Frequently Asked Questions

Which ProAves reserves can I visit?

The following reserves have lodges and visitors are welcome: El Dorado, Paujil, Cerulean Warbler, Chestnut-capped Piha, Dusky Starfrontlet and Pangan. At the Yellow-eared Parrot and Recurve-billed Bushbird reserves one can stay in hotels in the nearby towns. At other reserves we can organise visits by special arrangement but accomodation if any is extremely basic.

How much does it cost?

See How to book

Can you give instructions how to travel to the reserves by myself?

Yes we can provide travel instructions at the time you book but we don't publish them on the website becuase we don't want people turning up announced.

Can you provide local transport to the lodge?

At El Dorado and Cerulean Warbler yes, at Paujil you must take a jeep or boat from the local village, at Chestnut-capped Piha the road goes to the front door, at Dusky Starfrontlet we can arrange a horse and at Pangan a porter for your bag.

Does the price include food?

Yes, three meals a day and often a snack as well. If you have any special dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian) then please advise when booking.

What about electricity?

There is electricity at all reserves although at Pangan and Dusky Starfrontlet this may be very limited from small hyrdo-elecric plants.

Is there internet access?

At El Dorado and Paujil we plan to introduce this soon but it is currently not available.

Can you organise a private tour for us?

Yes gladly subject to the availability of guides and accomodation at the times you request

Why have you so few scheduled tours offered?

Because we're too busy with private tours and running tours for other companies! But if you think we should schedule more tours, please tell us!

What is the best time to come?

Almost any time is good. During wet seasons bird activity is often better during the dry breaks, but the roads are worse. Few North American and European birdwatchers come during April and May because they prefer to be in their home countries at this time. Most come during November-March to avoid their winter back home.

When are the wet and dry seasons?

This varies a bit regionally but in the Andes there are two wet seasons, the biggest around October and the other around April. January-February and July-August are usually the driest months. Rainfall graph

What is the best sized group?

Due to the high cost of transport group of sizes of less than 4 become more expensive. For birding tours we don't like more than 7 clients as we like everyone to see the birds.

How hard is the walking?

At most reserves the walking is quite easy.
At El Dorado transport is provided within the reserve to access the furthest point.
At Paujil it is hot and muddy in places, which makes it slightly more tiring.
At Cerulean Warbler the first mile up to the main primary forest is quite steep, but horses can be provided for this leg if pre-requested; within the forest the trail is very slippery in places and footwear with good grip is essential (walking sticks also useful for anyone not too steady on their feet here).
The trail to Pangan is a tricky 4km walk and this reserve is not suitable for young children.
The Dusky Starfrontlet reserve is reached with a 3 hour hike but horses are usually provided; to access the best areas of the reserve involves some difficult walking and is not recommended for people over 60 unless they are very fit.

Can you book flights for us?

We can book domestic flights and often do so. For international flights it is better if you book direcly, although we can advise on the best routes.

How can I send money from within the US to Ecoturs?

The easiest way is to send a bank wire in US dollars using these details:
Please ask us for account details
Citibank address: 14175 St. Germain Dr, Centreville, VA 20121

How can I pay in pesos from within Colombia to Ecoturs?

Please pay in pesos to EcoTurs Colombia at Citibank Colombia (Surcursal Parque Nacional, Carrera 7 No.37-21 Bogota) account number 5143072012

Do you accept credit cards or paypal?

Yes we do accept these although we regret that due to high bank fees we need to add 3% to cover these. Please email us and we will immediately send you a payment request with the correct details.

How can I send money from outside the US and Colombia to Ecoturs?

The easiest way is to send a bank wire in US dollars using thse details:
Account Name: EcoTurs
Bank: Citibank
Account number: PLEASE ASK US FOR DETAILS
Swift/BIC code: CITIUS33
Additional info: ABA routing PLEASE ASK US FOR DETAILS
Citibank address: 14175 St. Germain Dr, Centreville, VA 20121
The swift code will get the money to Citibank in New York, the ABA routing number is needed to get it to the correct branch.

Can we mail you a check?

We regret that we are no longer unable to deal with checks mailed in the post. You can pay a cheque into our Citibank account at any branch of Citibank in the USA, please ask us for details.

Can I pay in Euros, Swiss Francs, Pounds Sterling or Japanese Yen?

Yes we can accept these currencies but only by bank wire to Colombia, which is expensive and slow. Please ask for details.

Do I need rubber (Wellington) boots?

At most places walking boots will be more comfortable. However Pangan is very wet and they are needed here. They are also recommended at Paujil except during dry periods and at the Yellow-eared Parrot roost site at Jardin. Rubber boots can be purchased in most towns in Colombia unless you have very big feet.

Do you provide bird lists?

Yes we can provide customised bird lists for each bird tour. Please ask when you are ready for a list. At ProAves reserves the lists include a lot of rarities and vagrants so don't expect to see everything. On the other hand at other sites which we visit much less often there are likely to be some write-ins, so please don't complain if you see something that's not on the list!

What bird books are best for Colombia

The classic work is the Guide to the Birds of Colombia by Steven L. Hilty and William L. Brown. A more recent work, the 2-volume Birds of Northern South America by Restall, Rodner and Lentino, is preferred by some clients for the field, and the two-volume approach with all the plates in one volume often proves convenient.

What sort of bags shall I bring?

Ideally one large bag and a very small day bag should be enough. Internal flights allow just 20kg (44lbs) of hold baggage and 10kg (22 lbs) of carry- on baggage. A little leeway is usually allowed on the weight but they are usually quite strict on the size of carry-on bags due to limited stowage space in the cabin. Many clients bring too much bulky luggage. There are good laundry facilites at most places we stay. At Pangan due to the exceptionally wet conditions all luggage should be wrapped in waterproof bags within the bag and great care should be taken with items such as cameras.

Shall I bring my scope?

Generally our main guides have scopes, and in many sites they are of limited use. On the other hand on larger tours it is much appreciated if a few clients (but not too many) bring scopes. Ideally liaise on this issue.

Can you meet me at the airport?

We usually provide airport transfers. Please give us your flight details. The service voucher should make this clear.

Can I do some sightseeing?

Most tours are pretty intense and there is little time for sightseeing, although we always take time to admire the fantastic views at El Dorado. Clients often wish to arrive a day early (or stay an extra day)to do a city tour of Bogota and we can arrange this at a cost of US$80 per head for a fully guided tour including admissions. City tours can also be provided of Santa Marta, and cultural extensions to Cartagena.

What will the temperatures be like?

At most places we visit the climate is temperate at pleasant. At the Paujil reserve it is very hot and humid, and on the Carribean coast and the Guajira desert it is extremely hot but less humid.
At Bogota, Jardin and El Dorado a light sweater or jacket is required in the evening.
The Dusky Starfrontlet reserve and Los Nevados National Park can be chilly in the early mornings.

Do I need a visa?

Visas are not required for citizens of the folowing countries: Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, France, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Holland, Honduras, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Korea (Rep), Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Norway, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, The Philippines, Portugal, San Marino, Slovak Republic, Spain, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, UK, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela. A visitor's permit will be issued on arrival which will normally be for 60 days (occasionally 30 days or 90 days according to the mood of the immigration official). This can be renewed to extend the stay up to 180 days in any year.

How much is the departure tax?

The information is wrong about this on many websites.
There is an airport departure tax of around US$35 that is included in the ticket price by nearly all airlines (perhaps not Spirit?).
There is an exit tax of around US$25 which foreigners are exempt from if staying less than 60 days, but there is a rather irritating procedure that you have to queue up for around 5 minutes at the tax office (which is near the check-in) to obtain a slip that confirms your exemption. If there is more than one person time can be saved by one person saving the place in the check-in queue whilst the other gets the tax exemption and then swopping around.

How can I change money?

By far the easiest and cheapest way to obtain Colombian pesos is to withdraw them from an ATM using a debit card. Most foreign debit cards work at most ATMs most of the time in major cities and many small towns as well (occasionally there are temporary system communication problems).
Visa credit cards are very widely accepted, others slightly less so.
If you are from the US bring a few US dollars for emergencies but if you need to change them expect to get a very poor exchange rate.

Shall I bring travellers' cheques?

No, they are completely useless.

What vaccinations are needed for Colombia?

You should take advice from your own doctor. Normally vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid and Yellow Fever are recommended. Also make sure you are up to date with routine vaccinations such as polio, tetanus and diphtheria. Hepatitis B and rabies vaccinations may also be advised by some authorities

What about malaria?

Malaria is found in many lowland areas of Colombia. Whilst it is not known near any ProAves reserves it is present in towns in the region of Paujil and Pangan. It is desirable to reduce the number of insect bites by wearing long sleeved shirts and trousers and using repellent especially at dawn and dusk. Be aware of the symptoms and that it in the unlikely event of an occurrence this might be after your return.

What about dengue fever?

Denge fever whilst very rare is increasing and again try to minimise mosquito bites and be aware of the symptoms

What about Leischmans disease?

Leischmans disease from sandfly bites is a remote possibility in lowland areas and once again visitors should be aware of the symptoms. It has only been rarely reported from communities near Paujil reserve, and never from within the reserve.

What airlines fly from Europe?

Air France via Paris, Iberia via Madrid, Avianca from Madrid. For links see airlines Also many combinations via the US, such as Continental via Newark or Houston.

What airlines fly from the USA?

Many. Continental, American, Avianca, Delta and COPA are the most commonly used.

Do I need travel insurance?

Definitely. Make sure you have travel insurance with medical cover and keep details of your policy separate from your valuables. Many British insurance policies exclude certain areas of Colombia (which are deemed to be against FCO advice). We can advise British travelers of policies that do not contain such exclusions

How safe is Colombia?

Security has improved significantly in the country in recent years, as recognised by the UK Foreign & Colonial Office travel advice and US Department of State travel warning which whilst still having some concerns are considerably less alarming than they were a few years ago.
Many of the sites visited on our tours are ProAves reserves where there is a permanent presence and daily communication with our office. This provides a high degree of assurance, however in the event of any unexpected change we would not hesitate to change an itinerary.
We believe the majority of the country is now at least as safe for tours as other neighbouring countries. In major cities such as Bogota and Barranquilla care should be taken to avoid street robberies and pickpockets, and pre-booked taxis should be used (just ask hotels and restaurants to order them for you).

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