Colombia - Heart of the Andes
Birds, Flowers, Culture, & More
January 8 - 19, 2028
w/possible pre-tour option (Jan 6 - 7)
Colombia is a dream destination for bird and nature photographers, home to more than 1,900 bird species—more than one-fifth of all the bird species on Earth. Join Jackie for an extraordinary photographic journey through some of the richest and most beautiful habitats of Colombia’s Western and Central Andes.
We’ll travel north from Cali through Colombia’s renowned coffee region to Armenia and Manizales, photographing an astonishing diversity of birds, flowers, landscapes, and ecosystems along the way. One special highlight is a private garden filled with hundreds of orchids and cacti—a remarkable setting for both botanical photography and creative exploration.
But Colombia is about so much more than what we photograph. Its vibrant culture, wonderful food, and warm, welcoming people are an essential part of the experience. Along the way, we’ll meet local landowners and conservationists whose dedication to protecting Colombia’s natural treasures is matched by their generosity in sharing these extraordinary places with us.
For those who would like to experience another side of Colombia, an optional two-day pre-tour in Cali—Culture, Flavor & Rhythm—will offer an introduction to the color, food, music, and culture of this vibrant city.
At a Glance
Dates: January 8 - 19, 2028 (arrive on or before 1pm on January 8th)
Tentative Pre-Tour Dates: January 6 - 7
Cost: $7999 double occupancy ($1500 single supplement) A $2,000 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your space on this tour. The remaining balance is due no later than August 1, 2027. (Nore: Secure insurance immediately in the event you need to cancel.)
Arrival Airport & Date: Fly into Cali (CLO) on or before 1pm on Jan 08, 2028. The tour begins on January 8th early in the evening with an orientation and a welcome dinner.
Arriving a full day beforehand is suggested.
Departure Airport & Date: Fly out of Pereira (PEI) on Jan 19, 2028 (Our last night will be at the Sonesta Hotel Pereira. We will have breakfast together on the 19th and depart that day.)
Included:
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English-speaking expert bird guide
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2 experienced photographers for guidance/assistance in the field
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Airport transfers
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Ground transportation while in Colombia
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All lodging and meals
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Online Zoom orientation before & post-tour Zoom image review & editing session
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A thorough checklist to help prepare for your trip
Not included:
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Airfare to Colombia
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Gratuity for lodge staff & guides
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Visa fees
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Travel insurance
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Beverages, snacks, & personal items purchased during tour
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Early arrival lodging prior to tour or pre-tour
Group size: 6 (min) - 9 (max)
Physical Level: Easy to moderate. Elevation range from approx 3600' to 13,500'
Weather: Temperatures will range from warm to hot in the lower elevations. Higher elevations will likely be much cooler and possibly windy. Layers will be essential.
Currency Adjustment: The tour price is based on current costs and exchange rates at the time of publication. Because a substantial portion of the tour expenses is contracted in Colombian pesos, the balances will be adjusted if the U.S. dollar declines significantly against the Colombian peso at the time of payment. Every effort will be made to maintain the published price, and minor currency fluctuations will be absorbed.
Click to listen to participants share their experiences from our 2026 trip:
Image Gallery
Click arrow & enjoy a gallery of snapshots from our 2026 trip:
Gear & other essentials...
We will be holding a Zoom before our trip to go over travel arrangements, camera gear, clothing, and other details. The Zoom will also cover photography techniques so you have time to set up your cameras and get some practice in advance. A post-workshop Zoom will consist of image sharing and editing demos.
Some general information on equipment is as follows:
Lenses: Telephoto zoom (100 - 500mm equivalent) will allow you to photograph the birds from a distance to a fairly close range. Macro lenses for floral photography and a wide angle zoom (24 - 70mm) (or iphone) for landscape or wider scenic images.
Tripods/Monopods: A sturdy tripod with a gimbal head or a monopod with a monogimbal will be helpful if you need assistance holding your camera for a long period of time.
Orchids & other flora
Artistic visions
About Jackie
For Jackie, photography tours are about much more than checking off species and sights. They are about experiencing a place...its nature, people, culture, and unscripted moments, while encouraging everyone to express their own vision through their photography.
Jackie brings years of experience photographing and teaching photographers how to approach flowers, birds, and nature in a way that supports creativity. In the field, she offers participants individual guidance on composition, technique, and creative choices while allowing everyone the freedom to work at their own pace and respecting those who wish to work independently.
Her tours are intimate and relaxed. They allow everyone time and space to set down their camera if they wish and just take in the miracles of nature, the sounds, the smells, the gentle breeze, and even occasionally the rain falling from above... Some might even feel a reawakening of their senses.
Above all, Jackie wants you to return home with images you love that evoke wonderful memories of the places you experienced and the people you met along the way.
