Fundación ProAves – por la conservación en el país de las aves
El Dorado is an impressive and diverse Nature Reserve established in 2006 with the objective to protect and restore the habitat of the Santa Marta parakeet (Pyrrhura viridicata). The reserve encompasses a wide range of elevations and ecosystems that include well-preserved mountain forests and other natural ecosystems that are in the process of environmental restoration. El Dorado is a unique place to see spectacular endemic species and connect with the magic of nature.
LOCATION
The ProAves El Dorado Reserve is located on Cerro Kennedy in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, in the town of Minca, department of Magdalena, Colombia.
These are the travel times to get to the Proaves El Dorado Reserve
- From Minca: 1 hour
- From Santa Marta Airport: 2 hours
- From Cartagena Airport: 5 hours
- From Barranquilla Airport: 4 hours
- From Barlovento: 3.5 hours
El Dorado ProAves Reserve, in addition to being one of the most important centers of continental endemism in the world, was the place where Melbourne Armstrong Carriker, an American entomologist and ornithologist, carried out a series of research expeditions during the second decade of the 20th century. Carriker collected bird specimens at different altitudes for various museums in the United States, resulting in the publication of The Birds of the Santa Marta Region of Colombia; A Study in Altitudinal Distribution.
Currently, this continues to be a site to carry out important research for the fauna and flora of our country. With the efforts of research, conservation and environmental education are preserved:
Between the immensity of the sunset and the relentless and imposing peaks of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, it is possible to contemplate the high cultural value that inhabits this area and makes us fall in love with its Koghi culture from the immensity of its landscapes.
ACCOMMODATIONS
KOguiHAbs
Our Koguihabs are inspired by the architecture of the indigenous Kogui people. Through our large windows, you can enjoy a wonderful view not only of the sunrises and sunsets, but also of the peaks of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the Caribbean Sea.
These rooms are equipped with either a comfortable King size bed, or two twin beds along with a private bathroom. (hot water (solar water heater), living room space)
Here you will have all the comforts to live an unparalleled nature experience.
Capacity: 1 – 2 people
Note: Children are welcome in all of our rooms.
ROOMS WITH BALCONY
Our Balcony rooms have huge windows and balconies that will allow you to enjoy the wonderful landscape of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, immersed in the biodiversity that characterizes the area.
They are equipped with a comfortable Queen and full bed, (private bathroom, hot water (solar water heater))
Capacity: 2 – 3 people
STANDARD ROOMS: RAINFOREST
Our Rainforest rooms are located in cabins in the middle of restored forest teeming with native species of the Natural Reserve. They are ideal for groups of bird watchers, families, or small groups that wish to collectively discover the richness of fauna and flora of our country.
They have comfortable beds: 1 full + 1 single + private bathroom for each room.
Capacity: 2 – 3 people
The rooms have hot water (solar water heater).
STANDARD ROOMS: FAMILY ROOM
Our Jenial rooms are located in cabins in the middle of restored forests teeming with native species of the Natural Reserve. They are ideal for groups of bird watchers, families, or small groups that wish to collectively discover the wealth of fauna and flora of our country.
They have comfortable queen, full, single or bunk beds and a private bathroom.
Capacity: 3 – 4 people
The rooms have hot water (solar water heater).
Children are welcome in all rooms of our El Dorado Nature Reserve. Our mission is to inspire the next generation to learn and become passionate about environmental conservation work.
For more information:
In the El Dorado ProAves Reserve, you will also be able to:
To fully immerse yourself in these activities, we recommend a minimum stay of 2 to 3 nights, giving you ample time to fully explore and appreciate the magic of the El Dorado ProAves Reserve.
IN ADDITION, YOU WILL HAVE ACCESS TO:
- Internet in common areas, which can be intermittent. Take advantage of your stay in our Reserve to connect with nature!
- Water, coffee and tea station
- Trails for visitors and research actions
- Rest areas that allow you to find tranquility in the magic of this wonderful place.
Remember: Our reservation rates do not include extra services such as: food or transportation. These services have additional value and must be previously requested via
- Due to policies for the care and conservation of our species, we are not pet friendly. We invite you to leave your pets at home.
KEEP IN MIND THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS:
RESERVATION
Make your reservation 24 hours in advance.
Walk-in reservations are not guaranteed and are subject to current availability.
CHECK IN Y CHECK OUT
The hours of operation of the Reserve are:
Check in – Entry time: 3:00 p.m. Early registration depends on the availability of the rooms.
After 7:00 p.m. entrance to the Natural Reserve will not be allowed.
Check out – Departure time: 10:00 a.m.
Restaurant hours:
- Breakfast to go: 4:00am – 6:00am
- Breakfast on the premises: 6:00am – 8:00am
- Lunch: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Dinner: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
CANCELLATION POLICIES
No refunds or money returns will be made for any reason.
The reservation is subject to change according to availability of accommodation in the Nature Reserve. Changes to the initial reservation must be requested at least 15 days in advance by email:
visit@conservation.co
FOOD
At El Dorado, we take great care to ensure that all of our guests can enjoy traditional delicious and authentic Colombian cuisine. In order to provide you with the best possible dining experience, we kindly ask that you inform us of any health problems, allergies or dietary restrictions in advance.
It’s worth noting that our menu excludes red meat as a way to reduce our impact on the environment. Instead, we focus on using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients that reflect the vibrant and diverse culinary traditions of the region.
DO NOT COLLECT
We ask you to respect the natural resources of the Reserve. The collection of any biological material is not permitted.
TRANSPORT
To get to the El Dorado Reserve, it is necessary to rent a 4×4 vehicle specially adapted for the conditions of the access routes to our protected areas.
NO SMOKING
Please make use of the designated smoking areas.
CLOTHES
Remember that the weather in Colombia is very changeable! We recommend that you bring suitable walking shoes, a waterproof jacket, clothing that covers your arms, a sun hat, a water bottle, and sunscreen.
FLASHLIGHT
As the Nature Reserve is located in a remote area, it is not uncommon for us to experience temporary power outages. We recommend that you bring a flashlight to use in case it is necessary.
Please be aware that, due to the unpredictable nature of weather in the region, we may occasionally lose access to electricity, internet, or other services. In such cases, we appreciate your understanding and patience.
MOSQUITOES
You do not need to get vaccinated against yellow fever. However, we recommend using repellent when in contact with nature.
FORBIDDEN TO ENTER ALCOHOL
Bringing alcoholic beverages into the Nature Reserve is prohibited.
INTERNAL PATHS
Follow the instructions of the Reserve staff and stay on the established trails to avoid any kind of incident.
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
In the following link you can check availability, rates and make your reservation: https://conservation.co/opt/en/home/
Upon making a reservation, we will contact you directly to gather information that will help us ensure that your stay with us is as pleasant as possible and that you are fully able to enjoy the flora and fauna of our reserve.
To get to the El Dorado Reserve, it is necessary to rent or contract a 4×4 vehicle specially adapted for the conditions of the access routes to our protected areas.
You can contract the transport service with:
4×4 vehicle service: Silvana Travels
Telephone: +57 315 330 58 62
Email: silvanatravelsps@gmail.com
motorcycle service:
Jeyder Perez: +57 3113674896
Our reservation rates do not include extra services such as: food, guidance or transportation. These services will incur an additional cost and must be requested in advance via WhatsApp: +57 323 434 34 87
Please Inform us of any health problems, allergies or dietary requirements in advance. In the El Dorado ProAves Reserve, we promote typical Colombian gastronomy, which we can adapt to your dietary needs when informed in advance.
Our menu excludes red meat as a way to reduce our impact on the environment.
You can contact us by email: visit@conservation.co or WhatsApp: +57 323 434 3487, there we will provide you with all the necessary information.
Due to policies for the care and conservation of our species, we cannot allow pets. We invite you to leave your pets at home.
Testimonios
el dorado
SUSTAINABILITY & CONSERVATION
l Dorado is one of the most important biodiversity reserves in the world. 100% of the resources derived from your visit and your activities are allocated to projects for the conservation of strategic ecosystems and species at risk, as well as community conservation programs, empowerment of women and youth, sustainable development, and environmental education.
- In our El Dorado ProAves Reserve we protect 22 endemic species of Colombia, 21 exclusive to the Sierra Nevada and one shared with the Serranía del Perijá, as well as 15 endemic species of amphibians.
- The Reserve was named by the Journal of Science as the "Most Irreplaceable Site on Earth" among more than 173,000 Protected Areas evaluated worldwide.
- El Dorado has a high number of endemic species of fauna and flora threatened with extinction. In addition, these conserved forests benefit the three most endangered bird species in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta: the Santa Marta Parakeet (Pyrrhura viridicata), the Santa Marta Flytrap (Myiotheretes pernix) and the Santa Marta Saber-winged Hummingbird. (Campylopterus phainopeplus). This wealth of biodiversity has earned our reserve classification as an AZE Site (www.zeroextinction.org), an Important Area for the Conservation of Birds -AICA- (www.birdlife.org) and as a Key Conservation Area. This Reserve is part of the Chundúa District of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Biogeographic Province and an Endemic Bird Area (EBA 036). This site also protects an important layover refuge for more than 40 species of migratory birds such as the Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) and the Cerulean Warbler (Dendroica cerulea).
- It is the most important private protected area in the tropics.