Birds in Chicaque´s Fog

Rare Species and Cloud Forest Diversity

Chicaque Natural Park is located southwest of Bogotá D.C. in the Eastern Colombian Andes, making it one of the best places for birding tours and short birdwatching trips near Bogotá. Its sub-Andean forest shelters numerous species, including rare bird species highly sought after by enthusiasts. Covering more than 300 hectares, this protected cloud forest thrives thanks to constant mist and microdroplets that nurture the ecosystem. These conditions create ideal habitats for tropical birdwatching and enrich any bird checklist with remarkable diversity, attracting both beginners and experienced birders.

Authentic Birding Experiences with Local Guides in Colombia’s Cloud Forests

“Birds in Chicaque’s Fog” invites travelers to immerse themselves in authentic birding experiences guided by professional local guides. As you walk through subxerophytic landscapes merging with lush cloud forests, encounters with endemic species highlight the richness of the Eastern Colombian Andes. This combination of birding and nature tours, ecological awareness, and conservation makes Chicaque a favorite among Colombian birding destinations. The day concludes with a visit to a nearby reserve, where dozens of hummingbirds provide a dazzling show, perfect for wildlife photography tours and trips for nature lovers & photographers.

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

Endemic species (E): Black Inca, Silvery-throated Spinetail and Turquoise Dacnis.

Near-endemic species: Lined Quail-Dove, Tourmaline Sunangel, Golden-bellied Starfrontlet, Gorgeted Woodstar, Spectacled Parrotlet, Whiskered Wren, Andean Siskin, Pale-naped Brushfinch, Rufous Browed Conebill and Moustached  Brushfinch, Black-billed Peppershrike.

Other species: Andean guan, Band-tailed Pigeon, Squirrel Cuckoo, Buff-tailed Coronet, Lesser Violetear, Sparkling Violetear, Black-tailed Trainbeared,  Green-tailed Trainbeared, Speckled Hummingbird, Tyrian Metaltail, Collared Inca, Roadside Hawk, Southern Emerald-Toucanet, Olivaceous Piculet, Red-crowned Woodpecker, Smoky-brown Woodpecker, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, American Kestrel, Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, Blackish Tapaculo, Rufous-tailed Foliage-gleaner, Azara’s Spinetail,  Green-and-black Fruiteater, White-throated Tyrannulet, Streak-necked Flycatcher, Golden-faced Tyrannulet, Mountain Elaenia, Cinnamon Flycatcher, Common Tody-Flycatcher, Tropical Kingbird, Brown-bellied Swallow, Gray-breasted Wood-Wren, Great Thrush, Lesser Goldfinch, Golden-rumped Euphonia, Gray-browed Brushfinch, Rufous-collared Sparrow, Shiny Cowbird, Yellow-backed Oriole, Tropical Parula, Black crested Warbler, Russet-crowned Warbler, Slate-throated Redstart, Hepatic Tanager, Yellow-faced Grassquit, Superciliaried Hemispingus, Capped Conebill, Rusty Flowerpiercer, White-sided Flowerpiercer, Black Flowerpiercer, Glossy Flowerpiercer, Masked flowerpiercer, Bananaquit, Blue-capped Tanager, Grass-green Tanager, Golden 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): Turquoise Dacnis.
• Near Threatened (NT): n/a
• 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, Blackburnian Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Black-and-White Warbler, Summer Tanager, Scarlet Tanager.

Destination

Chicaque Natural Park – San Antonio del Tequendama.

Date

At the visitor’s availability.

Location

Municipalities and provinces of Soacha and San Antonio del Tequendama.

Attractions

Subxerophitic, Sub-Andean Forest and birds of the two ecosystems.

Weather

Mild 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

Medium (Undulating terrain, average effort)

Duration

8 hours approximately.

Distance to be covered

2 kilometres approximately.

The plan includes

• Medical assistance card.
• Terrestrial transportation Bogotá (Hotel) – Chicaque Natural Park – Bogotá (Hotel).
• Terrestrial transportation out of Chicaque Natural Park.
• Entrance tickets to Chicaque Natural Park.
• 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:

• Punctuality: Please arrive at the meeting point at the time indicated. This will allow us to follow the itinerary without delays.
• Attire: Wear comfortable clothing suitable for cold weather and bring a raincoat. Avoid wearing jeans. Additional recommended items include a cap, hat, gloves, and a neck warmer.
• Self-care: Bring sunscreen, personal hygiene items, insect repellent, and one or two plastic bags to collect your waste. If you are under medical treatment, don’t forget to bring your prescribed medication.
• Personal items: Bring a suitcase (not a backpack or handbags). If you are traveling in a group, it is important that each participant carries their own luggage to distribute weight evenly. Avoid rolling suitcases.
• Food and hydration: We will provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks. You may also bring your own snacks for extra energy during activities. Drinking water will be available throughout the tour.
• Documents: Carry your passport and any other personal documents you may need. Remember, you will have a travel assistance card covering health-related emergencies during the trip.
• Money: Bring the amount of money you consider necessary, especially if you wish to purchase local products or traditional foods at the destinations visited.
• Restrictions:

– Do not attend under the influence of alcohol or psychoactive substances.
– Do not bring pets or other animal species.
– Do not carry radios or objects that may 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.