Which bird species do you think is the biggest attraction to visitors of your lodge (please only name one species)?
Coeligena prunellei (Black Inca), also known as the Prince of Arcabuco, as it is an iconic species of the area and relatively easy to spot and photograph.
What is the name of your lodge, and since when has your lodge been operating?
The name of our lodge is Posada Ecoturística Rogitama Biodiversidad. It officially opened its doors in 2014. However, we have been receiving ornithologists and birdwatching enthusiasts since 2004, when we began participating in the Christmas Bird Count.
How best to travel to your lodge?
We are located in the department of Boyacá, 33 km from the capital city of Tunja and 27 km from the tourist town of Villa de Leyva. The lodge can be reached by car or by public transportation from Bogotá, Tunja, Villa de Leyva or Bucaramanga. Visitors traveling by bus can take a bus from the Northern Bus Terminal in Bogotá to Arcabuco.
What kind of services – except for accommodation and food – does your lodge offer to visiting birders?
We have bird feeders around the lodge, which attract 12 different hummingbird species, including Coeligena prunellei (Black Inca), the Prince of Arcabuco. We offer guided birdwatching tours, as well as an introductory birdwatching experience where participants learn about the different tools and techniques used for birdwatching.
What makes your lodge special?
What makes our lodge special is its location within Rogitama Biodiversidad, a nature reserve dedicated to the conservation and restoration of the Andean forest. Visitors can enjoy close encounters with a great diversity of birds in a peaceful natural environment. Our bird feeders attract 12 different hummingbird species, including the endemic Coeligena prunellei (Black Inca), the Prince of Arcabuco. We also offer a personal and authentic experience, combining birdwatching, nature conservation, and environmental education.
What are the 10 – 20 most interesting birds that your lodge offers good chances to see?
The 20 bird species that visitors have good chances of seeing at our lodge are:
1. Coeligena prunellei – Black Inca (Prince of Arcabuco)
2. Campylopterus falcatus – Lazuline Sabrewing
3. Ocreatus underwoodii – Booted Racket-tail
4. Chlorostilbon poortmani – Short-tailed Emerald
5. Chaetocercus heliodor – Gorgeted Woodstar
6. Megascops albogularis – White-throated Screech-Owl
7. Synallaxis subpudica – Silvery-throated Spinetail
8. Heliangelus amethysticollis – Amethyst-throated Sunangel
9. Gallinago nobilis – Noble Snipe
10. Penelope montagnii – Andean Guan
11. Aulacorhynchus albivitta – Southern Emerald Toucanet
12. Atlapetes albofrenatus – Moustached Brushfinch
13. Boissonneaua flavescens – Buff-tailed Coronet
14. Chaetocercus mulsant – White-bellied Woodstar
15. Sicalis flaveola – Saffron Finch
16. Stilpnia heinei – Black-capped Tanager
17. Sporathraupis cyanocephala – Blue-capped Tanager
18. Tangara nigroviridis – Beryl-spangled Tanager
19. Chlorospingus canigularis – Ashy-throated Chlorospingus
20. Myioborus ornatus – Golden-fronted Redstart
These species represent some of the most interesting and attractive birds that visitors have good chances of seeing while birdwatching at Rogitama Biodiversidad.
Short-tailed Emerald
What is the best time to visit your lodge, and why?
The lodge is a good destination for birdwatching throughout the year, as most of our resident species can be seen year-round. However, the period between November and March can be particularly interesting because we receive some migratory species, such as the Bay-breasted Warbler (Setophaga fusca) and Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra).
Overall, we recommend visiting at any time of the year, as each season offers good birdwatching opportunities.
Is your lodge involved in conservation efforts? If yes, please describe them.
Yes. Conservation is at the heart of Rogitama Biodiversidad. The reserve has been dedicated to the restoration and conservation of the Andean forest since 1982. We have restored native vegetation, protected natural habitats, and created conditions that allow native bird populations and other wildlife to thrive. We also promote environmental education and birdwatching as tools for conservation, helping visitors understand the importance of protecting biodiversity. Our bird feeders and trails provide opportunities for visitors to observe birds while learning about the ecosystems they depend on.
What other suggestions can you give to birders interested in visiting your lodge?
We recommend that birders come prepared for cool and changing weather conditions. Arcabuco is a relatively cold municipality, with an average temperature of around 17°C (63°F), while temperatures can drop to around 3°C (37°F) at night.
Rain is also common, particularly in the afternoons, so we recommend bringing warm and waterproof clothing, a rain jacket, and appropriate footwear for walking on forest trails. Binoculars, a camera, and extra protection for photographic equipment are also highly recommended.
We also encourage visitors to allow enough time for birdwatching, as exploring the different habitats and trails increases the chances of seeing a greater diversity of species.
Do you have activities for non-birders? If so, please describe.
Yes. We offer several activities for visitors who are not birders. Guests can participate in traditional embroidery workshops and an introductory birdwatching experience, which is also suitable for beginners and people who simply want to learn more about birds and nature.
We also recommend visiting several nearby waterfalls and nature reserves, all located within approximately 30 minutes of the lodge. In addition, visitors can explore Villa de Leyva, a historic town and one of Colombia’s heritage destinations, located just a short distance from Rogitama.
If any reader of 10,000 Birds is interested in staying at your lodge, how can they best contact you?
The best way to contact us is through WhatsApp at +57 315 266 6949. Visitors can also find more information and make inquiries through our website, www.rogitama.com, or follow us on Instagram at @Rogitama_Biodiversidad.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of 10,000 Birds?
We would like to invite the readers of 10,000 Birds to visit Rogitama Biodiversidad and experience the incredible bird diversity of the Andean forests of Boyacá. For us, birdwatching is not only about observing and photographing birds, but also about understanding and supporting the conservation of their habitats. We hope that visitors leave Rogitama with beautiful memories, new knowledge, and a deeper appreciation for the birds and ecosystems that make this region so special. We look forward to welcoming birders from Colombia and around the world!
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