HARPY EAGLE Workshop

An intensive nature photography workshop designed for photographers looking to go beyond bird feeders and controlled shooting environments.

This experience takes place in the mountains of San Juan de Arama, Meta, within one of Colombia’s wildest and most biodiverse regions: the Sierra Of The Macarena.

Over four days, we’ll explore rainforest, mountains, and rivers while photographing one of the most impressive birds on the planet: the Harpy Eagle.

This is not a conventional workshop.

We don’t wait for the birds to come to us. We go looking for them.

This is our most demanding expedition, featuring a three-hour horseback ascent into the Sierra de La Macarena and an excursion into La Macarena National Natural Park.

At our camp, we’ll stay in a rural cabin, with access to natural hot springs and Salto Santo Domingo Waterfall. We’ll also have the opportunity to photograph an active Harpy Eagle nest, explore rivers, and experience the incredible biodiversity that the rainforest has to offer.

• Harpy Eagle Nest

• 4×4 Off-Road Excursions

• Expedition into the Sierra

• Horseback Excursion

• Composition & Visual Storytelling

• The Exposure Triangle for Nature Photography

• Capture Birds in Flight with Precision and Tack-Sharp Results

• The Golden Rules of Photography

You’ll Learn:

• In-Field Camera Setup

• Hotel & Cabin Accommodations

• Camera Shooting Modes

• Private Camp for the Group

Birds of the Region

Lophornis delattrei

Ara macao

Ramphastos tucanus

Mammals of the Region

Pteroglossus castanotis

Ateles belzebuth

Myrmecophaga tridactyla

Callicebus ornatus

Chloroceryle amazona

Psittacara leucophthalmus

Tapirus terrestris

Panthera onca

Itinerary

Arrival, Check-In & Orientation

3:00 PM

5:00 PM

day 1

Introductory Session, Q&A & Photography Theory

7:00 PM

Walk Through the Town

8:00 PM

Dinner

day 2

day 3

5:00 AM

4×4 Excursion to Bocas del Sansa

Breakfast & Preparation

7:00 AM

1:00 PM

The trail winds through mountainous landscapes as we begin the horseback ascent.

Arrival at Iraima Reserve, Check-In & Brief Rest

First Harpy Eagle Photography Session

4:30 PM

6:30 PM

Free Time to Rest, Organize & Review Your Photos

9:30 PM

Dinner

5:30 AM

Coffee, Birdwatching & Field Guide Skills

8:00 AM

8:00 AM

Rest

Breakfast

salto santo domingo

135 meters high

day 4

7:30 PM

7:00 AM

9:30 PM

10:00 PM

2:30 PM

5:30 PM

6:30 PM

7:30 PM

8:30 PM

6:00 AM

8:00 AM

9:00 AM

12:30 PM

3:00 PM

Discussion & Photography Theory

Night Wildlife Observation & Hot Springs

Rest

New Harpy Eagle Photography Session

Lunch

Salto Santo Domingo Waterfall

Return to Base

Dinner

Photo Review

Campfire

Coffee, Free Birdwatching & eBird Checklist

Breakfast

Descent from the Sierra

Return to San Juan de Arama

Recognition & Closing Ceremony

9:30 PM

11:00 AM

12:00 PM

Rest

el meta - San Juan de Arama

Daily schedule

2PM - 3PM (Meet-up)

Location

Villavicencio–Granada Route · San Juan de Arama
Hotel La Contea

Photo Locations

Immerse yourself in carefully selected locations designed for learning, birdwatching, and connecting with nature.

Base Camp

The Heart of the Expedition

Our base camp in the Sierra de La Macarena will be much more than a place to rest. It will be where we gather around campfires, share stories, and experience intensive photography sessions surrounded by rainforest, mountains, and the sounds of the wild.

Here, you’ll learn to adapt your camera to real-world field conditions, developing technique, patience, and sensitivity while photographing in one of Colombia’s wildest ecosystems.

sierra la macarena

One of Colombia’s Most Biodiverse and Remote Regions

The Sierra de La Macarena is more than a destination—it’s an experience of total immersion. We’ll travel through rainforest landscapes, mountain routes, and wild natural settings where photography becomes part of the adventure.

Every journey will be an opportunity to observe birds, wildlife, and the small details that make this region a true natural laboratory for nature photographers.

Face-to-Face with One of the Planet’s Most Impressive Birds

We’ll reach strategic observation points where you’ll have the opportunity to photograph the Harpy Eagle in its natural habitat, experiencing real encounters with one of the most powerful and elusive species in Latin America.

Here, we’ll work on technique, composition, and wildlife behavior under authentic field conditions.

Harpy Eagle Nest

What’s included

✔️ Round-trip transportation from San Juan de Arama

✔️ Access to all training areas

✔️ All meals included

✔️ Shared accommodation in hotel and cabin

✔️ Access to Sierra de La Macarena

✔️ 1 Theory Session

✔️ Hands-on Field Training

✔️ Learning Materials

✔️ Medical Assistance Insurance

✔️ 4×4 Off-Road Excursions

✔️ Farewell Toast

What’s not included

✖️ Photography Equipment (available for rent)

✖️ Additional Expenses

✖️ Souvenirs

✖️ Transportation to San Juan de Arama (Carpooling can be coordinated)

Requirements

Ideal Profile

• Camera with Manual Mode (DSLR or Mirrorless)

• Telephoto Lens (400mm minimum; 600mm recommended)

• Memory Cards & Spare Batteries

• Comfortable, Lightweight Clothing for Warm, Humid Weather (27–32°C / 81–90°F)

• Trekking Shoes

• Tripod

• Rain Jacket

• Insect Repellent

• Laptop or Tablet

Photographers who want to master the exposure triangle in real-world shooting conditions. No previous photography experience is required.

Photographers and nature enthusiasts who want to deepen their bird photography and composition skills in natural environments—and who have a strong passion for adventure, exploration, and the outdoors.

It’s the perfect experience if you love photography but have no idea where to start. Highly recommended—being immersed in nature while learning how to photograph it

@danielojaramillo

I had the opportunity to take part in this workshop, and it was an enriching experience from every perspective. We learned the fundamental principles of photography, such as the exposure triangle.

@cfajardobirds

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a long lens?

It depends on the type of experience. For the Full-Day Workshop at Chicaque Natural Park, we recommend lenses of 200mm or longer to make the most of bird photography.

Do you rent equipment?

Yes. We offer camera and telephoto lens rentals (300mm and 500mm), ideal for this type of field bird photography. We recommend booking in advance, as availability is limited.

Is it canceled due to rain?

No. Rain is part of the natural experience and often provides unique photographic conditions. Only in exceptional cases, such as thunderstorms or safety risks (landslides or similar situations), will the workshop be rescheduled.

What happens if I book and then can’t attend?

Your spot is not lost. You can reschedule it for another date within the year. However, if the cancellation is made within 10 days prior to the workshop, a penalty will apply according to our terms, due to already committed logistical arrangements.

Are the hikes physically demanding?

No. Our workshops are focused on bird photography and observation, so they do not require significant physical effort. The walks are easy and typically last less than 30 minutes.

Can I attend with my phone?

Yes, you can participate using your phone. We recommend using apps with manual (pro) mode and, if possible, pairing it with a telephoto lens to improve your results.

Is there a discount if I come on my own?

No. The transportation provided for the Full-Day Workshop at Chicaque Natural Park is an added value offered by the organization and is not part of the core cost of the experience. Our focus is on learning, guidance, and the field experience.

Can I bring a companion?

Yes, you can attend with a companion. However, each person must have their own spot, as the experience is designed to be individual and highly personalized.

How do I book a spot?

Request your spot by clicking the “Request Availability” button on the website or contacting us via the WhatsApp chat bubble. An advisor will guide you through the next steps. Reservations are confirmed with a 50% deposit, which can be paid through a payment link, and credit cards are also accepted.

Is It Safe?

Yes. Our destinations in Meta are safe for tourism and are currently part of areas open to and protected for nature tourism, birdwatching, and conservation activities.

We work exclusively in areas with an active presence of local communities, private reserves, and authorized operators, where tourism has become an important tool for local development and peacebuilding.

Visitors are highly respected in the region, and all our routes are carried out with local coordination and specialized support.

The security situations that many people may associate with the region occur in completely different areas, far from the tourist destinations included in our experiences.

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