Birdwatching Near Bogotá

Can you imagine waking up to the sound of toucans or walking among free-flying hummingbirds? At Villa del Moján, birdwatching is more than an activity—it’s a sensory experience immersed in nature.

🌎 A Unique Ecosystem

Located just 90 minutes from Bogotá and 45 minutes from Chingaza National Park—home to over 531 registered bird species—Villa del Moján sits at the intersection of high Andean forest, páramo, and natural streams. This rich ecosystem offers the perfect habitat for birdwatchers of all levels.

🗺️ What Our Tours Include

Private ecological trails
Streamside areas (ideal for toucans)
Hummingbird feeders
Panoramic viewpoints
Guided expeditions to Chingaza National Park
Bilingual naturalist guides
Professional binoculars available
Sunrise tours starting at 5:30 AM—no need to wake up early in Bogotá!

🐤 Frequently Spotted Birds

Guests often observe:

Endemic páramo hummingbirds
Black-billed Andean toucan
Parrot flocks
Red-breasted and yellow-breasted tanagers
Mountain hawks
And dozens more species

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📲 Recommended Apps Before You Visit

Merlin Bird ID (Cornell Lab) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Identify birds by photo or sound
Interactive guide with images, songs, and maps
Download the “Colombia” pack for offline use
FREE

iNaturalist ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Upload bird photos for community ID
Also works for plants, insects, amphibians
FREE

eBird (Cornell Lab) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Log your sightings
See which species have been spotted at Villa del Moján
Distribution maps
Contribute to citizen science
FREE

🧭 Birdwatching Etiquette



Respect the birds

❌ Don’t get too close
❌ Avoid loud playback of bird calls
❌ Don’t feed birds (except at official feeders)
❌ Never touch nests or chicks



Respect other birders

🤫 Speak quietly
🤐 Don’t walk through someone’s line of sight
👉 Share bird locations clearly (“12 o’clock, middle branch of the big tree”)e”)



Respect the habitat

♻️ Leave no trash
🥾 Stay on marked trails
🌿 Don’t pick plants or break branches



Responsible photography

❌ No flash
❌ Don’t remove vegetation for a better shot
✅ Patience > forcing the photo

FAQ

How much do tours cost?

Included FREE with overnight stay (from $100,000/night per person)
Day pass (no lodging): $40,000 per person

What time should I arrive?

If staying overnight:
- Check-in: 3:00 PM
- For sunrise tour: arrive the evening before
- Wake-up: 5:15 AM (we’ll have coffee ready)
- Tour starts: 5:30 AM
If visiting for the day:
- Sunrise tour: arrive by 5:25 AM (leave Bogotá ~3:30 AM)
- Regular morning tour: arrive by 7:00 AM
- Honest tip: If you’re waking up that early, it’s better to stay the night before

Do I need experience?

No! Our tours are designed for all levels:

Beginners: Learn from scratch (binocular use, basic ID)
Intermediate birders: Improve techniques, discover new species
Experts: Access to specialized species and advanced routes
Families: Kids love seeing hummingbirds up close!

Youngest guest: 6 years old
Oldest guest: 78 years old
If you can walk 400 meters, you can do the basic tour.

Can I take photos?

Absolutely! We encourage responsible photography.

With phone:
✅ Great for hummingbirds at feeders
✅ Works for large birds like toucans
❌ Hard for distant small birds
With camera:
- Recommended: 300mm+ telephoto lens
- No flash
- Use burst mode for movement
- Fast shutter speed (min. 1/1000s)

What fitness level is required?

Basic tour at hotel: EASY
- 400m trail, flat or gentle slope
- Slow walk with frequent stops
- Suitable for most ages and conditions
Chingaza expedition: MODERATE
- 2–4 km hikes
- Altitude: 3,000–3,500 m
- Some steep trails
- Requires reasonable fitness
- Contact us if unsure

What if it rains?

Rain does NOT cancel tours (unless dangerous thunderstorms). In fact:

Birds are more active after rain
Wet ground makes for quieter walking
Some species prefer humid weather

What to do:

Bring a waterproof jacket (required)
Protect your camera with a plastic bag
Our binoculars are splash-resistant
If weather is unsafe, we reschedule at no cost

How do I get there from Bogotá?

By car:
- Approx. 90 minutes
- Route: Exit via Calle 85 → La Calera → Km 15
- Free parking available
By public transport:
- Bus from Bogotá to La Calera
- Taxi/Uber from La Calera to Villa del Moján (15 km)
Group transport:
- We can arrange group transport (ask for availability and pricing)
- Exact directions sent via WhatsApp upon booking