KEEPING NATURE TOURS
Pacific Expedition
Mar 15 | 2025 | Colombian Pacific
Discover Nature with Us
- Information and Lessons
- Lead Guides and Itinerary
- Location and Date
Photographic Tour in the Northern Colombian Pacific
Explore the landscapes and biodiversity of Chocó: a paradise where tropical rainforest meets volcanic beaches.
During this 10-day tour, you will have the opportunity to delve into one of the most biodiverse places on the planet: the northern Colombian Pacific. This region, home to majestic ecosystems blending lush jungles, stunning waterfalls, and paradisiacal beaches, is the perfect setting to elevate your photography to the next level.
In municipalities like Bahía Solano, El Valle, and Nuquí, you’ll encounter colorful poison frogs, imposing lizards, and fascinating snakes, along with endemic and threatened species that highlight the region’s unique richness.
The itinerary includes hikes through trails surrounded by tropical rainforests and mountains, nighttime herping explorations, macro and bird photography sessions, and visits to local communities that preserve their unique traditions. Each day is thoughtfully designed to capture the essence of this magical destination and its natural wonders.
During this photographic tour, you will explore the natural wealth of the Colombian Pacific through daytime and nighttime walks to photograph birds, amphibians, and reptiles in their habitat, volcanic sand beaches, hidden jungle waterfalls, and unique landscapes where the rainforest meets the ocean. You’ll visit natural reserves like the Pacific Botanical Garden and Pakoré Werá, navigate the Jurubirá River, explore Utría National Natural Park, and connect with local communities to learn about their traditions, all while capturing unforgettable images of this magical destination.
Join this unique experience and capture the magic of the Colombian Pacific through your lens!
Why Take This Tour
- A Unique Opportunity with Top Nature Photographers. Join three of the best nature photographers in Latin America on an expedition through one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. With their expertise, you’ll have unparalleled guidance in capturing stunning images of rare and unique amphibians and reptiles, such as Lachesis achrocorda, Oophaga solanensis, and Phyllobates aurotenia.
Explore the Biogeographic Chocó Like Never Before. Experience the natural splendor of the Biogeographic Chocó across different altitudes and ecosystems, including Bahía Solano, El Valle, and Nuquí. These carefully selected locations provide access to breathtaking rainforests, volcanic beaches, and waterfalls, offering diverse photographic opportunities in one extraordinary tour.
Discover Rare and Endemic Species. This tour is your chance to encounter some of the most elusive and fascinating creatures of the Chocó, including endemic species like Andinobates fulguritus and Atelopus spurreli. Guided by professionals, you’ll uncover the hidden wildlife of this biodiversity hotspot and document its beauty with your camera.
Learn from Experts in Wildlife Photography and Herpetology. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer, our team of skilled photographers and herpetologists will enhance your skills. From mastering composition and lighting techniques to understanding the behaviors of amphibians and reptiles, you’ll elevate your photography while deepening your appreciation for these incredible creatures.
Immerse Yourself in the Culture of the Pacific. This tour is more than just photography—it’s an unforgettable cultural experience. Discover the warmth and hospitality of local communities, savor traditional Pacific cuisine, and learn about regional customs while exploring the unparalleled natural beauty of the Chocó.
Photographic Assistance
- Macro Lens (90mm – 105mm). Ideal for capturing close-up details of amphibians, reptiles, and small birds. This lens allows you to focus on intricate patterns and vibrant colors, preserving clarity and sharpness.
- Telephoto Lens (300mm – 600mm)
A telephoto lens is essential for bird photography, allowing you to capture subjects from a distance while maintaining detail and sharpness. This lens is also useful for photographing shy reptiles and amphibians.
- Wide-Angle Lens (15mm – 35mm). Perfect for landscape shots that showcase the dramatic union of jungle and ocean or environmental portraits of wildlife in their natural habitat.
- External Flash Units. Portable flash units provide controlled lighting in low-light rainforest settings. They enhance the vibrancy of your subject without disturbing its natural behavior, essential for amphibian and reptile photography.
- Wireless Flash Transmitters. These allow you to position flash units off-camera, giving you creative control over lighting angles and intensity. They’re invaluable in dense forest environments where natural light is limited.
- Flash Diffusers. Essential for softening harsh light, reducing reflections on moist skin, and ensuring even, natural-looking illumination, especially for amphibians and reptiles.
- Ring Flash or Macro Twin Flash. These specialized flashes provide consistent and even lighting for macro photography, minimizing shadows and enhancing detail and clarity in close-up shots.
- Sturdy Tripod with Ball Head. A reliable tripod ensures stability for macro and long-exposure landscape shots. A ball head allows for quick adjustments, crucial for capturing fleeting wildlife moments.
- Lens Extension Tubes. These affordable accessories increase lens magnification, allowing you to focus on the minute details of small subjects without additional lenses.
- Portable Reflectors. Compact reflectors are perfect for bouncing light onto subjects in shaded environments, highlighting details and adding a natural glow.
- Weather-Sealed Camera Body. Essential for protecting your gear in humid rainforest conditions. A weather-sealed camera ensures functionality and durability in challenging environments.
- Camera Backpack with Rain Cover. A waterproof backpack with organized compartments keeps your gear safe and accessible while you navigate dense forests and rugged terrain.
- Comfortable Hiking Gear. Non-photography essentials include sturdy waterproof boots, lightweight clothing, a rain jacket, and insect repellent to ensure comfort during long walks in tropical environments.
- Extra Batteries and Memory Cards. Given the remote locations and extended sessions, carrying spare batteries and memory cards is crucial to ensure you don’t miss any opportunities.
- Polarizing Filters. Useful for reducing reflections on water and enhancing the colors of landscapes, especially when photographing wet forest environments and streams.
Fearured Species
- Amphibians
- Oophaga solanensis
- Andinobates fulguritus
- Phyllobates aurotaenia
- Phyllobates vittatus
- Atelopus spurrelli
- Rhaebo haematiticus
- Boana rufitela
- Craugastor fitzingeri
- Pristimantis caryophyllaceus
- Sachatamia ilex
- Reptiles
- Lachesis acrochorda
- Bothrops asper
- Porthidium nasutum
- Imantodes cenchoa
- Dendrophidion percarinatum
- Helicops danieli
- Basiliscus galeritus
- Anolis chocorum
- Enyalioides heterolepis
- Crocodylus acutus
- Birds
- Pipra filicauda (Wire-tailed Manakin)
- Ramphastos brevis (Chocó Toucan)
- Tangara dowii (Scarlet-and-white Tanager)
- Cephalopterus penduliger (Long-wattled Umbrellabird)
- Mitu tomentosum (Blue-billed Curassow)
- Momotus aequatorialis (Andean Motmot)
- Tigrisoma mexicanum (Bare-throated Tiger-Heron)
- Penelope purpurascens (Crested Guan)
- Glaucis hirsutus (Rufous-breasted Hermit)
- Cotingas nigra (Black-tipped Cotinga)
Biologist, Herpetologist, and Nature Photographer
One of the best amphibian, reptile and wildlife photographers in Colombia. He leads workshops and photographic tours. He is a biologist and expert in macro-photography, full-time nature photographer and leading tour guide in Colombia.
He has published 14 scientific articles contributing to the knowledge and conservation of various species in Colombia. His photographic work has taken him to explore every corner of the country. His photos have been featured in magazines such as Enfoque Visual, RowZine, and the Catalog of Amphibians and Reptiles of Colombia, among others. He won the environmental advocacy category in the Agenda del Mar photography competition (2022). He uses photography and biology as tools to promote conservation through various initiatives, contributing to a deeper understanding of species’ behaviors and their interactions with ecosystems. These two passions have allowed him to offer a unique perspective on the hidden and unknown world beneath the mysterious landscapes of Colombia’s mountains and plains, aiming to create a bridge between memory and nature.
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OUR PHOTO TOUR INCLUDES::
- All ground transportation, from Cali airport on day one to the end of the tour at Pereira Hotel on day ten.
- Canoe trip along the laaguna de Sonso for bird photography. modation for nine nights in the places described in the itinerary.
- All meals.
- Snacks throughout the tour.
- Guide by Jhonattan Vanegas has spent a lot of time photographing the birds of Colombia.
- Local guides.
- Souvenirs.
- Entrance to the places where we will develop the activities.
- Medical assistance card.
OUR PHOTO TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE::
- Expenses not stipulated.
- Transportation from place of origin to Cali (Valle del Cauca).
- Transportation from Pereira (Risaralda) to place of origin.
- Alcoholic drinks within the tour.
- Tips for local guides and staff during the stay
- We will begin an immersive photographic adventure in nature where you will discover and tell your version of your story through your photographs. We have some recommendations that will be very useful when choosing your equipment depending on the approach you want to explore. We want to travel comfortably and protect our equipment. We’ll give you some tips on what to keep in mind.
- Follow instructions: Above all others, the most important rule to live by while exploring is to observe and follow all oral instructions given by the tour leader, or lodge or station staff.
- Protect yourself from the sun at all times: During the explorations we will be exposed to high, low temperatures or humid tropical climates, it is recommended to bring all the elements that protect from the sun such as hats or caps, collars, sunscreen and long sleeve shirts.
- Basics: You should know and handle the basics of manual photography (aperture, speeds, ISO, focal range). If you do not know these concepts, we recommend you take our basic photography course where you will receive an Introduction to Photography before the photographic tour.
- Protect your equipment from humidity: Reduce the impact of temperature changes, try to keep the battery out of the camera, this can reduce electronic damage and prolong your charge. Carry dry bags that allow you to keep your equipment isolated from the weather conditions. It is always advisable to carry silica gel, these absorb moisture. After working days you can put your equipment in the dry bag and add plenty of silica gel to absorb the moisture retained by your camera.
- Take care of your belongings: All our favorite destinations are safe to travel to. You should always be vigilant and take care of your valuable items whenever you find yourself in crowded bus stations, busy city streets and bustling markets.
SERVICES INCLUDED
Internal
transportation
Lodging and accommodations
Complete
Feeding
Photographic Assistance
Observation
Tours
Travel
Insurance
DATE AND DETAILS OF THE PHOTO TOUR
- Location: Guaviare | Guainía
- Dates: November 23 – December 1 | 2025
- Duration: 9 days | 8 nights
- Starting Point: Bogotá D.C.
- End Point: Bogotá D.C.
- Start Time: 14:00
- End Time: 13:00
- Physical Difficulty Level: 4 (Moderate)
- Minimum Group Size: 6 people
- Maximum Group Size: 8 people
- How to Get There: To reach Bogotá, you can fly or travel by land from any city in Colombia.
VALUE OF YOUR NEXT TRIP
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