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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'm a serial entrepreneur, autodidact and a passionate advocate for community-driven experiential learning outdoors.
I have been running unplugged nature retreats for the last 7 years that integrate embodied mindfulness, experiential learning and community building practices for improving mental health and developing ecological awareness.
I started the Nature Retreats website to spotlight ecolodges, retreat centers and ecotourism projects following sustainable tourism practices that benefit local communities and protect biodiversity.
When I’m not unplugged in nature, you’ll find me plugged into the matrix running Social Creators, an AI-powered marketing automation platform that helps experience creators sell their group coaching, workshops and retreats.
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.
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.
Richard Carriker
3 weeks agoVisited with family to appreciate the beauty of vista Nieve. Stunning vistas.
James Koski
a year agoA wonderful lodge with absolutely incredible views. The staff is friendly and helpful, food is very good, and the birds and wildlife are fantastic. This is a must see/do if visiting Colombia.
Robert Flores
2 weeks agoThe views and nature are specatural. But if you're a person of color, expect to be ignored and receive low quality service. You have to hunt someone down when its time for lunch and expect to be served last despite being the first to show up to the resturant. Any anemities that they offer you have to constantly inquire what the hell they even offer. For my white counterparts however, they receive the royal treatment with a grand introduction to the location and what they can expecct. I wish I could put 0 stars.