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.

The reserve is surrounded by humid forest in Colombia’s Western Andes, home to an extraordinary variety of birds. Here, first-time birders and seasoned photographers alike find exceptional opportunities without disrupting the natural rhythm of the habitat.

Our expert local guides interpret the landscape and help guests make the most of the forest’s light, sounds, and fleeting moments.

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

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

Lesson’s Motmot: complete bird within the frame — Lesson’s MotmotMomotus lessonii

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

White-throated Quail-Dove: complete bird within the frame — White-throated Quail-DoveZentrygon frenata

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

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

Crowned Woodnymph: complete bird within the frame — Crowned WoodnymphThalurania colombica

Masked Trogon: complete bird within the frame — Masked TrogonTrogon personatus

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 Tanager: complete bird within the frame — Golden TanagerTangara arthus

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, editing, 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 without intruding

Our hides are strategically positioned throughout the reserve, offering a comfortable and low-impact way to watch and photograph birds in their natural habitat.

Birding and photography visits are available by appointment only and must be booked at least five days in advance so we can coordinate guides, timing, and hide access.

Birding takes place from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., allowing ample time to explore the trails and hides at the unhurried pace the forest 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