Birding & photography

The wait becomes a wonderful encounter with the birds.

330 bird species, four photography hides, and a restored forest designed for respectful, close-up observation.

Birds of San Felipe

A remarkable place to slow down and look closely.

San Felipe is a 22-hectare Natural Reserve immersed in the magic of the cloud forest, strategically located at the legendary Km 18 in Colombia’s Western Andes and home to an extraordinary variety of birds. Here, professional photographers, enthusiasts, and birdwatchers find exceptional opportunities without disrupting the natural rhythm of the habitat.

Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush: complete bird within the frame — Orange-billed Nightingale-ThrushCatharus aurantiirostris

Multicolored Tanager: complete bird within the frame — Multicolored TanagerChlorochrysa nitidissima

Andean Motmot: complete bird within the frame — Andean MotmotMomotus aequatorialis

Crimson-rumped Toucanet: complete bird within the frame — Crimson-rumped ToucanetAulacorhynchus haematopygus

White-tipped Dove: complete bird within the frame — White-tipped DoveLeptotila verreauxi

Summer Tanager: complete bird within the frame — Summer TanagerPiranga rubra

Brown Violetear: complete bird within the frame — Brown VioletearColibri delphinia

Green Hermit: complete bird within the frame — Green HermitPhaethornis guy

Collared Trogon: complete bird within the frame — Collared TrogonTrogon collaris

Sickle-winged Guan: complete bird within the frame — Sickle-winged GuanChamaepetes goudotii

Green Honeycreeper: complete bird within the frame — Green HoneycreeperChlorophanes spiza

Black-capped Tanager: complete bird within the frame — Black-capped TanagerStilpnia heinei

Common Squirrel-Cuckoo: complete bird within the frame — Common Squirrel-CuckooPiaya cayana

Blue-winged Mountain Tanager: complete bird within the frame — Blue-winged Mountain TanagerAnisognathus somptuosus

Golden-olive Woodpecker: complete bird within the frame — Golden-olive WoodpeckerColaptes rubiginosus

Andean Emerald: complete bird within the frame — Andean EmeraldUranomitra franciae

Flame-rumped Tanager: complete bird within the frame — Flame-rumped TanagerRamphocelus flammigerus

Blue-necked Tanager: complete bird within the frame — Blue-necked TanagerStilpnia cyanicollis

Nature photography

Diego Jaramillo Rebolledo

A close friend of San Felipe, Diego is the talented photographer who has captured the biodiversity of our reserve in the images featured throughout this website. An economist from Universidad del Valle, he has built an outstanding national and international executive career and completed postgraduate studies in Spain.

Diego brings together rigorous analytical thinking and a deep sensitivity for the environment. He specializes in bird photography and leads practical workshops and immersive field sessions, sharing techniques in composition and observation with a strong focus on conservation and respect for wildlife.

Birding at San Felipe

The forest reveals itself to those willing to wait.

Discover our trails, photography hides, and expert-led birding in Colombia’s Western Andes.

Photography hides

Four places to get closer

Our photography hides are strategically positioned throughout the reserve.

To coordinate guides, schedules, and locations, birdwatching (Birding) and photography visits are available by appointment only and must be booked in advance.

Birdwatching (Birding) and photography take place from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., allowing time to explore the trails and hides at the rhythm each encounter deserves.

Plan a birding visit →

Path of Life

El Torito, the Tree of Life, and El Mirador come together along a trail shaped by scenery and birdlife.

Path of the Soul

Step deeper into the forest in search of elusive species rarely seen in open areas.

Expert guiding

Local knowledge helps reveal calls, behavior, and the best moments to watch and photograph.

Bird photography workshops

Hands-on sessions on reading light, choosing camera settings, and composing thoughtful images from our trails and photography hides.

San Felipe Lodge

Your next great photograph may begin here.

Book in advance and let us tailor every detail of your stay.

Book now