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The Living Canopy: A Costa Rica Birding Journey
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Private tours are available at any time throughout the year and are crafted with exceptional attention to detail. Each itinerary is fully customized to your interests, pace, and preferred style of travel ensuring a seamless, immersive, and personally curated experience designed exclusively for you.
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Costa Rica is one of the most celebrated birding destinations in the world a compact country where Caribbean rainforests, volcano foothills, cloud forests, and Pacific dry forests unfold in seamless succession. This expedition is designed to showcase that extraordinary diversity, following a carefully crafted route from the rich lowland forests of La Selva and Sarapiquí to the mist-filled highlands of Monteverde and the vibrant foothill habitats surrounding Arenal Volcano. With each shift in elevation and habitat, the birdlife transforms dramatically, offering participants the opportunity to encounter hundreds of species across a remarkably accessible geography.
Guided by expert naturalists and local specialists, this journey emphasizes immersive field time, quality interpretation, and steady pacing that maximizes both observation and photography. Target species range from the ethereal Resplendent Quetzal and dazzling Snowcap to mixed flocks of tanagers, trogons, toucans, and regional endemics found only in the Talamanca–and–Chiriquí highlands. Carefully selected lodges, private reserves, and feeder stations provide intimate, ethical encounters with hummingbirds, cotingas, antbirds, and other Neotropical specialties.
Throughout the expedition, responsible wildlife viewing and habitat respect guide every outing, ensuring an experience that supports both conservation and authentic natural behaviour. Whether you are seeking your first quetzal, chasing iconic hummingbirds, or simply hoping to experience one of the richest birding regions on the planet, the Costa Rica Birding Expedition offers an unforgettable journey through a country where biodiversity thrives at every turn.
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Dates: Custom / On Request Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
Includes: Accommodations | Meals | Ground Transportation | Guiding | Park Entry | In-Country Travel (International flights not included)Day 1 — Arrival in San José & Turrialba Valley
Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport and meet your Avitura naturalist guide. Depart the city and travel into the lush Turrialba region, a foothill landscape known for its mix of mid-elevation forest and agricultural mosaic. After settling into your lodge, enjoy a welcome dinner and an overview of the upcoming journey through Costa Rica’s lowlands, cloud forests, highlands, and Pacific dry forest ecosystems.
Day 2 — Rancho Naturalista & Foothill Birding
Spend the day exploring the world-famous birding trails and feeders of Rancho Naturalista. Expect a remarkable diversity of hummingbirds—including Snowcap, Violet Sabrewing, Crowned Woodnymph, and Black-crested Coquette—as well as antbirds, woodcreepers, manakins, and mixed-species flocks moving through the mid-elevation forest. After a picnic lunch, continue exploring the lodge trails before returning for dinner and optional nocturnal birding.
Day 3 — Caribbean Foothills to La Selva Biological Station
Travel north into the humid Caribbean lowlands, home to some of the richest biodiversity in Costa Rica. Spend the afternoon at La Selva Biological Station, a premier birding site where Great Green Macaw, Chestnut-colored Woodpecker, Slaty-tailed Trogon, Rufous Motmot, and numerous tanagers and honeycreepers can be found. Evening dinner and bird list review at your lodge.
Day 4 — La Selva Rainforest & Sarapiquí Wetlands
Begin the morning within La Selva’s extensive forest trail system, searching for specialties such as Black-crowned Antshrike, Snowy Cotinga, Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, and Semiplumbeous Hawk. After lunch, visit the Sarapiquí wetlands for kingfishers, oropendolas, herons, and marsh species. Return to your lodge for dinner and optional night walk.
Day 5 — Transfer to Arenal & Volcano Foothill Birding
Depart the lowlands and continue west toward the Arenal region. As you approach the foothills of Arenal Volcano, expect a shift in species—including Keel-billed Toucan, White-fronted Nunbird, Broad-billed Motmot, and iconic highland–lowland transition birds. Arrive at your lodge beneath the volcano and enjoy relaxed late-afternoon birding on the grounds before dinner.
Day 6 — Arenal Observatory & Mist Forest Trails
Spend the day birding the trails of the Arenal Observatory area, a hotspot for colorful tanagers, trogons, hummingbirds, and mixed flocks. Target species include Thicket Antpitta, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crested Guan, Great Curassow, and the region’s vibrant hummingbirds. Enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the volcano before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Day 7 — Transfer to Monteverde Cloud Forest
Climb into the highlands of Monteverde, where cool air and extensive cloud forest host some of Costa Rica’s most iconic species. Afternoon birding around your lodge targets Three-wattled Bellbird, Prong-billed Barbet, Emerald Toucanet, and mountain robins. Evening at leisure with dinner on-site.
Day 8 — Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Spend the day exploring the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the world’s premier birding destinations. The reserve offers excellent opportunities to observe Resplendent Quetzal, Black Guan, Silvery-fronted Tapaculo, Spangle-cheeked Tanager, and numerous hummingbirds such as Purple-throated Mountain-Gem and Magenta-throated Woodstar. Enjoy lunch in the reserve before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Day 9 — Gulf Slope Forests & Biodiversity Hotspots
Travel down the Pacific slope into transitional forest habitats where species from both dry and wet zones overlap. Target species may include Long-tailed Manakin, White-throated Magpie-Jay, Lesser Ground-Cuckoo, Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush, and Banded Wren. Afternoon at leisure before dinner at your lodge.
Day 10 — Pacific Dry Forest Birding & Return to San José
Bird the Pacific dry forest and coastal scrub of the Nicoya region, a unique habitat supporting species such as Turquoise-browed Motmot, Hoffman’s Woodpecker, White-lored Gnatcatcher, Nutting’s Flycatcher, and Double-striped Thick-knee. After lunch, begin the return journey to San José. Check into your hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner reviewing highlights and favorite sightings.
Day 11 — Fly Home
After breakfast, transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport for return flights home. Expect arrival at the terminal by mid-morning depending on travel schedules.
Trip Highlights
• Daily birding across Costa Rica’s most productive ecosystems
• Full days at Rancho Naturalista, La Selva Biological Station, and Monteverde Cloud Forest
• Outstanding opportunities for specialty hummingbirds and regional endemics
• A diverse route covering Caribbean lowlands, volcano foothills, highlands, and Pacific dry forest
• Comfortable accommodations, all meals, and in-country transportation included
• Expert naturalist guidance ensuring ethical, responsible birding throughoutPlease note: Itineraries may vary slightly from the posted version due to weather, local conditions, wildlife activity, or operational requirements. Any adjustments will be made to ensure the best possible experience for all participants.
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Includes light hiking or extended periods of walking on uneven terrain. Participants should have a basic level of fitness and be comfortable spending several hours outdoors.Item description
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Private Tours
$7500 USD per person
(Based on 1–2 participants)Tour Price
$4500 USD per person
(Based on 4–6 participants)
Single Supplement: +$800 USD for a private roomDeposit: $1000 USD (non-refundable)
Balance Due: 90 days before departureIncluded
10 nights of comfortable, nature-focused accommodations
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily)
Round-trip ground transportation from San Jose.
Daily guided birding and photography sessions
Park entry fees and local permits
Expert interpretation by Avitura naturalists and guides
Small-group experience (maximum 6 participants)
Not Included
Flights to and from home location (if applicable)
Alcoholic beverages and personal snacks
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
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Regional Specialties:
Resplendent Quetzal, Wrenthrush, Black Guan, Volcano Hummingbird, Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Sooty Thrush, Ochraceous Pewee, Spangle-cheeked Tanager Snowcap, Turquoise-browed Motmot, Three-wattled Bellbird, White-throated Magpie-Jay, Great Green Macaw, Snowy Cotinga, Double-striped Thick-kneeIconic Trophies:
Keel-billed Toucan, Scarlet Macaw, Montezuma Oropendola, Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, Slaty-tailed Trogon
Canal to Barú: The Ultimate Panama Birding Adventure
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Private tours are available at any time throughout the year and are crafted with exceptional attention to detail. Each itinerary is fully customized to your interests, pace, and preferred style of travel ensuring a seamless, immersive, and personally curated experience designed exclusively for you.
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Panama offers one of the most exciting birding experiences in the Neotropics, shaped by the narrow land bridge that connects two continents and concentrates an extraordinary mix of species. This itinerary is designed to maximize bird diversity with minimal travel time, taking guests from the iconic Panama Canal zone to the cloud-forested highlands of Volcán Barú—Panama’s highest peak and home to a completely different suite of specialty birds.
The tour moves through several of the country’s most productive habitats: foothill rainforests, Caribbean lowlands, Pacific slope dry forest, and high-elevation oak-laurel cloud forest. Guests can expect an outstanding combination of hummingbirds, tanagers, toucans, trogons, manakins, forest-interior species, and migrating or resident raptors that funnel through the isthmus in impressive numbers.
Daily birding begins at first light, followed by comfortable midday breaks and optional afternoon excursions targeting regional specialties or local hotspots. Accommodations throughout the tour are selected for quality, comfort, and proximity to bird-rich areas—allowing for maximum time in the field and minimal time on the road. All meals, transportation, entrance fees, and guiding services are provided.
This tour is ideal for birders who want to experience the full ecological gradient of Panama from sea-level mixed flocks to the windswept summit region of Barú. This trip is perfect for anyone who enjoys a well-organized, immersive, and species-rich adventure.
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Dates: Custom / On Request Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
Includes: Accommodations | Meals | Ground Transportation | Guiding | Park Entry | In-Country Travel (International flights not included)Day 1 — Arrival in Panama City & Summit Rainforest Resort
Arrive in Panama City and meet your Avitura naturalist guide at Tocumen International Airport. From the city, travel directly to the Summit Rainforest Resort, located on the edge of Soberanía National Park and overlooking the Panama Canal watershed. After settling into your room, join your guide for a welcome dinner and an overview of the coming days exploring Panama’s lowlands, foothills, and highland cloud forests.
Day 2 — Ammo Ponds & Pipeline Road
Begin the morning at Ammo Ponds, an excellent wetland and edge-forest birding area home to Snail Kite, Wattled Jacana, Amazon Kingfisher, and nesting herons. Continue to Pipeline Road within Soberanía National Park, one of the most famous Neotropical birding locations. Expect a rich mix of hummingbirds, manakins, antbirds, puffbirds, trogons, and forest-nesting raptors. After a picnic lunch, continue exploring the forest trails before returning to the resort for dinner.
Day 3 — El Valle de Antón (Valle d’Antón)
Travel west into the crater valley of El Valle de Antón, a cool highland basin formed inside an extinct volcano. Today’s birding focuses on foothill and mid-elevation species including Bronze-tailed Plumeleteer, Snowy-bellied Hummingbird, Tody Motmot, and Orange-bellied Trogon. After lunch, explore forest trails, waterfalls, or the valley’s lush botanical gardens. Return to your accommodations for dinner.
Day 4 — Río Hato & Pacific Dry Forest Birding
(Formerly Day 5)
Spend the day exploring the coastal and dry forest habitats near Río Hato, where Sapphire-throated Hummingbird, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Lance-tailed Manakin, and numerous raptors and shorebirds may be encountered. The afternoon remains flexible for photography, coastal birding, or exploring tidal flats before returning to your lodge for dinner.
Day 5 — Transfer to Boquete & Into the Highlands
(Formerly Day 6)
Depart the Pacific lowlands and begin the scenic climb into the Chiriquí Highlands. As elevation increases, expect a shift in bird communities and cooler mountain air. Arrive in Boquete, your base for exploring the cloud forests surrounding Volcán Barú. Settle into your mountain lodge and enjoy relaxed birding on the grounds before dinner.
Day 6 — Quetzal Trail & Cloud Forest Birding
(Formerly Day 7)
Spend the day on the renowned Sendero Los Quetzales, one of Central America’s premier highland forest trails. This area offers prime opportunities to observe Resplendent Quetzal, alongside high-elevation hummingbirds such as White-throated Mountain-Gem, Violet Sabrewing, Scintillant Hummingbird, and Fiery-throated Hummingbird. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the forest before returning to Boquete for dinner.
Day 7 — Volcán Barú National Park
(Formerly Day 8)
Explore Volcán Barú National Park, where cloud forest transitions into elfin woodland and highland ridges. Target species include Volcano Hummingbird, Black-bellied Hummingbird, Wrenthrush, Sooty-faced Finch, and mixed flocks of tanagers and flycatchers. Enjoy sweeping mountain views before returning to your lodge for a relaxed evening.
Day 8 — Highland Finca Birding & Photography
(Formerly Day 9)
Visit a private highland finca known for excellent hummingbird feeders and mixed-species flocks. This location offers outstanding photographic opportunities of highland hummingbirds in natural light, as well as close encounters with tanagers, warblers, and honeycreepers. Afternoon at leisure before dinner in Boquete.
Day 9 — Birding Paradise Reserve
Spend a full day at Birding Paradise, a private reserve renowned for its dense hummingbird activity, lush gardens, and highland specialties. Trails and feeders attract Violet Sabrewing, Green Hermit, Fiery-throated Hummingbird, and Charming Hummingbird. Enjoy uninterrupted birding in a peaceful, biodiverse setting before returning to your lodge for dinner.
Day 10 — Return to Summit Rainforest Resort
After breakfast, depart the highlands and travel back to Panama City. Check into the Summit Rainforest Resort for your final evening, with optional late-afternoon birding around the gardens and forest edges. Enjoy a farewell dinner reviewing trip highlights and favorite sightings.
Day 11 — Fly Home
After breakfast, transfer to Tocumen International Airport for return flights home. Expect arrival at the terminal by mid-morning depending on travel schedules.
Trip Highlights
• Daily morning birding across Panama’s most productive ecosystems
• Full days at Pipeline Road, El Valle de Antón, and the cloud forests of Boquete
• Dedicated day at Birding Paradise for highland hummingbirds and photography
• Opportunities to encounter 30+ hummingbird species across lowland, foothill, and highland habitats
• Comfortable accommodations, all meals, and in-country transportation included
• Expert guidance ensuring ethical, responsible birding throughoutPlease note: Itineraries may vary slightly from the posted version due to weather, local conditions, wildlife activity, or operational requirements. Any adjustments will be made to ensure the best possible experience for all participants.
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Involves moderate hikes, longer days in the field, and variable terrain. A reasonable fitness level and comfort with outdoor conditions are recommended.
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Private Tours
$7500 USD per person
(Based on 1–2 participants)Tour Price
$5000 USD per person
(Based on 4–6 participants)
Single Supplement: +$800 USD for a private roomDeposit: $1000 USD (non-refundable)
Balance Due: 90 days before departureIncluded
11 nights of comfortable, nature-focused accommodations
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily)
Round-trip ground transportation from Panama City
Daily guided birding and photography sessions
Park entry fees and local permits
Expert interpretation by Avitura naturalists and guides
Small-group experience (maximum 6 participants)
Not Included
Flights to and from home location (if applicable)
Alcoholic beverages and personal snacks
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
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Item description
Gems in Motion: The Ecuador Hummingbird Experience
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Private tours are available at any time throughout the year and are crafted with exceptional attention to detail. Each itinerary is fully customized to your interests, pace, and preferred style of travel ensuring a seamless, immersive, and personally curated experience designed exclusively for you.
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The Gem of the Mountains tour celebrates the beauty, rarity, and resilience of high-elevation wildlife. Set within some of the most striking mountain landscapes in the region, this journey brings you into the heart of cloud forests, alpine ridges, and mist-shrouded valleys where elusive, jewel-like species thrive. These elevated ecosystems host some of the world’s most captivating birds specialties shaped by cooler air, dramatic vistas, and a rhythm of life distinct from the lowlands.
Guided by knowledgeable naturalists, the tour focuses on uncovering the unique character of mountain biodiversity. Participants can expect encounters with highland hummingbirds, canopy-dwelling tanagers, forest specialists, and a range of species found nowhere else. Slow, attentive exploration allows for meaningful interpretation of habitat, behaviour, and adaptation, while offering ample opportunities for photography in soft mountain light.
Ethical field practices guide every step of the journey. Trails and viewing points are approached with care, ensuring that wildlife remains undisturbed and natural behaviours can be fully appreciated. Whether you are chasing iconic highland birds, seeking rare endemics, or simply wishing to experience the stillness and clarity of mountain forests, the Gem of the Mountains tour invites you to connect with these elevated ecosystems with respect, curiosity, and purpose.
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Dates: Custom / On Request Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Includes: Accommodations | Meals | Ground Transportation | Guiding | Park Entry | In-Country Travel (International flights not included)Day 1 — Arrival in Quito & Welcome Dinner
Arrive in Quito at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, where you’ll be greeted by your Avitura naturalist guide. Transfer to your comfortable hotel on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by Andean scenery and crisp high-elevation air. Settle in before joining your guide for a welcome dinner and orientation outlining the coming days in Ecuador’s hummingbird-rich cloud forests.
Day 2 — Yanacocha Reserve & Into the Cloud Forest
Depart Quito after breakfast and ascend the western Andes toward Yanacocha Reserve, a world-renowned site for Sword-billed Hummingbird, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, and Shining Sunbeam. After several hours on Yanacocha’s trails and feeders, continue into the mist-shrouded Tandayapa Valley and check into Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge, your base for exploring one of the richest hummingbird zones on Earth. Enjoy evening birding from the feeders before dinner.
Day 3 — Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge
Begin the morning on Bellavista’s network of trails where mixed flocks fill the forest with motion. Trailsides host Booted Racket-tails, Gorgeted Sunangels, Collared Incas, and the iconic Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan. After lunch, enjoy relaxed birding and photography at the lodge’s hummingbird feeders, offering exceptional close-range views of multiple species.
Day 4 — Paz de las Aves & Alambi Hummingbird Garden
An early start takes us to Refugio Paz de las Aves, home to the Andean Cock-of-the-rock lek and several cooperative Antpitta species. After a picnic breakfast, continue to Alambi Hummingbird Garden, where dozens of hummingbirds swirl among landscaped feeders—an unforgettable photographic experience. Return to Bellavista for dinner and an evening of casual birding.
Day 5 — Mindo Valley & Chocó Biodiversity
Travel downslope into the Mindo Valley, entering a warmer, species-rich transition zone. Visit reserves such as Milpe or San Tadeo, well known for Purple-throated Woodstar, Green Thorntail, White-whiskered Hermit, and a kaleidoscope of tanagers. After lunch, enjoy flexible time for photography, rest, or optional chocolate and coffee experiences in Mindo. Return to Bellavista for your final night in the western Andes.
Day 6 — Across the Andes: Papallacta Pass to Guango Lodge
After breakfast, cross the high Andes via the Papallacta Pass. Stops along the route offer chances for Carunculated Caracara, Variable Hawk, and the high-elevation Andean Hillstar. Descend into the lush eastern slope and settle into Guango Lodge, where constant hummingbird activity surrounds the lodge’s feeders. Enjoy dinner beside the river as Torrent Ducks patrol the fast-flowing water.
Day 7 — Guango Lodge: Eastern Slope Hummingbirds
Spend the day exploring Guango’s forest trails, river edges, and world-famous feeder arrays. Chestnut-breasted Coronets, Tourmaline Sunangels, Long-tailed Sylphs, and Collared Incas provide endless photographic opportunities. Afternoon downtime may be spent reviewing photos, resting, or enjoying additional guided birding on the lodge’s quiet trails.
Day 8 — Cabanas San Isidro or Papallacta Hot Springs (Flexible Day)
Today’s destination depends on group interest and wildlife activity. Birders may visit Cabañas San Isidro—a hotspot for Highland Motmot, White-bellied Antpitta, and mixed mid-elevation flocks. Guests seeking relaxation may enjoy a visit to the Papallacta Hot Springs, surrounded by mountain landscapes. Return to Guango Lodge for another evening of hummingbird viewing and photography.
Day 9 — Antisana National Park
A full-day excursion to the high páramo of Antisana National Park. Wind-swept grasslands and volcanic cliffs host Andean Condor, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, and Ecuadorian Hillstar. The park’s sweeping vistas and unique flora make this one of the most memorable days of the journey. Return to Guango Lodge for a farewell dinner celebrating the week’s highlights.
Day 10 — Return to Quito & Departures
After breakfast, depart Guango for the scenic return drive to Quito. Depending on flight times, enjoy final photography or local shopping opportunities before airport drop-off. Expect to arrive at the airport by late morning or early afternoon.
Trip Highlights
• Daily morning birding and photography in Ecuador’s most productive hummingbird regions
• Multiple nights at Bellavista and Guango—two of Ecuador’s premier birding lodges
• Full-day excursion to Antisana National Park with opportunities for Andean Condor
• Visits to Yanacocha Reserve, Paz de las Aves, Alambi Hummingbird Garden, and Mindo Valley
• 40–60 hummingbird species possible across contrasting Andean elevations
• Comfortable accommodations, all meals, and ground transportation includedPlease note: Itineraries may vary slightly from the posted version due to weather, local conditions, wildlife activity, or operational requirements. Any adjustments will be made to ensure the best possible experience for all participants.
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Includes light hiking or extended periods of walking on uneven terrain. Participants should have a basic level of fitness and be comfortable spending several hours outdoors.description
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Private Tour
$7500 USD per person
(Based on 1–2 participants)Tour Price
$4500 USD per person
(Based on 4–6 participants)
Single Supplement: +$800 USD for a private roomDeposit: $1000 USD (non-refundable)
Balance Due: 90 days before departureIncluded
10 nights of comfortable, nature-focused accommodations
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily)
Round-trip ground transportation from Quito.
Daily guided birding and photography sessions
Park entry fees and local permits
Expert interpretation by Avitura naturalists and guides
Small-group experience (maximum 6 participants)
Not Included
Flights to and from home location (if applicable)
Alcoholic beverages and personal snacks
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
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Item description
Wings of the Andes: Peru’s Marvelous Spatuletail & Andean Endemics
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Discover the heart of northern Peru’s Andes on a journey designed around one of the world’s most remarkable hummingbirds — the Marvelous Spatuletail. This 9-day tour explores the region’s premier reserves, from Huembo to Abra Patricia and Alto Mayo, offering exceptional opportunities to observe and photograph a dazzling array of hummingbirds and Andean endemics. With comfortable accommodations, expert guiding, and a relaxed pace, this trip provides an unforgettable blend of discovery, adventure, and the magic of cloud-forest birding.
Guests will enjoy comfortable, nature-focused lodgings conveniently located near key birding areas, along with hearty meals prepared to keep you energized throughout each day in the field. Transportation between destinations is provided in a comfortable passenger vehicle, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable journey as we explore some of the most spectacular birding regions of the season.
Simply arrive ready to discover, and we’ll take care of the rest.
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Join Avitura for a journey into one of the most extraordinary birding regions in South America — the remote Andean cloud forests of northern Peru. This immersive expedition is designed for birders and nature photographers seeking close, ethical encounters with the Marvelous Spatuletail, one of the world’s most iconic hummingbirds, along with a rich assemblage of regional endemics found nowhere else on Earth.
Over nine days, we explore a mosaic of elevations and habitats, from the lush hummingbird gardens of Huembo Reserve to the moss-draped forests of Abra Patricia, the vibrant slopes of Alto Nieva, and the biodiversity-rich valleys of Alto Mayo. Each location offers unique opportunities to observe dazzling hummingbird diversity and an exceptional list of rare, localized species such as Lulu’s Tody-Flycatcher, Yellow-scarfed Tanager, Royal Sunangel, and Koepcke’s Hermit.
This small-group tour is built around unhurried mornings, relaxed afternoons, and ample time for photography, allowing participants to enjoy both the spectacle of the Andes and the fine details of its birdlife. Your time in the field is supported by expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and seamless logistics — creating the ideal blend of discovery, comfort, and adventure.
From the delicate dance of the Marvelous Spatuletail’s signature display to the vibrant colours of mixed cloud-forest flocks, this trip offers a rare chance to connect deeply with one of the most magical birding destinations in the world. Whether you’re expanding your life list, honing your photography, or simply seeking a meaningful experience in nature, Avitura’s Peru tour delivers an unforgettable encounter with the heart of the Andes.
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Dates: [Choose Dates] Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Includes: Accommodations | Meals | Ground Transportation | Guiding | Reserve Fees | Airport TransfersDay 1 — Arrival in Jaén & Transfer to Pomacochas
Arrive in Jaén, where Avitura staff meet you for a scenic transfer into the eastern Andean foothills. Enjoy the gradual shift from lowland habitats into cloud forest country. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge overlooking the Pomacochas region and join your guides for a welcome dinner and overview of the week’s highlights and target species.
Day 2 — Huembo Reserve & the Marvelous Spatuletail
We begin at Huembo Reserve with our first views of the Marvelous Spatuletail, one of the most striking hummingbirds on Earth. Watch males display their elegant spoon-tipped tail feathers at close range. In the afternoon, we explore Pomacochas Lake and surrounding wetland habitats before returning for a relaxed evening at the lodge.
Day 3 — Alto Nieva Cloud Forest Specialties
Morning birding at Alto Nieva, home to diverse hummingbirds and cloud forest endemics. Targets include Royal Sunangel, Booted Racket-tail, and Chestnut-crowned Antpitta. The afternoon remains flexible for photography or exploring additional forest edges. Optional night outing for the elusive Long-whiskered Owlet.
Day 4 — Abra Patricia Reserve (Andean Endemic Hotspot)
A full day in the world-renowned Abra Patricia reserve. We explore mixed flocks and mossy cloud forest trails in search of Lulu’s Tody-Flycatcher, Bar-winged Wood-Wren, Yellow-scarfed Tanager, and Andean Solitaire. Evening at the lodge with optional owling.
Day 5 — Alto Mayo & Koepcke’s Hermit
Today’s focus is the lush Alto Mayo conservation area. Feeders and canopy overlooks offer excellent chances at Koepcke’s Hermit, Golden-collared Honeycreeper, Blue-banded Toucanet, and active mixed flocks. Afternoon birding continues along forest margins before returning to Pomacochas.
Day 6 — Rio Chido Valley & Foothill Species
We travel into the lower-elevation Rio Chido Valley, where a different suite of species becomes possible. Expect sightings such as Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Paradise Tanager, Magpie Tanager, Masked Trogon, and foothill hummingbirds. Return to the lodge for a relaxed evening.
Day 7 — Second Spatuletail Session & Cultural Time
A second dedicated session at Huembo Reserve provides additional viewing and photography opportunities with the Marvelous Spatuletail and other hummingbirds under soft morning light. Afternoon free for resting, optional cultural visit, or light birding near the lodge. Evening recap and checklist session.
Day 8 — Return to Jaén with Birding Stops
We travel back toward Jaén, stopping along mid-elevation forest corridors where species such as Marañón Thrush, Andean Guan, and Toucan Barbets may appear. Arrive in Jaén by late afternoon and settle into your final-night accommodations before a relaxed farewell dinner.
Day 9 — Departure from Jaén
After breakfast, transfers are provided to Jaén Airport for flights home or onward travel.
Trip Highlights
Multiple encounters with the Marvelous Spatuletail — perfect for photographers
Visits to Peru’s best birding reserves: Huembo, Abra Patricia, Alto Nieva, Alto Mayo, and Rio Chido Valley
Wide elevation range from low foothills to high cloud forest
Exceptional hummingbird diversity — 30+ species possible
Andean endemics including Lulu’s Tody-Flycatcher, Yellow-scarfed Tanager, Royal Sunangel, and more
Comfortable accommodations, all meals, and private ground transportation
Relaxed pacing with flexible afternoons
Please note: Itineraries may vary slightly from the posted version due to weather, local conditions, wildlife activity, or operational requirements. Any adjustments will be made to ensure the best possible experience for all participants.
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Involves moderate hikes, longer days in the field, and variable terrain. A reasonable fitness level and comfort with outdoor conditions are recommended.
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Private Tour
$7500 USD per person
(Based on 1–2 participants)Tour Price
$4500USD Per Person
(Based on 4 - 6 participants)
Single Supplement: [Add amount if offering private room]
Deposit:$1,000 USD (non-refundable)
Balance Due: 90 days before departureIncluded
• Eight nights of comfortable, nature-focused accommodations
• All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily)
• Private ground transportation throughout northern Peru
• Airport transfers to and from Jaén
• Daily guided birding and photography sessions
• Entrance fees for Huembo, Abra Patricia, Alto Nieva, and Alto Mayo reserves
• Expert interpretation by Avitura naturalists and local reserve guides
• Small-group experience (maximum 4 participants)Not Included
• International flights to and from Jaén / Peru
• Alcoholic beverages and personal snacks
• Optional gratuities for local guides and drivers
• Travel insurance (highly recommended)
• Additional nights before or after the tour (if required) -
Hummingbirds
• Marvelous Spatuletail (arguably, one of the world most beautiful birds)
• Royal Sunangel
• Little Woodstar
• White-bellied Woodstar
• Booted Racket-tail
• Violet-fronted Brilliant
• Rufous-crested Coquette
• Koepcke’s Hermit
• Chestnut-breasted Coronet
• Andean EmeraldEndemics & Regional Specialties
• Lulu’s Tody-Flycatcher
• Cinnamon-breasted Tody-Tyrant
• Bar-winged Wood-Wren
• Yellow-scarfed Tanager
• White-capped Tanager
• Long-whiskered Owlet (rare)
• Chestnut-crowned Antpitta
• Pale-billed Antpitta
• Emerald-bellied PufflegAdditional Highlights
• Andean Cock-of-the-rock
• Gray-breasted Mountain-Toucan
• Golden-collared Honeycreeper
• Andean Solitaire
• Blue-banded Toucanet
Whispers of Serendib: A Sri Lanka Birding and Wildlife Journey
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Sri Lanka is one of the world’s most exceptional birding destinations, a compact island where rainforests, cloud forests, highlands, and dry-zone savannas lie only hours apart. This journey brings you into the heart of that diversity, offering the opportunity to encounter more than 30 island endemics alongside an extraordinary range of Asian bird families, from hornbills and babblers to bee-eaters, barbets, owls, and kingfishers. Each region reveals its own character, from the emerald lowland forests of Kitulgala to the mist-filled plateaus of Horton Plains and the open woodlands and wetlands that define Yala and Bundala National Parks.
Guided by knowledgeable naturalists, this expedition blends immersive field time with rich interpretation of behaviour, ecology, and habitat. Our itinerary is designed to move at a rewarding, comfortable pace, maximizing opportunities for both observation and photography while maintaining ethical, low-impact birding practices throughout. Whether you’re seeking Sri Lanka’s legendary endemics such as Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Green-billed Coucal, and Red-faced Malkoha or simply hoping to experience the island’s unique blend of wildlife, culture, and scenery, this tour offers an unforgettable introduction to one of Asia’s most remarkable biodiversity hotspots.
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Day 1 — Arrival in Colombo & Transfer to Negombo
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and meet your Avitura naturalist guide. Transfer a short distance to Negombo, a coastal town with excellent wetlands and mangroves. After settling into your hotel, enjoy a welcome dinner and an overview of the coming days exploring Sri Lanka’s rainforest interior, highland cloud forests, and dry-zone national parks.
Day 2 — Muthurajawela Marsh & Transfer to Kitulgala Forest
Begin the morning at Muthurajawela Marsh, an important wetland for Purple Swamphen, Black Bittern, Indian Cormorant, and White-bellied Sea Eagle. After a boat-based wetland birding session, travel inland to Kitulgala Forest, one of Sri Lanka’s most biodiverse lowland rainforests. Evening birding around the lodge targets Sri Lanka Hanging-Parrot, Brown-capped Babbler, and Spot-winged Thrush.
Day 3 — Kitulgala Lowland Rainforest Birding
Spend a full day exploring Kitulgala’s forest trails. This area is one of the best for Sri Lanka’s rainforest endemics including Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Chestnut-backed Owlet, Malabar Trogon, Sri Lanka Green Pigeon, and Green-billed Coucal. Mixed flocks may include Orange-billed Babbler, Red-faced Malkoha, and Layard’s Parakeet. Return to the lodge for dinner.
Day 4 — Transfer to Nuwara Eliya & Highland Transition Birding
Climb into the central highlands toward Nuwara Eliya, with cooler air and shifting avifauna. En route, stop at mid-elevation forest patches for Yellow-eared Bulbul, Sri Lanka White-eye, and highland warblers. Afternoon birding near Nuwara Eliya targets Hill Swallow, Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, and the striking Kashmir Flycatcher (seasonal migrant). Dinner at your highland hotel.
Day 5 — Horton Plains National Park
Spend the day at Horton Plains National Park, a high-elevation plateau of cloud forest and grasslands. Key targets include Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush (very elusive), Sri Lanka Bush Warbler, Dull-blue Flycatcher, and Sri Lanka Blue Magpie. Open grasslands host Pied Bushchat, Zitting Cisticola, and occasional raptors. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before returning to Nuwara Eliya for dinner.
Day 6 — Transfer to Ella & Ravana Falls Birding
Travel southeast into the scenic mountain landscapes around Ella. Afternoon birding near Ravana Falls and surrounding forests offers chances for Indian Blackbird, Crested Serpent-Eagle, Sri Lanka Scimitar-Babbler, and Crimson-backed Flameback. Evening at leisure with dinner overlooking the hills.
Day 7 — Transfer to Yala & Dry-Zone Foothill Birding
Descend from the highlands toward the dry lowlands of Yala National Park. En route, stop at forest edges and tanks (reservoirs) for species such as Sri Lanka Woodshrike, Indian Roller, Brahminy Kite, and Ashy-crowned Sparrow-Lark. Arrive at your safari lodge outside Yala and enjoy sunset birding around the grounds.
Day 8 — Yala National Park Safari Birding
Spend the day exploring Yala National Park, a dry-zone mosaic of woodland, scrub, tanks, and open habitat. Expect Indian Peafowl, Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Painted Stork, Lesser Adjutant, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Blue-faced Malkoha, and Orange-breasted Green-Pigeon. Mammals such as Asian Elephant and Sri Lankan Leopard are possible highlights. Return to the lodge for dinner.
Day 9 — Tissamaharama Wetlands & Bundala National Park
Visit the Tissamaharama wetlands, excellent for waterbirds such as Black-headed Ibis, Yellow Bittern, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, and Purple Heron. Continue to Bundala National Park, a Ramsar wetland famous for migrant shorebirds, tern flocks, and raptors. Key species include Great Thick-knee, Eurasian Spoonbill, Curlew Sandpiper, and possible rarities such as Broad-billed Sandpiper. Evening return to your lodge.
Day 10 — Return to Negombo via Southern Coast
Begin the return journey north along Sri Lanka’s southern coast. Stop at estuaries and lagoons for possible sightings of Indian Thick-knee, Lesser Sand Plover, Whiskered Tern, and Brahminy Starling. Arrive back in Negombo for a farewell dinner celebrating trip highlights and favorite endemic encounters.
Day 11 — Fly Home
After breakfast, transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for return flights home. Expect arrival at the terminal by mid-morning depending on travel schedules.
Trip Highlights
• Birding across Sri Lanka’s most productive ecosystems—rainforest, highlands, dry-zone scrub, wetlands, and coastal lagoons
• Excellent opportunities for all 33+ Sri Lankan endemics, including Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Green-billed Coucal, Crimson-backed Flameback, and Red-faced Malkoha
• Full days in Kitulgala Forest, Horton Plains, Yala National Park, and Bundala wetlands
• Rich diversity of owls, hornbills, babblers, and Asian bird families
• Comfortable accommodations, all meals, and in-country transportation included
• Expert guidance ensuring ethical, responsible birding throughoutPlease note: Itineraries may vary slightly from the posted version due to weather, local conditions, wildlife activity, or operational requirements. Any adjustments will be made to ensure the best possible experience for all participants.
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Involves moderate hikes, longer days in the field, and variable terrain. A reasonable fitness level and comfort with outdoor conditions are recommended.
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Route of the Endemics: Colombia Birding Challenge
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Colombia is the most bird-rich country on Earth, home to more than 1,900 species and a breathtaking array of habitats compressed into a single, vibrant landscape. This journey explores several of the country’s most productive regions from the lush foothills of the eastern Andes to cloud forests draped in orchids and moss, and the high páramo ridges where endemic hummingbirds flash like jewels in the mist. Each day offers encounters with an extraordinary mix of species: colourful tanagers moving in tight flocks, antpittas stepping from the shadows at feeding stations, brilliant hummingbirds dancing at feeders, and a suite of endemics found nowhere else in the world.
Led by expert naturalists and local specialists, this expedition blends rich interpretation with immersive field time, giving participants every opportunity to observe the country’s most iconic species such as Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Torrent Duck, Golden-headed Quetzal, Sword-billed Hummingbird, and a long list of regional endemics. Our route is designed to balance comfortable travel with high-quality birding across multiple elevations and ecosystems, ensuring diverse experiences without unnecessary rush. Ethical birding practices guide the entire trip, placing emphasis on respect for habitat, wildlife behaviour, and Colombia’s flourishing conservation programs.
Whether you’re drawn by the promise of rare endemics, the spectacle of mixed-species flocks, or the chance to explore one of the world’s great biodiversity frontiers, the Colombia Birding Expedition offers a vivid, unforgettable introduction to the country’s natural richness and cultural warmth.
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Coming Soon
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Includes light hiking or extended periods of walking on uneven terrain. Participants should have a basic level of fitness and be comfortable spending several hours outdoors.description
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Private Tours (1-4) - $500
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