Features

The lodge

Our Tierraleja Lodge is nestled at the base of the encenillo forest, surrounded by wildlife rich vegetation. We offer a confortable lodge with three bedrooms with private bathroom. Ideal for couples or small groups interested in nature. Common areas include, living room, kitchen-dining area and observation deck and feeders. Tap filtered water is from our own natural spring source. Wifi internet available. 24 hour assistance staff on site.

Dining is home made cuisine with a twist of Colombian flavor and local indigenous ingredients. Meals offered are menu-of-the-day or pre-arranged requested 48 hours in advance. Meal special restrictions must be requested in advance at reservation time. Choice of fine wines and family grown Premium Colombian Specialty coffee is available.

Trails

Whatever your quest may be, you will find treasures at every step, wether at our strategically located humming bird feeder lodge deck or among one of the many trails branching out from our main lodge, ranging in length from 1.3 km (.8miles) to 6.6 km (4.1 miles). With over 12 km (8 miles) of trails to explore, our sanctuary draws bird watchers from around the world, hoping to see first-hand some of the 59 certified bird species and 81 plant species we are dedicated to protecting. Walk through the Encenillo Forest and Páramo Frailejon Valley to catch a glimpse of owls, eagles, hummingbirds, parrots, toucans, doves, guans, tanagers, gralarias, and more. Trails are adorned with beautiful orchids, parasites and bromeliads, ferns, mosses, lichens and frailejones (Espeletia)

Take the Las Pavas Trail 2.2km (1.3 miles) or Los Loros Trail 1.3km (.8 miles) for a nice hike through the forest. Or explore La Puya Loca Trail 4.6km (2.8 miles) past the pre-paramo forest, through Frailejon Valley to the top of Tunjaque Cliff at 3,550m above sea level where you will find the recently discovered bromeliad the Puya loca (Madrinan16) endemic to this area. If you’re lucky, you may even see the Puya Loca pollinators (Pterophanes and Coruscans) in action!

One of our longer trails, the Chorroblanco Hiking and Biking Trail 6.6 km (4.1 miles), will guide you through the pre-paramo and paramo habitats to a beautiful waterfall and ancient ceremonial pond. Due to the altitude, we recommend travelers coming from sea level to take it slow, enjoying a calm pace and beginning the return home around 4pm to ensure daylight greets you at the lodge. If desired, we can pre-arrange for light carry-on meal and or snack.

Sustainable Farming

Tierraleja runs a sustainable agricultural operation in the lower grasslands, producing high-quality grass fed beef at a lower cost, while contributing to reduce global warming. Our interested guests are welcome to an introduction into the practice of sustainable regenerative zero-carbon grass-fed beef production. We have successfully implemented an Intensive Rational Grazing system, allowing us to capture more carbon in the soil than the carbon released from our cattle’s methane gas emissions. We implement and encourage humane animal husbandry and agricultural best practices grounded in a profound respect for mother nature. Hence, we do not use any synthetic chemicals, antibiotics, residual effect insecticides or poisons in our operation.

Guides and Best Practices