This conservation area, established by the ProAves Foundation, was created to protect the habitat of the Dusky Starfrontlet (Coeligena orina) and to preserve a fragment of one of Colombia’s best-preserved páramo ecosystems.

During an expedition conducted by the ProAves Foundation in 2004 to Páramo del Sol, Coeligena orina, an Endangered (EN) species that had not been recorded for over 50 years, was rediscovered. Thanks to this rediscovery, the Natural Reserve was established as a conservation refuge for a great variety of endemic species.

Location:

The Natural Reserve is located on the axis of the Western Cordillera in the El Chuscal hamlet, belonging to the municipality of Urrao, Antioquia.

The Natural Reserve is situated in the El Chuzcal hamlet, on the highest western foothills of the Pacific slope in the Western Cordillera in the department of Antioquia.

HOW TO GET THERE?

Public transportation:

Board a bus from Rápido Ochoa or SOATRAUR companies at the Terminal del Sur in the city of Medellín to the municipality of Urrao.

At the main square of Urrao, take transportation to the El Chuscal hamlet. Transportation options include: Taxi, Jeep, or Chiva, which departs at 5 a.m. and 12 p.m.

In the El Chuscal hamlet, take the mule trail, either on foot or by horse (prior coordination with a service provider is required), to the Natural Reserve. This route is 5 km long and takes approximately 3 hours.

Private transportation:

Any vehicle is suitable for transportation to the El Chuscal hamlet in the municipality of Urrao. The car can be parked at a point known as La Terminal. From there, take the mule trail, either on foot or by horse (prior coordination with a service provider is required), to the Natural Reserve. This route is 5 km long and takes approximately 3 hours.

Every visitor or group of visitors must request the accompaniment of a local guide who complies with the regulations required to work in the municipality.

Route: Medellín – Itagüí – La Estrella – Caldas – Amagá – Bolombolo – Concordia – Betulia – Urrao.