Loro Orejiamarillo Bird Reserve

The Loro Orejiamarillo (Yellow-eared Parrot) bird reserve owned by Fundacion ProAves is located above the pleasant colonial town of Jardin, which offers excellent accommodation. It is the best place to find the Critically Endangered and spectacular Colombian endemic, the Yellow-eared Parrot. A growing population of 350 of these large parrots inhabits the steep hillsides above Jardin, dependent on the endangered wax palm for nesting and roosting sites. Intense conservation actions were necessary to protect the remaining parrots and palms; these efforts have been very effective, and are ongoing.

Bosque Yotoco/Laguna de Sonso

Bosque Yotoco and Laguna de Sonso are two good birding sites easily visited in a day from Cali. Bosque Yotoco is a forest reserve packed with red howler monkeys, while Laguna de Sonso is a large wetlands complex beside the Rio Cauca. Both reserves are owned and managed by the Corporación Autonoma Regional del Valle del Cauca (CVC), and permission must be obtained from the CVC before visiting Bosque Yotoco.

Buenaventura Road

The Cali-Buenaventura road was traditionally one of Colombia?s top birding sites, located close to the modern city of Cali. Unfortunately, extensive deforestation in the region has taken place. In addition, SECURITY ISSUES PERSIST IN THE REGION, HAMPERING SAFE VISITATION TO MANY SITES ON THE BUENAVENTURA SIDE OF THE ROAD.

El Pangan Bird Reserve

This pristine reserve is home to an impressive array of Chocó endemics, species limited to western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. This reserve protects a large area of primary foothill forest untouched by people ? the water in the streams is pure and drinkable! It is a very rainy area all year round, although fortunately mornings are dry and very productive. Several days are necessary to see a good sampling of the many rare birds present here. UNFORTUNATELY, SECURITY ISSUES PERSIST IN THE AREA; INQUIRE LOCALLY BEFORE PLANNING A TRIP TO THIS RESERVE.

Bahia Solano & Utria National Park

The lowland rainforests of the Choco are famous for their incredible birds. Unfortunately, much of the Colombian Choco is unsafe to visit, but the beach resorts of Bahia Solano and El Valle provide exciting birding, including the endemic Baudo Oropendula. It is always advisable to inquire as to the current security situation before visiting the Choco, and the network of birding paths is complicated; it is important to hire a local guide in the area.