Birdwatching in the Andean Forest

Birdwatching Options

During the booking process, you'll be able to choose between 2 options, depending on where you wish to do this exciting birdwatching experience. Both options include pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Pitalito. These are the following options available:

Birdwatching in El Recreo Eco-Farm (10 Hours)

After picking you up from your accommodation, we'll make our way to El Recreo Eco-Farm, about 30 minutes away.

As soon as we arrive, we'll walk along the estate's trails to begin this birdwatching experience. The department of Huila ranks 12th on the national list of places to enjoy this activity, with more than 700 different species.

During our 1.5-kilometre (0.93-mile), easy-level hike, we'll come across some of the area's species, such as the bronze-winged parrot, the barred antshrike and the apical flycatcher, amongst many. As we explore, we will, of course, tell you all might want to know about these animals.

Once we've finished our trek, you'll be able to take a refreshing dip in “El pozo de la eterna juventud” (The Well of Eternal Youth), a body of crystal-clear waters in the midst of nature. In this area of the estate, we'll also enjoy a relaxing mud treatment.

After this revitalising break, we'll have a delicious typical Colombian lunch. After re-energising, we'll participate in a "Recharging from a tree" activity, that will make us feel connected to nature. What a high note to end on!

Lastly, we'll begin the journey back to our initial starting point, where we'll arrive after a total of 10 hours.

Birdwatching in El Encanto Natural Reserve (12 Hours)

We'll pick you up from your hotel and make our way to El Encanto Reserve, located in the town of Palestina, 45 minutes away from Pitalito.

Once there, we'll be welcomed with a cup of Colombian coffee and a tasty breakfast. Having re-energised, we'll follow a trail in the reserve to get to know and appreciate the enormous variety of birds that live in this place. Along the way, we'll be able to spot species such as the gorgeted woodstar, the rufous-tailed hummingbird, or the black-chested fruiteater.

After our 4-kilometre (2.5 miles) walk, we'll have a well-deserved lunch. After eating, we'll discuss the diverse fauna and flora that characterise this area while we explore the estate's orchid gardens.

We'll have a stop at the pools of River Guarapas, which runs through the reserve where, if you wish, you can take a dip in the middle of this paradise surrounded by emerald-green mountains. You'll love it!

After this, we'll return to our initial meeting point, where we'll say our goodbyes after a total of 12 hours.

Hotel Pickup

Please note that hotel pickup and drop–off services are included in this activity for those staying in the urban area of Pitalito. The starting time will also vary depending on the option you select:

• Birdwatching in El Recreo Eco-Farm: we'll pick you up from 7 am
• Birdwatching in El Encanto Natural Reserve: we'll pick you up from 6 am