Tours
Andes Mountains Horseback Riding
Experience the beauty of the countryside as you ride your horse around the San Rafael dam up into the high mountains of La Calera. Enjoy a fun ride with spectacular views filled with andean forest vegetation. Difficulty: This trail is 2 hours long and is suitable for all levels of experience as long as you feel comfortable sitting on top of a horse. The majority of the trail is a narrow, cobblestone pathway that crosses the mountains through sub-páramo forest. You are expected to gain about 100 meters of altitude during the ride and overcome a few boulders while you ride. Note: Riding times are calculated at a horse's walking speed. If you trot with your horse, you will cut the riding time significantly. Duration: The total tour time is 5 hours with 2 hours of horseback riding. Location: La Calera is a town located about 1.4 hours from Bogotá across the Eastern mountains. Weather: The average temperature in La Calera is similar to Bogotá´s (close to 15ºC) and about 12ºC during rainy weather. We experience light rain 20% of the time and heavy rain only about 10% of the time. We suggest wearing jeans or long pants as well as a sweater or jacket. Includes: Tour price includes transport, a helmet, insurance and a horse rental with a local guide. Departure is from Pan Pa Ya in Chapinero (Calle 58 #6-22). For more information on departure you can follow this link to our website. Things to Bring: - Sun protection like a hat or head cap - Narrow boots or closed toed shoes (hiking boots are not ideal for riding horses) - Long pants/jeans (no shorts allowed) - Rainproof jacket and a warm sweater - Money to purchase local snacks like arepas CLICK HERE to see some photos taken during this tour
Chicaque Cloud Forest Birdwatching
Spend time birdwatching in one of the most beautiful cloud forests near Bogotá, home to more than 300 species, including dozens of colorful tanagers, hummingbirds and toucanets. Overnight options available upon request. Difficulty: The terrain in the cloud forest is mostly made of stone pathways that can become rather slippery when wet, and often involve steep inclines that can be demanding in terms of cardio. We are able to adapt the tour for non-hikers, however, and can arrange transportation within the park if necessary. Location: Located about 1 hour south-west of Bogotá. Elevation ranges from 2100-2600 m.a.s.l. Weather: Temperatures commonly range between 10C and 15C and sporadic rain showers are not uncommon. Includes: Price includes private transportation, park entrances, transport by jeep from the lodge back up to the entrance, access to identification materials & a bilingual guide. Breakfast and lunch are not icluded but are available for purchase at the park. Pick-up and drop-off for this tour is at the Pan Pa Ya in Chapinero (Calle 58 # 6-22). For more information on the departure point you can follow this link to our website. *If you are unable to hike downhill would prefer to take transport to the lodge, please select the transport option at the time of booking (keep in mind this will mean losing out on the trail). **If you are interested in an overnight tour to the park you can read more about our multi-day option HERE. Things to Bring: - Rain jacket, water proof poncho or an umbrella - Comfortable non-slip hiking boots - Sun protection, cap or hat Species: Black inca (E), Indigo-capped hummingbird (E), Golden-bellied starfrontlet (NE), Rufous-browed conebill (NE), Scrub tanager (NE), Red-billed emerald (NE), Andean Guan, Emerald toucanet, Flame-faced tanager, Beryl-spangled tanager, Ash-browed spinetail, Three-striped warbler, Slate-throated whitestart, Collared inca, Glowing puffleg, Andean solitaire, Masked flowerpiercer, Chestnut-crowned antpitta (heard), Summer tanager (migratory), Cinnamon flycatcher, Pale-naped brush-finch, Blue-and-black Tanager, Squirrel Cuckoo, Metallic-green Tanager, Common Chlorospingus, Acorn Woodpecker, Montane Foliage-gleaner. CLICK HERE to see some photos taken during this tour
Chingaza Wildlife Safari
If you are looking for something different, then this is your chance! Experience this high-altitude, andean ecosystem filled with unique fauna and flora. What you see here, will make you feel like you have stepped onto another planet. Difficulty: Due to the low oxygen present above 3,500 m.a.s.l., we recommend spending at least one night in Bogotá or at similar altitude prior to joining this tour. Hiking is optional for this tour depending on the interests of the group. Location: Chingaza National Park is located to the North East of Bogotá. Driving time is approximately 2 hours from the city center with a significant amount of 4x4 off roading. CLICK HERE to read more about the páramo ecosystem. Weather: The average temperature in the páramo is 7ºC but it can drop to 2°C in an instant depending on cloud cover. Even in the comfort of a car, it is necessary that you bring proper clothing to protect against rain and cold wind. If you wish to take advantage of some of the hiking trails, proper hiking boots must be worn. Includes: Tour price includes all entrances, private 4x4 transport, personal traveler's insurance and a bilingual guide. Please note that lunch is NOT included but available for purchase at the lodge (cash only). For more information on the departure point you can follow this link to our website. If you are interested in an overnight tour to the park you can read more about our multi-day option HERE. Things to Bring: - Rain gear (waterproof jacket, umbrella, poncho) - Hiking boots, rain boots or waterproof walking shoes (the use of open-toed shoes is not allowed) - Extra warm clothing (scarfs, woolen hats, gloves, thick jackets, sweaters) - Money for lunch/snacks Species: Spectacled bear, White-tailed Deer, Andean Condor, Flame-winged Parakeet (E), Bogota Rail (E), Green-bearded Helmetcrest (E), Blue-throated Starfrontlet (Ess), Pale-bellied Tapaculo (Ess), Bronze-tailed Thornbill (NE), Coppery-bellied Puffleg (NT), Glowing Puffleg, Pale-naped Brush Finch, Purple-backed Thornbill, Rufous Wren, Streak-throated Bush Tyrant, Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager, Sedge Wren, Black Flowerpiercer, Glossy Flowerpiercer, Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager, Black-crested Warbler, Rufous-browed Conebill, Pearled Treerunner, Brown-backed Chat Tyrant, White-throated Tyrannulet, Andean Guan, Black-chested Buzzard Eagle, Andean Teal, Band-tailed Nightjar. CLICK HERE to see some photos taken during this tour
Cloud Forest & Waterfall Hike
Journey with us through green and lush mountain trails as we discover a land filled with waterfalls, biodiversity and a rich local farming culture. Make your way up to the waterfalls in the mountains of Choachí while looking out for orchids deep within the Andes forest. Learn about the locals use of medicinal native plants and try out some fresh milk at the end of your hike. Breathtaking landscapes await! Difficulty: This trail is of medium difficulty with steep, uneven and some slippery surfaces so hiking boots are recommended. However if you only have tennis shoes, please bring a change of shoes in case it rains. It is advisable that you be in good physical condition to join in. Upon request, we are able to provide you with rain boots in most sizes. Duration: The total tour time is 5 hours from start to finish with a 2.5 to 3.0 hour hike. Location: Located about 50 minutes from Bogotá, Aguadulce is a rural village in Choachí of a few dozen families that sits at 3100 meters of altitude within a lush cloud forest. This is the birth place of various mountain water springs and waterfalls so you can expect the soil to be humid. If you would like to know more about the Cloud Forest CLICK HERE. Weather: The average temperature is 12ºC with minimums of 7ºC when it´s cloudy. About 30% of the time we visit here we experience light rain and about 10% of the time we see heavy rain. Includes: Tour price includes entrances, transport, a translator (Spanish-English) and a local community guide. Departure is from Pan Pa Ya in Chapinero (Calle 58 # 6-22). For more information on departure you can follow this link to our website. Things to Bring: - Rain jacket, water proof poncho or an umbrella is a must - Hiking boots / rain boots if possible (no open-toed shoes allowed) - Long pants recommended - Swimsuit if you are brave and want to take a dip in the waterfall (mountain water is ice cold) - Sun protection, cap or hat CLICK HERE to see some photos taken during this tour
Fúquene Lagoon & Handicrafts
Experience life along the water's edge while learning how to make your own handicrafts from local reeds, enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the lagoon with local fishermen and get aquainted with a variety of wetland waterfowl. Duration: Tour is approximately 10 hours from start to finish Location: The Fúquene lagoon is located roughly 2 hours north of Bogotá at an altitude of 2500 m.a.s.l. The lagoon was once one of the largest water bodies in South America and is an important nesting ground for both local and migratory birds. Weather: The average temperature is between 12C and 14C. Weather conditions can change from one minute to the next so it's important to come prepared with protection against both the sun and rain. Includes: Tour price includes all entrances, private transport and a bilingual guide. Departure is from the Pan Pa Ya in Chapinero (Calle 58 #6-22). For more information on departure you can follow this link to our website. Things to Bring: - sun protection - rain gear (umbrella, poncho, waterproof jacket) - hiking boots / closed-toed walking shoes - money to buy snacks and artisan products
Hummingbird Observatory
Just outside of Bogotá there is a hidden gem that will introduce you to +30 species found at higher altitudes in the Eastern Andes, including up to 17 different hummingbirds. Great for photographers, twitchers and beginner birdwatchers! Difficulty: You are not required to have a certain level of physical fitness to participate in this tour. There are short, natural paths on the property that we can use to identify additional species, but these trails are optional. The observatory is located around 3000 m.a.s.l which means the air may be thinner than you are used to. Location: Located about 45 minutes east of Bogotá near the town of La Calera. Weather: The average temperature is 12ºC with minimums of 7ºC when it´s cloudy. About 30% of the time we visit here we experience light rain and about 10% of the time we see heavy rain. Includes: Price includes private transportation, entrances, 3 hours of birdwatching at the hummingbird observatory, refreshment, access to identification materials & a bilingual guide. Departure is from Pan Pa Ya in Chapinero (Calle 58 # 6-22). For more information on departure you can follow this link to our website. Things to Bring: - Rain jacket, water proof poncho or an umbrella - Comfortable non-slip shoes - Sun protection, cap or hat - Cash to spend at the gift shop (optional) Species: Silvery-throated spinetail (E), Rufous-browed conebill (NE), Pale-bellied tapaculo (Ess), Blue-throated Starfrontlet (Ess), Coppery-bellied puffleg (NT), Golden-fronted Redstart, Andean siskin, Glowing puffleg, Scarlet-bellied mountain-tanager, Glossy flowerpiercer, Pale-naped brush-finch, Sword-billed hummingbird, White-bellied woodstar, Great sapphirewing, Green-tailed trainbearer, Black-tailed trainbearer, Eastern meadowlark, White-throated Tyrannulet, Brown-backed chat-tyrant, Red-crested Cotinga, Buff-breasted mountain tanager, Tyrian Metaltail, Mountain Elaenia, Black-crested Warbler, Venezuelan Troupial. CLICK HERE to see some photos taken during this tour
Mountaintop Páramo Trek
Experience this high-altitude andean ecosystem filled with unique fauna and flora. A visit to a private nature reserve in the Páramo of Sumapaz will make you feel like you have stepped onto another planet. Difficulty: The páramo trek is of HIGH DIFFICULTY. We require that you and your party be in good physical condition due to the low oxygen present at high mountaintops. The trails are also uneven, steep and muddy most of the year. The elevation gain for this trek is about 400 meters, starting at 3400 m.a.s.l. and reaching a maximum height of 3800 m.a.s.l. Keep in mind that each hour you spend hiking at high altitudes is the equivalent effort of two hours at sea level. Note: If you are interested in visiting the mountaintops but aren't much of a hiker, we can offer other tour options on horseback or by car in alternative locations. Please email us for details. Duration: The tour is approximately 8 hours total, from start to finish, with a hiking time between 3.5 and 4 hours. The speed of the trek will mostly depend on weather conditions. Location: Sumapaz is located to the South of the city.The driving time is about 2 hours from the departure point with a significant amount of 4x4 off roading. If you would like to know more about the Páramo CLICK HERE. Weather: The average temperature in the páramo is 7ºC, but it can drop down to 2°C very rapidly depending on cloud cover. You could also experience the full strength of the sun with temperatures reaching above 18°C (we never know). The weather on the mountaintop is unpredictable, so you must be prepared for COLD temperatures, WIND and RAIN. We have rain boots in most sizes, scarfs and warm hats that you can borrow from us if you let us know ahead of time. Includes: Tour price includes all entrances, private 4x4 transport and a bilingual guide. Departure is from Pan Pa Ya in Chapinero (Calle 58 #6-22). For further departure information you can follow this link to our website. Things to Bring: - Rain gear (waterproof jacket, umbrella or rain poncho) - Hiking boots or rain boots (open-toed shoes are not allowed) - Warm clothing (scarfs, woolen hats, gloves, jackets, sweaters) - Long pants (we strongly discourage the use of shorts) - Snacks or a bit of money to buy local food on the way back from the mountain CLICK HERE for photos of Sumapaz
Quininí Forest Bird Reserve
With over 200 recorded species, the forest reserve and adjacent shade-grown coffee plantations offer abundant birdlife with excellent photographic opportunities. Difficulty: You are not required to have a certain level of physical fitness to participate in this tour. There are a variety of pathways to choose from and farms that we can visit so routes can be adapted to suite the needs of your party. The average altitude is 1600 m.a.s.l which is 1000 meters lower than Bogotá. Location: Located about 2.5 hours south-west of Bogotá near the town of Tibacuy. Weather: The sub-tropical forest is very green and lush, but can go many months without major rainfall. During the day temperatures can reach 27C, but the average temperature is closer to 22C. Includes: Price includes private transportation, all entrances, access to identification materials & a bilingual guide. * Hotel pick-up (most locations) is included due to the early departure time. Drop-off for this tour is at the Pan Pa Ya in Chapinero (Calle 58 # 6-22). For more information on the drop-off location you can follow this link to our website. Things to Bring: - Rain jacket, water proof poncho or an umbrella - Comfortable non-slip shoes - Sun protection, cap or hat Species: Turquoise dacnis (E), Velvet-fronted euphonia (E), Colombian chachalaca (E), Indigo-capped Hummingbird (E), Scrub tanager (NE), Bar-crested Antshrike (NE), Crimson-backed tanager, Tropical mockingbird, Blue-necked tanager, Saffron finch, Palm tanager, Blue-gray tanager, Red-crowned woodpecker, Thick-billed euphonia, Bay-headed tanager, Orange-chinned parakeet, Spectacled parrotlet, House wren, Black phoebe, Great kiskadee, Ruddy ground-dove, Smooth-billed ani, White-vented plumeleteer, Yellow-headed caracara, Streaked saltator, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Ringed Kingfisher, Bare-faced Ibis, Yellow-bellied Seedeater, Yellow-faced Grassquit CLICK HERE to see some photos taken during this tour
Traditional Bogotá Coffee Tour
Experience the old fashioned way of growing coffee while visiting real small family farms. Enjoy a local game of tejo and taste some of the smoothest coffees in the world. This is a hands-on experience! Duration: The tour lasts approximately 9 hours from start to finish with 5 hours spent on the coffee farms and at points of interest. If you would like a more in-depth coffee experience we offer an overnight Coffee Farm Stay which will allow you to spend the night with a local family on a working coffee farm. Location: This tour takes you to the coffee lands of Cundinamarca, located approximately 2.5 hours from our departure point. Weather: The average temperature in the coffee lands is 24ºC. We experience light rain 10% of the time and very rarely do we see heavy rain. Includes: The tour price includes private transport and bilingual guiding. Food is not included in the price but we can arrange for one of the families to cook a local lunch for COP $10,000 per person. Departure is from Pan Pa Ya in Chapinero (Calle 58 #6-22). For more information on departure you can follow this link to our website. Things to Bring: - sun protection: hat or head cap - sunblock - long pants (short pants are not recommended) - comfortable closed-toed shoes (sandals are not recommended) - money for lunch and to purchase coffee
Urban Wetlands & Botanical Gardens
With close to 200 species, Bogotá is the capital city with the most birds species in the world. Join us and we'll show you some of our favorite spots for waterfowl & local garden residents. Difficulty: Near to the water's edge you will find the terrain to be quite swampy, but generally the land around the wetlands is flat and easily accessible. Rain is always possible, though it doesn't usually last long. Sun protection, comfortable walking shoes and a light waterproof jacket/umbrella are all you'll need. Location: The wetlands we visit are located approximately 20 minutes from our departure point within the city limits. Weather: The savanna wetlands can be found around 2600 m.a.s.l, with average temperatures ranging from 15C to 19C. Short bursts of light rain can be expected at any time. Includes: Price includes private transportation, 2 hours of birdwatching in the botanical gardens, 2 hours of birdwatching in the wetlands, access to identification materials & a bilingual guide. Additional locations are available if you are looking for a full-day experience. Departure is from Pan Pa Ya in Chapinero (Calle 58 # 6-22). For more information on departure you can follow this link to our website. Things to Bring: - Rain jacket, water proof poncho or an umbrella - Comfortable non-slip shoes - Sun protection, cap or hat - Snacks to keep you going for the morning - Cash for morning coffee/snacks (optional) Species: Bogotá rail (E), Apolinar's wren (E), Silvery-throated spinetail (E), Spot-flanked gallinule (Ess), American coot (Ess), Yellow-hooded blackbird (Ess), Rufous-browed conebill (NE), Scrub tanager (NE), Andean ruddy duck, Common gallinule, Purple gallinule, Black flowerpiercer, Lesser Goldfinch, Spectacled parrotlet, Sparkling violetear, White-bellied woodstar, Yellow-backed oriole, Troupial, Shiny cowbird, Palm tanager, Blue-grey tanager, Summer tanager (migratory), Swainson's thrush (migratory), Blue-winged teal (migratory), Blackburnian warbler (migratory), Yellow-billed cuckoo (migratory) CLICK HERE to see some photos taken during this tour