Over the last decade, Colombia has gone from being an emerging destination to establishing itself as one of the global epicenters of birdwatching tourism. Despite headlines that from time to time highlight security issues in different regions, thousands of international travelers have found in the South American country a privileged territory for birdwatching.
With more than 1,900 recorded species — equivalent to nearly 20% of the world’s birdlife — Colombia today is a magnet for scientists, photographers, and enthusiasts who arrive with binoculars in hand and eager to explore its jungles, mountains, and wetlands.
Studies explain that in this part of the planet between 1,932 and 1,968 species can be found, representing approximately 20% of known bird species. Likewise, between 2010 and 2022 Colombia was the country where birdwatching tourism — focused on observing these animals in their natural habitat — grew the most.
Birdwatching tourism grows in Colombia
The boom in birdwatching tourism is not a matter of chance. According to data from ProColombia and the NGO BirdLife International, between 2013 and 2023 the arrival of tourists interested in nature and birdwatching grew steadily.
The country went from receiving small specialized groups to hosting international-scale events such as the Global Big Day, in which Colombian birdwatchers have repeatedly led the global count of species recorded in 24 hours.
This international recognition has coincided with increased interest from travelers from the United States, Canada, and Europe, who represent the majority of visitors. For them, Colombia offers what few destinations in the world can: the possibility of observing both tropical Amazonian species and high-Andean birds in paramos above 3,000 meters of altitude in a single trip.
The context, however, has not been without challenges. Alerts over insecurity in rural areas, the presence of armed groups in strategic corridors, and infrastructure problems have raised doubts among some potential tourists.
Nevertheless, the sector has adapted: local operators have diversified routes, strengthened guide training, and built alliances with communities to offer safe and sustainable experiences. The result has been a growing flow of visitors who, even amid uncertainty, have found Colombia’s birdlife reason enough to come.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, Colombia could receive approximately 14,978 birdwatchers annually, generating US$9 million in revenue and creating 7,516 new jobs. In addition, this activity can also contribute to bird conservation, as it is necessary to maintain habitats and species in good condition in order to carry it out.
The star regions of Colombian birdwatching tourism
The map of birdwatching in Colombia is as broad as it is diverse. Among the most recognized destinations are:
- Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta: considered a unique biological treasure, it harbors a high number of endemic species, such as the Santa Marta sabrewing (Campylopterus phainopeplus) and the Santa Marta woodcreeper (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus sanctaemartae). It is a must for any advanced birder.
- Central Andes and Coffee Region: places such as Manizales and Pereira have turned birdwatching into a cornerstone of their tourism offering. There it is possible to spot the Andean cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus), the crested quetzal (Pharomachrus antisianus), or the endemic brown-banded antpitta (Grallaria milleri).
- Colombian Amazon: Leticia and its surroundings offer a distinct experience, with species typical of the tropical rainforest such as macaws, toucans, and the striking hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin), known as the “prehistoric bird” for its unique features.
- Pacific and Choco biogeographic region: one of the rainiest areas on the planet, where iconic birds such as the turquoise cotinga (Cotinga ridgwayi) can be observed. The whale-watching season often coincides with birding tours, multiplying the appeal for visitors.
- Eastern Plains (Llanos Orientales): its open landscapes allow sightings of flocks of ibises, roseate spoonbills, and horned screamers. It is also home to the majestic jabiru (Jabiru mycteria), the largest stork in the Americas.
Tourism with a positive local impact
Birdwatching tourism has proven to be a tool for boosting rural and community economies. Many of the guides who now lead groups of birdwatchers in nature reserves were once farmers who depended on subsistence agriculture.
Today, thanks to training and the growing influx of tourists, they find in birds a sustainable source of income compatible with conservation.
In departments such as Caldas, Risaralda, or Meta, entire families have adapted their farms to host visitors. In return, these tourists pay for rural lodging, meals, and specialized tours. The value chain multiplies: from transportation to the sale of handicrafts and local products.
At the same time, the international visibility of birdwatching has reinforced the idea that Colombian biodiversity is a strategic asset that must be preserved. In several cases, birdwatching projects have helped curb deforestation, as communities recognize that a standing forest can generate more resources than logging or illegal mining.
Colombia, a country that sings with wings
Although the balance is positive, birdwatching tourism in Colombia faces several challenges. Infrastructure remains precarious in areas of great interest, with difficult-to-access roads and limitations in basic services.
Security, although improved in established tourist corridors, continues to be a lingering concern in remote areas. In addition, international promotion is still insufficient compared to competing countries such as Costa Rica or Ecuador, which have heavily invested in specialized marketing.
Nevertheless, global trends work in Colombia’s favor. Nature tourism, and particularly birdwatching, is growing steadily worldwide. More conscious travelers seek authentic and sustainable experiences, far from mass destinations. In that context, Colombia is emerging as an undeniable benchmark.
The past decade has shown that, despite the difficulties, Colombia’s birds are an invaluable heritage. Each species, from the tiny hummingbird to the majestic Andean condor, is an ambassador of a land that blends stunning landscapes with vibrant cultures.
For international visitors, the country is no longer just an exotic spot on the map: it is now a must-stop on the global birdwatching route. And for Colombia, those wings represent much more than natural beauty: they are an opportunity to build a future in which biodiversity and sustainable tourism walk — or, better said, fly — hand in hand.
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