Andean Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium jardinii) perched on a moss-covered branch in Chingaza National Natural Park, Colombia.

The Chingaza´s Bird Songs

Discover the Birds and Ecosystems of Chingaza National Natural Park

Chingaza National Natural Park is one of Colombia’s most important destinations for birdwatching and nature travel in the Eastern Andes. This protected area encompasses a remarkable variety of ecosystems, including páramo, Andean cloud forest, mountain wetlands, and sub-Andean forests. These habitats provide essential food sources, shelter, and breeding grounds for numerous resident and migratory birds, making Chingaza a premier location for observing the rich biodiversity of the Colombian Andes.

Bronze-tailed Thornbill hummingbird perched on a lichen-covered branch in Chingaza National Natural Park, Colombia.
The Bronze-tailed Thornbill is a near-endemic hummingbird of the high Andes and one of Chingaza’s most remarkable bird species | Raíces Profundas Turismo Ecológico y Cultural.

Experience High-Andean Birdwatching and Hummingbird Photography

During this full-day birdwatching tour, visitors will explore the spectacular Chingaza páramo, a unique high-mountain ecosystem renowned for its scenic landscapes and remarkable birdlife. Surrounded by rolling clouds, crystal-clear streams, and native vegetation, birdwatchers can enjoy exceptional opportunities to observe and photograph high-Andean birds in their natural habitat. The experience concludes in La Calera, one of the best locations near Bogotá for hummingbird watching and photography, where multiple species of colorful Colombian hummingbirds can be observed at close range.

Plumbeous Sierra Finch perched among lichens in Chingaza National Natural Park, Colombia.
The Plumbeous Sierra Finch (female) is a characteristic bird of the high-Andean páramo ecosystems of Chingaza National Natural Park | Raíces Profundas Turismo Ecológico y Cultural.

During the tour, it is possible to watch the following interest special birds:

Endemic species (E): Boyaca Antpitta, Muisca Antpitta, Silvery-throated Spinetail and Brown-breasted Parakeet.

Near-endemic species: Bronze-tailed Thornbill, Coppery-bellied Puffleg,  Black-billed Mountain Toucan, Rufous Wren, Andean Siskin, Pale-naped Brushfinch, Golden-fronted Redstart, Rufous Browed Conebill.

Other species: Andean guan, Band-tailed Pigeon, Sparkling Violetear, Longuemare’s Sunangel, Black-tailed Trainbeared,  Green-tailed Trainbeared, Purple-backed Thornbill,  Tyrian Metaltail, Glowing Puffleg, Shining sunbeam, Great Sapphirewing, Sword-billed Hummingbird, White-bellied Woodstar, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Roadside Hawk, Andean Pygmy-Owl, Smoky-brown Woodpecker, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, American Kestrel, Pale-bellied Tapaculo, Montane Woodcreeper, Pearled Treerunner, White-chinned Thistletail, Many-striped Canastero, Red-crested Cotinga, White-throated Tyrannulet, Mountain Elaenia, Crowned Chat-Tyrant, Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant, Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant, Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant, Tropical Kingbird, Brown-bellied Swallow, Grass Wren, Great Thrush. Lesser Goldfinch, Slaty Brushfinch, Gray-browed Brushfinch, Rufous-collared Sparrow, Mountain Cacique, Shiny Cowbird, Black crested Warbler, Black-backed Grosbeak, Plumbeous Sierra Finch, Paramo Seedeater, Band-tailed Seedeater, Plain-colored Seedeater, Plushcap, Black-headed Hemispingus, Superciliaried Hemispingus, Capped Conebill, Blue-Backed Conebill, Rusty Flowerpiercer, White-sided Flowerpiercer, Black Flowerpiercer, Glossy Flowerpiercer, Masked flowerpiercer, Golden-crowned Tanager,  Hooded Mountain-Tanager, Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager, Blue-and-black Tanager and more.

Species in some threat category:

  • Critically endangered (CR): n/a
  • Endangered (EN): n/a
  • Vulnerable (VU): Brown-breasted Parakeet.
  • Near Threatened (NT): Black-billed Mountain Toucan.
  • Data Deficient (DD): n/a

Austral species migratory May – September: Fork-tailed Flycatcher.

Boreal species migratory September – April: Broad-winged Hawk, Swainson’s Hawk, Merlin, Western Wood Pewee, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Red-eyed Vireo, Bank Swallow, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Swainson’s Thrush, Summer Tanager, Scarlet Tanager.

Glowing Puffleg hummingbird perched in a cloud forest of Chingaza National Natural Park, Colombia.
The Glowing Puffleg is one of the most spectacular hummingbirds found in the cloud forests of Chingaza National Natural Park | Raíces Profundas Turismo Ecológico y Cultural.

Destination

Chingaza paramo – La Calera.

Date

At the visitor’s availability.

Location

La Calera municipality – Guavio Provincia  – Cundinamarca.

Attractions

Birds of the páramo and high Andean forest and hummingbirds in private reserve.

Weather

Cold weather.

Altitude

2.400 – 2.600 m.a.s.l.

Aimed at

Children: 7 – 9 years old
Teenagers: 10 – 14 years old.
Youth: 15 – 20 years old.
Young Adults: 21 – 39 years old.
Adults: 40 – 64 years old.
Senior: 65 years and older.

Minimum number of participants

1 PAX.

Difficulty level

Low (Flat terrain, moderate effort)

Duration

8 hours approximately.

Distance to be covered

2 kilometres approximately.

The plan includes

  • Medical assistance card.
  • Terrestrial transportation Bogotá (Hotel) – Chingaza National Natural Park – Bogotá (Hotel).
  • Entrance tickets to the private reserve for the observation of hummingbirds.
  • Breakfast.
  • Snacks and hydration during the trip.
  • Lunch.
  • Professional Tourist Guide and Birdwatching Guide Specialist, who accompanies the person or group during the whole day.

The plan does not include

  • Services not specified in the plan.
  • Articles of a personal character.
  • Alcoholic drinks.
  • Souvenirs.

Recommendations

Is important to follow the next recommendations to have a pleasant experience during the whole day which will be in a natural context:

  1. Punctuality: Don´t forget to arrive at the place at the hour indicated by us, this will allow us to fulfill let to achieve with our itinerary.
  2. Attire: Carry comfortable clothes for cold weather and a raincoat. Don´t wear jeans. You can carry other articles like a cap, hat, gloves, and neck warmer.
  3. Self-care: Carry sunscreen, grooming kit, repellent, and one or two plastic backs to put garbage on. It is very important to carry your medicine if you are in some medical treatment.
  4. Personal elements: Carry a suitcase (Not Mochila or handbags) if you go in a group is very important each person carry their bag to distribute the weight equally.
  5. Feeding and hydration: We will have breakfast, lunch, and snacks. You can carry food to generate energy during the activity and on the tour we will give you water.
  6. Documents: Carry your passport and personal documents that you will need. Remember you will have a medical assistance card if you have health problems during the activity.
  7. Money: You can carry money that you need or if you want to buy something in the place that you visit. On the tour, we can find artisanal products or food prepared in the region.
  8. Restrictions:
    – Do not arrive at activities in a drunkenness or post-drunkenness state.
    – Do not get under states of legal or illegal psychoactive substances.
    – Don´t smoke during the activity.
    – Do not bring pets or other types of animal species to the place where the activity will take place.
    – Do not carry radios or elements that disturb the tranquility of the ecosystem.

Do you have questions or want to make a reservation? Contact us! Our advisors will provide you with all the information you require. 

Birding in Chingaza National Park