Birdwatching · El Nido Andino
Birds of the
Eastern Andes
70+ species observed · 43 photographed · subtropical forest (~1,400m)
2 hours from Bogotá, on the western flank of the Eastern Andes.
Subtropical Andean habitat
A coffee farm with forest, trails and birds
El Nido Andino is a family-run finca at ~1,400 m elevation on the western flank of the Eastern Andes (Cordillera Oriental), descending toward the Magdalena valley. A mosaic of coffee plantations, secondary forest, lake and fruit trees attracts a notable variety of species, from hummingbirds at the gardens to the Bar-crested Antshrike, an Andean specialty largely restricted to Colombia.
We've observed more than 70 bird species at the finca. 43 are documented with photographs on this page, and counting, with every guest who goes birding.
A fact we like: José Celestino Mutis launched the Royal Botanical Expedition in 1783 right here in La Mesa, before it moved on to Mariquita. This corner of Cundinamarca has been a place where people stop to look closely at plants and animals for a very long time.
For a sense of the area: in the cloud forests of the Tequendama Fault, on the mountains you can see from here, private reserves have recorded over 340 bird species and Colombian endemics such as the Black Inca and the Turquoise Dacnis. It gives you an idea of the neighbourhood this farm sits in.
Day pass or overnight stay?
Which one suits you
For serious birders
The dawn chorus (5:30–7:30 AM) is the best window of the day. As an overnight guest (room or camping), you are already on the property, with coffee ready and trails open.
See rooms →For day visitors
The day pass runs 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. You will see most species (tanagers, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, the jacamar) but miss the dawn peak.
See day pass →Featured species
5 species worth the trip
These are the five that draw the most interest from international birders: endemics, near-endemics, and range-restricted specialties.
When to come
Dawn makes the difference
Bird activity peaks in the two hours after sunrise (5:30–7:30 AM) and again in late afternoon (4:30–6:00 PM). That is why we recommend at least one overnight stay if birds are your primary interest.
As for season: December to February is the best combination (drier weather + boreal migrants like Summer Tanager). July and August are the second-best window.
Best months, hours and what to bring →
What we say (and don’t)
Honest expectations
| Reality | What to expect |
|---|---|
| 70+ observed, 43 photographed | The 43 with photos are on this page. The total count grows as we document more. |
| Self-guided birding | We provide a trail map on arrival. There is no resident guide, but we can recommend local guides if you want a professional outing. |
| Subtropical foothills (~1,400m) | This is not high-Andes: do not expect Sword-billed Hummingbird or Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. Do expect: hermit hummingbirds, colorful tanagers, antbirds, and a jacamar. |
| 8–15 species per day | We've observed more than 70 species at the finca over time. The diversity accumulates across multiple visits and seasons. |