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This time, I have the opportunity to tell you about my last trip to Darien Lodge, from March 7^th to March 20^th, there, in the middle of the jungle wilderness of the Colombian Pacific Coast.

I worked with two groups, one from the USA and another from Canada, both of them were very kind and skilled birders, and we got to see 26 new birds for our list.

I met my first group at Medellín airport, where we talked about the logistics and targets, which basically were the Biogeographical Chocó endemics and some special birds, such as manakins and antbirds.

The first birding was just after the arrival, combining a fishing session with birding. We got to see Red-and-green Macaws, Cocos Boobies, and Oropendolas nesting area, among others.

The second adventure was in the forest, where we got to see some beautiful birds, such as the Bicolored Antbird, Velvety Manakin, Golden-collared Manakin, and Black-cheeked Woodpecker, among others. After the forest, we walked through a semi-open area, where we saw a group of Geoffroy’s Tamarins, a plumbeous kite, a Gray-headed Kite, and a very local tyrant, Gray-capped Flycatcher. 

The third session was a hike through the mangroves and Ardita River, looking for Humboldt’s Sapphire, which dwells around Darien Lodge and the mangroves, where they are actively calling all day round.

In the river, we got to see the Black-tailed Trogon, Yellow-throated Toucan, Keel-billed Toucan, Cinnamon Woodpecker, Pacific Antwren, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, among others. 

We had good moments in the sea and in the forest, shared good ideas about conservation and fauna ecosystems, and enjoyed the lodge. 

I was walking and sailing with the second group for the last five days of the trip, during this time with two guys from Canada, with a good background in birding and taking photographs.

The first day, we were walking in the forest, looking for local birds, such as the pale-mandibled Aracari, but we got to see more interesting birds, such as the Scarlet-rumped Cacique and Variable Seedeater. 

The second day we spent the time in the jungle, with a surprising encounter, a Great Curassow couple, running in the understory of the thick forest. Other surprises were appearing in the hike, such as Spot-crowned barbet, Velvety Manakin, Golden-headed Manakin and Pacific Antwren

The third day was a shocking day in the ocean, we got to see some amazing good birds such as Pink-footed Shearwater, Wedge-tailed Shearwater, Sooty shearwater, Galapagos shearwater, Nazca booby and Blue-footed boobies in Cabo Marzo, where they had a nesting season, so we got to see some of them in the rocks with chicks. 

The party wasn’t over, we were walking in the forests again, looking at birds such as black-tailed trogon, Pied Puffbird, yellow-eared Toucanet, Great Antshrike, Northern Barred-woodcreeper, Brown-capped tyrannulet, among others.

In the afternoon, we saw two major targets for the trip, Rufous Motmot y Broad-billed Motmot, closing an amazing day.

The last day we were birding in the forests, near the lodge, 

Sebastian Ortíz 

Fish Colombia – Birding guide

For birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers, the Orinoco region in Colombia is an unparalleled destination. Home to vast savannas, winding rivers, and breathtaking landscapes, this remote paradise is where the wild heart of South America beats. Orinoco Lodge, nestled in this untamed wilderness, offers an exclusive birding expedition like no other.

The Orinoco River: A Land of Endless Horizons

The Orinoco River is one of the most iconic and powerful waterways in South America. Flowing through Colombia’s eastern plains, it creates an ecosystem teeming with life. Along its banks, dense forests transition into open floodplains, offering a variety of habitats perfect for birding. The river itself is a spectacle—wide, shimmering, and dotted with sandbanks that attract countless species.One of the region’s most stunning natural wonders is the Raudales de Maipures, a series of dramatic rapids where the mighty river carves its way through ancient rock formations. Here, you’ll witness a breathtaking fusion of raw power and serene beauty, surrounded by towering cliffs and vibrant wildlife.

A Unique Birdwatching Haven

The Orinoco’s diverse ecosystems make it one of the richest birding destinations in Colombia. The region is home to:

• Orinoco Goose (Neochen jubata) – A striking and rare species often seen along riverbanks.
• Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin) – The prehistoric-looking bird with an unmistakable call and vibrant plumage.
• Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias) – A mesmerizing bird that dazzles with its intricate wing patterns.
• Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber) – An unforgettable sight as flocks of brilliant red birds take flight.
• Jabiru Stork (Jabiru mycteria) – The tallest flying bird in South America, often spotted in the wetlands.
• Great Potoo (Nyctibius grandis) – A master of camouflage, blending seamlessly into the trees.

With endless open skies, vast flooded savannas, and hidden lagoons, the Orinoco region is a dream for photographers and birders seeking truly wild and untouched landscapes.

A Remote and Exclusive Adventure

Reaching Orinoco Lodge is an adventure in itself, adding to the experience of this exclusive expedition. The journey takes you deep into Colombia’s wild frontier, where few travelers venture. Once at the lodge, you’ll experience comfortable accommodations in a pristine environment, with expert local guides leading you to the best birdwatching spots.

This is not just a birding trip—it’s an immersion into one of South America’s last great wildernesses. Whether you’re looking to capture stunning wildlife photography, add rare species to your life list, or simply revel in the beauty of nature, Orinoco Lodge is the ultimate destination.

Are you ready to explore Colombia’s Orinoco frontier?

Orinoco: A Birdwatcher’s Dream in a Vast and Untamed Wilderness

The Orinoco region of Colombia is a spectacular blend of flooded savannas, winding rivers, gallery forests, and remote wetlands, making it a prime birding hotspot. This unique ecosystem is home to a remarkable variety of resident and migratory birds, including many species difficult to find anywhere else in the world.

The Orinoco region is also teeming with iconic South American wildlife such as jaguars, giant river otters, pink river dolphins, and anacondas. This remote and pristine landscape makes every expedition an adventure, ideal for those who crave intimate encounters with nature in one of the last wild frontiers.

Pacific Rainforest & Darién Lodge: Birding Between Jungle and Ocean

On the opposite side of the country, Colombia’s Pacific coast offers an entirely different birding experience—one where lush rainforests meet the vast, untamed ocean. This region, known for its high humidity, towering trees, and rugged coastline, provides a sanctuary for an astounding array of birds and wildlife. Darién Lodge, located in this pristine paradise, is the ultimate gateway to birdwatching in one of Colombia’s most biodiverse regions.

Here, birders can find spectacular species such as:

• Baudo Oropendola (Psarocolius cassini) – A rare and stunning bird endemic to Colombia’s Pacific region.
• Black-tipped Cotinga (Carpodectes hopkei) – A striking white bird often seen in the canopy.
• Sapayoa (Sapayoa aenigma) – A true enigma, this species is the only member of its entire taxonomic order.
• Yellow-green Tanager (Bangsia flavovirens) – A vibrant species found in the dense rainforests.

But birding isn’t the only draw here. The Pacific coast is alive with incredible marine life, including humpback whales, sea turtles, and countless fish species. Exploring this region means diving deep into one of the world’s last untouched ecosystems, where the sounds of howler monkeys echo through the jungle and exotic birds fill the skies.