El Dorado Bird Reserve - Colombia Travel

Bogotá
48 . Birdwatching Colombia
Services
Rogitama Biodiversidad
Private Nature Reserve
adscrite to RESNATUR
Municipality of Arcabuco,
department of Boyacá
Target species
The main specialty of the reserve is the Black Inca (Coeligena
prunellei), although other species that maybe seen here and
include White-throated Screech-owl (Megascops albogularis),
Golden-bellied Starfrontlet (Coeligena bonapartei), Silvery-throated
Spinetail (Synallaxis subpudica), Black Flowerpiercer (Diglossa
humeralis).
This is a small private reserve where the owners have been making an extraordinary
eort of ecological restoration over the last 20 years. Originally the place was an open
eld but now has been converted into a small green haven where biodiversity is
recovering. It is located at 7,200 feet above sea level in an area known as “Oak corridor”,
and although there are no Oak forest inside the reserve you will nd important
remnants around the farm. Thanks to the eorts of the owners it is possible now to nd
a great variety of birds, especially hummingbirds including the Black Inca, which is the
emblematic bird of the reserve. The reserve promotes research as one of their main
objectives, and students and researchers will nd a place for their studies. Contact the
Ornitological association Ixobrychus can for
more information about the birds of the reserve.
Coeligena prunellei
(Black Inca)
Arcabuco
Tunja
Lodging is in ve rooms with capacity for 17 people in shared
accommodation; all rooms have private bathrooms with hot water.
there is a food service for guests or visitors (with prior reservation).
There are no guiding services but you may contact a local birding
association or birdwatching tour operator.
How to get there
Access by car along the Bogotá – Tunja highway; once in Tunja take
the road to Bucaramanga and after 40 minutes you will get to the
town of Arcabuco. 3.7 miles after Arcabuco you will see a sign for
the reserve on your right. Turn right on to the unpaved road
immediately after the sign, the reserve is located about 1 mile
ahead on the left hand side of the road. If you are travelling from
Bogotá it will take 3 hours and there are three tolls; another option
is travel from Villa de Leyva.
Tourist facilities
There are no trails but you can walk easily through the farm to dierent parts of the reserve.
In the house you will nd a nice vantage point to observe the birds and hummingbirds in the
garden.
Rates & Opening times
They don’t have opening times or entrance fees, but it is recommended that those people that are
going to spent a day birding ask permition in advance with the owners.
Lodging fees (includes three meals):
There are special rates for students that are working on research in the reserve.
Also look for
The town of Arcabuco is famous for the manufacture of
traditional bakery products. Another attraction is a visit
to the nearby town on Villa de Leyva, famous for its
colonial architecture; the Iguaque National Park is also
on the way to Villa de Leyva.
Reccommendations
Contact
Administrator:
Roberto Chavarro Chavarro
Cell Phone: (+57) 3003834649
E-mail: rogitama1@yahoo.com.mx
rogitama@gmail.com
Panoramic view
Reforestation area
Rooms
Always call in advance to book lodge and food services. The Black Inca can be found here almost
year round. The weather is cold and wet so bring adequate clothing.
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