Serranía de la Macarena - Harpy Eagle Nest
Expedition in The Serranía de la Macarena
Harpy Eagle, the largest and most powerful eagle of the World. Explore any of the three nests.
The tour begins from Bogotá or Villavicencio.
Location: Serranía de la Macarena (Meta).
Get ready for an extraordinary 6-day, 5-night photographic expedition into the lush depths of the Serranía de la Macarena, Colombia, where the formidable Harpy Eagle reigns as one of the forest's most awe-inspiring predators. This majestic bird, with its powerful talons and wingspan exceeding seven feet, commands its territory with regal authority, offering photographers a rare opportunity to witness and capture the raw grandeur of nature's apex predator.
Over these immersive days, you will venture high into the towering canopy, where Harpy Eagles establish their nest—strategic fortresses adorned with branches and foliage—serving as sanctuaries for their young. Observe the meticulous rituals of nesting, from the female's quiet incubation of one or two eggs over 56 days to the diligent care the animals provide once the hatchlings emerge. Witness the extraordinary bond between parent and chick, as the male brings food—primarily monkeys and sloths—while the female nurtures and safeguards her offspring, exemplifying nature's unmatched resilience and dedication.
As you photograph these magnificent creatures, you'll witness the fledglings spreading their mighty wings for the first time, exploring their surroundings under the watchful eyes of their parents. Every moment offers a powerful story of life, strength, and survival—an inspiring reminder of the vital role these predators play in maintaining the jungle's ecological balance.
This is more than a tour; it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture images of one of the most powerful birds on Earth, a valid symbol of strength, beauty, and wilderness. Join us in La Macarena, where the collaborative efforts of local communities and conservationists protect these magnificent eagles, ensuring their legacy endures.
Don't miss this unforgettable adventure—an inspiring blend of nature, photography, and conservation—the perfect chance to create breathtaking images while supporting the preservation of this invaluable species. Your journey into the heart of biodiversity begins now.
🦅✨ The Harpy Eagle Nesting Season.
During this fascinating process, there are five incredible stages, each full of life, action, and unforgettable photographic moments. Here’s what they’re like 👇
1️⃣ Courtship, Mating, and Nest Building: The pair works together to rebuild their home. The male brings prey as a gift of love, and the female responds with affection and complicity. ⏰ Duration: 2–3 months |
2️⃣ Incubation: The female guards her egg day and night while the male provides food. A powerful bond worth witnessing. ⏰ Duration: 2 months (60 days approximately).
3️⃣ Hatching and Full-Time Parental Care: The chick has hatched. Both parents devote themselves completely to their care. This is the perfect moment to observe touching family interactions and intimate wildlife behavior. ⏰ Duration: 4–5 months.
4️⃣ Wandering Care and First Flights: The young eagle begins exercising, spreading its wings, and taking its first clumsy flights. A thrilling natural spectacle for any observer. ⏰ Duration: 3–4 months (from 4 to 7–8 months of age).
5️⃣ Learning to Be an Eagle: Now strong and independent, the juvenile practices hunting, explores the territory, and prepares to start its own journey.
Right now, in Vista Hermosa and San Juan de Arama, near the Serranía de la Macarena, there are 3 Harpy Eagle nests, offering multiple options to visit one or another, depending on each nest's breeding season and whether the intention is viewing or photography.
In Vista Hermosa, there are two nests, one 45 meters and the other 60 meters from the nest, both at eye level.
San Juan de Arama is at 65 meters at eye level.
In addition to the Harpy Eagles, visitors can enjoy excellent birdwatching, wildlife observation (monkeys and other mammals), and meaningful connections with the forest, the river, nature, and local community activities.
Vista Hermosa Nest #1
Day 1 — Arrival in Bogotá
- Arrival at El Dorado International Airport, Bogotá.
- Private transfer to the hotel.
- Welcome dinner and trip briefing in the evening.
- Meals: Dinner | Night: Hotel in Bogotá (2,600 m).
Day 2 — Bogotá to Vista Hermosa (approx. 7 hours, birding en route)
- Early breakfast and departure from Bogotá in a 4x4 or van.
- Drive Bogotá to Villavicencio (approx. 3 h 30 min) via the "Vía al Llano."
- Birding stops along the route through the Andean foothills and llanos landscapes.
- Lunch en route.
- Continue from Villavicencio to Vista Hermosa (approx. 3 h), with additional birding stops.
- Dinner and checklist review.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Night: Hotel in Vista Hermosa.
Day 3 — Vista Hermosa to Harpy Eagle Reserve | Night Photography
- Breakfast and early departure by 4x4 to Alto Guapaya (approx. 1 h 30 min).
- Trek of 3.3 km to the reserve (1 h 30 min – 3 h, intermediate difficulty; two short 45° sections of ~200 m each; departure well before 3:00 p.m. to arrive with natural light).
- Arrival at the main cabin; check-in to Luxury Safari Tents (private bathroom, solar power, satellite internet).
- Lunch at the reserve.
- Afternoon birding around the reserve trails, hides, and feeders (250+ bird species).
- Dinner.
- Night photography activities: moths, butterflies, and nocturnal wildlife (potential puma and ocelot habitat).
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Night: Luxury Safari Tent, Harpy Eagle Reserve (400–900 m, 22–30 °C).
Day 4 — Full Day: Harpy Eagle Nest Photography
- Coffee and light breakfast before dawn.
- Walk to the Harpy Eagle nest viewpoint (Nido del Águila, along the reserve trail).
- Morning session at the nest: photography of adult and juvenile Harpy Eagles during nesting season.
- Lunch at the main cabin.
- Afternoon session at the nest and hides/feeders; opportunities for 7 monkey species, including the Woolly Monkey and the endemic Ornamented Titi (Zocay).
- Dinner and image review.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Night: Luxury Safari Tent, Harpy Eagle Reserve.
Day 5 — Harpy Eagle Reserve to Vista Hermosa
- Breakfast at the reserve.
- Final morning session at the nest and optional visit to natural pools and waterfalls.
- Trek back to Alto Guapaya (1 h 30 min – 2 h, mostly downhill).
- 4x4 transfer to Vista Hermosa (approx. 1 h 30 min).
- Lunch in Vista Hermosa.
- Optional afternoon birding near town.
- Dinner and final checklist (eBird).
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Night: Hotel in Vista Hermosa.
Day 6 — Vista Hermosa to Bogotá | End of Tour
- Breakfast and early departure.
- Drive Vista Hermosa to Villavicencio (approx. 3 h), with brief birding stops.
- Lunch en route.
- Continue along the way from Villavicencio to Bogotá (approx. 3 h 30 min; possible delays due to roadworks on the Vía al Llano).
- Arrival in Bogotá. End of tour.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
San Juan de Arama Nest
Day 1 — Arrival in Bogotá (-,-,-)
Arrival in Bogotá, Colombia.
Hotel accommodation and rest before the expedition begins.
Day 2 — Bogotá → San Juan de Arama (b,l,d)
- Early morning overland journey from Bogotá to San Juan de Arama, in the foothills of the Sierra de La Macarena (~5 h 30 min).
- Birding on the way.
- Night in a local Hotel in San Juan de Arama
Day 3 — Full Day at the Harpy Eagle Nesting Point (b,l,d)
- Early in the morning, 4x4 transfer from San Juan de Arama to Peñas Blancas (~40 min).
- Trek from Peñas Blancas to the reserve: 2 km (~45 min).
- Lunch at the reserve.
- Afternoon walk from the Main House to the Harpy Eagle Nesting Point: 2 km (~30 min) — first observation and photography session.
- Return to the Main House in the late afternoon.
- Overnight: camping or basic accommodation. Rest.
Day 4 —Full day at Harpy Eagle Nest (b,l,d)
- Early breakfast.
- Morning trek to the Nesting Point for a full day observing and photographing the Harpy Eagle.
- Field lunch at the Nesting Point.
- Return to the Main House in the late afternoon.
- Dinner at the Main House.
- Overnight: camping or basic accommodation. Rest.
Day 5 — Harpy Eagle Nest San Juan de Arama → Bogotá (b,l,-)
- Early breakfast.
- Morning trek to Peñas Blancas (~50 min).
- 4x4 transfer to San Juan de Arama (~50 min).
- San Juan de Arama to Bogotá (~5 hours).
- Rest in a hotel close to the airport
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 6 — Bogotá | End of Tour
- Breakfast and early departure.
- Meals: Breakfast.
Description Title
Day 1 — Arrival in Bogotá
- Arrival at El Dorado International Airport, Bogotá.
- Private transfer to the hotel.
- Welcome dinner and trip briefing in the evening.
- Meals: Dinner | Night: Standard hotel in Bogotá (2,600 m).
Day 2 — Bogotá to Vista Hermosa (approx. 7 hours, birding en route)
- Early breakfast and departure from Bogotá by 4x4 or van.
- Drive Bogotá to Villavicencio (approx. 3 h 30 min) via the "Vía al Llano."
- Birding stops along the route through the Andean foothills and llanos landscapes.
- Lunch en route.
- Continue from Villavicencio to Vista Hermosa (approx. 3 h), with additional birding stops.
- Dinner and checklist review.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Night: Standard hotel in Vista Hermosa.
Day 3 — Vista Hermosa to Harpy Eagle New Nest | Night Photography
- Breakfast and early departure by 4x4 to Alto Guapaya (approx. 1 h 30 min).
- Trek of 3.3 km to the reserve (1 h 30 min – 3 h, intermediate difficulty; two short 45° sections of ~200 m each; departure well before 3:00 p.m. to arrive with natural light).
- Arrival at the main cabin; check-in to basic camping tents with shared bathroom facilities (solar power and satellite internet available at the main cabin).
- Lunch at the reserve.
- Afternoon birding around the reserve trails, hides, and feeders (250+ bird species).
- Dinner.
- Night photography activities: moths, butterflies, and nocturnal wildlife (potential puma and ocelot habitat).
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Night: Basic camping tent, Harpy Eagle New Nest (400–900 m, 22–30 °C).
Day 4 — Full Day: Harpy Eagle New Nest Photography
- Coffee and light breakfast before dawn.
- Walk to the Harpy Eagle nest viewpoint (Nido del Águila, along the reserve trail).
- Morning session at the nest: photography of adult and juvenile Harpy Eagles during nesting season.
- Lunch at the main cabin.
- Afternoon session at the nest and hides/feeders; opportunities for 7 monkey species, including the Woolly Monkey and the endemic Ornamented Titi (Zocay).
- Dinner and image review.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Night: Basic camping tent, Harpy Eagle New Nest.
Day 5 — Harpy Eagle Reserve to Vista Hermosa
- Breakfast at the reserve.
- Final morning session at the New Nest.
- Trek back to Alto Guapaya (1 h 30 min – 2 h, mostly downhill).
- 4x4 transfer to Vista Hermosa (approx. 1 h 30 min).
- Lunch in Vista Hermosa.
- Optional afternoon birding near town.
- Dinner and final checklist (eBird).
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Night: Standard hotel in Vista Hermosa.
Day 6 — Vista Hermosa to Bogotá | End of Tour
- Breakfast and early departure.
- Drive Vista Hermosa to Villavicencio (approx. 3 h), with brief birding stops.
- Lunch en route.
- Continue from Villavicencio to Bogotá (approx. 3 h 30 min; possible delays due to roadworks on the Vía al Llano).
- Arrival in Bogotá. End of tour.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Additional information
- Ground transportation on the stipulated routes.
- A birdwatching guide or Photographer guide.
- Local guides where necessary.
- Meals are defined for each day: b- Breakfast, l- Lunch, and d- Dinner.
- Entrance fees to the reserves.
- 6 days, four nights of bird photography tour.
- Double accommodation.
- Pick-up at Bogotá International Airport.
- Drop-off at Bogotá International Airport
- Accompanying to take every picture as needed
- International flights.
- Domestic flights.
- Nights before or nights after the tour.
- Meals not stipulated.
- Wire Transfer extra costs are 0,5% per transaction.
- Laundry.
- Alcohol Beverages.
- Other expenses are not specified.
- Tips.
- Bring Binoculars
- Photography equipment
- External memory for downloading pictures at night.
- Computer to process at night.
- Be prepared for rain and sun: waterproof rain jacket and quick-drying clothing.
- Bring a camera protector.
- Bring silica gel to store the equipment at night and avoid humidity.
- Sunscreen, hat, or cap.
- Waterproof trekking boots or rubber boots.
- VERY IMPORTANT: insect repellent
LOGISTICS COULD CHANGE FOR MANY REASONS AS FOLLOWS:
a. Bird activity.
b. For the decision of the travellers.
c. Security issued. Healthy issue. Road Issue.
e. Other no specify.
The travellers have to accept any of these changes. If the shift carries extra costs, they assume them. The price is budgeted before the change.
Retorno does not provide equipment rental or loan service; each person must bring their cameras, lenses, batteries, memories and computer to carry out the activity in the best conditions. Retorno is not responsible for the loss, deterioration, or theft of photographic equipment or accessories.
RETORNO does not guarantee any species of birds or photography of them; nature is unpredictable.
RETORNO works hard to have the best logistics and protocols for safety during your visit to COLOMBIA BIRD PARADISE.
FAQs
When is Harpy Eagle nesting season in Colombia?
Exciting updates from the field! We currently have three active nests available to visit: two located in Vista Hermosa (Serranía de la Macarena) with chicks hatched in July and August 2026, and a third in San Juan de Arama with a chick hatched in September 2026
What kind of lodging is provided during the expedition?
The tour prioritizes comfortable, strategic accommodations near the field sites to minimize travel time, ranging from established local lodges to specialized field bases depending on the specific location of the nests.
1. Harpy Eagles Reserve in Vista Hermosa has three luxury tents for two people in twin accommodation with a Private Bathroom.
2. Vista Hermosa New Nest: Has basic accommodation with a shared bathroom.
3. San Juan de Arama Nest: Has Basic or camping accommodation with a shared bathroom,
Are the accommodations secure for expensive photography gear?
Yes, the tour selects lodging that prioritizes convenient access and secure gear storage, ensuring photographers can safely leave their equipment when not in use.
Will I have a private room?
You can hire a comfortable, private, or standard shared accommodation tailored for photographers. It is recommended to verify specific room arrangements at the time of booking.
How early does the day start?
The staff and local guides are experienced with early departures required for optimal birding and photography conditions.
What is the standard for meals provided?
The tour includes delicious local meals. The organizers emphasize that good meals are a core component of the expedition's service standard.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
It is difficult, but we will try if you need it. Please communicate specific dietary needs during the booking process.
Are meals included in the package?
Yes, the expedition package includes meals, coordination, and all necessary logistics, so you do not need to worry about planning them.
How do we reach the nest sites?
Logistics typically involve a 4x4 vehicle transfer from the lodging area, followed by a forest walk to reach the vicinity of the nests.
How strenuous is the forest walk to the nests?
While the walks are generally described as "short," they take place in rainforest environments. Fitness for hiking on potentially uneven or muddy trails is recommended. The distance varies across the different nests.
Do all nests have the same access level?
Logistics can vary between different nest sites. While the basic structure (4x4 + walk) is standard, the specific travel time and terrain difficulty can differ by location.
Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes private transportation using reliable vehicles, which is essential for accessing these remote areas.
Why is a guided tour recommended over an independent trip?
Reaching Harpy Eagle nests involves complex logistics in remote areas where independent travel is difficult to coordinate. The tour handles all permits, local transportation, and logistical challenges. So you can either do it privately or book a standard tour.
What is the group size for these expeditions?
Retorno Photo Tours generally focuses on small, photography-oriented group sizes to ensure quality viewing and photographic opportunities. NO more than 6.
What are the realistic chances of seeing or photographing a Harpy Eagle?
The tour is specifically designed around active nest sites. While these are wild birds and sightings can never be 100% guaranteed, the expedition maximizes your chances by using local knowledge to target known, active nesting trees.
What lens focal length is recommended?
While not explicitly stated, photographing raptors in a canopy requires long telephoto lenses (typically 600mm to 800mm or equivalent). It is advisable to consult with the tour leader before the trip.
Are there specific ethics regarding photography near the nest?
Yes, the tours are conducted with a strong emphasis on wildlife conservation, respecting the sensitivity of nesting birds to ensure they are not disturbed. Silence is mandatory, and you must wear green or brown clothes.
What is the terrain like for photography equipment?
Expect a humid, rainforest environment. It is critical to have appropriate weather-sealed protection for your camera gear.
How much time is spent at the nest site?
The tour allows for sufficient time to observe and photograph, balancing the need to minimize disturbance to the birds with the photographer's desire for the perfect shot.
What should I pack for this expedition?
Beyond standard photography gear, bring appropriate footwear for muddy trails, moisture-wicking clothing for a humid environment, and personal weather protection. VERY IMPORTANT: INSECT REPELLENT
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