Birdwatching: Around 400 bird species in this area

4.9(23 reviews of Remote Guatapé)ExperiencesRNT 172321
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Awarded by eBird as 1 of the best places on earth for birdwatching. Spot tanagers, flycatchers, hummingbirds, hawks and more.

About this experience

About the tour

Colombia ranked first in the Global Big Day 2025, with more bird species recorded than any other country (see eBird bar chart)

Colombia is the country with the most bird species in the world. In Guatapé and its surroundings alone, there are approximately 400 species of birds. Have a Colombian breakfast while numerous bird species fly past you. Afterwards, enjoy a walk where you will have the opportunity to see and hear a great variety of birds and learn about them with expert ornithologists.

Ebird Global day 11 Oct 2025 to 53 Species

What’s Included?

  • Private birdwatching tour for up to 12 participants.
  • Traditional Colombian breakfast: eggs with hogao, arepa de choclo with fresh cheese, Greek yogurt with fruit and granola, coffee and hot chocolate.
  • Bilingual expert guide (English & Spanish) with over 40 years of birding experience in the region.
  • Guided birdwatching walk (~2.5 km) through lush trails with rivers and waterfalls.
  • Stops at local shops for fruit juices, supporting the local economy.
  • Binoculars, local bird guides, and recommendations to download apps like eBird or Merlin.
  • WhatsApp coordination for directions and details.
  • Medical insurance for all participants.


    • Not included: transport from Guatapé. Add it when you book (about 40 minutes each way) or arrive on your own.

Location & Transportation

The birdwatching farm is located between Guatapé and San Rafael, 35 to 40 minutes from Guatapé. Exact directions and Google Maps location are shared after booking.
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Optional transport: add the round trip from Guatapé when you book, for up to 4 people per vehicle, with your guide. About 40 minutes each way. You may also arrive on your own.

Itinerary

  • Pickup (with transport): at the main square or your hotel in Guatapé. Arriving on your own? We meet you at the farm.
  • Breakfast & Birdwatching: Enjoy a traditional breakfast while the birds greet the morning.
  • Guided Nature Walk: Walk approximately 2.5 km, spotting between 40 to 60 species (depending on the season). Our guide shares local stories, highlights endemics, and explains the rich biodiversity.
  • Juice Breaks: We’ll stop at local shops along the way to refresh with fresh fruit juices and support the local community.
  • Return to Guatapé (with transport): we drop you off at the main square or your hotel.

Duration

Approximately 4 to 5 hours. We recommend starting early to catch the peak bird activity and returning to Guatapé by 1 to 2 pm.

Difficulty Level

Intermediate: not recommended for those with mobility limitations.

What to Bring?

  • Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
  • Light, breathable clothing
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat or cap
  • Swimsuit (optional, in case you’d like to swim in a waterfall)
  • Rain jacket (just in case)

What to Avoid?

  • Bright-colored clothing, wear neutral tones to avoid startling the birds
  • Strong perfumes or colognes, can deter wildlife
  • Loud noises, maintain a calm environment for the best sightings

Pricing & Booking Info

  • Private experience only, perfect for couples, birders, and international travelers.
  • Flexible booking any day of the year.
  • Price includes breakfast, guide, binoculars and medical insurance. Transport from Guatapé is an optional extra.

Safety Measures

  • Certified bilingual guide with over 40 years of experience
  • Medical insurance for all participants
  • First-aid kit on site
  • Tour adapted as much as possible to client needs

Biodiversity & Local Community

Learn about Colombia’s rich bird diversity over 1,950 species in the country! This region alone boasts approximately 400 species between 1,000 and 2,000 meters above sea level. Our local guide shares stories of the region and offers a bird guidebook (available for purchase) that supports the local economy and includes 287 species found here.

Make the most of Guatapé

Meeting point

Just outside Guatapé, at our guide's home.

We send you the exact spot, with its map and directions, once your booking is confirmed.

4.9 · 23 reviews of Remote Guatapé

Across everything we run, on Google, GetYourGuide and Tripadvisor.

  • *This is a late post - my friend and I went in August of 2025. The Guatape River and Waterfalls tour was the best excursion of my LIFE! Honestly, one of my favorite days I’ve ever had. Camilo brought my friend and me to a quiet and secluded area of a river outside Guatape, where there was a beautiful blue green swimming hole under a waterfall. As my friend and I started exploring the river, he set up a gorgeous brunch for us - sandwiches from a local shop, coffee, mimosas. He also set up chairs, mats to lay on in the sun, an umbrella, and binoculars for birdwatching. It was PARADISE. He told us he’d take some pictures of us enjoying the river so we wouldn’t have to worry about capturing the moment. she told us he’d be back in a few hours, and when he returned, he asked if we’d like to stay longer or wanted to go. We happily stayed. If I lived there, I would go there every day. Thank you Camilo!!
    Kara C.on Google
  • We had an excellent experience with Guatape Tours! We booked a sprinter van with them for 12 of us, which was super clean, very comfortable and with air conditioning, to go from Medellin to Guatape and back later that same day. Our driver Christian was wonderful. He was on time, knowledgeable about the area and activities and very friendly. He drove us to hike La Piedra del Penol and then recommended an excellent place for lunch afterwards which he took us too. Afterwards he dropped us off near the malecón to walk and tour the town. It was a great day trip and I appreciated Guatape Tours checking in with me throughout the day and even before to make sure that everything was going smoothly. I highly recommend booking any trip with them!
    Jessica Z.on Google
Read every review

All photos

Multicolored tanager, a bird found only in Colombia, seen on a birding tour near GuatapéBirdwatcher with binoculars at a viewpoint over Guatapé Lake and El Peñol RockBlue-necked tanager perched on a branch near Guatapé, ColombiaWoodpecker with a red crown on a mossy branch, birdwatching in GuatapéMale green honeycreeper in the forest around GuatapéCouple on a birdwatching walk by a rocky forest stream near GuatapéSmall group with binoculars on a forest road during a birding tour in GuatapéSaffron-crowned tanager perched on a branch in the Guatapé areaTravelers standing in a clear mountain river on a nature tour near GuatapéBirdwatchers at a colourful farmhouse with a hummingbird feeder near GuatapéSmall birds in a treetop against a blue sky, spotted on a Guatapé birding tourLocal bird guide leading visitors along a forest trail in GuatapéHummingbird feeding from a small feeder held in a visitor's handClose-up of a hummingbird drinking nectar, a highlight of birding in GuatapéTropical kingbird on a fence post in a farm pasture near Guatapé

Frequently asked questions

How many species can I expect to see?

Typically between 40 and 60 species depending on the season.

Is previous birdwatching experience required?

Not at all! Our guides cater to all levels of experience.

What time does the tour usually start?

Early morning for peak bird activity, we’ll confirm the exact time via WhatsApp but ideally 6:30am.

Are binoculars provided?

Yes! Plus we recommend downloading eBird or Merlin on your phone.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, as long as they can handle the walk and are interested in nature.

What happens if it rains?

We adapt and continue; bring a light rain jacket just in case.

Can I swim in a waterfall?

Yes! Let your guide know, and we’ll make time for it.

Remote Guatapé SAS acts as a tour operator and facilitator for birdwatching experiences. We prioritize your safety and enjoyment, but participants join at their own risk. Our team is committed to providing a safe, authentic, and unforgettable adventure.

Add to your day in Guatapé

Keep exploring: Experiences · all things to do in Guatapé · private transfers from Medellín and the airport.

Travelling as a bigger group?

Tell us how many you are and when: we put the boats, vehicles and guides together for you.

Ask us on WhatsApp