Mitu

Mitu sits on the Vaupes river near the Brazilian border with no road to anywhere - flights from Bogota are the only practical access, and the surrounding country is Amazon forest on white sand and rock of the Guiana Shield. That geology is why birders come: white-sand forest supports a specialised bird community that does not occur on richer soils, and the trails around Mitu hold species that are extremely difficult to see anywhere else in Colombia, with lists from a week here running very high. Access to the trails goes through the indigenous communities whose land they cross, with permissions and guides arranged locally. The population is largely indigenous, of several peoples. The town was attacked in 1998 during the conflict and held for days.

What you actually see

• White-sand forest birds - a specialised community found on poor soils.
• No road access at all - flights from Bogota only.
• Guiana Shield geology - rock and white sand under Amazon forest.
• Community-controlled trails - permissions arranged locally.

When to go

December to March. Several days.

Honest expectations

Flights are limited, expensive and sometimes cancelled. Trails cross indigenous land and require permission and guides. Facilities in town are basic. Heat, humidity and insects are constant.

Nearby

The Brazilian border is close; Puerto Inirida is north-east.