Western Andes - Birdwatching Experiences ANT-AV-2 : Bird Reserve "Loro Orejiamarillo” - Jardín DURATION: 3 DAYS/2 NIGHTS The Southwest of Antioquia is one of Colombia's major coffee growing regions. Here you find the charming village of Jardín, nested into Andean hills with coffee and banana plantations, and the nature reserve “La Cuchilla” with its cloud forests and diverse flora and fauna sets the background for impressive scenery. The “Loro Orejiamarillo” Bird Reserve was established in 2006, in order to ensure survival and to promote conservation actions targeting populations of Yellow-eared Parrot (Ognorhynchus icterotis) and Wax Palma (Ceroxylon quindiuense), national tree of Colombia and in danger of extinction, areas of Jardín, and Riosucio and Antioquia, Caldas, Colombia. It is located in the village of Ventanas, an hour’s journey from the Township of Jardín, (Antioquia) on the road that links this municipality with Riosucio, Caldas. It has an area of 465 acres and has altitudes ranging from 1,900 to 2,600m above sea level. The most important birds for conservation are the Yellow-eared Parrot (Ognorhynchus icterotis) and the Dusky Starfrontlet (Coeligena orina), among others. The wildlife is rich and varied, with mammals such as the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus) and deer. Within the characteristic vegetation of the reserve stocks of the Wax Palm (Ceroxylon quindiuense) can be found and a species of Passion Flower endemic to the area of Jardín (Passiflora jardinensis). Trip Highlights Included • Experience the flora and fauna of Colombia's Western Andes • Private transportation incl. pick-up service • Travel insurance • Explore the unique ecosystem of the Andean Cloud forest • Accommodation (mid-range hotel in • Bird watching in the cloud forest Jardín) • Meals (2x breakfast / 2x lunch) • Hikes with experienced guides • Guided birding hikes in nature reserve • Tour through stunning Andean landscapes “Loro Orejiamarillo” • Bilingual attendance (NO birding expert!) • Taxes Please Note: • There are no bilingual birding guides available / Do the hikes with an expert guide in Spanish accompanied by a translator! In case of unforeseen circumstances and to assure the passenger’s comfort and safety the itinerary might be subject of change. Western Andes - Birdwatching Experiences ANT-AV-2 : Bird Reserve "Loro Orejiamarillo” - Jardín DURATION: 3 DAYS/2 NIGHTS Accommodation Itinerary Day 1: From Medellín to Jardín & Birding at “Gallito de Roca” Reserve The following accommodation is a mid-range hotel: 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 Hotel La Casona – Jardín • 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 The following accommodation is a numerous gallitos de las rocas (Rupicola peruvianus) fly in to screech, dance and show Boutique-Style hotel with limited off their brilliant red plumage in an attempt to impress the ladies. Spend the night in an capacity: idyllic hotel in the historic centre of Jardín. • Hotel Boutique Casa Passiflora - Day 2: Birding at the “Loro Orejiamarillo” Reserve (B, L) Jardín 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. In case of unforeseen circumstances and to assure the passenger’s comfort and safety the itinerary might be subject of change..