This 11-day photographic journey takes you deep into Colombia’s Paramos and Amazon – the most ecologically diverse and culturally rich regions—from the Eastern Andes to the Amazon Basin. We explore a range of ecosystems and life zones, offering photographers a rare mix of landscapes, wildlife, and ancient human history.
Our trip begins in Bogotá (2,640 m / 8,660 ft), Colombia’s capital and a gateway to the high Andes. We start with a panoramic view from Cerro Monserrate (3,152 m / 10,341 ft), followed by a visit to the bustling Paloquemao Market. Here, rows of flowers, fruits, and vegetables offer excellent opportunities for close-up shots and colorful street scenes. We end the day at the Gold Museum, home to one of the world’s largest collections of pre-Columbian goldwork—an essential stop for anyone interested in Colombia’s deep archaeological history.
From Bogotá, we head into the Eastern Andes and begin exploring the páramo—an alpine tundra ecosystem found above the treeline, typically between 3,000 and 4,500 meters (9,800–14,800 ft). These high-altitude wetlands are vital water sources for millions of people and host a unique array of plant and animal life. Towering frailejones, glacial lakes, and open valleys provide dramatic backdrops for wide-angle landscape photography. If conditions allow, there’s also a chance to spot the spectacled bear, a threatened species native to this region.
Descending from the páramo, we continue into the cloud forest. The area is known for its humid air, dense vegetation, and rich birdlife—especially hummingbirds. We’ll use designated feeders and flowering trees to photograph these fast-moving subjects in soft, filtered light. The cloud forest’s natural conditions offer ideal opportunities for close-up bird photography and composition exercises in low-contrast lighting.
Afterward, we fly east to San José del Guaviare, a frontier town located between the Orinoco savannas and the Amazon rainforest. From here, we travel by road and river to reach the Serranía de La Lindosa, part of the ancient Guayana Shield. This sandstone formation holds one of the largest and oldest rock art sites in the world, with thousands of paintings spread across kilometers of cliff faces. Many are estimated to be 12,000 years old, depicting animals, humans, and symbols from Colombia’s earliest known cultures.
We’ll explore these sites by boat and on foot, navigating the Guayabero River and hiking to the rock walls through lowland jungle terrain. The photo opportunities here are unlike anywhere else—offering not only cultural documentation but also jungle landscapes, river scenes, and details of the rock art itself.
Throughout the trip, you’ll work alongside a professional guide focused on helping you improve your technical and creative photography. Whether shooting wildlife, ancient art, or highland landscapes, this tour delivers a rare combination of natural and cultural access across three distinct regions of Colombia.
mid-July to mid-September (optimum) and mid-November to mid-March (high season)
10 Guests
Van, plane, boats
Hotels & Lodges
Level 2 - Easy Level
We, of course, would do whatever is necessary in case of medical emergency and evacuate to the closest hospital or clinic to make sure you receive medical care.
Upon your arrival at Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport (BOG), proceed through immigration and customs. After collecting your luggage, your private driver will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have the opportunity to visit Monserrate, one of the city’s iconic landmarks perched at 3,172 meters (10,407 ft) above sea level.
Monserrate is both a pilgrimage site and an ideal location for panoramic photography of the Bogotá urban basin and surrounding Andean peaks. Originally established in 1620 with the shrine of Our Lady of Monserrate, the site now includes a basilica that houses the revered image of the Fallen Lord of Monserrate. The summit is accessible via funicular, cable car, or on foot for those interested in the original pilgrim route. If time allows, a short walk along the Stations of the Cross offers great introductory shots of Colombia’s cultural and natural contrasts.
In the evening, meet your fellow travelers and tour leader for a welcome dinner. Exact dinner time will be shared closer to the tour date.
Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Bogotá Airport or similar
Meals included: D
We begin the day with a visit to Paloquemao Market, just 25 minutes from the hotel. This lively, traditional market is a rich source of photographic opportunities. From meticulously stacked fruits to native flowers bursting with color, the market reflects the daily rhythms of local life in Bogotá. Whether you’re shooting portraits, details, or environmental compositions, this market delivers a strong sense of place.
Next, we visit one of South America’s premier archaeological museums: Museo del Oro (Gold Museum). With over 34,000 objects of gold and other materials, the museum offers insight into the symbolic and practical roles of metalwork among Colombia’s pre-Hispanic cultures. Exhibits from different indigenous groups illustrate how gold was used in ceremony, trade, and identity—providing deep historical context for the rest of our journey.
Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Bogotá Airport or similar
Meals included: B, L, D
Today we leave Bogotá early and drive 1.5 hours into the Chingaza National Natural Park, located in the Eastern Andes northeast of the capital. We’ll enter the sub-páramo zone, a transition between high Andean forest and open alpine tundra. This area offers expansive views and the chance to photograph a unique, high-altitude ecosystem found only in a few parts of the world.
Our main target is the elusive Spectacled Bear, South America’s only native bear species. With support from local rangers, we’ll travel through key areas where sightings are most likely. The landscape here—open valleys, misty ridgelines, and endemic vegetation—is ideal for telephoto and wide-angle landscape work.
Elevation ranges today between 3,000 to 3,500 meters (9,800–11,500 ft). Expect cooler temperatures (4°C to 21.5°C / 39°F to 70°F) and gravel road conditions as we move through open páramo habitats.
High-probability species for the day include:
Scarlet-bellied and Buff-breasted Mountain Tanagers
Rufous-browed Conebill
Superciliaried Hemispingus
Silvery-throated Spinetail
Golden-fronted Redstart
Masked Flowerpiercer
Grass Wren
Hotel: EcoPalacio Chingaza or similar
Meals included: B, L, D
We dedicate today to exploring deeper into Chingaza National Natural Park, focusing on higher elevations of the páramo zone between 3,000 and 3,700 meters (9,800–12,100 ft). Our primary objective is to photograph the Spectacled Bear in its native habitat. Known to be shy and increasingly rare due to habitat loss, the bear is most often spotted in the Palacio sector, widely regarded as one of the most promising areas in the region.
We’ll follow updates from local rangers to guide our route, combining gravel roads with short trails to reach observation areas. The open páramo landscape also presents strong opportunities for wide-angle photography—highlighting dramatic skies, solitary frailejones, and glacial lakes in this unique high-Andean ecosystem.
Additional bird species likely to be encountered include the Green-bearded Helmetcrest, a stunning high-altitude hummingbird endemic to Colombia. Other highland tanagers, conebills, and hemispingus species continue to offer excellent photographic targets throughout the day.
In the afternoon, we transfer 2.5 hours to the town of Guasca, where we settle in for the evening.
Conditions: Gravel roads and narrow trails at elevations of 3,000–3,700 m (9,800–12,100 ft)
Wildlife highlights: Spectacled Bear, Green-bearded Helmetcrest, Rufous-browed Conebill, Scarlet-bellied & Buff-breasted Mountain Tanagers, Silvery-throated Spinetail, Masked Flowerpiercer, Grass Wren
Hotel: Posada San Antonio or similar
Meals included: B, L, D
After an early breakfast, we drive 1.5 hours into the rural region of Concepción, surrounded by patches of high Andean forest, secondary woodland, and pastoral farmland. This area supports several range-restricted and endemic bird species, making it a favorite among Colombian bird photographers.
We’ll begin with a general birding session in forested terrain before visiting a private nature reserve designed specifically for hummingbird photography. Feeders, native flowering plants, and natural backgrounds will be used to help you capture clean, well-lit images of these fast-flying subjects.
Species to look out for include the Sword-billed Hummingbird, Longuemare’s Sunangel, Blue-throated Starfrontlet, and Tyrian Metaltail, among others. The surrounding forest also holds chances for toucans, antpittas, and brush-finches.
After our photography session and lunch, we return to Bogotá via a 2-hour drive, preparing for the next leg of our expedition.
Conditions: Rural unpaved roads; photography at approx. 3,000 m (9,800 ft)
Bird highlights: Sword-billed Hummingbird, Black-billed Mountain Toucan, Muisca Antpitta, Mountain Cacique, Green-and-black Fruiteater, Slaty Brush-Finch
Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Bogotá Airport or similar
Meals included: B, L, D
This morning, we take a 1.5-hour domestic flight to San José del Guaviare, a town positioned on the border between Colombia’s Orinoco and Amazon bioregions. This area serves as an ecotone—blending two distinct ecosystems that share both plant and animal species.
After arriving and settling into our hotel, we drive 30 minutes to the trailhead for Puerta de Orion, a geological and astronomical site of interest. A 2.2 km hike through a mix of tropical savannah and semi-deciduous forest brings us to a striking natural rock formation. Part of the Guayana Shield, this outcrop aligns with the constellation Orion during specific times in December, making it a notable site for local research.
Along the way, we photograph scenic views of the Lindosa range, the unique rock structures, and possibly small caves or forest clearings.
Conditions: 2.2 km jungle/savannah walk at 300 m (900 ft)
Highlights: Geological rock formations, caves, forest photography, early introduction to Guaviare’s terrain
Hotel: Hotel Quinto Nivel
Meals included: B, L, D
We depart early for a 1.5-hour overland transfer to the Guayabero River, a key tributary of the Guaviare. From here, we embark on a 40-minute upstream boat ride through a scenic section known as the Guayabero Strait (or Rapids), flanked by ancient cliffs and surreal rock formations. These waters are home to a range of wildlife, and with luck we may spot river dolphins, monkeys, macaws, and other bird species en route.
After disembarking, we’ll follow a 2 km trail into the forest to reach one of the region’s many prehistoric rock art panels. These pictographs are estimated to be up to 12,000 years old and depict animals, human figures, hunting scenes, and spiritual symbols—all etched into the vertical faces of the Guayana rock shield.
The route involves some short, steep sections, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The combination of tropical forest, rock art, and potential wildlife sightings offers a rich variety of photographic subjects, from wide shots of cliffs to tight detail images of ancient paintwork.
Conditions: Boat ride + forest trail with some steep and uneven sections; elevation 300 m (900 ft)
Highlights: Rock art, rainforest wildlife, Guaviare River cliffs and rapids
Hotel: Hotel Quinto Nivel
Meals included: B, L, D
Today we explore deeper into the Serranía de La Lindosa, beginning with a 1-hour drive south of San José del Guaviare. Our day includes a 3-hour walking circuit that takes us through one of the most photogenic rock landscapes in the region. Towering, gravity-defying formations rise from the jungle, interspersed with caves, cliffs, and endemic flora—including the highly localized and rare Guaviare Flower.
We continue to Los Pozos, a set of natural pools carved into the rock by centuries of flowing water. Minerals and vegetation in the surrounding area tint the water in shades ranging from yellow to red to black, making for excellent abstract and reflective composition photography. The illusion of color changes on submerged skin and the contrast of water and stone make this a favorite for creative photographers.
In the afternoon, we hike along riverbeds and rock trails, following the course of the river and capturing both wide and intimate views of this ancient and little-traveled landscape.
Conditions: Moderate 2-hour hike with some slippery and steep singletrack sections; elevation ~300 m (900 ft)
Photo highlights: Abstract water compositions, rock formations, river textures, macro detail, endemic flora
Hotel: Hotel Quinto Nivel
Meals included: B, L, D
Today is the longest and most rewarding hike of the trip. We transfer 2 hours by vehicle to reach Cerro Azul, also known as Cerro Pintado, a massive natural rock canvas tucked deep in the jungle. Our 5.2 km loop hike through secondary forest and rocky terrain leads to one of the most important rock art sites in all of Colombia.
The mural walls here are extraordinary—not just in size, but in the density and clarity of their images. Thousands of pictographs—some over 12,000 years old—depict wildlife, human figures, dance rituals, hunting scenes, and abstract symbols. These walls represent one of the world’s largest collections of prehistoric art in a single location, offering a rare photographic opportunity to document human expression from the dawn of civilization in the Americas.
After our field lunch at a nearby farm, we make the return journey to San José del Guaviare for a well-earned evening at the hotel.
Conditions: 5.2 km jungle loop trail (approx. 5 hours) with elevation changes; elevation ~300 m (900 ft)
Highlights: Thousands of rock pictographs, jungle trail photography, cultural and archaeological documentation
Hotel: Hotel Quinto Nivel
Meals included: B, L, D
We start early today with a 45-minute drive to Laguna Negra, an oxbow lake formed by the meandering Guaviare River. Located at the edge of the Amazon basin and surrounded by dense tropical jungle, this area is ideal for early morning photography and wildlife observation from the water.
We’ll board a small open boat and begin by navigating through narrow creeks before emerging into the open lagoon. Conditions permitting, we may encounter Pink River Dolphins—a unique freshwater species adapted to life in the Amazon. Birders and wildlife photographers should keep their lenses ready for species like the Hoatzin, Ringed Kingfisher, Cocoa Heron, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, and Long-billed Woodcreeper. Mammals such as Red Howler Monkeys, Squirrel Monkeys, and White-collared Titi Monkeys are also possible.
The lagoon is at approximately 300 meters (900 ft) elevation, and the pace is relaxed, offering a final opportunity to photograph the interface between water, forest, and sky.
After returning to town, we board a 1.5-hour flight back to Bogotá. Upon arrival, we transfer once again to our familiar hotel near the airport for a final night together. In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner to reflect on the journey, review our best images, and share stories from this unique multi-ecosystem experience.
Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Bogotá Airport or similar
Meals included: B, L, D
Based on your individual flight schedule, we will arrange a private transfer from your hotel to El Dorado International Airport (BOG) for your return home.
For domestic flights, we recommend arriving at least 1.5 hours before departure.
For international flights, please plan to arrive 2.5 to 3 hours in advance to allow for check-in, immigration, and security procedures.
Hotel: Not included this night
Meals included: B
End of Services
Our tour prices are based on a tiered pricing model. More guests = lower price, per person. That means the prices go down on a per-person basis as more people book onto a specific tour departure. Prices are based on double occupancy / twin share basis. All prices are in U$ Dollars.
Contact us for guidance on a quote for your group or private trip.
| Lowest Price | 7-10 travelers | $ 5,785 / per person |
| Average Price | 4-6 travelers | $ 6,390 / per person |
| Optimum Price | 2-3 travelers | $ 7,730 / per person |
| Highest Price | 1 solo traveler | $ 10,835 / for 1 person |
| Single Supplement Fee | per person / per tour | $ 590 / per single room |
Deposit & Terms (universal — identical on every tour. Custom tours have special terms, please contact us. ): A 30% deposit (minimum $1,000 per person) reserves your space. Of that, $1,000 per person is a non-refundable administrative fee — but it’s never lost: it’s always credited toward your trip, even if you change trips or dates, and it’s part of the total price, not an extra charge. Balance due 90 days before departure. Trip insurance (with a “cancel for any reason” rider) is required. See our Terms & Conditions for full details, or contact us for a custom or private quote.
