Yellow-eared Parrot Route
The Carbonera is home to an incredible forest full of the tallest wax palms in the world. Thanks to this, its the perfect habitat for the Yellow-eared Parrot (Ognorhynchus icterotis). Due to the close relationship between these palms and parrots both are in danger of extinction. The forest in the Carbonera survived the deforestation that took place in other parts of the country because the armed conflict made industrial access impossible. Since the peace accords this area has been preserved through conservation and ecotourism.
This activity is the perfect combination of birdwatching and beautiful landscapes. As well as observing the yellow-eared parrot, we’ll make the most of the opportunity to explore these forests and look for some of Colombia’s rarest bird species like the Black-and-chestnut Eagle (Spizaetus isidori), the Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan (Andigena hypoglauca) and the Buff-winged Starfrontlet (Coeligena lutetiae).
Email or whatsapp (+57 3223818777) now to discover wax palm forests and high mountain bird species!
- Duration: 1 Day
- Walking Distance: 4 km
- Transport time: 2.5 hours (return journey)
- Start time: 5:45 am
- Average number of species: 40 - 60
- Difficulty: Medium
- Altitude: 1950m - 3340m
Target Species:
- Yellow-eared Parrot (Ognorhychus icterotis)
- Black-and-chestnut Eagle (Spizaetus isidori)
- Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan (Antígena hypoglauca)
- Black-billed Mountain-Toucan (Andigena nigrirostris)
- Buff-winged Starfrontlet (Coeligena lutetiae)
| Group size | Price per person (COP) | Total Price (COP) |
| 1 | $1,200,000 | $1,200,000 |
| 2 | $800,000 | $1,600,000 |
| 3 | $600,000 | $1,800,000 |
| 4 | $400,000 | $2,000,000 |
| 5 | $430,000 | $2,150,000 |
| 6 | $370,000 | $2,220,000 |
*Prices in Colombian Pesos
We’re a small company and we carefully review all booking requests to provide the best possible service.
Please fill out the form below and we’ll respond within 24 hours.
- Vortex Binoculars (8×42 or 10×42)
- Breakfast, lunch, fruit, snacks, and drinks
- Tour guide
- Insurance
- Bird Species Checklist
- Transport
- Sun protection
- Waterproof coat
- Suitable shoes for rain/mud
- Insect repellent
- Dark coloured clothes if possible
- Clothes for colder weather
This tour starts and finishes in Salento, Quindío.
There is a direct bus from Medellin to Salento twice per day. Other buses arrive to either Pereira or Armenia and both cities have regular buses to and from Salento which take about one hour.
Flights arrive to Pereira from major cities around Colombia.
If you prefer to reserve private transport from either city, let us know when you make your reservation and we can organise it for you.
If you have any doubts or questions don’t hesitate to get in touch!
*If arriving by public transport we recommend arriving in Salento by at least the evening before the tour to ensure arrival before the early start time.
This was the most beautiful and amazing experience, birdwatching experience here is so worth it, you can find a diversity of bird life and stunning views, other animals that I have never seen in their habitat. The beautiful mountains and one of the best parts of the tour, was the excellent service, knowledge and fun of the guide, if you go with Nestor, you will have a qualify one to help you to identify species and places.
Awesome experience. We saw a lot of fascinating and beautiful birds with the easily usable equipment that was great for my friend with little experience with binoculars. Our guide, Ivan, was fantastic. Clearly loves his job and sharing his passion for birds with the people on the tour. Our driver Jorge was also great with driving the Willy. I recommend standing when in the back of the Willy and getting close to Carbónera. It’s just like being on a roller coaster, but with better scenery and you feel very safe with Jorge driving. The breakfast and lunch at the finca was delicious—even the vegetarian option—and can’t beat the scenery there. Just make sure to bring a wind breaker or jacket/sweater because it can be chilly up there with the wind. This tour was definitely the highlight of our two-week Colombia trip!
I had an amazing time in the Carbonera with Avistando Aves Andinas. The location was beautiful and it was so different seeing the palms there compared to the Valle de Cocora. I chose the tour mainly because I was interested in seeing Ognorhynchus Icterotis (Yellow-eared parrot) and I was not disappointed, I got a really good view of a group of parrots eating the palm fruit and we saw a flock of Leptosittaca Branickii both of which were lifers for me! The guides, Nestor and Ivan, were really knowledgeable and the service was great. By the end of the day I had a list of 63 species.
I have been living outside of Colombia for many years and having Nestor as a guide made me reconnect with our history, fauna and flora. An unforgettable experience and full of much learning! We visited ‘La Carbonera’ and Las Cascadas de Santa Rita, two 100% recommended experiences!
For more reviews of this tour and Avistando Aves Andinas check out our reviews page or Tripadvisor
How fit or skilled do I need to be?
This 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 Salento is known for being 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. If you prefer to pay in Colombian Pesos please let us know.
Is the tour suitable for children?
This 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.
