Private bird reserve · Nilo · Cundinamarca

180+ species,
one historic house.

14 hectares of coffee shade, dry tropical forest and gallery forest along Quebrada La Esmeralda. The same dawn chorus that woke Sindici in 1887 still wakes our guests — only now, we have a checklist.

See USD packages Species checklist eBird hotspot ↗
180+
Recorded species
14
Hectares · 3 habitats
5:30
Sunrise walk · daily
Three habitats, one walk

From shade-grown coffee
to gallery forest.

Foto · Cafetal de sombra

Shade-grown coffee

Working coffee farm with native canopy: guamo, cedro, cámbulo. Habitat for tanagers, woodcreepers and the occasional motmot.

~70 species recorded
Foto · Bosque seco

Dry tropical forest

A threatened biome of the Magdalena valley. Home to Niceforo's Wren and several Tropical Andes endemics found at this elevation only here.

~85 species recorded
Foto · Galería ribereña

Riparian gallery forest

Quebrada La Esmeralda runs through the property. Kingfishers, herons, the resident Sunbittern pair, and migratory warblers between Oct — Apr.

~55 species recorded
Target species

Highlights of the checklist.

Download full checklist (PDF)
Vermilion Cardinal
Cardenal Pico de Plata
Cardinalis phoeniceus
Niceforo's Wren
Cucarachero de Nicéforo
Thryophilus nicefori · endemic
Sunbittern
Garza del Sol
Eurypyga helias
Russet-throated Puffbird
Bobo Barbón
Hypnelus ruficollis
Velvet-fronted Euphonia
Eufonía Frentiterciopelo
Euphonia concinna · endemic
Apical Flycatcher
Atrapamoscas Apical
Myiarchus apicalis · endemic
Indigo-capped Hummingbird
Colibrí Cabeciazul
Saucerottia cyanifrons · endemic
Tropical Mockingbird
Sinsonte Tropical
Mimus gilvus

4 Colombian endemics recorded on property. Full annotated checklist (180+ species, frequency, habitat) available as PDF or live eBird hotspot.

Birding packages · USD

Three lengths,
one price all-in.

3 nights · weekend

Magdalena Sampler

$720 USD / person
  • 3 nights, double occupancy
  • 2 guided sunrise walks
  • Daily breakfast + dinner
  • Heritage house tour
  • Airport pickup BOG
Book 3N package
Most booked
5 nights · classic

Cundinamarca Classic

$1,180 USD / person
  • 5 nights, double occupancy
  • 4 guided sunrise walks
  • 1 day-trip to Sumapaz canyon
  • All meals + coffee tasting
  • Heritage tour + concert
  • Airport pickup BOG
Book 5N package
7 nights · deep

Endemics Expedition

$1,640 USD / person
  • 7 nights, double occupancy
  • 6 guided walks (sunrise + dusk)
  • 2 day-trips (Tatacoa + Sumapaz)
  • All meals · pack lunches
  • Photo blind access
  • Annotated checklist printed
  • Airport pickup BOG
Book 7N package

Prices in USD per person, double occupancy. Single supplement +35%. Custom itineraries (10–14 nights, photo-only, spousal program) on request. Group of 4+ — 10% off.

Foto · Guía local
Your guide

Local · bilingual · certified.

Daniel Sindici (sí, descendiente lejano del compositor) lleva 14 años recorriendo estos caminos. Asociación Bogotana de Ornitología, eBird reviewer for Cundinamarca, fluent English. Spotting scope, recordings, and second-language patience included.

  • 14 years guiding · 1.200+ days in the field
  • eBird reviewer · Cundinamarca
  • Spotting scope, parabolic mic, photo blinds
  • Available for groups up to 6 birders
When to come

Year-round, with two peaks.

JAN — FEB
Dry · 165 sp
MAR — APR
Migration · 180 sp
MAY — JUL
Wet · 145 sp · breeding
AUG — SEP
Transition · 155 sp
OCT — DEC
Migration peak · 180 sp

Best months for endemics: Mar–Apr & Oct–Dec, when neotropical migrants overlap with resident breeders. Dry months (Jan, Feb, Jul) are easiest for photography.

Birder FAQ

Practical answers.

Do I need previous birding experience?

No. The 3-night Sampler works perfectly for first-time neotropical birders — the guide adjusts pace and target species based on your level. The 7-night Expedition assumes you can handle 12km/day on uneven terrain.

Can I pay in USD by international transfer?

Yes. We accept USD by international wire (Wells Fargo correspondent), Wise, or major credit card (3% surcharge). Deposit of 30% confirms reservation; balance due on arrival.

Is there a minimum group size?

No minimum. Solo birders are welcome (single supplement applies). Maximum group size per guide is 6 to keep the experience intimate; larger groups split with a second guide.

What's the elevation? Will I get altitude sickness?

Casa El Prado sits at 480m. No altitude issues. Day trip to Sumapaz canyon climbs to 2,800m — we go slowly with coca tea breaks.

Photography — blinds and ethics?

Two permanent blinds at active feeders + one mobile blind. We do not use playback for endemics or threatened species. Photo-only itineraries can be arranged with longer stays at blinds.

Is travel insurance required?

Strongly recommended. We're 2.5h from Bogotá — the closest hospital with English-speaking staff. We carry first-aid + satellite phone on day trips.

Ready to add some endemics to your life list?

Tell us your dates, target species, and group size. We'll send a custom itinerary in 24h. No deposit until you approve.

Request itinerary