Santuario Santa Fe
Nestled in the lush lower foothills of Quindío at 1,160 meters (3,800 ft) above sea level, Santuario Santa Fe (SSF) is a 14 hectare sustainable farm and biodiversity sanctuary where nature and agriculture thrive together. Native forests, scenic views over Valle de Maravelez, flowering gardens, and wildlife-filled trails surround the property, creating habitat for monkeys, jaguarundis, and more than 230 bird species.
Birding, Day Trips, & Hiking Trails
Our morning tour offers an immersive experience into the landscapes, wildlife, and flavors of the Colombian Andes. Running from 6:00 a.m. to noon, the experience combines guided bird-watching, scenic trails, traditional cuisine, and spectacular mountain views in a relaxed and personalized setting.
Whether you are completely new to bird watching or an experienced birder pursuing a long species list, we tailor the tour to your interests and level of experience.
For beginner birders and nature lovers, the focus is on the region’s most colorful and charismatic species— hummingbirds, parrots, tanagers, honeycreepers, and more. The sanctuary is alive with movement and color throughout the morning, and most guests observe at least 30 bird species during the tour.
For experienced birders, our guides use advanced field techniques and deep local knowledge to maximize identification opportunities. By combining bird calls and songs, habitat specialization, and observing behavior, flight patterns, and seasonal movements, we help guests observe as many species as possible. Skilled birders frequently record between 90 and 110 species in a single morning.
Lodging
In order to allow visitors to enjoy the beauty of SSF, we have added an ever increasing network of hiking trails (~3km so far) that range through the forests from the creek and waterfalls on the northern boundary to a lookout over the river valley and Andes mountains on the southern boundary.
Assistance With Tour Planning
Santuario Santa Fe is located in the valley/foothills region below the central chain of the Andes Mountains. Our close proximity to the mountains and detailed knowledge of the region allow us to take small groups (2-3 people) up to various altitude ranges and highly diverse ecosystems. Day trips up into the mountains include all food, fuel, and entry fees for the day. Depending on the trip, we may eat at local restaurants serving traditional cuisine, or picnic along the trail in more remote areas.
