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Mitu is a heaven for birders, some of the most exceptional records come every year from there. Mitu is a great way to get introduced to the Amazonian avifauna.
Welcome to Colombia, the birdiest country!
The Amazon region of Colombia is globally renowned for not only its excellent biodiversity conservation but also its preservation of culture. Various Amazonian communities currently own vast expanses of land, safeguarding crucial ecosystems. Colombia’s national parks play their part in protecting millions of hectares in areas as significant as the Serranía del Chiribiquete National Park, among many others. One of the best ways to access this region is through the town of Mitú, located at the easternmost tip of the country near Brazil. The town offers good accommodation and dining options. The trails are easily accessible by road, and in a few days, it’s possible to explore diverse habitats, with the most predominant being white sand and terra firme forests. Mitú is well-known for the abundance of rarities that can be spotted there, with an increasing number reported each year thanks to the constant visits from bird enthusiasts worldwide.
Bogota. El Dorado international airport
Colombia is a true gem of global biodiversity, recognized as one of the most megadiverse countries in the world. Beyond its astonishing variety of species, it offers a rich mosaic of landscapes and cultures that make every journey unforgettable.
This expedition takes you deep into the heart of the Amazon, where you will explore a remarkable range of habitats—including terra firme forest, white-sand forest, várzea forest, and semi-open areas that support a thriving array of wildlife. Each ecosystem offers unique opportunities to witness Colombia’s extraordinary natural beauty.
Upon your arrival in Bogota, a friendly company representative will be waiting to greet you at the airport. They will then escort you to your hotel where you will have the chance to meet with the tour guide. To start off our exciting birding journey, we will gather for a warm welcome dinner. During this time, we’ll cover important aspects such as introductions, house rules, and address any questions you may have. Additionally, we’ll go over the logistics for our first day of birding, ensuring that everyone is well-prepared and informed.
Night in Bogota (airport area)
After a morning flight to Mitú, we will head to Cerro Urania, situated near the Vaupés River and close to town, for our first birding excursion. Here, we will search for key regional specialties, including Red-fan Parrot, Rufous-backed Stipplethroat, Long-winged Antwren, Dusky-billed Parrotlet, Brown-banded Puffbird, Sapphire-rumped Parrotlet, Spot-throated Woodcreeper, and Point-tailed Palmcreeper.
The Bocatoma Trail is one of the top birding spots in Mitú, offering excellent opportunities to observe a variety of regional specialties. Easily accessible and located near the town, the trail passes through both white-sand forest and terra firme forest, the latter being home to some of the most fascinating species in the area. As we explore, we may encounter the Gray Antwren moving through the undergrowth, while the Ochre-throated Foliage-gleaner and Cinnamon Manakin-Tyrant add flashes of color to the dense vegetation. The majestic Pavonine Quetzal and the striking Lemon-throated Barbet are also highlights along the route, while the Curve-billed Scythebill and Duida Woodcreeper skillfully navigate the tree trunks.
Among the more elusive species found here are the Brown-banded Puffbird, Brown-winged Schiffornis, and Rufous-capped Antthrush, each blending seamlessly into their surroundings. The Black-tailed Trogon, Tawny-tufted Toucanet, and Bar-bellied Woodcreeper offer great sightings for those scanning the canopy, while the White-plumed Antbird and Rusty-breasted Nunlet lurk in the understory. The White-crested Spadebill is another sought-after bird, and with a bit of luck, we might even spot the rare Barred Tinamou. The Bocatoma Trail is truly a birdwatcher’s paradise, delivering an unforgettable experience in one of Colombia’s richest avian habitats.
Pueblo Nuevo is widely regarded as one of the best locations to observe terra firme forest specialties. Situated about an hour from Mitú, this site offers exceptional birding opportunities, particularly for those interested in the diverse antbird species found in the region. The rich forest ecosystem supports a fascinating array of sought-after birds, making it a must-visit destination for serious birders.
Among the key species to look for are the elusive Black-bushbird, the striking Banded Antbird, and the distinctive Chestnut-crested Antbird, along with the Ringed Antpipit and Yellow-browed Antbird. The melodic Musician Wren adds charm to the forest soundscape, while the Thrush-like Antpitta and Chestnut-winged Foliage-gleaner move through the dense understory. Other highlights include the Eastern Woodhaunter, Black-throated Brilliant, and Duida Woodcreeper, as well as the Long-winged Antwren and Golden-crowned Spadebill. Keen observers may also spot the Cinnamon-crested Spadebill, Lemon-chested Greenlet, and Plain-throated Antwren, while the Lemon-throated Barbet, Rusty-breasted Nunlet, and Spot-backed Antwren round out the list of highly anticipated species in this remarkable habitat.
Another remarkable birding destination is nestled within an indigenous community, providing both incredible wildlife sightings and a unique cultural experience. This site offers excellent opportunities to observe key species that thrive in the region’s pristine habitat.
Among the highlights is the magnificent Guianan Cock-of-the-rock, known for its vibrant plumage and dramatic display rituals. The White-chinned Woodcreeper and Bar-bellied Woodcreeper skillfully navigate the tree trunks, while the Brown-banded Puffbird and Great Jacamar add to the diversity of forest specialists. Visitors may also spot the striking Purple-breasted Cotinga and Pompadour Cotinga, alongside the elusive Fiery Topaz, a dazzling hummingbird. Other notable species include the White-bellied Dacnis, Collared Gnatwren, and Rio Negro Gnatcatcher, each contributing to the rich avifauna found here. The forest’s understory is home to the White-plumed Antbird, Yellow-browed Antbird, and Gray-bellied Antbird, while the open areas may reveal the subtle beauty of the Blue Ground-Dove and the melodic Plumbeous Euphonia.
Exploring this site not only offers a chance to observe exceptional birdlife but also allows visitors to experience the traditions and landscapes of the indigenous community that calls this area home.
This site features a mix of white-sand forest, terra firme forest, and secondary habitats, providing prime conditions for observing rare species that thrive in these specialized environments. The diversity of habitats supports an exciting array of birdlife, making it a rewarding destination for birders seeking unique and hard-to-find species.
Among the highlights here are the elusive Gray-bellied Antbird and the vibrant Short-billed Honeycreeper, both found moving through the dense vegetation. The rare Rio Negro Gnatcatcher can sometimes be spotted navigating the canopy, while the Bar-bellied Woodcreeper and Long-winged Antwren skillfully traverse the tree trunks. The Brown-banded Antbird, a fascinating forest specialist, adds to the richness of the forest cano’py. Parrots are well represented with species like the striking Black-headed Parrot and the highly sought-after Kawall’s Amazon, bringing bursts of color to the forest. One of the most dazzling finds in this habitat is the spectacular Purple-breasted Cotinga, a true gem of the region.
On our final day, we’ll revisit nearby birding spots to maximize our chances of spotting any missing species or discovering new ones. Given the unpredictable flight schedules out of Mitú, we’ll keep the morning flexible while making the most of the time available. After this last birding excursion, we’ll catch our flight back to Bogotá, bringing this short yet unforgettable adventure to a close.
For those continuing on one of our many other birding adventures, Bogotá will serve as just a brief stop before the journey continues. Mitú can be an extension or part of any of our other birding trips across Colombia, whether exploring the Andes, the Caribbean Coast, the Mid-Magdalena Valley, or the southern region of the country.
