Chicaque Cloud Forest Birding from Bogotá: Identify 30+ Species

Most birds move too fast to see without someone who knows where to look.

A half-day birdwatching activity in Chicaque Cloud Forest near Bogotá where you walk forest trails with an expert guide who helps you identify up to 40 bird species by sight and call. You'll observe hummingbirds at feeders, then hike deeper into the canopy with binoculars to spot tanagers, warblers, flycatchers and toucanets. The forest sits at 2,400 to 2,700 meters elevation where temperatures hover around 16°C.

The experience

Chicaque Cloud Forest sits 90 minutes southwest of Bogotá and operates as a group activity, so you may share the trails with other travelers. An expert bird guide meets you and works to your level, whether you're new to birdwatching or already know your warblers from your flycatchers. The guide teaches you how to spot fast-moving birds in the canopy and distinguish between species that look similar. On a typical day you'll see and hear close to 30 different types. Good days bring 40. You get free printed bird guides to borrow and the option to rent binoculars if you don't bring your own.

The activity runs 3 to 4 hours of actual birdwatching time, starting with hummingbird feeders where you can watch them hover and feed at close range. From there you walk nature trails deeper into the forest, binoculars in hand, scanning the canopy for movement. The elevation and cool temperature (around 16°C) mean you'll want layers. Light rain happens about 30% of the time, so waterproof gear helps. The forest itself is dense and lush, which is why the birds stay hidden until someone who knows their habits points them out.

Transportation from Bogotá is included depending on the option you choose at checkout. Binoculars and rubber boots are available to rent with 24 hours notice if you want them. The guide will tell you whether boots make sense for the trails on the day you visit. Gratuities are not included.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Bogotá to Chicaque (depending on the option selected).
• entrance fee to Chicaque Cloud Forest.
• expert birdwatching guide.
• printed bird guides to borrow.
• binoculars available for rent with 24 hours notice.

Options for this experience

2 options

Birdwatching - 3 hoursGuide in Spanish · No fixed timeSpanish-speaking guide. Duration: 7 hours, including 3 hours of birdwatching. Picnic sandwich: no vegan option. Private transport: we don't use public transport. Pickup is included.

Cloud Forest Birdwatching, 3 hoursGuide in 4 languages · No fixed timeBilingual guiding in English, French and Italian (pending availability). Duration: 7 hours, with 3 hours of birdwatching time. Picnic sandwich: not vegan. Private transport: we don't use public transport. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (9 to 79 years) · Under 9: can't be booked

GroupUp to 9

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 25

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Andes EcoTours

Is this one for you?The group format keeps costs down and means you'll share the trails with other travelers, so if you prefer a private guide or want the forest to yourself, a different option may suit you better. The 3 to 4 hours of walking at elevation works for all fitness levels, though it's not recommended if you have cardiovascular concerns.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Italian.

How many bird species can I realistically expect to see in Chicaque?

On a typical day you'll see and hear close to 30 different types of birds. On a good day the count reaches 40. The guide helps you identify them as you spot them, so even if you're new to birdwatching you'll learn to recognize tanagers, hummingbirds, warblers, flycatchers and toucanets.

What's the walking like on the trails through Chicaque Cloud Forest?

You walk nature trails at elevation between 2,400 and 2,700 meters with binoculars in hand, moving slowly to watch for birds in the canopy. The activity runs 3 to 4 hours of birdwatching time. Rubber boots and hiking poles are available to rent if you want them.

What should I bring or wear to Chicaque?

Temperatures around Chicaque hover near 16°C and light rain occurs about 30% of the time, so layers and waterproof gear are practical. Binoculars are included or available for rent. Printed bird guides are provided free to borrow.