwatching destination is the integration of tourism with sustainable practices. Many accommodations in the most visited areas have been designed or adapted to promote direct contact with nature, without sacrificing comfort.
Terraces overlooking the trees, breakfasts surrounded by birdsong, and outdoor showers are part of the experiences offered by rural accommodations in different regions.
Furthermore, these spaces promote responsible tourism by working in partnership with local communities, promoting ecosystem conservation, and offering educational activities such as photography workshops and interpretive walks.
Five outstanding birdwatching destinations in Colombia Here are five iconic birdwatching destinations:
- Minca (Magdalena): Located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, this place is home to more than 300 species, including toucans and tanagers. Visitors can hike trails through forests and coffee plantations and stay at places like Minca Sintropia and Finca San Rafael, which offer private viewpoints and sunrise excursions.
- Otún Quimbaya (Risaralda): In the heart of the Coffee Region, this natural sanctuary offers visitors the chance to observe species such as the Andean cock-of-the-rock and the emerald toucanet. The Hotel Campestre Nogal de Cafetal is a standout option for sustainable accommodation in this cloud forest area.
- Mitú (Vaupés): This destination in the Colombian Amazon is especially valued by ornithologists due to the presence of birds such as cotingas and antbirds. Many of the accommodations are managed by indigenous communities, which enriches the tourist experience with ancestral knowledge and a comprehensive vision of environmental conservation.
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is home to more than 300 species. Photo: National Parks of Colombia.
- Jardín (Antioquia): Beyond its traditional architecture, Jardín has established itself as one of the best places in the country to observe the elusive Andean cock-of-the-rock. Tourist farms like Gulupa Ecolodge offer tours through coffee plantations, combining coffee culture with birdwatching.
- Yotoco (Cauca Valley): The Yotoco Forest Nature Reserve is home to endemic species such as the blue-headed parrot. In addition to birdwatching, visitors can participate in educational activities and enjoy sunrises accompanied by birdsong, in accommodations integrated into the natural landscape.
*This content was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on publicly available information released to media outlets. It was also reviewed by a journalist and an editor.
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