El Nido del Cóndor
The first glimpse over the edge of the deep gorge is enough to bring a sense of calm and vastness. El Nido del Cóndor is reachable only by a private cable car, which carries you high above the depths of the Molinos Canyon to a secluded plateau - an arrival that becomes part of the experience itself. The house takes its name from a pair of Colombia's last Andean condors, which have lived on the surrounding cliffs for over twenty years and can be observed right from the rooms. The hotel has made it its mission to actively protect and regenerate this sensitive habitat, a commitment reflected throughout its sustainable concept. The result is a relaxed atmosphere, rounded off in the evenings by a clear starry sky free of city lights and by an abundance of varied activities in nature.
Details
Country
Colombia
Location
Villamaría
Price
on request
Best Travel Time
July - August & December - March
Rooms
The accommodations are designed as comfortable havens, captivating with sweeping views into the deep canyon. The Standard Rooms offer a generous 72 square meters, a large bathroom and two balconies fitted with cozy hammocks. The interiors combine cozy details such as a fireplace and comfortable butterfly chairs with functional design elements like standing tables and coat racks. For larger groups of up to eight people, the 200-square-meter villa offers the ultimate in comfort. This unit comes with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a spacious central kitchen-living area, complemented by an 18-meter-long terrace with its own fireplace.
Cuisine
The house's cuisine is built on sustainability and an authentic "field to table" experience. During an agroecological activity, guests get a direct look into the property's own sustainable garden and learn responsible cultivation techniques. Afterwards, the organic produce is harvested and tasted on the spot, bringing the unadulterated flavors of nature to life. Hospitality is also a priority on excursions to a local farming family, who welcome visitors into their home with freshly brewed coffee or juices from their own harvest. In the evenings, guests love to gather under the starry sky around a warming campfire to swap stories over hot drinks.
Activities
The diverse range of activities is dedicated to the immersive exploration of wildlife and to your own personal renewal. Alongside spotting the majestic condor in its natural habitat, eight hiking trails of varying difficulty and modern e-bikes invite you to explore the landscape. The wellness center offers holistic programs in octagonal spaces, featuring a handcrafted wooden sauna, ofuro baths and nourishing coffee-aloe scrubs. The program is rounded out by Far Eastern disciplines such as yoga, Tai Chi Chuan and meditative sound baths. Adventure seekers can also go on guided cave hikes, while the pollinator garden and stargazing captivate nature lovers.
Location
The ecolodge is located in the Villamaría region of the Caldas department, about 23 kilometers from Manizales and 17 kilometers from the town center of Villamaría, nestled in the striking mountain landscape along the so-called Ruta del Cóndor. The final stretch along an unpaved road takes around 50 minutes, before a private cable car carries you across the canyon to the lodge. Its privileged, secluded position on a high plateau shields the property from any light pollution, guaranteeing an unobstructed view of the Milky Way. The nearest airport is in Manizales, about one hour and 15 minutes away; alternatively, Pereira airport can be reached in around two and a half hours - from either, the final leg requires your own vehicle or a transfer.
Contact person
Senior Travel Designer
