Colorful Colombia

Nov 7-16, 2027 - Coming Soon!

From the surreal reds, golds, and greens of Caño Cristales to the wide-open savannas and wetlands filled with capybara, giant anteaters, caiman, and spectacular birdlife, this workshop is a visually rich adventure through two of Colombia’s most iconic ecosystems. Timed for peak rainbow colors in Caño Cristales and paired with strong wildlife activity, this 10-day all inclusive Colorful Colombia Workshop is designed for photographers seeking truly unique landscapes and outstanding wildlife opportunities.

Tuition

$10,995
Single Occupancy
All-Inclusive

Max Group Size

Max 6 Students

Instructor(s)

David Swindler

Physical Intensity

Colorful Colombia Landscape and Wildlife Photo Workshop

Highlights

Photograph two of Colombia’s most visually distinct and compelling ecosystems in one seamless itinerary.
Explore Caño Cristales during its prime season, when ideal conditions bring its remarkable rainbow colors to life.
Photograph an exciting variety of wildlife and birdlife including capybara, giant anteater, white-tailed deer, caiman, anaconda, spoonbills, ibises, storks, raptors, monkeys, and more.
Experience a photography-first schedule designed around the most productive times of day for both landscapes and wildlife.
Small group of 6 participants for personalized instruction.
All-inclusive workshop with single occupancy lodging and two round-trip domestic flights.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bogotá
Upon arrival in Bogotá, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred privately to the hotel for a smooth and easy start to the trip. This is a day to settle in, rest, and prepare for the adventure ahead. In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner and meet and greet.

Day 2: Into the Caño Cristales Region
We depart Bogotá and fly to the Caño Cristales region, one of Colombia’s most remarkable landscapes. From there, we continue to a beautifully designed nature lodge set in a lush tropical setting.

Days 3–5: Caño Cristales
These days are devoted to photographing the legendary Caño Cristales, one of the most visually stunning river systems on Earth. Here, vivid aquatic plants, flowing water, sculpted rock, and reflective pools combine into a kaleidoscope of color and form. We keep the schedule flexible so we can capture images when light and river conditions are most favorable.

Day 6: Into a World of Wildlife
Today we leave the Caño Cristales region and continue on to the second half of the workshop. After flying back through Bogotá, we transfer to a comfortable nature-based lodge set in a wild and expansive landscape shaped by open country, waterways, and abundant wildlife habitat. It’s a beautiful change of scenery, setting the stage for the wildlife-focused portion of the adventure.

Day 7: Savannah Grasslands Safari
Our first full day in this region introduces us to sweeping grasslands, wetlands, and big open skies. We work the best light for bird and wildlife photography, with opportunities for species such as storks, spoonbills, ibises, raptors, capybara, white-tailed deer, giant anteater, caiman, and more. As conditions allow, the day may also extend into evening opportunities, when frogs, toads, and nocturnal animals become active.

Day 8: Colombian Safari
Today we continue exploring this remarkable mix of habitats, with the goal of photographing more of the region’s signature wildlife. Forest edges, wetlands, lagoons, and open country create opportunities for a rich variety of subjects, from mammals and reptiles to striking birdlife. Depending on luck and conditions, possibilities may include giant anteater, red howler monkey, green anaconda, tapir, puma, and many of the area’s classic wetland and grassland species.

Day 9: Final Wildlife Photography
Our final photography day is dedicated to making the most of this incredibly productive wildlife region. Its diverse habitats support birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, and we’ll continue working the best available light and subject activity for strong images. This is a chance to round out your portfolio, revisit key subjects, and soak in the atmosphere one last time before the adventure concludes.

Day 10: Departure
We depart for the return flight to Bogotá. The expedition officially concludes upon arrival back in Bogotá by approximately 5 PM. You can plan your return travel for anytime this evening.

Logistics

Plan to arrive in Bogotá anytime on Day 1. On Day 10, we'll arrive back in Bogota no later than 5PM. You can plan your return travel that same evening or book an extra hotel night and fly back the next day.

We highly recommend all participants purchase Travel Insurance to protect their workshop investment. The proper policy will cover trip cancellation in addition to emergency medical and evacuation. We will schedule a zoom meeting when we're a few months out to ensure you are well prepared.

Physical demands are moderate and vary by region. In Caño Cristales, participants should be comfortable walking on rocks, through shallow water, and along uneven trails. During the wildlife portion of the workshop, photography is often vehicle-based but may also involve short walks and extended outdoor sessions in warm, open-country conditions.

This all-inclusive workshop includes single-occupancy lodging, private transportation, two round-trip domestic flights, entrance fees, meals from Day 1 through lunch on Day 10, and gratuities. There are no discounts for double occupancy lodging if you wish to share a room.

Pricing

$10,995/ PERSON + TAX

Trip Includes:

9 nights single occupancy hotel lodging. Double occupancy is not available.
Two round-trip domestic flights
All meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages from the welcome dinner on Day 1 through lunch on Day 10.
Private van and 4x4 transportation
All reserve and private property entrance fees
Action Photo Tours instructor, certified expedition leader, and local naturalist guides.
Gratuities for drivers, guides, and hospitality staff.
Post-processing and image critique
Pre-workshop zoom meeting

Trip Does NOT Include:

Flights to and from your home to Bogota, Colombia.
Alcoholic beverages and room incidentals.

The Fine Print:

25% deposit required to hold your spot.
50% payment is due May 7, 2027.
Final 25% payment is due July 7, 2027.
If you need to cancel, a full refund less a $300 cancellation fee will be given once your spot is filled by another participant. If domestic flights have already been purchased in your name, no refunds can be given for the airfare.
Loyalty discounts are not available for this international workshop.
See the full Terms and Conditions.

Recommended Camera Gear

Digital SLR or mirrorless camera body. Two bodies recommended.
Wide angle lens in the 16-35mm range or wider.
Mid-range zoom lens in the range of 24-100mm.
Long telephoto zoom lens in the 100-600mm range. A lens that only reaches 200mm is not long enough for wildlife.
Tripod and L-bracket for your camera.
Circular polarizer and ND filters for your wide and mid-range lenses.
Backpack to carry your camera gear.
Extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies.
Laptop if you wish to backup your photos or do any post-processing.

Personal Gear List

Waterproof and windproof shell jacket.
Warm layer for cooler mornings.
Comfortable long-sleeve shirts for sun protection.
Sturdy footwear and long pants.
Headlamp
Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Sun Hat.
Refillable water bottle.
Power adapter for Colombia
Ear plugs and eye-mask for better sleeping.
Medications and Toiletries

Trusted by Over 900 Reviews

David Swindler

Founder - Photography Instructor

David Swindler is an award-winning landscape and wildlife photographer. Among others, he has been recognized by the International Photography Awards, Siena International Photo Awards, International Aerial Photographer of the Year, Sony World Photography Awards, International Landscape Photographer of the Year, and National Geographic. He received a degree in chemical engineering and worked in the semiconductor industry specializing in optics and photolithography. In 2014, he left his day job to follow his true passion. He has traveled to some of the most remote regions of the world and has extensive experience photographing a wide variety of subjects and conditions. As the founder of Action Photo Tours, he finds great satisfaction in helping others learn photography, especially in the wild desert environment near his home in Kanab, UT. David is an expert in night photography and loves to get out and shoot the starry night skies.

Gallery Awards and Media Coverage

Having guided photo tours for years, David is very familiar with many different types of cameras. He is a master with light and composition. But most importantly, his dedication to his clients is what really sets him apart! But don't take our word for it - read what others are saying: Trip Advisor.