First Flight
Two days and one night. A perfect introduction to the estate with sunrise birdwatching, an immersive forest walk, a private chef's dinner, and a refined field picnic.
Private inquiry
Valle del Cauca, Colombia
The estate, the forest, and the wildlife, exclusively yours.
El Garcero is a family-owned private nature estate offering exclusive birdwatching, forest immersion, wildlife photography, horseback riding, and slow luxury within Hacienda El Medio. Hosted by Paulo Vila Echeverri in Spanish, English, French, Italian, Portuguese, and German.
1,618acres of family estate
5suites, each with a private bath
200+bird species documented in the area
7wetlands, reservoirs, and forest trails
6host languages for international guests
Exclusive Buyout Only
Reserved exclusively for your group. An unhurried, private immersion in nature.
The estate is reserved in its entirety, guaranteeing total privacy. The experience includes curated gastronomy, specialized guided excursions, elevated picnic logistics, a private pool, and a tailored itinerary designed for families, leaders, and discerning nature travelers.
Primary Forest
Three days and two nights focused on deeper exploration: specialized birding, rare flora discovery, lakeside trails, exclusive horseback riding, and our signature naturalist routes.
Private inquiry
El Garcero Expedition
Four days and three nights. The ultimate estate experience. Enjoy guided dawns, wildlife photography sessions, forest immersion, impeccable house service, and engaging conservation storytelling.
Private inquiry
Valle Nature Week
A longer, fully customized itinerary spanning a week. It integrates estate living with seamless excursions to iconic regional landmarks like Parque del Café, balancing adventure with curated family time.
Private inquiry
Hacienda El Medio
A historic estate shaped by forest, water, and scientific discovery.
Hacienda El Medio is a landscape that has been preserved by the Echeverri family for generations. Its majestic primary forest has been prominently featured in botanical literature, including the foundational studies by Dr. Philip A. Silverstone-Sopkin and his collaborators on the rare tropical dry forest species of the Cauca Valley.
El Garcero invites you to experience this environment slowly—guided by experts, with profound respect, and with the understanding that every exclusive stay actively contributes to keeping this vital forest standing.
The estate
Crafted for travelers who seek intimacy, profound nature, and an unhurried pace.
Beyond the scenic vistas, the true essence of El Garcero is found in its authentic connection to the land: the pristine valley, the mirror-like lakes, the vibrant primary forest, and the secluded trails of Hacienda El Medio.
Living catalogue
357 species. One forest. A documented history.
Search the unified species board by common name, scientific name, family or region — across birds, flora and fauna, with photos, English sound recordings, sources cited and links to iNaturalist & GBIF.
Open the species board →65DOI vouchers
33Camera-trapped
153Audio recordings
263Real photos
Catalogue · 🐦 160Ornithology
160 bird species — 150 with iNaturalist audio recordings. Dawn walks, hides and photography windows.
Catalogue · 🌿 52Botanical Legacy52 plants — Silverstone's relict-flora matrix, with medicinal and traditional uses documented per species.
Catalogue · 🐾 145Wildlife145 mammals, reptiles, amphibians, ants, butterflies, fish — including capybara, jaguarundi and Andean night monkey documented by El Medio cameras.
04Primary ForestHighly restricted, guided access to the virgin forest, ensuring conservation-first exploration with strict carrying capacity.
05The ResidenceFive private suites, a serene pool, a heated whirlpool, and the complete architectural infrastructure for high-end hospitality.
06Estate TopographyA beautifully calibrated map guiding you through private lakes, forest trails, key birding spots, and picturesque picnic sites.
Legacy
A sanctuary defined by scientific stewardship and the enduring legacy of the Echeverri family.
El Garcero is more than a destination; it is a profound responsibility. Our ethos is rooted in protecting the biodiversity that surrounds us while honoring the vision of those who safeguarded this land across generations.
The Silverstone Legacy
A forest studied for decades, preserved for the future.
Dr. Philip A. Silverstone-Sopkin, remembered fondly by the family as a dedicated curator and guardian of the forest, meticulously documented Hacienda El Medio in his seminal scientific works on rare tropical dry forest ecology. This grants El Garcero an unyielding mandate: every visit must actively protect this ecological treasure, never diminish it.
Read biography and timeline →
Los muertos vivientes - Universidad del Valle
Revision of Anthurium sect. Leptanthurium
A Great Family Legacy
Generational continuity and a profound commitment to hospitality.
The Echeverri family stands as enduring guardians of the land, the forest, and the water. This profound stewardship is matched only by their dedication to impeccable Colombian hospitality. El Garcero opens the doors of their historical estate, inviting guests to partake in a legacy of grace, conservation, and warmth.
The survival and vibrance of this delicate ecosystem is a direct result of the Echeverri family's unwavering generational stewardship and long-term vision.
The scientific resonance of Hacienda El Medio is deeply indebted to pioneers who forged early paths of study, meticulous care, and observation. We profoundly acknowledge Esteban Uribe Jaramillo in this history.
Our botanical records meticulously recognize the network of brilliant botanists, entomologists, illustrators, and local community collaborators whose efforts illuminated this ecosystem.
Private booking
A truly exceptional estate is reserved through personal consultation.
Due to the highly exclusive nature of El Garcero, we do not operate a traditional booking engine. Every stay is tailored to your group's unique profile, culinary preferences, and pace. We begin with a personal consultation to understand your needs, confirm the estate's availability, and design a seamless, bespoke itinerary.