KM18 Birdwatching Tour Near Cali, Colombia | Cloud Forest Birding Experience

Experience the Incredible Birdlife of KM18’s Cloud Forests Near Cali

Begin your day with an unforgettable birdwatching adventure near Cali, Colombia, as you leave the city behind and enter the mist-covered cloud forests of KM18, one of the most remarkable birding destinations in the Western Andes. Here, where cool mountain air, lush vegetation, and ancient forests create a unique ecosystem, every trail reveals new sounds, colors, and wildlife encounters.

As you walk through the forest, your expert naturalist guide will help you uncover the incredible biodiversity hidden among the trees. The morning begins with the songs of birds echoing through the canopy, followed by close encounters with spectacular species such as hummingbirds, colorful tanagers, toucans, motmots, and other rare birds that call Colombia’s cloud forests home.

Depending on weather conditions and wildlife activity, your guide will select the best locations and trails to maximize your opportunities for observation and photography. Along peaceful forest paths, moss-covered trails, and lush mountain landscapes, you’ll learn about bird behavior, native plants, and the delicate ecosystems that make the KM18 cloud forest one of Colombia’s most important natural treasures.

Perfect for experienced birders, wildlife photographers, and nature enthusiasts of all levels, this guided KM18 birdwatching tour offers an authentic opportunity to connect with Colombia’s extraordinary biodiversity. Whether you are adding new species to your life list or simply looking for a memorable nature experience near Cali, this journey invites you to slow down, explore, and experience the magic of the Andes one bird at a time.

Book your KM18 cloud forest adventure today and discover why this region is considered one of the best birdwatching destinations near Cali.

Tour Information

Difficulty
Easy. This birdwatching experience is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The pace is relaxed, allowing plenty of time for bird observation, photography, and enjoying the cloud forest environment.

Duration
Approximately 8 hours from start to finish, including transportation and approximately 5 hours dedicated to birdwatching.

Departure & Return Time

  • Departure: 6:00 AM

  • Return: Approximately 1:00 PM

Group Size
Small-group experience:

  • Minimum: 2 participants

  • Maximum: 10 participants

Small groups allow for a more personalized experience and better opportunities for wildlife observation.

What to Bring

  • Closed-toe shoes with good traction

  • Warm jacket or sweater (cloud forests can be cool and misty)

  • Sun protection (hat or cap)

  • Binoculars or camera with zoom lens
    (If you need binoculars, please let us know in advance and we will be happy to assist.)

  • Eco-friendly sunscreen and mosquito protection

  • Reusable water bottle

Meeting Point

Hotel InterContinental Cali
Av. Colombia #2-72, Normandía
Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia

Complimentary pick-up is available for guests staying in: San Antonio, Granada, or El Peñón.

If you are staying outside these areas, please arrive at the meeting point 15–20 minutes before departure.

Availability

Available year-round.

We recommend contacting us by email or WhatsApp before booking to confirm availability and ensure the best experience for your visit.

Bird Species You May Encounter

The KM18 cloud forest is home to an incredible diversity of Andean birds. During your tour, you may have the opportunity to observe species such as:

Colombian Chachalaca (Ortalis columbiana) * Chestnut Wood-Quail (Odontophorus hyperythrus) * White-bootedRacket-tail (Ocreatus underwoodii) Speckled Hummingbird (Adelomyia melanogenys) Purple-throated Woodstar (Philodice mitchellii) Golden-headed Quetzal (Pharomachrus auriceps) Andean Motmot (Momotus aequatorialis) Red-headed Barbet (Eubucco bourcierii) Chestnut-capped Brushfinch (Arremon brunneinucha) Flame-rumped Tanager (Ramphocelus flammigerus) Blue-winged Mountain Tanager (Anisognathus somptuosus) Multicolored Tanager (Chlorochrysa nitidissima) *Golden-naped Tanager (Chalcothraupis ruficervix) Saffron-crowned Tanager (Tangara xanthocephala)

Book Your KM18 Birdwatching Adventure Today

From $139.99 US

A colorful bird with iridescent blue head and green wings, white underbelly, perched on a branch.
A small, brightly colored bird with a green head, yellow body, and blue around the eyes, perched on a thin branch against a blurred green background.
A small bird with a brown-orange cap and black eye stripe, perched on a thin branch against a blurred background.
A colorful hummingbird perched on a small branch, with a blurred green background and some green foliage in the foreground.
A small yellow and black bird perched on a tree branch with out-of-focus green and brown background.
A woodpecker with a red crown, black and white face, black and white streaked body, perched on a moss-covered branch against a blurred green background.

Highlights

✓ Over 365 different types of bird species with 30 types of hummingbirds present within the reserve.

✓ Wildlife Photography

✓ High Andean cloud forest and sub-páramo ecosystems

✓ Opportunity to see endemic species

✓ Breathtaking views

✓ Birding interpretation and ID of all species of birds

Includes

  • Roundtrip Transportation

  • Entrance to the reserve

  • 6 hours of birdwatching exploration

  • Bilingual bird guide

  • Breakfast

  • Snacks and Refreshments

  • Tour to the side of the road of Km18

  • Fresh Colombia Coffee

  • Medical Insurance and Assistance

  • Binoculars

    ❌ Tips (Optional)

Every forest has a story to tell. Slow down, listen closely, and discover the incredible world of birds hidden among the clouds of the Andes.

Male Red-headed Barbet perched in its natural habitat, spotted during a birdwatching tour with Ecotourspuravida near Cali, Colombia.
Male Mielero (Honeycreeper) displaying its vibrant colors, captured during a birdwatching tour with Ecotourspuravida.
A Summer Tanager perched on a slender, pale branch near KM 18 in Cali, its vibrant red feathers standing out against the softly blurred green background.
Female Asoma Candela are frequently spotted on our birding tours.
Flame-rumped Tanager (Ramphocelus flammigerus), a vibrant bird native to Colombia and Ecuador, with striking red-orange rump and black feathers.
Ecotourspuravida birdwatching tours offer the chance to see a wide variety of colorful tanager species in their natural habitats.
A vibrant Carriquí Verdiamarillo perched on a tree stump, its blue, black, green, and yellow feathers standing out beautifully against the softly blurred background.
A group of visitors observing a large plant in the lush rainforest, with one woman using binoculars as birds glide over the canopy and the cloud forest vegetation surrounds them.
A group of people, including a woman and an older man, observing and photographing wildlife in a dense rainforest. Some are using binoculars and cameras.

Important Information!

Aerial view from andean cloud forest in cali colombia, cloud forest location where we do our birdwatching tours
Group of six people sitting and standing in a jungle, some with binoculars and telescopes, observing wildlife.

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.

Looking for a private tour? Just let us know!

Cancellation:

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time. 

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 tour will take place rain or shine. If it’s canceled due to extreme poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Recommendations:

Wear comfortable walking shoes or sports footwear, and opt for neutral or dark-colored clothing.