Crested quetzal
& andean forests
Crested Quetzal Tour – Discover the colours of the high Andean mountain forests in one of San Agustin’s wonderful Civil Society reserves!
Portal del Oso nature reserve in the mountains outside of San Agustín is filled with forests, waterfalls and wildlife that have been protected for 30 years.
Stay overnight for the best chance to explore the reserve’s incredible forests and spot colourful birds like the impressive Crested Quetzal and Flame-faced Tanager, as well as two species of Chlorophonia. Depending on the season you may even be able to see the Andean Cock-of-the-rock nesting.
The fantastic bird species are accompanied by the amazing orchids and micro-orchids adorning the paths through the primary and secondary forests. We may find traces of mammals like the white-fronted capuchin monkey, the ocelot, and the spectacled bear in this territory, and with a bit of luck, we might even observe them directly.
Email or whatsapp (+57 3223818777) now to discover San Agustín’s amazing bird species on the Crested Quetzal tour
- Duration: 1.5 days (optional 1 day)
- Walking Distance: 4-5 km
- Transport Distance: 40 km (return journey)
- Start Time: 2:00 pm
- Average Number of Species: 30 - 60
- Difficulty: Medium
- Altitude: 2200m - 2400m
Target Species:
- Wattled Guan (Aburria aburri)
- Crested Quetzal (Pharomachrus antisianus)
- Crimson-crested Woodpecker (Camphephilus melanoleucos)
- Flame-faced Tanager (Tangara parzudakii)
- Blue-naped Chlorophonia (Chlorophonia pyrrhophrys)
- Andean Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus)*
- *Seasonally present
| Group size | Price per person (COP) | Total Price (COP) |
| 1 | $950,000 | $950,000 |
| 2 | $650,000 | $1,300,000 |
| 3 | $500,000 | $1,500,000 |
| 4 | $425,000 | $1,700,000 |
| 5 | $370,000 | $1,850,000 |
| 6 | $340,000 | $2,040,000 |
*Prices in Colombian Pesos
We’re a small company and we carefully review all booking requests to provide the best possible service.
To reserve your Crested Quetzal tour please contact us by Whatsapp (+57 3223818777), email (andeanbirdwatching@gmail.com) or fill out the form below and we’ll respond within 24 hours.
- Tour guide
- Binoculars
- Breakfast, fruit, snacks, and drinks
- Lunch
- Private Transport
- Portal del Oso Nature reserve entrance fee
- Local Insurance
- Bird Species Checklist
- Accommodation inside the reserve
- Sun protection
- Waterproof coat
- Suitable shoes for rain/mud
- Insect repellent
- Dark coloured clothes if possible
The Crested Quetzal tour starts and finishes in San Agustín, Huila. Your guide can meet you at your hotel or a meeting place of your choosing.
The most common way to get to San Agustín is to travel to Neiva (by plane or bus) or Pitalito (bus) from where you can take a local bus or transport service to San Agustín (about 1 hour from Pitalito or 4.5 hours from Neiva). If arriving by public transport we recommend arriving in San Agustín by at least the evening before the tour to ensure arrival before the early start time.
If you have any doubts or questions don’t hesitate to get in touch!
How fit or skilled do I need to be?
The Crested Quetzal tour is suitable for a range of abilities and skill-levels. If you are a beginner to birdwatching our guides will be on hand to help you make the most of it.
What’s the weather like?
The weather in San Agustín is generally mild with an average temperature of around 20ºC, it can be changeable however, and we recommend preparing for both sun and rain.
How are the tours priced?
The prices of all of our experiences are calculated to ensure good value to our customers as well as a fair wage to staff. We value the knowledge and experience of our guides and local partners and ensure that we support our community.
The cost of a tour varies depending on group size especially when costs such as transport are included.
Due to the costs of receiving international payments our prices may be slightly higher in other currencies, they may also vary over time due to fluctuations in the exchange rate.
Is the tour suitable for children?
The Crested Quetzal tour is suitable for children from age ten and up as it involves a walk.
What language will the tour be in?
This experience is currently available in both English and Spanish.
Not what you were looking for?
Check out our other tours in San Agustín! Set out to find a Black-and-chestnut Eagle Nest, combine birdwatching and a coffee tour or birdwatching and archeology.
Do you want to explore Colombia’s famous coffee region? Our six-day Coffee Region Birding Tour will show you the best birdwatching in the coffee axis or take a look at our shorter birding tours in and around Salento, Quindío to see endemic bird species and the famous Yellow-eared Parrot.
