Birding & Botany in Cali’s Cloudforest
Immerse Yourself in the Extraordinary Biodiversity of Colombia's Western Andes
Escape the city and discover why the cloud forests surrounding Cali, Colombia, are considered one of the world's premier destinations for birdwatching and nature tourism. This full-day guided ecotour takes you into the lush Western Andes, where towering forests, colorful birds, and remarkable plant diversity create an unforgettable experience for birders, photographers, botanists, and nature lovers alike.
Your adventure begins before sunrise as we leave Cali and travel approximately one hour along the scenic Carretera al Mar toward the famous KM18 birding corridor, one of Colombia's most celebrated birdwatching destinations. The early morning hours offer the greatest wildlife activity, allowing you to experience the forest as it awakens with the songs and colors of hundreds of bird species.
Our first stop is the rural community of La Elvira, near KM18, where strategically placed feeding stations attract an incredible variety of birds at remarkably close range. Here, you'll have outstanding opportunities to observe and photograph dazzling hummingbirds, colorful tanagers, toucans, motmots, trogons, and many of the endemic and migratory species that have made this region internationally recognized among birdwatchers. Accompanied by an experienced naturalist guide, you'll gain a deeper understanding of bird behavior, identification, and the ecological importance of the cloud forest while searching for species such as the Chestnut Wood Quail, Andean Motmot, Colombian Chachalaca, and Canada Warbler.
The journey continues to El Refugio Natural Reserve, a peaceful 14-hectare sanctuary that has protected the region's remarkable biodiversity since 1978. Guided by Dr. Eduardo, a dedicated botanist and conservationist, you'll explore winding forest trails surrounded by towering native trees, orchids, bromeliads, heliconias, ferns, palms, and the iconic wax palm, Colombia's national tree. As you walk through this beautifully preserved cloud forest, you'll discover the fascinating relationships between plants, wildlife, and the ecosystems that make the Western Andes one of Earth's biodiversity hotspots. Along the way, you may also encounter armadillos, agoutis, butterflies, reptiles, and many other forest inhabitants.
Whether you're an experienced birder, an avid wildlife photographer, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, this tour offers an authentic opportunity to experience two of the finest birdwatching and botanical destinations near Cali. Combining spectacular wildlife, breathtaking scenery, expert local guides, and a strong commitment to conservation, this experience showcases the very best of Colombia's cloud forests while supporting responsible ecotourism and local conservation initiatives.
Tour Information
Duration
Approximately 9 hours.
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate. Suitable for all ages with a reasonable level of mobility. The trails are well maintained, making this an excellent experience for families, birdwatchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts.
Elevation
Between 1,900 and 2,300 meters (6,230–7,545 ft) above sea level.
Weather
The cloud forest enjoys a cool climate year-round, with an average temperature of 18°C (65°F). Daytime temperatures generally range between 20–24°C (68–75°F), and afternoon fog is common, creating the perfect conditions for the region's unique ecosystem.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Explore one of Colombia's richest cloud forests, home to more than 365 bird species, spectacular orchids, bromeliads, towering Andean trees, butterflies, reptiles, and an incredible diversity of native flora and fauna.
What to Bring
Comfortable hiking shoes with good traction
Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing
Light rain jacket or poncho
Hat or cap
Biodegradable sunscreen
Eco-friendly insect repellent
Reusable water bottle
Camera
Binoculars (highly recommended for birdwatching)
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, and El Peñón. If you're staying elsewhere, please arrive at the meeting point 15–20 minutes before departure.
Availability
Available year-round.
To ensure the best experience, we recommend contacting us via email or WhatsApp before booking to confirm availability.
Book Your Birding & Botany Adventure Near Cali Today
From $149.99 US
Includes
✓ Private transportation from Cali
✓ Entrances to the reserves
✓ Coffee or Tea
✓ Delicious Breakfast and Lunch
✓ Snack Kit (Banana, Apple, Granola Bar, Peanuts)
✓ Medical Insurance and Assistance
✓ Bilingual guide
✓ Bird Identification sheet
Itinerary
Pick up 6:30 am
Drop-off 2:30 pm
Maximum group size: 10 people
Not Included:
❌ Gratuities
❌ Personal Purchases: Any souvenirs, snacks, or additional items bought during the tour are the responsibility of the participant.
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 a renowned Brewery, served at our natural Nature Reserve.
Forests full of birds and plants are the heartbeat of life.
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