Conservation paradise for migratory birds
Reinita Cielo Azul Nature Reserve was created with the intention of preserving a sample of migratory bird habitat for the Reinita Cielo Azul (Setophaga cerulea), being the first reserve in South America established to protect a migratory bird. It’s located on the western slope of the Colombian Eastern Cordillera in the town of San Vicente de Chucuri, Santander department, near the mountains of Yariguíes. The distance of the reservation to the nearest population center is 7 miles. The reserve currently has 513 acres of tropical rainforest and has been declared by the Alliance for Zero Extinction as an AZE site. Visit us!
- Altitudinal range: Between 1,600 and 2,500 AMSL
- Weather: Between 60 and 82 °F, Tropical humid forest
Location
The Reinita Cielo Azul ProAves Reserve is located in the municipality of San Vicente de Chucurí, department of Santander, 87 kilometers from the city of Bucaramanga.
How to get to Reinita Cielo Azul
- Public transportation:
At the Bucaramanga Transportation Terminal, module 3, you can board a Coopetran or Cootransmagdalena bus, with departures to San Vicente de Chucurí every hour from 4:00 am to 7:00 pm.
From San Vicente de Chucurí you must take transportation to the Natural Reserve, the transportation options are: 4×4 truck or Mototaxi, both options can be taken at the main park.
- Private transportation:
From Bucaramanga you must take the Girón-Lebrija road to the Lisboa intersection, time approximately 1 hour. From there take the road to San Vicente de Chucurí bordering the hidroSogamoso project.
When you are in the main park, take the road that leads to the village of La Germania (we suggest that this route is done only by pickup truck or camper, the use of cars is restricted due to the difficulty of the road). Along the way you will find signs to get to the Natural Reserve. From San Vicente de Chucurí to Reinita Cielo Azul is approximately 30 minutes.
Approximate travel time: 3 hours from the city of Bucaramanga.
- Route: Bucaramanga - Lebrija - Lisboa, crossing to San Vicente de Chucurí - Vereda la Germania, center sector - ProAves Reserve.
OUR LODGE
THE RESERVE HAS ACCOMMODATION FOR 20 PEOPLE WITH COMFORTABLE CABINS, WITH PRIVATE BATHROOMS, ELECTRICITY, DRINKING AND HOT WATER:
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 and wildlife watching
Take an excursion through the internal trails
Nighttime wildlife observation: mammals, spiders and more
Explore the garden and its wonderful species of flora
Contemplate migratory birds
Observe the hummingbirds in the feeders
- 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
It’s necessary to travel in a 4×4 vehicle adapted to handle the conditions of some sections of the road.
- 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.
Reinita Cielo Azul
SUSTAINABILITY & CONSERVATION
Reinita Cielo Azul ProAves Reserve was created in July 2005 with the intention of preserving a sample of migratory bird habitat for the Reinita Cielo Azul (Setophaga cerulea), being the first national reserve and South American established in order to keep a migratory bird.
Among the birds recorded in the area include the Gorgeted Wood-quail (Odontophorus strophium), the Black Inca (Coeligena prunellei), the Chestnut bellied Hummingbird (Amazilia castaneiventris), the White-mantled Barbet (Capito hypoleucus), the Parker’s Antbird (Cercomacra parkeri), the Brown-rumped Tapaculo (Scytalopus latebricola) and Mountain Grackle (Macroagelaius subalaris). It is also possible to see amphibians like the Poison Frog (Minyobates virolinensis) and mammals such as the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus).