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El Dorado Ecolodge and Birdwatching Reserve is a hidden gem in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in the cloud forests above Minca in Colombia. It is a dream destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
The reserve protects a unique cloud forest, home to many rare and endemic species of birds and the area offers breathtaking views of the mountains and the Caribbean Sea.
El Dorado is famous for its incredible bird diversity. Over 380 bird species have been recorded here, including the:
1. Santa Marta Parakeet (Pyrrhura viridicata)
2. Santa Marta Screech Owl (Megascops gilesi)
3. Santa Marta Flycatcher (Myiotheretes pernix)
4. Saber Wing of Santa Marta (Campylopterus phainopeplus)
For a full list of bird sightings in the area, visit El Dorado on eBird.
Visitors can explore well-maintained trails and observation decks designed for birdwatching. Expert birding guides help guests spot and identify birds in their natural habitat.
Comfort and sustainability go hand in hand at El Dorado. The ecolodge provides cozy cabins with spectacular views. It uses eco-friendly practices like solar energy and water conservation. Guests can enjoy delicious local cuisine while surrounded by nature.
Beyond birdwatching, the reserve offers unique experiences. Visitors can hike through lush forests, witness stunning sunrises, and learn about conservation efforts. Two of the most popular hikes in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains are accessible from the doorstep of El Dorado, including:
1. Cerro Kennedy: the breathtaking sunrises from Cerro Kennedy (3,100 m) offer panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada and the snow-capped peaks of Pico Cristóbal Colón (5,775 m) and Pico Simón Bolívar (5,730 m), which are the highest peaks in Colombia.
2. Sacred Panku Waterfall: the towering 50-meter-high Sacred Panku Waterfall is a great hike through the thick old-growth jungle. Panku comes from the local Wiwa indigenous language and means “Guardian”. You can hire Wiwi guides for this magical trek.
El Dorado Reserve is more than an ecolodge—it is a globally-recognized birdwatching sanctuary that funds important bird conservation in Colombia and a paradise for bird lovers seeking adventure and tranquility.
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Added By Kyle Pearce
I started Nature Retreats to spotlight ecolodges, retreat centers and ecotourism projects following sustainable tourism practices that benefit local communities and protect fragile biodiversity.
I have been running mindful hiking retreats for the last 7 years that integrate mindful awareness, experiential learning and community building practices.
I have been an experiential learning designer for over a decade through my company DIY Genius, which helps creative people productize their expertise.
Philip Koch
3 weeks agoA fantastic place. Even more if you like birdwatching. I saw White-tipped quetzal, Santa Marta antpitta, White-tailed starfrontlet, Golden-breasted fruiteater, Rusty-headed spinetail, Santa Marta mountain tanager, Blue-naped chlorophonia...just to name a few highlights. Food is excellent and staff is super friendly and helpful. I want to come back soon. Thank you
Thomas Hargreaves
a year agoWe stayed in two lodges for 3 nights. The views are stunning and there are accessible beautiful hikes. It is so peaceful and we loved having a couple of beers and watching the Sunset. A great place to chill out and be one with nature. The lodges could do with some TLC. Our sheets were stained with rust, which we mentioned to the staff and there were lots of insects. The rooms were not cleaned once during our stay which contributed to the insect problem. Electricity and hot water is very intermittent. Our main issue is with the food which was very underwhelming. Obviously with road access to the lodge being so difficult you have no choice but to eat all your meals at the hotel restaurant. It was very expensive by Colombian standards at 80000 COP (£16!!!) for dinner, 75000 COP for lunch and 25000 COP for breakfast per person. There was no choice and each meal was a set menu. The food was bland, often over cooked and very simple. One meal was a chicken soup served with rice which would have been inedible if we weren't extremely hungry from the meagre portions. Overall this place has a lot of potential but I fear for it's future if they don't look after the lodges and improve the food.
Robert McKay
a month agoThis place is wonderful. I spent 7 days birdwatching at El Dorado and loved every moment there. In such a spectacular and remote location, the rooms and the restaurant are very good value. The staff were great! And the birds .... amazing!
Richard Carriker
2 months agoVisited with family to appreciate the beauty of vista Nieve. Stunning vistas.
Frequent Flyer
a year agoIt's paradise on earth and an outstanding location of the last frontier away from civilization. All the luxury in the middle of nowhere, like a mountain oasis. Fred the manager is amazingly service focused. Jorhae is also pretty good and took care of our heavy luggage through tough steps to the cabin. Great food, vegetarian and food preferences were accommodated. The rest is nature at its most pristine. Clouds on your feet, hummingbirds in your front yard and views of the Caribbean ocean on the right and snow capped mountains to your left. Our best Christmas vacation ever.