Canada, U.K., and U.S. Lead Birdwatching Tourism Surge in Colombia, Stimulating Growth in Boutique Hotels and Eco-Lodges, with Avianca and Copa Airlines Expanding Routes

Canada, the U.K., and the U.S. are leading the surge in birdwatching tourism to Colombia, drawn by the country’s unparalleled biodiversity and pristine landscapes. Known for hosting nearly 20% of the world’s bird species, Colombia offers birdwatching enthusiasts an incredible opportunity to explore diverse ecosystems, from the lush Amazon rainforest to the high-altitude Andean páramos. With international interest soaring, airlines like Avianca and Copa Airlines are expanding their routes, making it easier for travelers to access Colombia’s top birding destinations. As a result, the country’s hospitality industry is thriving, with eco-lodges and boutique hotels popping up across the region to meet the growing demand. Colombia is fast becoming a must-visit destination for eco-tourism, blending adventure, conservation, and local culture in a way that’s attracting more global visitors than ever before.

Increase in Birdwatching Tourism From Canada, U.K. and U.S.

Colombia is becoming one of the most popular destinations to watch birds in the world. With more than 1,900 species of birds, Colombia has increasing opportunities for wildlife observation. For eco-touristic travel, the country is becoming increasingly popular for birdwatching. Eco-tourism is flourishing in the country, and many boutique hotels and eco-lodges are being built to cater to the demands of passengers, primarily from Canada, the U.K., and the U.S., has also increased. Avianca and Copa Airlines are also increasing their routes to accommodate the increase in tourism demand. For those who value sustainable travel and high eco-tourism biodiversity, Colombia has many sustainable travel options, and more infrastructure is becoming available.

Birdwatching Tourism in Colombia: A Global Attraction

Recently Colombia has become a global leader in birdwatching tourism. Colombia is home to almost 20% of the world’s bird species. Some of these species are unique to the country. Colombia is considered the best country to view tropical Amazonian birds and high-altitude Andean birds. Birdwatchers from the U.S., U.K., and Canada are drawn to Colombia’s beautiful jungles, mountains, and wetlands.

Flight Details: Birdwatching Areas of Colombia are Easily Reached

To meet this demand, airlines have increased the number of direct flights to Colombia. Avianca, Colombia’s flagship carrier, provides ongoing flights from major North American hubs, including New York and Miami. Another major player in the region, Copa Airlines, links travellers from the U.S. and Canada to Colombia through Panama, offering one of the most straightforward routes to Medellín, Bogotá, and Leticia in the Amazon, which are important birdwatching destinations.

Airlines have developed specialized services for eco-tourism travelers, including birdwatching enthusiasts, such as extra baggage allowances for binoculars and cameras. Avianca has also catered to birdwatchers by providing a premium service with Wi-Fi equipped flights for their travelers to plan birdwatching trips while still in the air.

A Growing Demand for Eco-Friendly Stays

The growth of birdwatching tourism in Colombia has developed a demand for eco-friendly tourism. Boutique hotels and eco-lodges are being developed within Colombia’s birding hotspots. In the Coffee Region, the birdwatching trails around the towns of Manizales and Pereira have also contributed to the birdwatching tourism. Selina and Casas de la Montaña are two companies that have developed and are operating within the birdwatching eco-lodges and tourism in the Coffee Region.

Eco-lodges in Colombia aim to combine tourist comfort with sustainable practices, allowing travelers to enjoy all the contemporary conveniences while lessening the eco-footprint. These lodgings are usually close to the birdwatching trails, allowing tourists to instantly immerse themselves in the vibrant biodiversity that Colombia offers. Establishments like Selina focus on the younger, eco-friendly clientele, stressing the community component of their lodgings, and practicing low impact tourism.

The Globalizing of Airlines to Colombia’s Birdwatching Destinations

The accessibility to Colombia’s best birdwatching opportunities cannot be offered without the proper connecting flights. Flights from the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. can connect to Colombia. Bogotá and Medellín are served by El Dorado International Airport and José María Córdova International Airport, respectively. These airports are the link to the first birdwatching hotspots in Colombia’s Andes, Amazon, and Pacific.

Avianca and Copa Airlines are responding to the increase in demand by providing direct flights to Colombia from multiple American cities. Avianca is especially well-positioned as the only Colombian airline with daily flights from New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. This facilitates access to Colombia’s prime destination birdwatching locations. Copa Airlines, who has an operational hub in Panama, provides connecting flights to essential Colombian cities like Leticia, in the center of the Amazon basin, which is a major destination for birdwatchers who go to admire tropical species.

The increase in competition among airlines has prompted the Colombian airlines to improve their customer service and the overall flying experience to cater to the needs of eco-tourists. This has made flying to Colombia more comfortable for birdwatchers.

Best Places to Go Birdwatching in Colombia

• Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta: This is the area with the most endemic species in Colombia. Due to the presence of the Santa Marta Parakeet and the Santa Marta Warbler, the region is of increasing importance to avid birdwatchers.
• Coffee Region: The cities of Manizales and Pereira in Colombia’s Coffee Triangle are also well recognized for their diversity of bird species. The region hosts Andean Cock-of-the-Rock and Crested Quetzal.
• Colombian Amazon: Leticia in the Colombian Amazon is the most popular destination for those wanting an authentic jungle experience. here, travelers can see a variety of tropical species including Macaws and the Hoatzin, a prehistoric bird and the most distinctive member of the order Opisthocomidae.
• Chocó Bioregion: The Chocó region is one of the most rainy places on earth and provides birdwatching the opportunity to see the very rare species, Turquoise Cotinga and the Harpy Eagle. The dense tropical rainforest is perfect for birdwatching and eco-tourism.

Travel Tips for Birdwatchers in Colombia

1. Best Time to Visit: Colombia’s dry season from January to March and June to September is most productive for birdwatching as the birds are more active and the trails more accessible.
2. What to Bring: Don’t forget to bring binoculars (for birdwatching, 10x magnification is best), a camera with a zoom lens, and lightweight, breathable (and quick drying) hiking clothes for the humid warm areas.
3. Local Guides: Having a local guide is imperative. They are important not only for their understanding of bird varieties, but also for their skills to reach and navigate remote areas for safe birding. Guides can be organized within your accommodations and through your hotel, as most hotels and eco-lodges offer these services.
4. Stay Sustainable: It is best to seek out hotels and other accommodations focused on eco-tourism and sustainable practices. This is because many of Colombia’s boutique hotels and eco-lodges actively engage in sustainable practices and support community development.
5. Language: Speaking Spanish is not necessary, but your experience will be richer if you learn a few basic phrases. Having a small vocabulary will help you interact more with your guides and local people.
6. Health and Safety: Colombia is undoubtedly safe for tourists, but you should keep yourself updated about current travel advisory protocols. When visiting the Amazon and the Chocó regions, you will need insect repellent to protect yourself from mosquito bites, which can lead to malaria.

The Future of Birdwatching Tourism in Colombia

The economic potential of Colombia’s burgeoning birdwatching tourism industry is highly promising. Birdwatching tourism is forecasted to earn Colombia US$9 million annually. This will create 7,500 jobs and assist in the conservation of the country’s biodiversity. This anticipated growth will also benefit the guides, hotel workers, and craftspeople in rural areas of Colombia, which tend to experience higher rates of economic hardship. These communities will receive the additional benefit of increased sustainable environmental stewardship.

Canada, the U.K., and the U.S. are driving the rise in birdwatching tourism to Colombia, attracted by its rich biodiversity. With airlines like Avianca and Copa Airlines expanding routes, the country is becoming a top eco-tourism destination.

A Must-Visit for Nature Lovers

Birdwatching in Colombia is more than a passion for the avian world; it is a unique opportunity to engage with one of the most varied ecosystems on the globe. Colombia’s eco-tourism industry is expanding as both Avianca and Copa Airlinesp offer more flights and eco-lodges like Selina and Casas de la Montaña offer more sustainable accommodations. Colombia is a must-visit South American country, and most importantly, it guarantees an adventure for birdwatchers and naturalists alike.

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