Enter the tropical rainforest of Colombia’s Eastern Plains for a wildlife photography expedition centered on one of the world’s most extraordinary raptors: the Harpy Eagle. An active nesting territory offers the possibility of photographing these remarkable birds and documenting their natural behavior in the wild.
Time at the reserve is designed around patience, observation, and the rhythms of wildlife. Rather than moving constantly between locations, the experience allows photographers to spend meaningful time in the field, watching for changes in activity and responding to photographic opportunities as they naturally unfold.
There are no feeders, staged setups, or controlled encounters. Every bird, primate, and other wildlife species encountered along the trails or around the reserve represents a potential photographic opportunity under completely natural conditions. This is wildlife photography as it happens: unpredictable, demanding, and authentic.
Dates: To be confirmed
Group Size: Maximum 6 participants
Destination: Vista Hermosa, Meta – Colombian Eastern Plains
Tour Focus: Harpy Eagle & Wildlife Photography
Tour Ends: Villavicencio, Meta
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1. Bogotá – Villavicencio – Vista Hermosa
Your expedition begins with a domestic flight from Bogotá to Villavicencio, the gateway to Colombia's Eastern Plains. Upon arrival, we will begin our overland journey toward Vista Hermosa, crossing the vast Llanos landscape where wildlife sightings are often part of the experience.
Along the way, we will make strategic stops whenever conditions allow, searching for iconic species such as the Giant Anteater, Burrowing Owl, Savanna Hawks, Southern Lapwings, Fork-tailed Flycatchers and other characteristic wildlife of these open ecosystems.
After arriving in Vista Hermosa, you will have time to relax, organize your photography equipment, and prepare for the adventure that awaits in one of Colombia's most remarkable wildlife destinations.
Lodging: Vista Hermosa.
Day 2. Harpy Eagle Nature Reserve
An early departure takes us by 4WD vehicle to the rural community of Alto Guapaya, the last settlement before entering the Harpy Eagle Nature Reserve. After enjoying a traditional breakfast prepared by a local family, we will meet our community guides while horses are loaded with our luggage and photography equipment.
The hike to the reserve takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, following forest trails through one of the best-preserved foothill rainforests at the base of the Serranía de La Macarena. Along the ascent, there will be opportunities to photograph rainforest birds, monkeys, butterflies, and other wildlife before reaching the reserve.
After settling into our accommodations, we will spend the afternoon at the Harpy Eagle observation area, where our first opportunities to observe and photograph this magnificent raptor begin. Depending on the breeding stage, we may witness adults at the nest, food deliveries, territorial behavior, or other natural interactions.
Lodging: Harpy Eagle Nature Reserve.
Day 3. Harpy Eagle Photography Experience
Today is dedicated entirely to photographing one of the world's most impressive birds of prey. We will spend the day at the authorized observation areas surrounding the active nest, always following strict conservation protocols designed to minimize disturbance while providing exceptional viewing opportunities.
Throughout the day, we will patiently observe the Harpy Eagles' natural behavior, while remaining attentive to other wildlife inhabiting the reserve. More than 250 bird species have been recorded in the surrounding forests, and mammals such as the endemic Ornate Titi Monkey, woolly monkeys, and other rainforest inhabitants may also appear, creating additional photographic opportunities.
As this is a completely wild setting, every encounter is unique and dictated by nature itself.
Lodging: Harpy Eagle Nature Reserve.
Day 4. Another Day with the Harpy Eagles
A second full day at the reserve provides valuable additional time to maximize photographic opportunities around the active nest. Rather than rushing between locations, this extra day allows photographers to work patiently under changing light conditions and document different behaviors as they naturally occur.
Between observation sessions, there will also be opportunities to explore the surrounding forest, searching for additional birds, monkeys, butterflies, and other rainforest wildlife that make this protected area one of Colombia's most exciting biodiversity hotspots.
Lodging: Harpy Eagle Nature Reserve.
Day 5. Harpy Eagle Reserve – Vista Hermosa – Villavicencio
Following one final morning devoted to the Harpy Eagles and the surrounding rainforest, we will begin our descent back to Alto Guapaya, where our 4WD transportation will be waiting.
From there, we will return to Vista Hermosa before continuing our scenic drive across the Llanos toward Villavicencio. Along the journey, we will once again remain alert for wildlife sightings whenever conditions allow.
Day 6. Villavicencio – Bogotá – Departure
After breakfast, we will transfer to La Vanguardia Airport in Villavicencio for our domestic flight to Bogotá, where the expedition concludes. Depending on your international schedule, you may connect with your onward flight or continue your travels in Colombia.
Our tours include all of the meals beginning with breakfast on day 2 until lunch on the last day in Colombia. They also include lodging from the night before the start of the tour until the last night of the selected tour, as well as land transportation, a local guide, water and snacks.
The tour does not include: flights (except for those mentioned in the itinerary), alcoholic beverages, tips, phone calls, sim-cards for phones, extra baggage payment, laundry service, or any other expenses of a personal nature.
Note: It is possible that due to unforeseen circumstances or forces of nature, we may be forced to modify the itinerary or change the local guide without informing you previously. However, we will do everything in our power to ensure that the tour stays as close as possible to your initial itinerary.
Registration
Before enrolling, we recommend contacting a Birding & Herping consultant to answer any questions or concerns. It is necessary to register through the website. After registering, you will receive a form via e-mail, which must be completed in full, signed and sent back via email. Likewise, you must make a down payment of $ 150 USD per person, which will be discounted from the total value of the tour once the minimum number of participants has been reached. The minimum quota of a tour is two people up to a maximum capacity of 8 people. If the minimum quota has not been reached by the registering deadline down payment will be reimbursed minus a minimum percentage for bank charges.
Registration for the tour becomes effective once you have met these two requirements: The registration form and down payment
Note: Please refrain from purchasing airline tickets without verifying that the minimum quota has been completed and you have been notified by the Birding & Herping team.
Payment and cancellation policy
Once the registration process has been confirmed by the Birding & Herping team, you must pay the entire amount within a maximum period of 90 days before the start date of the tour. You can make the payment by bank transfer or through a PSE payment link.
If you request to cancel the tour less than 90 days prior to the departure date, a 20% charge will apply. If the cancellation is made less than 30 days from the departure date, a 30% charge will apply as well as any bank fees.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is essential in case of accidents or illnesses that may occur during the tour. Check with several companies that can provide you with travel policies and choose the one with the most coverage possible, including common illnesses such as colds or stomach problems.
Local flights
Local flights to destinations such as the Colombian Pacific, the eastern plains or southern Colombia may be delayed due to weather conditions or as a result of delays relating other flights at major airports in cities such as Bogotá, Medellín or Cali. Due to these types of circumstances, we have planned the itinerary, so that they do not coincide with the last day of the tour, which will avoid complications for flights returning home.
A tour in Colombia that exceeds all your expectations requires planning. The following recommendations have been designed in order to instruct you to make your trip in Colombia as safe, comfortable and pleasant as possible.
1. It is commonly known that our country has history of violent struggle; However, a peace process has opened a world of opportunities for local communities, many of them victims of armed conflict, to seek alternatives such as ecotourism to improve their living conditions and to enhance their culture and love for their territory. All the places proposed in each of our tours guarantee the safety and integrity of the people who are partnering with us.
2. Climate: you must be prepared for several possible weather conditions during a tour in Colombia: humid forests (between 0 and 1000 meters above sea level), dry forests (between 500 and 1000 meters above sea level), Andean forests, high Andean and páramos (between 1400 and 4000 msnm / XX feet). Include in your luggage comfortable clothing, waterproof clothing, long-sleeved shirts that protect from sun and mosquitoes, jackets for colder weather and waterproof boots.
3. Physical demand: each tour has its own physical demands. There will be routes that require long walks on trails with different types of inclines and/or unpaved roads. In the itinerary you will find out more specific details concerning the routes and the level of difficulty. We recommend you inform the team (Staff) of any physical or medical condition before the tour.
4. Health precautions and medicine: Before taking your trip, visit your trusted doctor, so they can recommend the most appropriate medicines and vaccines to take in case of acquiring any disease during your trip.
a) Vaccines against yellow fever, hepatitis and tetanus are recommended before traveling to Colombia, especially if you visit humid areas such as the Pacific or the Amazon.
b) Medicines: Remember to bring medicine (if possible in their original packaging), that you may require for any previously existing medical condition as well as common medicines that can help with headaches, flu and upset stomach.
c) Prevention: Use insect repellent at all times and wear long-sleeved clothing, thereby avoiding acquiring diseases such as dengue or related diseases transmitted through insects.
d) Always use sunscreen and a hat; stay hydrated during the walks on the tour in order to prevent problems caused by heat stroke.
5. Food and hydration: Inform the team about dietary restrictions and allergies. During your stay in Colombia, we recommend eating as much well-cooked food as possible, including vegetables; drink water only and exclusively from a bottle, avoid drinking water from the tap even if the staff tell you that it is safe (filters or purifying tablets can be used in an emergency). The guide will watch over your well-being and inform you of safe places to eat.
6. Necessary documentation: In Colombia, only a passport is required to enter the country; Verify that the expiration date is not before the end of the tour and always carry it in your carry-on baggage.
7. Money and ATMs: The Colombian currency is the Colombian PESO (COP). We recommend withdrawing enough money to cover expenses of a personal nature or those that are not stipulated within the Tour. In Colombia, there are several places including towns, terminals, shopping centers, gas stations that have ATMs readily available. If you are in need of one, do not hesitate to ask your guide, or the driver to make a stop.
8. Internet: Some of the places described in the tour, especially hotels, have Internet access; others have little or no coverage and are restricted to social areas, but not in each room. Request detailed information about the places within the itinerary where you can access the internet if you require it.
9. Equipment: Because Colombia is a Neotropical country, electronic equipment may be at risk due to humidity. We recommend bringing dry bags, a humidifier, cleaning equipment and other items that guarantee that your equipment does not suffer from humidity.
a) Insure your equipment during your trip: consult with a company that guarantees the protection of your equipment in case of damage, moisture problems, loss or theft; While the places we are visiting are guaranteed to be safe, it is better to be sure. Birding & Herping is not responsible for the loss, damage or theft of your equipment.
b) If for some reason your equipment suffers some unforeseen setback, we can provide some equipment such as cameras, lenses and binoculars (depending on the references) with a rental cost.
10. Tips: Tips are voluntary; you are not obliged to give them. However, if you consider that the people serving you have offered a good service you are at liberty to do so.
11. Follow the instructions: It is very important that you follow the recommendations or instructions of the guide. He is the person in charge of your safety and well-being, he knows every detail of the itinerary and the limits that apply to certain species of fauna or flora. He can be flexible with some things as long as they do not affect the welfare of the group and the fauna.
12. Fauna and flora: Our team is trained and know the places to visit; however, nature is unpredictable and the success of an observation depends on certain factors, many of which may be beyond our reach. We recommend consulting the team as to the most appropriate seasons to observe certain species in Colombia, this will make your stay and observation much more successful.
13. The Extraction of fauna, flora, genetic material, as well as the cultural heritage of Colombia is illegal and is penalized by the authorities (law 599 of 2000 and Decree 1608 of 1978, law 397 of 1997).
14. The sexual exploitation of children, sex tourism and other forms of abuse against minors (law 1336 of 2009), or child labor exploitation is completely prohibited and is also penalized by the Colombian authorities (Law 1098 of 2006 ).
15. Birding & Herping defends equality of race or gender (law 1482 of 2011, modified by law 1752 of 2015).
