BIRD RESERVE “COLIBRI DEL SOL” - URRAO

Antioquia, Colombia

Duration: 3 days/ 2 nights This tour takes you high up into the Western Andes of Antioquia to the small town of Urrao. Close to the village you find the “Colibri del Sol” bird reserve with nearly 700 hectares’ extension at the base of the “Páramo del Sol” located between 2,650 and 3,750 meters above sea level. The area is part of the Colombian national park “Las Orquideas”. The Páramo represents the ecosystem above the continuous tree line, but still below the permanent snow line. In order to protect the habitat of the Dusky Starfrontlet (Coeligena orina) and conserve a sample of one of the moorland (“Paramo”) ecosystems in the best state of preservation in Colombia the bird reserve was delcred in 2005. Some species of birds found in the reserve are the Dusky Starfrontlet (Coligena orina), critically endangered, Rusty-faced Parrot (Hapalopsittaca amazonina), the Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer (Diglossa gloriosissima), The Moustached Antpitta (Grallaria alleni), in a vulnerable state, and Golden-crowned Tanager (Iridosornis rufivertex). Recently, at the reserve, was discovered a new species of Grallaria, known as Urrao Antpitta (Grallaria fenwickorum). Moreover, the site is recognized as an area of labor and training or Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatos), which holds the vulnerable category. Enjoy accommodation in the middle of a unique Colombian landscape. Explore the area with an experienced guide.

Included

Private transportation incl. pick-up service
Travel insurance
Accommodation (visitor centre in “Colibri del Sol”)
Meals (2x breakfast / 3x lunch / 2x dinner)
Guided birding hikes in nature reserve “Colibri del Sol”
Bilingual attendance (NO birding expert!)
Taxe

Trip Highlights

Experience the flora and fauna of Colombia's Western Andes
Explore the unique ecosystem of the Andean Cloud forest
Bird watching in the cloud forest
Hikes with experienced guides
Tour through stunning Andean landscapes

Itinerary

Day 1: From Medellín to Jardín & Birding at “Gallito de Roca” Reserve A scenic ride through the lush green mountains takes you into the coffee growing region of Antioquia's Southwest. On arrival in Jardín get to know the village before your first birding activity. Just a short walk from the village square one finds the Nature Reserve “Gallito de Rocas”. This small nature reserve right on the edge of town is the scene of one of Jardín's most impressive natural sights. Early each morning and again in the evening numerous gallitos de las rocas (Rupicola peruvianus) fly in to screech, dance and show off their brilliant red plumage in an attempt to impress the ladies. Spend the night in an idyllic hotel in the historic centre of Jardín. Day 2: Birding at the “Loro Orejiamarillo” Reserve (B, L) Start form Jardín on a one-hour ride to reach the Nature Reserve. Explore the region hiking and accompanied by an experienced guide and learn more about the ecosystem of the Andean cloud forest. In the afternoon return to the accommodation in Jardín Day 3: Birding at the “Loro Orejiamarrillo” Reserve and return to Medellin (B, L) Early in the morning do another hike into the “Loro Orejiamarillo” Nature Reserve. Later on, start your trip back to the city of Medellín travelling through the impressive canyons of Western Antioquia.

Not included

Please note: There are no bilingual birding guides available /

Do the hikes with an expert guide in Spanish accompanied by a translator!

Activities or expenses not specified in the plan.

Price

Price in dollars "USD" and, accommodation in Carmen del Atrato: Centro de visitantes “Las Tangaras” . The price may vary depending on the number of people. Bilingual guide: 15 USD