Introduction

Hidden in the hills just above Bogotá lies the hummingbird observatory or “Observatorio de Colibríes”. It’s a quiet bed & breakfast nestled on a charming property that was built from the ground-up to be a paradise for hummingbirds. A total of 18 different species have been documented here. This is a must-see destination for all hummingbird lovers.

Wildlife Highlights

The best area for hummingbird viewing seems to be the main courtyard which has 3-4 different little “areas” setup with feeders. Hummingbirds of all shapes, sizes, and colors fly in from all directions here. You can spend time at each different area, and see how different species like different spots. Some like the shade of the big tree, others like to be in the bushes exposed to the sun.

The property is relatively small, which means there’s not too much to explore. There is a little nature trail that’s a 5-10 minute loop walking, but we found there wasn’t too much to see (though there are a couple grazing llamas!). The real reason to come is for the courtyard which is where all the hummingbird action is concentrated.

The blue-fronted starfrontlet was one of our favorites from the gardens. It’s dark feathers paired with the unmatched iridescence and bright colors make this a one-of-a-kind bird.

The swordbill is the only bird whose beak can measure longer than its body. It can’t preen its feathers with its bill like other hummingbirds, so it has to scratch itself with its feet instead. It angles its head upwards like this to reduce strain on its neck.

The great sapphire wing is one of the largest hummingbirds, it dwarfs the rest of them at the garden. It’s huge wings beat slower than the rest, making it look as if it were moving in slow motion.

There’s plenty more to see here, the black-tailed trainbearer looks like a fairy with it’s two long tail feathers that dangle as it flies, there’s the coppery-bellied puffleg which (in addition to some beautiful iridescence) has little pom-poms attached to its legs, and the white-bellied woodstar which sounds like a bumblebee and is one of the smallest hummingbirds.

Logistics

You will need reservations before visiting the observatory, you can book your reservation through the observatory’s website here.

Costs (for a 3-hour visit):

$25,000 COP per adult (around $7 USD)

$10,000 COP (around $3 USD)for children 2 to 10 years

If you want to stay longer than 3-hours it’ll cost $65,000 COP ($18 USD) for a day pass, however we found that 3-hours felt like plenty of time to watch and photograph all there was to see.

Hours:

Monday - Saturday: 9am to 4pm

Sunday & Holidays : 10am to 4pm

The easiest way to get there is a taxi or uber - you can type “Hummingbirds Observatory” into Google Maps to get the exact location.  The host will also email you turn-by-turn directions after you’ve made your reservation. Upon arrival you may want to pay the taxi/uber to wait for you, because the location is a bit off-the-beaten path. Otherwise, the staff at the observatory can call a taxi when you’re finished.

If you’re renting a car, please note the observatory is at the end of a very bumpy dirt road. You don’t need 4-wheel drive, but you will need to take it slow.

Because of the hummingbirds there are no pets allowed, also you are not allowed to use a flash while photographing on the property.

If you’d like to spend the night at the B&B, the average room runs around $300,000 COP (or $80 USD) which also saves you visitation costs.

Additional info can be found at the Hummingbird Observatory’s Website. If you have any specific questions, they can be directed to the property’s email, which is: observatoriodecolibries@gmail.com.

Wildlife Photos from Hummingbird Observatory: