Colombia: Tatamá National Park and Montezuma Road Pre-trip

Gold-ringed Tanager © Doris Valencia

A multi-day visit to an outstanding birding region focuses on the locally famous Montezuma Road, a byway stretching from subtropical forest to above treeline, and home to an exhilarating collection of tropical birds.

This optional pre-trip to our Colombia’s Coffee Belt tour explores the middle to upper elevations of Colombia’s Western and Central Andes, from the city of Pereira to the remote reaches of Tatamá National Park.

Nestled within the wonderfully diverse Chocó bioregion, Tatamá National Park spans more than 128,000 acres of well-preserved west-Andean rainforest, cloud forest, and páramo ecosystems. Its geographic isolation and altitudinal variation make it a haven for endemic and near-endemic species. More than 600 species of birds have been recorded, including rare, range-restricted, and iconic species such as Rufous-gaped Hillstar, Collared Inca, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer, Gold-ringed and Black-and-gold tanagers, Olive Finch, and countless other species that reflect the area’s incredible avian diversity.

The birding experience centers on the renowned Montezuma Road, a 6.85-mile stretch of lightly-traveled road ascending from subtropical foothills at 4,255 feet to cloud forest and high páramo, reaching 8,530 feet at its highest point. The birding is done on foot along the road, which is open and walkable with gradual inclines. Feeders placed at key points offer excellent chances to observe birds as they emerge from the dense forest.

Our base for exploring the park is the Montezuma Lodge—a fairly simple yet charming eco-lodge run by a family of entrepreneurial women—offering cozy accommodations, delicious home-cooked meals, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Located at the edge of the forest, the lodge is ideally positioned for easy access to birding sites. Situated at the convergence of Colombia’s famed Coffee Triangle, or Coffee Belt, the lodge also serves fresh, locally sourced coffee daily, the perfect start to misty mornings in the cloud forest.

With its exceptional species diversity, unspoiled habitats, and scenic highland landscapes, this tour offers an immersive experience in one of Colombia’s most significant conservation areas, a true highlight for birders and nature lovers alike.

Basic accommodations and good to very good food; physical demands range from light to moderate, mostly involving birding on foot along the gently sloping Montezuma Road; transportation includes air-conditioned vans to 4x4 off-road vehicles; variable weather conditions expected, with sunny days and occasional cloudbursts anticipated.

Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer © Doris Valencia