The Florida wetland and its birds
Explore one of Bogotá’s most important high-Andean wetlands and discover remarkable birds in a unique ecosystem near the city. This birdwatching experience combines rich biodiversity, resident and migratory species, and local interpretation focused on conservation.
Birdwatching in a High-Andean Wetland near Bogotá
La Florida Regional Park, located west of Bogotá in Funza, Cundinamarca, offers one of the most accessible birdwatching near Bogotá experiences. Covering 267 hectares, this protected wetland is part of the Bogotá wetlands network and provides excellent opportunities to observe resident and migratory birds throughout the year. Its rich aquatic habitats, open landscapes, and diverse vegetation make it an outstanding destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and international birdwatchers exploring Colombia.
A Guided Birdwatching Experience at La Florida Wetland
La Florida Wetland and its Birds invites visitors to enjoy a guided birdwatching tour through one of the most important wetlands near Bogotá. Explore tranquil lagoons and marsh vegetation while searching for aquatic species that are often easy to photograph. Throughout the excursion, the calls and songs of numerous birds create an immersive natural atmosphere, while your guide interprets the ecological importance of this ecosystem and its role in conserving the remarkable biodiversity of the Andean wetlands.
Target Bird Species Recorded in La Florida Wetland
La Florida Regional Park is one of the best places for Andean wetland birdwatching near Bogotá. During this guided birdwatching tour, visitors may observe resident and migratory birds while discovering the ecological importance of Bogotá’s wetlands. The following list features some of the most representative bird species recorded in this remarkable ecosystem.
Endemic species (E)
Bogota Rail and Silvery-throated Spinetail.
Near-endemic species
Yellow-hooded Blackbird, Spot-flanked Gallinule and Spectacled Parrotlet.
Additional species
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Pied-billed Grebe, Eared Dove, Greater Ani, Sparkling Violetear, Common Gallinule, American Coot, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Striated Heron, Bare-faced Ibis, Roadside Hawk, Crested Caracara, Yellow-headed Caracara, American Kestrel, Mountain Elaenia, Tropical Kingbird, Brown-bellied Swallow, Great Thrush. Lesser Goldfinch, Rufous-collared Sparrow, Shiny Cowbird, Black-backed Grosbeak, Black Flowerpiercer, Glossy Flowerpiercer.
Conservation Status of Recorded Bird Species
- Critically endangered (CR): None recorded
- Endangered (EN): Ruddy Duck, Spot-flanked Gallinule and Bogota Rail.
- Vulnerable (VU): Bogota Rail.
- Near Threatened (NT): Noble Snipe.
- Data Deficient (DD): None recorded
Austral species migratory (Typically May – September):
Fork-tailed Flycatcher and Brown-chested Martin.
Boreal species migratory (Typically September – April):
Blue-winged Teal, Sora, Solitary Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs, Greater Yellowlegs, Green Heron, Osprey, Broad-winged Hawk, Swainson’s Hawk, Merlin, Western Wood-Pewee, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Red-eyed Vireo, Bank Swallow, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Swainson’s Thrush, Summer Tanager, Scarlet Tanager.
Tour Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | La Florida Wetland. Funza – Cundinamarca, Colombia |
| Tour Date | Available according to the visitor’s preferred schedule. |
| Location | Bogotá D.C. and the municipality of Funza – Cundinamarca, Colombia. |
| Main Attractions | Andean wetland birdwatching, bird observation tower, aquatic ecosystems, and scenic wetland landscapes. |
| Climate | Cold weather (temperatures may vary throughout the day). |
| Altitude | 2,600 m (8,530 ft) above sea level. |
| Recommended For | Children 7–9 years old. Teenagers: 10–14 years old. Youth: 15–20 years old. Young adults: 21–39 years old. Adults: 40–64 years old. Seniors: 65 years and older. |
| Minimum Group Size | 1 participant. |
| Difficulty Level | Low (Flat terrain with moderate walking effort) |
| Duration | Approximately 4 hours. |
| Walking Distance | Approximately 2 km (1.2 miles). |
What’s Included in Your La Florida Wetland Birdwatching Experience
Included Services
Transportation and Access
- Round-trip terrestrial transportation from your hotel in Bogotá to La Florida Wetland and back.
- Management of access permits required for protected natural area.
Food, Hydration and Comfort
- Breakfast.
- Snacks and hydration during the activity.
- Drinking water available throughout the experience.
- An exclusive comfort accessory specially designed to enhance your journey and provide a more enjoyable experience in the cloud forest environment.
Professional Guidance, Planning and Support
- Medical assistance card during the activity.
- Professional birding guide providing personalized guidance and expert interpretation of High Andean Forest, Páramo ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation throughout the tour.
- Complete administrative management, experience planning, and operational coordination to ensure a safe, organized, and memorable birdwatching experience.
What’s Not Included
The plan does not include
- Services or activities not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
- Personal expenses and items of personal use.
- Medical expenses beyond the coverage provided by the travel assistance card.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Tips or gratuities, which are voluntary and provided at the guest’s discretion.
- Additional costs or itinerary changes resulting from circumstances beyond our control.
Why Travel with Raíces Profundas?
- Small groups for a more personalized birdwatching experience.
- Professional local birding guides.
- Responsible nature tourism focused on conservation.
- Interpretation of biodiversity, geology, and Andean ecosystems.
- Comfortable transportation from Bogotá.
- Carefully designed itineraries that maximize birdwatching opportunities.
Recommendations for Your La Florida Wetland Birdwatching Experience
To enjoy a safe, comfortable, and meaningful birdwatching experience at La Florida Wetland, we invite you to follow these recommendations while helping us protect this valuable ecosystem.
- Punctuality: Please arrive at the meeting point at the scheduled time. This allows us to follow the planned itinerary, maximize birdwatching opportunities, and provide a smooth experience throughout the day
- Clothing and Equipment: Wear comfortable outdoor clothing suitable for the cool and changing weather conditions at the wetland. We recommend waterproof hiking boots, a rain jacket, warm layers, a hat or cap, gloves, and sun protection.
- Personal Care: Bring sunscreen, personal hygiene items, insect repellent, and one or two reusable bags to collect any personal waste generated during the activity. If you take prescribed medication, remember to bring it with you.
- Personal Belongings: For greater comfort during transportation and the activity, we recommend traveling with a suitcase rather than backpacks or handbags. If you are traveling with a group, each participant should carry their own belongings to distribute weight properly. Rolling suitcases are not recommended due to the natural conditions of some areas.
- Food and Hydration: Breakfast and hydration are included during the experience. You may also bring additional personal snacks if you require extra energy during the activity. Drinking water will be available throughout the tour.
- Documents: Please carry your passport and any personal documents required during your visit. Remember that your experience includes a travel assistance card covering health-related emergencies during the activity.
- Money: Bring the amount of money you consider necessary, especially if you wish to purchase local products, traditional foods, or support local initiatives during your visit.
Responsible Birdwatching Guidelines
To protect la Florida wetland biodiversity and preserve the tranquility of this unique High Andean Forest and Páramo ecosystems, we kindly ask visitors to follow these guidelines:
- Do not participate in the activity under the influence of alcohol or psychoactive substances.
- Do not bring pets or other animal species into the natural areas.
- Avoid carrying radios or any objects that may generate noise and disturb wildlife observation.
Do you have questions or want to make a reservation? Contact us! Our advisors will provide you with all the information you need.
Discover more places where Colombia’s biodiversity reveals its hidden stories. Continue your journey through nature, culture, and conservation.