El Encanto & La Drymophila: 4-Day Southern Huila Birding Tour
A private 4-day birding tour exploring El Encanto, El Alma and La Drymophila, with two mornings dedicated to rare Andean birds.
About this tour
Discover the birds and varied landscapes of southern Huila during a private four-day experience based at El Encanto Nature Reserve.
The tour combines three complementary birding locations with different habitats and elevations. Guests stay at El Encanto, a family-run nature reserve located at approximately 1,350 metres above sea level. Its gardens, feeders, trails and surrounding forest provide excellent opportunities for relaxed birdwatching and photography.
Two mornings are dedicated to La Drymophila, a protected Andean mountain forest located at approximately 2,000 metres. This is the tour’s main birding destination and offers opportunities to search for many of the region’s rare and highly sought-after birds. Its trails, feeders, hides and observation areas are suitable for both birdwatching and photography.
The second visit to La Drymophila provides another opportunity to search for target birds not observed during the first morning, explore different areas and reduce the effect of changing weather or bird activity.
The tour also includes birdwatching at El Alma, a nearby wetland under ecological restoration. Its aquatic habitat and surrounding open agricultural areas complement the mountain forest and gardens, offering a different selection of birds.
The itinerary includes airport transfers, three nights of accommodation, scheduled meals, three days of specialized bird guiding, two 4x4 visits to La Drymophila and its corresponding entrance fees.
The afternoon itinerary may be adjusted between El Encanto and El Alma according to the birds already observed, the guests’ target list and local conditions. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, but every activity is planned to provide the best possible opportunities while minimizing disturbance to birds and their habitats.
The tour combines three complementary birding locations with different habitats and elevations. Guests stay at El Encanto, a family-run nature reserve located at approximately 1,350 metres above sea level. Its gardens, feeders, trails and surrounding forest provide excellent opportunities for relaxed birdwatching and photography.
Two mornings are dedicated to La Drymophila, a protected Andean mountain forest located at approximately 2,000 metres. This is the tour’s main birding destination and offers opportunities to search for many of the region’s rare and highly sought-after birds. Its trails, feeders, hides and observation areas are suitable for both birdwatching and photography.
The second visit to La Drymophila provides another opportunity to search for target birds not observed during the first morning, explore different areas and reduce the effect of changing weather or bird activity.
The tour also includes birdwatching at El Alma, a nearby wetland under ecological restoration. Its aquatic habitat and surrounding open agricultural areas complement the mountain forest and gardens, offering a different selection of birds.
The itinerary includes airport transfers, three nights of accommodation, scheduled meals, three days of specialized bird guiding, two 4x4 visits to La Drymophila and its corresponding entrance fees.
The afternoon itinerary may be adjusted between El Encanto and El Alma according to the birds already observed, the guests’ target list and local conditions. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, but every activity is planned to provide the best possible opportunities while minimizing disturbance to birds and their habitats.
Birds you can spot
Apical Flycatcher
Myiarchus apicalis
target
Myiarchus apicalis
target
Bar-crested Antshrike
Thamnophilus multistriatus
target
Thamnophilus multistriatus
target
Black-streaked Puffbird
Malacoptila fulvogularis
target
Malacoptila fulvogularis
target
Black-tipped Cotinga
Anthocephala berlepschi
target
Anthocephala berlepschi
target
Chestnut-crowned Antpitta
Grallaria hypoleuca
target
Grallaria hypoleuca
target
Colombian Chachalaca
Ortalis columbiana
target
Ortalis columbiana
target
Golden-breasted Fruitcrow
Pipreola lubomirskii
target
Pipreola lubomirskii
target
Golden-crowned Woodnymph
Chaetocercus heliodor
target
Chaetocercus heliodor
target
Hooded Antpitta
Grallaricula cucullata
target
Grallaricula cucullata
target
Long-tailed Antbird
Drymophila caudata
target
Drymophila caudata
target
Maroon-bellied parakeet
Pyrrhura melanura
target
Pyrrhura melanura
target
Olivaceous Siskin
Atlapetes fuscoolivaceus
target
Atlapetes fuscoolivaceus
target
Peruvian Pigeon
Leptotila conoveri
target
Leptotila conoveri
target
Puerto Rican Emerald
Chlorostilbon poortmani
target
Chlorostilbon poortmani
target
Rufous-vented Tapaculo
Chamaeza turdina
target
Chamaeza turdina
target
Violet-fronted Brilliant
Heliodoxa leadbeateri
target
Heliodoxa leadbeateri
target
Violet-headed Hummingbird
Chlorostilbon gibsoni
target
Chlorostilbon gibsoni
target
Yellow-throated Spadebill
Platyrinchus flavigularis
target
Platyrinchus flavigularis
target
Itinerary ▼
Day 1
Arrival and Afternoon Birding at El Encanto
14:00 - 18:30
Gardens, trails and secondary forest 1350
Meet at Contador Airport (PTX) in Pitalito at 2:00 p.m. and transfer to El Encanto Nature Reserve. After arrival and check-in, enjoy a gentle hike through the reserve’s trails and explore its gardens, feeders and surrounding secondary forest. This first afternoon offers a relaxed introduction to the local birdlife and opportunities for birdwatching and photography. Dinner will be served at approximately 6:30 p.m., followed by an overnight stay at El Encanto.
Accommodation:
El Encanto Nature Reserve
Private single room
Three nights in a private single room at El Encanto Nature Reserve. All rooms have a private bathroom and Wi-Fi access. The lodge is surrounded by gardens, bird feeders and natural habitats, allowing guests to enjoy birdwatching close to their accommodation. Breakfast and dinner are served at the lodge according to the itinerary.
Day 2
La Drymophila and El Alma Birding
05:00 - 18:30
Andean mountain forest, trails, feeders, hides and restored wetland 2000
Start early with a morning visit to La Drymophila, the tour’s main birding destination and home to many of the region’s rare and highly sought-after birds. Explore its Andean mountain forest, trails, feeders, hides and observation areas with a specialized local guide. Around midday, return to El Encanto for lunch. In the afternoon, visit El Alma, a nearby wetland under ecological restoration, for birdwatching in its aquatic habitats and surrounding open agricultural areas. Return to El Encanto for dinner at approximately 6:30 p.m., followed by an overnight stay.
Accommodation:
El Encanto Nature Reserve
Private single room
Three nights in a private single room at El Encanto Nature Reserve. All rooms have a private bathroom and Wi-Fi access. The lodge is surrounded by gardens, bird feeders and natural habitats, allowing guests to enjoy birdwatching close to their accommodation. Breakfast and dinner are served at the lodge according to the itinerary.
Day 3
Second Visit to La Drymophila and Flexible Afternoon Birding
05:00 - 18:30
Andean mountain forest, gardens, secondary forest or restored wetland 1200
Start early with a second morning visit to La Drymophila, focusing on target birds not observed during the previous day and allowing additional time to explore its Andean mountain forest, trails, feeders, hides and observation areas. Around midday, return to El Encanto for lunch. In the afternoon, continue birding at either El Encanto or El Alma, depending on the birds already observed, the guests’ remaining target species and local conditions. Return to El Encanto for dinner at approximately 6:30 p.m., followed by an overnight stay.
Accommodation:
El Encanto Nature Reserve
Private single room
Three nights in a private single room at El Encanto Nature Reserve. All rooms have a private bathroom and Wi-Fi access. The lodge is surrounded by gardens, bird feeders and natural habitats, allowing guests to enjoy birdwatching close to their accommodation. Breakfast and dinner are served at the lodge according to the itinerary.
Day 4
Final Morning at El Encanto and Departure
06:00 - 11:00
Gardens, feeders, trails and secondary forest 900
Enjoy a relaxed final morning of birdwatching around El Encanto’s gardens, feeders, trails and surrounding secondary forest. After breakfast, check out and transfer to Contador Airport (PTX) in Pitalito for departure. The transfer time will be adjusted according to the guests’ flight schedule.
Accommodation:
El Encanto Nature Reserve
Private single room
Three nights in a private single room at El Encanto Nature Reserve. All rooms have a private bathroom and Wi-Fi access. The lodge is surrounded by gardens, bird feeders and natural habitats, allowing guests to enjoy birdwatching close to their accommodation. Breakfast and dinner are served at the lodge according to the itinerary.
Locations & map
- El Encanto Nature Reserve - Huila Colombia (Humid Andean mountain forest with trails, feeders, hides and specialized bird photography areas.)
Availability & pricing
DateStatusSeatsFrom
Jul 23, 2026 - Mar 23, 2027
open
5/5
$670
Included
- Accommodation - Three nights in a private single room at El Encanto Nature Reserve.
- Scheduled meals - Three breakfasts, two lunches and three dinners. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
- Specialized bird guide - Three days of specialized local bird guiding according to the itinerary.
- Airport transfers - Private arrival and departure transfers between Contador Airport (PTX) and El Encanto Nature Reserve.
- La Drymophila transfers - Two round-trip 4x4 transfers between El Encanto and La Drymophila.
- La Drymophila entrance fees - Entrance fees for two visits to La Drymophila.
- El Alma visit - Guided afternoon birdwatching at El Alma wetland.
- Birding facilities - Access to the trails, feeders, hides and observation areas included in the itinerary.
Not included
- Flights - Domestic and international flights are not included.
- Travel insurance - Personal travel and medical insurance are not included.
- Alcoholic beverages - Alcoholic beverages and additional drinks are not included.
- Tips - Tips for guides, drivers and lodge staff are voluntary and not included.
- Personal expenses - Souvenirs, laundry and other personal purchases are not included.
- Additional services - Any activities, transportation, meals or services not specified in the itinerary are not included.
Transport & stays
- Private vehicle Private arrival and departure transfers between Contador Airport (PTX) and El Encanto Nature Reserve are included. Pick-up and drop-off times are adjusted according to the guests’ flight schedule. | Meet: Contador Airport (PTX), Pitalito, Huila | Pickup: Airport pick-up and drop-off
- 4x4 vehicle Two round-trip 4x4 transfers between El Encanto Nature Reserve and La Drymophila are included. The mountain road requires a suitable 4x4 vehicle, and transfer times may vary depending on road and weather conditions. | Meet: El Encanto Nature Reserve | Pickup: Pick-up and drop-off at the lodge
Accommodations
- El Encanto Nature Reserve (days 1-4) Private single room Private bathroom, Wi-Fi, towels and garden views
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made at least 7 days before arrival may be rescheduled, subject to availability. Cancellations made less than 7 days before arrival may result in the loss of the 30% deposit. Changes requested more than 6 months later may be subject to the rates in effect at that time.
Payment Terms
A 30% deposit is required to confirm the booking. The remaining 70% must be paid during the stay or before the end of the tour. Bank fees, payment commissions and exchange-rate costs are the guest’s responsibility. Card payments may be subject to a 5% processing charge.
Insurance & Safety
Personal travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended. Guests should bring suitable hiking footwear or rubber boots, rain protection, insect repellent and any personal medication.
The tour includes early starts, mountain roads and walking on natural forest trails that may be steep, muddy or slippery. Weather and road conditions can change quickly, and the itinerary may be adjusted when necessary for safety. Guests should inform us in advance of any medical conditions, allergies, mobility limitations or dietary requirements.
Is the tour private?
Yes. Private departures are available year-round with advance booking. The published rate of USD 670 per person is based on a minimum of two guests.
How physically demanding is the tour?
The tour has a moderate difficulty level, with early starts and slow-paced birding on forest trails. Activities can be adjusted according to the guests’ mobility, interests and local conditions.
Are bird sightings guaranteed?
No wildlife sighting can be guaranteed. However, the itinerary includes two mornings at La Drymophila to provide the best possible opportunities to search for priority species under different weather and activity conditions.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Yes. Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements can usually be accommodated when communicated in advance.
What happens in case of rain?
Birding activities normally continue during light rain. The itinerary may be adjusted in case of heavy rain, difficult road conditions or other circumstances affecting safety and accessibility.
Is transportation included?
Yes. The tour includes private arrival and departure transfers between Contador Airport (PTX) and El Encanto, as well as two round-trip 4x4 transfers to La Drymophila.