Our history

We are an agricultural estate and private tropical dry forest reserve, now the third most diverse location in terms of endemic and migratory bird species recorded in the department of Bolívar, where we promote regenerative tourism experiences for birdwatchers and nature lovers, and produce native foods from the tropical dry forest that are free from chemicals and pesticides.

values

  • Family legacy 

We honor our roots and the wisdom passed down from four generations since 1945. Every decision we make seeks to preserve the history, values, and family spirit that gave rise to the company, cultivating a sense of belonging and continuity. 

  • Hospitality and quality 

We welcome each visitor as part of our home, offering warm, authentic service and products of the highest quality standards. We strive to create memorable experiences that connect with nature and to harvest products free of contaminants.    

  • Commitment to the future 

We work today with a long-term vision, sowing actions that contribute to the well-being of future generations. We innovate responsibly, caring for our land, our community, and the balance of the environment. 

  • Defenders of the planet's tropical dry forest 

We are guardians of one of the most threatened and valuable ecosystems in Colombia and the world. We protect, restore, and share knowledge about the Tropical Dry Forest, convinced that its conservation is a global cause.1 

  • Green and responsible company 

We act with consistency between what we believe and what we do. We adopt sustainable practices throughout our operation, minimizing our environmental impact and promoting conscious, ethical, and transformative tourism. 

Camelias Through Time

Agrícola Camelias is a family business that dates back to 1946. In 1976, it was taken over by Mr. Rafael Camacho, who studied animal husbandry at the National University of Colombia, Medellín campus.
During his academic training in the 1970s, Mr. Rafael was influenced by the ideas of various foreign academics who came to Colombia to share new models for sustainable agricultural production without the use of the agrochemicals that were popular at the time.
This led him to devise a business plan that would take advantage of the family farm, which covers approximately 90 hectares and is originally a tropical dry forest ecosystem.
During its early years, many mistakes were made, such as cutting down trees and clearing grazing areas for the development of dual-purpose livestock and the production of some crops such as chili peppers and papaya, among other temporary crops.
For security reasons, the activity was suspended for several years. This allowed the land to rest, promoting its regeneration and the arrival of endemic and diverse fauna from the tropical dry forest.
During the pandemic, a business producing Tahiti lemons and honey was started to supply the tourism value chain. In Colombia, there is potential for supplying products with an agroecological focus to the tourism value chain, especially restaurants and hotels, so they wanted to exploit that opportunity.
At the same time, they saw the potential in birds after a visit from experts who conducted counts and sightings of a large amount of biodiversity within the farm.
Through training in bird tourism, they found that Camelias has the potential and competitive conditions for a birdwatching destination: safety, diversity or species of interest, guides, and amenities.
In 2021, they received a visit from a Famtrip by Manakin Tours, one of Colombia's nature tourism operators, and also welcomed their first national and international customers.
In 2024, we became the hotspot with the most registered lists in the department of Bolívar according to e-bird.
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