Andean Foothills, Llanos & Serranía de la Macarena: From the Cundinamarca Antpitta to the Harpy Eagle

After departure, we will transfer to Refugio del Tororoi (approximately 3 hours), with the final hour of the journey completed in 4x4 vehicles due to mountain road conditions and access to the reserve. Upon arrival, we will begin birdwatching activities, including a visit to the Cundinamarca Antpitta observation area, home to one of Colombia’s most localized and endemic species, followed by breakfast at the reserve. Additional target species in this area may include Long-tailed Sylph, Rufous-banded Owl, Ochre-breasted Brushfinch, and Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager. Refugio del Tororoi is a private conservation initiative supported by American Bird Conservancy and operates through a conservation agreement with the local community initiative Sendero La Herrería.

We will then continue to Casa Hillebrand for lunch, followed by birdwatching around the reserve grounds and a bird-friendly coffee tasting experience. Target species may include Band-bellied Owl, Green-bellied Hummingbird, Turquoise Tanager, Red-headed Barbet, and Magpie Tanager. The reserve promotes a bird-friendly coffee production system that integrates sustainable agriculture, habitat conservation, and nature tourism. In the afternoon, we will transfer to Rancho Camaná Reserve, a private nature reserve established in 1993 and recognized as an important biological refuge within the Llanos region. Dinner will be served at the reserve.

The day begins with breakfast followed by birdwatching around the grounds of Reserva Natural Rancho Camaná, along with a visit to the Brumback’s Night Monkey observation site. Additional target species in this area may include Rufous-and-white Wren, Plain-crowned Spinetail, Black-crested Antshrike, Oriole Blackbird, and Violaceous Jay. The reserve protects important remnant forest habitats within the Llanos region and supports conservation and nature tourism initiatives.

We will then transfer to Bosque Bavaria Reserve, one of the top birdwatching localities in the Meta region. This reserve protects key foothill forest habitats and offers opportunities to observe species such as White-chested Puffbird, White-chinned Jacamar, White-browed Antbird, and Blue-fronted Lancebill. Lunch will be served at Amarradero del Mico, a traditional local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will continue our journey to San Juan de Arama, with birdwatching and wildlife observation stops along the route. While the direct drive takes slightly over two hours, travel time may vary depending on roadside birding activity and opportunities to search for iconic Llanos species such as the Giant Anteater. Upon arrival at the hotel, dinner will be served.

After an early departure, we will transfer to the first Harpy Eagle nesting site. Part of the journey will be completed by vehicle, followed by an approximately 1 km walk along forest trails to reach the observation area. Birdwatching and wildlife observation opportunities are expected throughout the route and during the hike. A traditional picnic-style lunch will be served in the field, allowing participants to remain immersed in the forest environment and maximize time at the Harpy Eagle nesting area and surrounding community.

We will spend most of the day at the nesting site and in the nearby community, learning about local conservation efforts and engaging with the people who actively protect these forests and wildlife habitats. During the visit, participants will also take part in the inauguration of the “Mural Sardinata,” a community-based conservation artwork created by a local artist in the days prior to our arrival. Additional target species in the area may include Yellow-billed Jacamar, Collared Trogon, and Chestnut-headed Crake. In the afternoon, we will return to the hotel in San Juan de Arama, followed by dinner and overnight stay.

After departure from San Juan de Arama, we will travel toward the northern foothills of Serranía de la Macarena. The day includes visits to three rural farms that have been strengthening their birdwatching and conservation initiatives in the region, offering a comprehensive view of community-based conservation efforts. Target species throughout the day may include Black-faced Antbird, White-fronted Nunbird, Olive Oropendola, Northern Slaty-Antshrike, Yellow-mandibled Sparrow, Amazonian Motmot, White-breasted Wood-Wren, Burnished-buff Tanager, and Wedge-billed Woodcreeper.

Breakfast will be served at Don Epifanio’s farm, with opportunities to search for the Guianan Cock-of-the-rock. Later, we will continue to Don Franklin’s nesting area via a moderate-level forest trail, followed by lunch in the local settlement, where participants will learn about the community value chain and associated conservation murals. In the afternoon, the group will visit Finca Cachicamo before returning to San Juan de Arama. One of the farms protects an active nesting area, providing insight into the logistics and conservation efforts associated with future wildlife observation activities in the region. Return to the hotel in San Juan de Arama, followed by dinner and overnight stay.

The day begins with breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out and departure from San Juan de Arama toward Villavicencio. Along the route, there will be opportunities to search for the Ornate Titi Monkey (Plecturocebus ornatus), an endemic primate species of the Colombian Llanos region.

We will then visit a coffee cultural station in San Martín de los Llanos for a tasting experience of Café Magia Harpía at Caffeta Colombia. This locally produced coffee originates from areas near Harpy Eagle nesting sites, highlighting the connection between sustainable agriculture and conservation initiatives in the region. The experience will also include a traditional Llanero dance performance by a local dance couple, offering insight into the cultural heritage of the Colombian Llanos.

A farewell lunch will be served at La Talanquera, a traditional Llanos restaurant known for its authentic atmosphere and regional cuisine representative of the cultural identity of the plains.After lunch, we will continue with the transfer back to Villavicencio.