PáRAMO DEL SOL, A HIDDEN PARADISE
This conservation area of the Fundación ProAves was created in 2005, with the aim of protecting the habitat of the Colibrí del Sol (Coeligena orina) and of conserving a fragment of the area of one of the páramo ecosystems in better condition preservation in Colombia. In an expedition carried out by the Fundación ProAves in 2004 to the Páramo del Sol, it was possible to register Coeligena orina, a species in the category of Endangered (EN), of which there was no record for more than 50 years. Thanks to this rediscovery, the Nature Reserve was created, a conservation refuge for a great variety of endemic species. Visit us!
- Altitudinal range: Between 2.700 and 3.700 AMSL
- Weather: Between 35 and 64 °F. Mixed forest with high epiphytism
Location
The Colibrí del Sol ProAves Reserve is located on the axis of the Western Cordillera in the village of El Chuscal, belonging to the municipality of Urrao, department of Antioquia, 157 kilometers from the city of Medellín.
How to get to the Colibrí Del Sol
- Public transportation:
Board a bus of the companies Rápido Ochoa or SOATRAUR at the Terminal del Sur in the city of Medellín to the municipality of Urrao.
From Urrao’s main park, take a bus to the village of El Chuscal. The transportation options are: Cab, Jeep or Chiva, which leaves at 5 a.m. and 12 noon.
In the village of El Chuscal take the bridle path, which can be on foot or on horseback (prior coordination with a service provider is required) to the Nature Reserve, this route is 5 km long and takes approximately 3 hours.
- Private transportation:
Any vehicle is suitable for transportation to the village of El Chuscal, in the municipality of Anorí. The car can be left at a point known as La Terminal. From that point, to the Nature Reserve, you must take the bridle path, either on foot or on horseback (prior coordination with a service provider is required), this journey is 5 km long and takes approximately 3 hours.
- Route: Medellín - Itagüí - La Estrella - Caldas - Amagá - Bolombolo – Concordia – Betulia – Urrao.
Our lodge
In the Colibrí del Sol ProAves Reserve you will find a standard cabin with shared space for 15 people, with basic accommodations.
Amenities and services
Visitors will enjoy:
- Internet access, when is possible
- Water, coffee and tea station
- Bird watching of endemic bird species, feeders as well as different species of mammals and wildlife in general
- Enjoy trails, terraces, and seating areas
- Comfortable rooms
The reservation does not include food or transportation. Any extra service must be requested at the reception and has an additional cost.
THINGS TO DO
Bird watching in their natural habitat
Hikes on the internal trails
Stargazing away from light and noise pollution
Day and night wildlife observation
Visit the Páramo area
Contemplate the natural wealth
- We recommend a minimum stay of 2- 3 nights to enjoy the activities and variety of wildlife.
TRAVEL TIPS
FOLLOW THESE RECOMMENDATIONS AND ENJOY YOUR STAY:
- RESERVATION
Make your reservation 24 hours in advance. Walk-in reservations are not guaranteed and are dependent on current availability.
- CHECK IN AND CHECK OUT
The ProAves Reserve opens at 6:00 a.m. and closes at 8:00 p.m. Time of entry to your room: From 3:00 p.m. and time of departure from your room: Maximum at 10:00 a.m.
- RESERVATION POLICIES
You can change the dates of the reservation, as long as there is availability. Changes must be requested in writing and 15 days in advance. No refund is made for cancellation.
- MEALS
Inform us of any health problems, allergies, or food requirements. We will offer you a special menu according to your diet.
- DO NOT COLLECT
Please, respect the natural resources of the Nature Reserve. The collection of any biological material is not allowed.
- TRANSPORT
Any vehicle is suitable for transportation to the village of El Chuscal, in the municipality of Anorí.
- CLOTHING
Remember that the climate in Colombia can be very unpredictable! We recommend you bring suitable walking shoes, a rain jacket, long-sleeved clothing, a sun hat, and sunscreen.
- FLASHLIGHT
In the Natural Reserve there may be power outages, so bring a flashlight and enjoy connecting with nature without the distraction of modern technology.
- MOSQUITOES
You do not need a yellow fever vaccine. However, we recommend using repellent since being in contact with nature there may be mosquitoes.
- FORBIDDEN TO ENTER ALCOHOL
The entry of alcoholic beverages into the Nature Reserve is forbidden.
- INTERNAL TRAILS
Follow the instructions of the Nature Reserve staff and stay on the established trails.
colibrí del Sol
SUSTAINABILITY & CONSERVATION
The Nature Reserve is home to 371 species of birds, among which stand out Coeligena orina (EN), Hapalopsittaca amazonina (VU), Diglossa gloriosissima (VU), Grallaria alleni (VU), Grallaria alvarezi (EN) and Grallaria urraoensis (CR).
They also inhabit a great variety of mammals highlighting the presence of Puma concolor and Tremarctos ornatus, being for this last zone of parturition and training of young strategic.
For amphibians, species belonging to the family have been reported Hylidae, Eleutherodactylidae and Centrolenidae.
The flora of the place is made up of populations of Gynoxys frontinoensis and Espeletia frontinoensis (endemic species), this one in a good condition. In addition, areas with the presence of individuals of Puya antioquensis, Polylepis quadrijuga and forests of seven leather.