The Birds of Sumapaz
Birdwatching near Bogotá in Sumapaz Paramo
Sumapaz Paramo lies south of Bogotá in the Eastern Andes and is recognized as the largest paramo on Earth. This unique ecosystem plays a vital role as a water source, supporting biodiversity across the Magdalena River valley and the Orinoco region. Its ecological richness creates ideal conditions for paramo birdwatching and birdwatching near Bogotá, where travelers can explore high-altitude habitats and discover a remarkable diversity of species, making it a key destination for birdwatching in Colombia.
Birdwatching Tours in Sumapaz: Frailejones, Lagoons and High-Andean Birds
During this experience, travelers enjoy the colors and sounds of high-altitude species while exploring the transition between paramo and Andean forest. This setting offers a distinctive Andes birdwatching opportunity, where frailejones and glacial lagoons shape a unique landscape for observation. The region attracts birders interested in birding experiences and wildlife photography tours, with opportunities to encounter species adapted to extreme environments in one of the most iconic areas for tropical birdwatching Colombia.
During the tour, it is possible to watch the following interest special birds:
Endemic species (E): Green-bearded Helmetcrest, Bogota Rail, Boyacá Antpitta, Silvery-throated Spinetail and Apolinar´s Wren.
Near-endemic species: Andean Teal, Bronze-tailed Thornbill, Noble Snipe, Rufous Wren, Andean Siskin, Pale-naped Brushfinch, Golden-fronted Redstart, Rufous Browed Conebill, Chestnut-winged Cinclodes.
Other species: Band-tailed Pigeon, Sparkling Violetear, Amethyst-throated Sunangel, Black-tailed Trainbeared, Green-tailed Trainbeared, Tyrian Metaltail, Glowing Puffleg, Shining sunbeam, Great Sapphirewing, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Roadside Hawk, Andean Pygmy-Owl, Smoky-brown Woodpecker, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, American Kestrel, Pale-bellied Tapaculo, Montane Woodcreeper, Pearled squamiger, White-chinned Thistletail, Many-striped Canastero, Red-crested Cotinga, White-throated Tyrannulet, Mountain Elaenia, Silvicultrix frontalis, Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant, Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant, Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant, Red-rumped Bush-Tyrant, Tropical Kingbird, Brown-bellied Swallow, Sedge 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, Rusty Flowerpiercer, White-sided Flowerpiercer, Black Flowerpiercer, Glossy Flowerpiercer, Masked flowerpiercer, Golden-crowned Tanager, Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager, Hooded Mountain-Tanager, Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager, Blue-and-black Tanager.
Species in some threatened category:
- Critically endangered (CR): Apolinar´s Wren.
- Endangered (EN): n/a
- Vulnerable (VU): n/a
- Near Threatened (NT): n/a
- Data Deficient (DD): n/a
Austral species migratory May – September: Fork-tailed Flycatcher.
Boreal species migratory September – April: Spotted Sandpiper, Solitary Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs, Greater Yellowlegs, 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.
Destination
Sumapaz Paramo – Bogotá D.C.
Date
At the visitor’s availability.
Location
Bogotá D.C.
Attractions
Birds of the paramo and the high Andean forest observed from the road.
Weather
Cold weather.
Altitude
2.800 – 3.200 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
6 hours approximately.
Distance to be covered
2 kilometres approximately.
The plan includes
- Medical insurance card covering events in Colombia.
- Terrestrial transportation Bogotá (Hotel) – Fute reserve and Pedro Palo Lagoon – Bogotá (Hotel).
- Entrance tickets to Fute reserve and hummingbird feeder.
- 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.
- An exclusive comfort accessory designed for your journey.
The plan does not include
- Activities not included in the itinerary.
- Services not included in the plan, such as toiletries, personal items, and laundry service.
- Articles of a personal character, medical expenses and international calls.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Tips or gratuities, which are voluntary and at the guest’s discretion.
- Additional charges or extensions for reasons beyond our control.
Recommendations
Is important to follow the next recommendations to have a pleasant experience during the whole day which will be in a natural context:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.