Two Regions, Endless Wings: Discover Colombia’s Butterfly Treasures from the Amazonian Andes to the Eastern Cordillera on a Mocoa Boyacá butterfly trip.
Join us on a spectacular butterfly-watching journey across Colombia’s wild and wonderful landscapes. This expertly guided expedition takes you deep into two vastly different ecosystems. Each is bursting with color, life, and rare butterfly species found nowhere else on Earth.
🌿 From the Amazonian Andes: Putumayo’s Lush Slopes
Our journey begins in Bogotá, where we’ll quickly descend into the misty forests of Putumayo. It is a biodiverse gateway between the Andes and the Amazon. These transitional forests are alive with movement—glittering wings in the canopy, iridescent flashes along riversides, and a mosaic of colors flitting through shaded trails.
Putumayo’s position as a biogeographic crossroads means you’ll witness an extraordinary mix of species, many found only in this ecotone. Whether you’re here for macro photography, butterfly research, or sheer awe, the lowland magic of this region never disappoints.
🦋 To the Mountain Magic of Boyacá
For the second half of our adventure, we ascend to the mid-elevation forests near Santa MarÃa, Boyacá (800–1200m). It is nestled in the Eastern Cordillera. This area is a true biodiversity haven, with researchers estimating over 600 butterfly species inhabiting its slopes.
Over several days, we’ll explore some of the region’s best-known butterfly hotspots. These vibrant trails and forest edges are where butterflies congregate, court, and bask in the light. Expect close encounters with regional specialties like:
- 💎 Morpho menelaus lecromi, Morpho teseus, Morpho peleides
- 🌟 The resplendent Prepona praeneste
- 🦋 The endemic Heliconius heurippa
- ✨ Multiple species of Epiphile, plus representatives from Doxocopa, Perisama, Leodonta, and Catasticta
Tour Dates:
October 2 –15, 2026, registration cutoff is April 1, 2026 at 10:00 pm EST. Plan ahead to discover Mocoa and Boyacá
Tour Leader:
Rob Gilson and Fredy Montero Abril