Jose Arrieta Photo Tours
Tour Map

Why Start With a Personalized Itinerary?

Planning a birding and bird-photography trip in Colombia is not as simple as picking places on a map. Species change by elevation, weather, habitat, travel distance, and time of day. If the route is wrong, you lose light, miss targets, and waste days on the road.
A personalized itinerary gives you a clear plan before you book lodging, feeder stations, guides, or transportation. It shows you where to go, how long to stay, and what species and photography conditions you can expect in each region.
This first step prevents common mistakes, saves you time, and makes your entire trip more efficient especially if your goal is to photograph specific species in good light.

What You Get

Your itinerary is customized based on your:
  • Travel dates
  • Private transfers to and from hotels on first and last days.
  • Target species
  • Your goals (birdwatching, photography, or both)
  • Budget range
  • Fitness level
  • Whether you’re traveling solo or with someone
You will receive a clear:
  • A day-by-day route designed for efficient travel and species density
  • Recommended regions chosen for strong birdwatching and photography opportunities
  • Species expectations for each area
  • Your goals (birdwatching, photography, or both)
  • Terrain and difficulty notes so you know what to expect
  • Budget estimates for lodging, guiding, and transportation (no contacts or bookings)
  • Field guidance based on light, weather, timing, and habitat (helpful for both birders and photographers)
  • Travel recommendations to simplify logistics
  • Gear suggestions for birding and photography
What’s Not Included
  • Booking hotels or bird lodges
  • Booking feeder stations or private reserves
  • Hiring guides or drivers
  • Any on-the-ground logistics or coordination
  • Payments or reservations on your behalf
Your itinerary becomes the foundation for your entire birding experience whether your focus is observing, photographing, or both.

Bonuses

15-Day Support Window

During this support window, you can:

Confirm your route

Add or remove regions

Ask about species timing

Make sure the plan fits your goals and budget

Avoid the common mistakes travelers make in Colombia

Adjust your pace based on fitness or weather

This support gives you clarity and peace of mind before you spend money on lodges, feeders, guides, or transportation.

One 20-Minute Strategy Call

You also get a focused call with me to review the key parts of your itinerary, answer your important questions, and refine the route based on your goals—whether you’re birdwatching, photographing, or both.

A short, strategic conversation often saves you hours of searching and removes any confusion before you move forward.

Real Experience. Reliable Itineraries.

I’ve spent years exploring Colombia’s top birdwatching regions, from private reserves to remote feeder stations. My field experience helps birders and photographers plan smarter trips by avoiding long drives, missed species, and the common mistakes people make when searching online. Travelers trust my itineraries because they’re built from real scouting, accurate species knowledge, and a clear understanding of how birding works in Colombia.

Optional Upgrade

After your itinerary is complete, you’ll have the option to upgrade to a fully planned trip a premium service where all the logistics are handled for you from start to finish.

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off

  • A private driver for the entire trip

  • All transportation between regions

  • Daily coordination and communication throughout your trip

  • Booking trusted, experienced birding guides

  • Aligning schedules and availability across regions

  • Booking hotels and birding lodges

  • Reserving feeder stations, reserves, and hotspots

  • Ensuring every stop matches your route, species targets, and timing

  • Adjusting your daily route based on weather, species activity, and timing

This creates a complete, worry-free experience.

Upgrading is optional and only available after your itinerary is finalized.
Your itinerary payment is fully credited toward the planning commission.

Most travelers who start with the itinerary choose to upgrade once their route is finalized

$70

This is the first and most important step in planning your birding or bird-photography trip to Colombia.

If you later choose to upgrade to full trip planning,  your $70 itinerary payment is fully credited toward the planning commission.

What Our Explorers Are Saying

Our 5-star reviews speak volumes. Discover firsthand accounts from fellow birding enthusiasts and learn why our tours continue to soar above the rest.

Colombia is the first country with the most species of birds in the world

Discover the magic of Colombia's skies, where nature's vibrant symphony awaits. With nearly 2,000 bird species—including unique endemics, mesmerizing migratory wonders, and rare endangered beauties—each tour is an invitation to witness a living masterpiece of avian diversity.

1954+

Bird species

82

Endemic species

158

Migratory species

131

Endangered Species*

For whom it is directed

This experience is for birdwatchers and bird photographers who want to explore Colombia’s incredible birdlife but prefer to share the journey with others – making the trip more affordable, safe, and fun.

Solo Birdwatchers and Photographers

Groups of Bird Enthusiasts

Perched in Splendor

Discover 12 breathtaking glimpses into Colombia's vibrant birdlife, a visual journey where every photo tells a story of nature’s artistry
We have raised more than $350,000 for bird conservation efforts in Colombia and USA. Partnered with organizations like the Ornithological Society of Córdoba, American Bird Conservancy, Minnesota Valley Refuge, Carpenter Nature Center, Friends of Sax Zim Bog and others
Join us on an adventure that gives back

Travel with us and join the conservation effort

We are dedicated to helping the communities and natural areas that make our trips special. We support local conservation projects and eco-friendly practices.
Join our bird photography tours and support conservation! We donate 10% of tour profits to bird nonprofits in Colombia, helping protect and preserve the avian habitats. Thank you for making a difference.

Bird Conservation Journeys:
Stories from the Field

Explore our series of enlightening interviews with leaders in bird conservation, starting with Hugo Herrera, president of the Ornithological Society of Córdoba. In these conversations, we delve into the impactful projects and efforts that are making a difference in preserving avian biodiversity. Discover the incredible work being done to protect birds and the communities that support them.

Start planning your custom bird photography trip today!

Frequently asked questions

Find clear, concise answers to help you plan your perfect adventure.

Booking and Payment:

Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of 30% of your trip secures your spot for the tour.
Remaining Balance: The full balance is due 90 days before the tour starts. If you prefer installment payments, please inform us in advance.

Currency and Amounts:All amounts are in USD per person.

Payment Timeline: Failure to meet the payment deadline may lead to the cancellation of your tour reservation.

Deposit Clarification: Please note that the deposit confirms your commitment to the photo tour. These funds are not held separately but are utilized for initial expenses like hotel reservations, park permits/fees, and guided tour deposits.

Refund and Cancellation Policy: Due to the nature of incurred costs, deposits are non-refundable. Tour payments are subject to a cancellation fee.

Cancellation Policy:

More than 60 Days Before Tour: Refund of the photo tour payment (excluding the deposit). Deduction of a $100 convenience fee.

Between 60 and 45 Days Before Tour: 50% refund of the photo tour payment (excluding the deposit). Deduction of a $199 convenience fee.

Less than 45 Days Before Tour: Unfortunately, no refunds will be granted, and all payments will be forfeited.
Full payment is mandatory no later than 45 days before departure. You will be notified via email if full payment isn’t received by this date.
Failure to respond within 3 business days will result in forfeiture of your spot, which may then be offered to participants on the waiting list.

Important Note: The date of written (email) communication indicating the intent to cancel is considered the date for calculating cancellation fees.

Cancelled Photo Tour: If, for any reason, we are compelled to cancel a photo tour, your entire payment will be transferred to another comparable photo tour within one calendar year.

IF YOU’RE A SOLO ADVENTURER, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED! WHILE SOME OF OUR PARTNER LODGES AND HOTELS MAY CHARGE SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS, WE PROVIDE TWO PERSONALIZED OPTIONS TAILORED TO YOUR PREFERENCES.

Option 1: Dedicated Single Room. We can reserve a private single room for you, with the single supplement price clearly specified for each tour.

Option 2: Adventure Companionship. If you’re open to sharing your adventure, we’ll make an extra effort to match you with the perfect roommate based on your gender, age, and interests.

In the rare event that a suitable roommate isn’t available, the single supplement will be applied.
Rest assured, our calculation for the single supplement is transparent and fair. We determine this cost by deducting half the expense of a double room (plus any applicable taxes) from the actual cost of a single room. Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities, and we’re committed to ensuring your travel experience is as enjoyable as possible.

Absolutely! If you plan to arrive a day early, we’re here to make it effortless for you. We’ll handle your reservations to ensure you stay in the same hotel booked for the official first night of the tour. The cost of your extra day will be seamlessly included in the final payment, streamlining the process for your convenience.

With inclusive airport transfers, whether you arrive a day early or depart a day later, you can trust that all your travel arrangements are taken care of. We eagerly anticipate providing you with a seamless and enjoyable experience from the moment you touch down!

Your Digital SLR full-frame camera
  • Longest telephoto lens, preferably 300mm or more
  • Wide-angle lens for capturing landscapes
  • Flash with a flash bracket
  • Ample supply of memory cards
  • Highly recommended: Macro lens
  • Required: Sturdy tripod or monopod
  • Release cables

To ensure convenience during your adventure, we recommend packing light, as you’ll be carrying your belongings with you. Here’s a suggested luggage arrangement:

Camera Gear Bag:

  • Dedicated bag for your camera gear.

Clothing Bag:

  • Separate bag for your clothes.

Handbag or Backpack:

  • Essential items within easy reach.

Small Satchel:

  • Ideal for personal items or important documents needed frequently.

This organized approach allows you to navigate comfortably, ensuring you have what you need at your fingertips.

We strongly recommend carrying a personal medical kit, including a first aid kit, to ensure your well-being throughout the trip. Consider including medications for common ailments such as colds, coughs, fever, diarrhea, altitude sickness, headaches, heartburn, and sore throats, among others.

For those with regular medical needs, including hypertension, blood sugar, allergies, or asthma, it’s crucial to bring an ample supply of necessary medications. Given our penchant for exploring remote destinations, having your medicines readily accessible is the best approach.

While our journeys typically require moderate stamina, ensuring you are in good health and high on energy will enhance your overall experience. Please note that this information is general, and we strongly recommend consulting with your physician or healthcare professional to determine the specific medications you should carry based on your individual health needs. Your well-being is our priority, and we want you to embark on your adventure fully prepared.

While many countries support International Roaming, local numbers for voice calls can be easily obtained at airports. It’s crucial to be aware that certain birding areas we explore may lack mobile networks. Additionally, internet access is limited at most lodges and, when available, is typically confined to dining areas. Please plan accordingly and stay connected through alternative means during your adventure.

Feel free to email any questions or concerns you may have to joluar7@gmail.com

Our dedicated team is committed to providing prompt and helpful assistance, ensuring you have all the information you need for an enriching experience.

Our Valued Partners

We are honored to collaborate with these outstanding organizations. Their support and shared vision drive our success, and together, we’re making a lasting impact in the world of birding and conservation.

Discover Colombia's Birding Paradise!

Passionate about birdwatching? Let us craft your perfect adventure in the country with the most bird species. Contact us today to plan your custom tour!