Birding & Botany in Cali’s Cloudforest
Immerse Yourself in Cali’s Breathtaking Nature on an Unforgettable Eco-Tour!
Get ready for an extraordinary day tour outside of Cali, where we’ll take you to two incredible nature reserves—KM18 and El Refugio! Located along the Carretera al Mar, just 40 minutes from Cali, these reserves are nestled in the cloud forests of the Western Cordillera and are home to an astonishing variety of bird species, exotic plants, and fascinating wildlife.
Our first stop of our tour begins at El Corregimiento La Elvira, a charming rural village near KM18. This peaceful area, surrounded by lush cloud forests, is the perfect introduction to the region’s rich biodiversity. With the guidance of an expert naturalist, you’ll have the chance to spot endemic and migratory species like the Chestnut Wood Quail, Andean Motmot, Colombian Chachalaca, Canada Warbler, dazzling tanagers, trogons, and over a dozen hummingbird species. As you walk along scenic trails, breathe in the crisp mountain air and listen to the peaceful sounds of the forest, you’ll also learn about vital conservation efforts protecting this delicate ecosystem.
Next, we’ll explore El Refugio, a 14-hectare private reserve dedicated to preserving Colombia’s natural heritage since 1978. This hidden gem is a mix of pristine cloud forests, secondary growth, and vibrant botanical gardens, home to native trees, ferns, palms, and Colombia’s iconic wax palm. Led by Dr. Eduardo, a passionate botanist and conservationist, you’ll discover a stunning variety of orchids, bromeliads, Andean blueberries, heliconias, and more. Keep an eye out for armadillos, agoutis, reptiles, snakes, and fascinating insects that thrive in this biodiverse paradise. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of Colombia’s cloud forests—reserve your tour today and experience nature like never before!
Level of difficulty: Perfect tour for all ages.
Things to bring for our tour:
Close-toe shoes with good traction (will get wet)
Sunblock (biodegradable if possible)
Bug Spray
Comfortable clothes
Hat or Cap
Jacket or warm sweater
Camera
Reusable water bottle
Duration: 9 hours approximately
Elevation: 1900 -2300 meters above sea level
Weather: Average temperature is 18°C (65°F), with day temperatures between 20 and 24 °C (68 to 75 °F). Fog is frequent in the afternoon.
Availability: Year-round, We ask, however, that you email us or WhatsApp us to verify availability before making your purchase.
Flora and Fauna: Explore a diverse array of wildlife, including over 365 bird species, alongside a rich variety of plant life and other fascinating creatures.
Meeting point and end point :
Hotel Intercontinental Cali Av. Colombia #2-72, Normandia Sebastian de Belalcazar, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia.
We offer pick-up service if you're staying in the San Antonio, Granada, or Peñon neighborhoods. If you're outside these areas, please arrive at the meeting point 15 to 20 minutes before the tour begins.
Book our Birding and Botany Tour with us today!
From $149.99 US
Includes
✓ Private transportation from Cali
✓ Entrances to the reserves
✓ Coffee
✓ Breakfast and Lunch
✓ Snack Kit
✓ Medical Insurance and Assistance
✓ Bilingual guide
✓ Bird Identification sheet
Itinerary
Pick up 6:30 am
Drop-off 2:00 pm
Maximum group size: 10 people
Not Included:
❌ Gratuities: Tips for guides and staff are not included; guests are encouraged to tip at their discretion.
❌ Personal Purchases: Any souvenirs, snacks, or additional items bought during the tour are the responsibility of the participant.
❌ Transportation Outside Scheduled Itinerary: Any travel arrangements beyond the designated pickup and drop-off points are not included.
Highlights
Explore a world-renowned birding hotspot just 40 minutes from Cali
Walk scenic trails and breathtaking lookouts to observe tanagers, trogons, toucans, and other spectacular birds—sometimes just inches away!
Learn about conservation efforts protecting this unique cloud forest ecosystem.
Savor a delicious breakfast with freshly brewed coffee in a peaceful natural setting.
Discover an undisturbed cloud forest and a diverse botanical garden filled with orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and native trees.
Learn about medicinal plants, endangered species, and Colombia’s iconic wax palm
Gain insights into the flora of high-altitude ecosystems and their importance to biodiversity.
This tour includes a chance to sample craft beer from the renowned Torremolinos Brewery, served at El Refugio Nature Reserve
Important Information!
Minimum participants :
Most of our group tours require a minimum of 2 people to run the tour. If we do not hit this minimum, we reserve the right to cancel the tour, in which case we will contact you to offer an alternative tour or send a refund.
Want a private tour? No problem! Let us know, and we’ll arrange a personalized experience just for you.
Cancellation:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted. Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Additional Information
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
No pets allowed
Not Suitable for:
Pregnant women, People with back problems
People with Respiratory Issues, People with mobility impairments
People with heart problems, Wheelchair users