Escape to the Orinoco River Basin
This is one of the newest world-class birding destinations in Colombia, where the influence of the dazzling Orinoco River makes this tour a birding treasure. A great variety of ecosystems between Guainía and Vichada departments places Inírida city in a must to visit location among the most passionate birders in the world. The tour guided by indigenous Turripaco will make this journey, allowing you to explore exuberant forest next to the majesty of the Inírida and Orinoco Rivers
Key Species
| Amazonian Umbrellabird |
| Bare-necked Fruitcrow |
| Black-headed Parrot |
| Blackish-gray Antshrike |
| Blue-crowned Trogon |
| Blue-throated Piping-Guan |
| Bronzy Jacamar |
| Brown Jacamar |
| Capuchinbird |
| Cherrie’s Antwren |
| Citron-bellied Attila |
| Dot-backed Antbird |
| Dot-winged Antwren |
| Golden–spangled Piculet |
| Green-tailed Jacamar |
| Lafresnaye´s Piculet |
| Orinoco Piculet |
| Plumbeous Euphonia |
| Pompadour Cotinga |
| Red-shouldered Tanager |
| Ringed Woodpecker |
| Rose-breasted Chat |
| Rufous-crowned Elaenia |
| Rufous-tailed Flatbill |
| Slender-billed Xenops |
| Spangles Cotinga |
| Velvet-fronted Grackle |
| Verzea Schiffornis |
| White-naped Seedeater |
| Yapacana Antbird |
Highlights
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We will visit the Mavecure hills, a marvel of the Colombian Amazon that remains unknown for many people, as is a sacred place for the indigenous communities living around Inírida
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We will observe the unique freshwater pink dolphins (Boto) while sailing in the Guainía, Guaviare, and Inírida rivers.
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Sailing and birdwatching within the Varzea forests of the Colombian Amazon
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Awaken your senses with a real typical indigenous food, right inside the community
- Destination
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Departure
Bogota DC IATA: BOG / Bogota DC IATA: BOG
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Dress Code
This is a fairly standard birding tour with early morning starts and evening finishes to each day. One some days we may take picnic lunches in order to no waste time during the middle of the day or having to leave site. The weather can be unpredictable with rain and sunshine both likely. At higher altitudes it can be chilly. We have an amazing photo opportunity for many species of hummingbirds and other species coming to feeders, we will also be looking for a good number of species that are very rare and seldom seen, but we will be going to areas that hold these sought-after species.
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Included
Accomodation in Double RoomAll 4x4 vehicules or boatsAll domestic flightsAll ground private transportationAll meals B-L-DEntrances to all natural reservesHot drinksPrivate transfer Airport - hotel - aiportProfessional Private Birding GuideProfessional Private DriverSingle room - adicional paySnaks and waterSoda or juice with each mealVegan and Vegetarian menus
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Not Included
Activities not included in the itineraryAlcoholic drinksColombian Event InsuranceExtensions of a trip due to circumstances beyond our controlInternational flights and taxesInternational phone callsLaundry serviceMedical expenses (not covered for evet insurance)Room serviceTips or gratuityToiletries
From our gallery
Day 1. Arrival to Bogota (Sunday) / Night at Hilton Garden
Day 2. Arrival to Inirida, birding in Caño Culebra / Night at Fuente de Guainia (Monday)
Day 3. Birding in Caño Carbon & Sabanitas / Night at Fuente del Guainia
Day 4. Birding in Matraca Trail and Laguna Negra / Night at Fuente del Guainia
Day 5. Birding in Paujil & Caño Cunuben / Night at Fuente del Guania
Day 6. Cerros de Mavecure & Remanso / Night at Fuente del Guainia
Day 7. Caño Vitina, fly to Bogota / Night Hilton Garden
Day 8. International Flight home from Bogotá.
Dragan Simic
Oh, how I dreamed of exploring Amazonia as a little boy. And, as a part of growing up and getting “serious”, I forgot my childhood dreams. They were too childish, right? Yet, I had such a childish smile when we entered the boat for the first time, when I felt the fresh river breeze and when we saw our first Orinoco River Dolphin (Inia geoffrensis humboldtiana) right in front of the small harbour of Inirida. Yes, last winter I was on an absolutely incredible trip to the Colombian Amazonia organised by Manakin Nature Tours.
As air carriers, from Bogota to Inirida, we used Satena Air. Nce in Inirida, we stayed at a comfortable Fuente del Guania Hotel de Lujo, nestled in the deep shade of tall tree-crowns (sometimes visited by macaws, aracaris, etc.). You will love the softness of their beds and the breakfast area in the front yard.
This is Amazonia of white, sandy beaches (!) and no mud at riverbanks. The most intriguing aspect of local birding is the mixture of the more widespread birds of Amazonian origins and those more localised bird species of Guianan origins.
Dubbed the Escape to the Orinoco River Basin of Colombia, this one-week and 200+ species long trip uses the riverside city of Inírida as a comfortable single-base to explore the unique mix of birds that occur in the Estrella Fluvial Ramsar site. And I would return there this very moment – highly recommendable!
user
Thank you very much for traveling with us and sharing this incredible experience! It’s truly heartwarming to see how you were able to revive those childhood dreams and live them in the majestic Colombian Amazon.
We’re delighted to know that you enjoyed every detail, from the comforts of Hotel de Lujo Fuente del Guania to the beauty of the white sand beaches on the riverbanks. It’s fantastic to learn that our escape to the Orinoco River basin in Colombia was so appreciated.
We’re thrilled to have been a part of this adventure and look forward to seeing you again for more exciting explorations in the future! Your recommendation and enthusiasm inspire us to continue sharing the wonders of nature. Thank you for trusting Manakin Nature Tours!