What is
the Harpy Eagle
nature reserve
in Colombia
The Harpy Eagle Natural Reserve is a privately protected natural area located in the foothills of the Sierra de La Macarena in Meta, Colombia. Spanning 250 hectares of tropical rainforest and regenerating lands, it was created in response to the discovery of an active Harpy Eagle nest in 2022—an event that marked a turning point for conservation in the region.
This reserve is more than a geographic space; it is a living initiative focused on preserving biodiversity, protecting ecosystems, and empowering local communities. It functions as a vital habitat for endangered species, a research site for promote the science, and a space for environmental education and responsible ecotourism.
Our
Proposes
Nature reserve in Colombia
At its core, the Harpy Eagle Natural Reserve was born from the need to protect not just a nest, but an entire forest system—its wildlife, water sources, and the people who live around it. Our long-term mission is built on three interconnected pillars:
Conservation of Biodiversity
We safeguard critical rainforest habitats—particularly the nesting and feeding zones of Harpy Eagle—and protect the wide array of species that depend of these forest. Our work includes ecological restoration, scientific monitoring, and habitat connectivity.
Environmental Education and Community Empowerment
We believe in conservation through connection. Through education programs, workshops, and collaborative projects with local families, we aim to build a culture of stewardship that lasts for generations.
Sustainable Development and Ecotourism
We develop and promote nature tourism experiences that generate social and economic development for local communities. Our accommodations and tour packages allow visitors to experience the reserve’s richness firsthand, learn about conservation, research, and the region’s cultural and historical richness.
The Harpy Eagle Natural Reserve is a prime example of genuine conservation, showcasing the harmony of science, nature, and community in Colombia’s ecologically vital area.
Our History, Mission & Vision
In early 2022, a Harpy Eagle nest was confirmed in Alto Guapaya, a small village in the buffer zone of the Sierra de La Macarena National Park. This extraordinary event marked the beginning of what would become the Harpy Eagle Natural Reserve a private conservation initiative dedicated to protecting one of Colombia’s most threatened predators and the biodiverse ecosystems it inhabits. The reserve was acquired with resources from Manakin Nature Tours, a leading ecotourism company in Colombia, and has been supported by private donors, local organizations, and international partners.
Mission
To contribute to the conservation, knowledge, and sustainable management of the Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja), biodiversity, and the ecosystem services provided by the Harpy Eagle Natural Reserve through the implementation of sustainable and coordinated actions.
Vision
By 2033, the Harpy Eagle Natural Reserve will be established as a reference site for conservation and research, having contributed to the growth and protection of Harpy Eagle populations, as well as to the provision of ecosystem services and the conservation of habitats and species of flora and fauna in the Sierra de La Macarena. It will also have supported sustainable development through ecotourism and education.
Where
we are
The reserve is located in Vista Hermosa, Meta – COLOMBIA, in the foothills of the Sierra de La Macarena, a biogeographic transition zone where the Andes, Amazon, Orinoquía, and Guiana Shield meet. This unique convergence supports exceptional biodiversity.
Ecological Highlights
Biological Importance
A Refuge for Life
The reserve protects a mosaic of habitats—primary forest, riparian corridors, and regenerating pastures—that support hundreds of species, many of which are threatened or endemic.
Key
Biodiversity
Values:
Harpy Eagle nesting site
One of the last active nests founded in Colombia
Birds
Over 250 species documented in the region
Insects
Numerous butterfly and macroinvertebrate species
Flora
Over 1,500 species identified in the surrounding area
Mammals
Puma (Puma concolor), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), Giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), and 7 primate species (Humboldt’s Squirrel Monkey – Saimiri cassiquiarensis, Red Howler Monkey – Alouatta seniculus, Brumback’s night monkey – Aotus brumbacki, White-bellied spider monkey – Ateles belzebuth, Ornate Titi (Zocai) – Plecturocebus ornatus, Common woolly monkey – Lagothrix lagothricha and Black-capped Capuchin – Sapajus apella)
These biological values make the reserve a priority for conservation and long-term ecological research.
From Conflict Zone to Peace Landscape
For decades, Alto Guapaya was marked by violence, displacement, and illicit economies. Since the 2016 Peace Agreement, the region has been undergoing a transformation through the involvement of local families in reforestation, ecotourism, and sustainable agriculture.
Community Involvement & Impact
They have also received support from various national and international organizations to revitalize the social and economic fabric of their territory.
The reserve now plays a role in reconciliation through nature conservation and the improvement of local livelihoods. It contributes through environmental education programs and capacity-building efforts that empower youth and adults to become conservation leaders within their own communities.
The reserve is both a biological sanctuary and a platform for social regeneration.
action plan
2023 - 2033
To guide its work, the reserve operates under a structured and ambitious Conservation Action Plan, composed of six strategic lines:
01
Research and
Monitoring
We generate and consolidate knowledge about the Harpy Eagle, local biodiversity, buffer zone of Macarena National park and the ecosystem services provided by the reserve. Monitoring key species and habitats is essential to making conservation decisions.
02
Management and
Conservation
We implement effective strategies for the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of natural resources. These actions involve local communities and are aimed at reducing threats and ensuring the long-term integrity of the ecosystem.
03
Environmental Education and Community Engagement
We develop educational programs and capacity-building initiatives that empower local and regional actors. These efforts foster awareness, responsibility, and positive attitudes toward biodiversity and ecosystem stewardship.
04
Information and Communication
We show our work sharing scientific results and conservation knowledge with different audiences—ranging from local communities and researchers to policy makers and the general public—promoting broad-based support for biodiversity protection.
05
Sustainable Tourism
We promote responsible tourism that aligns with our conservation goals. This includes the active participation of local communities and the development of nature-based experiences that support the reserve’s mission and long-term sustainability.
06
Governance, Operations, and Sustainability
We strengthen partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, academia, and private organizations. This line supports the reserve’s long-term operation, effective administration, and financial sustainability.
Join a
conservation
experience
Participate in wildlife monitoring, ecological restoration, or community outreach.
THIS IS IMPACT
Our
Team
Led by Passion, Driven by Purpose
Our team includes enviromental professionals, birdwatchers, conservationists, educators, field technicians, and local collaborators.
Partners
and sponsors
and sponsors
