IMG
© Juanita Olano Marín

Alto de Ventanas Road

5.52477 , -75.80171

Colombia

The road between the village of Jardín and Riosucio leads up through the scenic forested hills of the Western Cordillera. It reaches its highest point at Alto de Ventanas, where the departments of Antioquia and Caldas meet, at almost 2900 metres. The area is most famous for the rare Yellow-eared Parrot, which was tought to be extinct before its rediscovery in 1999. Thanks to conservation efforts, its local population has increased considerably and it is not too difficult to find nowadays. However, Alto de Ventanas has a lot more to offer. More than 450 species have been reported along the road, highlights include Tanager Finch, Chestnut-crested Cotinga, Black-and-chestnut Eagle and the recently split Chami Antpitta. 

Large parts of the forests along the Jardín–Riosucio road are protected by the municipality of Jardín or neighbouring municipalities, while others are private reserves, like the ProAves Loro Orejiamarillo Reserve.

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : 5.5248/-75.8017 (2020-10-01 12:38:35 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Alto De Ventanas Road" (2020-10-01 12:38:35 )

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2020-10-01 13:26:29
The road between the village of Jardín and Riosucio leads up through the scenic forested hills of the Western Cordillera. It reaches its highest point at Alto de Ventanas, where the departments of Antioquia and Caldas meet, at almost 2900 metres. The area is most famous for the rare Yellow-eared Parrot, which was tought to be extinct before its rediscovery in 1999. Thanks to conservation efforts, its local population has increased considerably and it is not too difficult to find nowadays. However, Alto de Ventanas has a lot more to offer. More than 450 species have been reported along the road, highlights include Tanager Finch, Chestnut-crested Cotinga, Black-and-chestnut Eagle and the recently split Chami Antpitta.  Large parts of the forests along the Jardín–Riosucio road are protected by the municipality of Jardín or neighbouring municipalities, while others are private reserves, like the ProAves Loro Orejiamarillo Reserve.
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2020-10-01 12:40:02
The road between the village of Jardín and Riosucio leads up through the scenic forested hills of the Western Cordillera. It reaches its highest point at Alto de Ventanas, where the departments of Antioquia and Caldas meet, at almost 2900 metres. The area is most famous for the rare Yellow-eared Parrot, which was tought to be extinct before its rediscovery in 1999. Thanks to conservation efforts, its local population has increased considerably and it is not too difficult to find nowadays. However, Alto de Ventanas has a lot more to offer. More than 450 species have been reported along the road, highlights include Tanager Finch, Chestnut-crested Cotinga, Black-and-chestnut Eagle and the recently split Chami Antpitta.  Large parts of the forests along the Jardín–Riosucio road are protected by the municipality of Jardín or neighbouring municipalities, while others are private reserves, like the ProAves Loro Orejiamarillo Reserve.

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Sword-billed Hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera)
Black-and-chestnut Eagle (Spizaetus isidori)
Black-billed Mountain-Toucan (Andigena nigrirostris)
Yellow-eared Parrot (Ognorhynchus icterotis)
Chestnut-naped Antpitta (Grallaria nuchalis)
Chami Antpitta (Grallaria alvarezi)
Ocellated Tapaculo (Acropternis orthonyx)
Flammulated Treehunter (Thripadectes flammulatus)
Chestnut-crested Cotinga (Ampelion rufaxilla)
Munchique Wood-Wren (Henicorhina negreti)
Tanager Finch (Oreothraupis arremonops)
Yellow-headed Brushfinch (Atlapetes flaviceps)
Red-bellied Grackle (Hypopyrrhus pyrohypogaster)
Golden-fronted Redstart (Myioborus ornatus)
Hooded Mountain Tanager (Buthraupis montana)
Purplish-mantled Tanager (Iridosornis porphyrocephalus)

Yellow-headed Brushfinch (Atlapetes flaviceps) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-08-17 14:04:26)

Purplish-mantled Tanager (Iridosornis porphyrocephalus) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-01 13:06:07)

Hooded Mountain Tanager (Buthraupis montana) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-01 13:05:55)

Golden-fronted Redstart (Myioborus ornatus) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-01 13:05:48)

Red-bellied Grackle (Hypopyrrhus pyrohypogaster) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-01 13:05:34)

Tanager Finch (Oreothraupis arremonops) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-01 13:05:27)

Munchique Wood-Wren (Henicorhina negreti) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-01 13:05:16)

Chestnut-crested Cotinga (Ampelion rufaxilla) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-01 13:05:04)

Flammulated Treehunter (Thripadectes flammulatus) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-01 13:04:51)

Ocellated Tapaculo (Acropternis orthonyx) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-01 13:04:44)

Chami Antpitta (Grallaria alvarezi) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-01 13:04:33)

Chestnut-naped Antpitta (Grallaria nuchalis) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-01 13:04:22)

Yellow-eared Parrot (Ognorhynchus icterotis) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-01 13:04:15)

Black-billed Mountain-Toucan (Andigena nigrirostris) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-01 13:03:57)

Black-and-chestnut Eagle (Spizaetus isidori) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-01 13:03:48)

Sword-billed Hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2020-10-01 13:03:35)

  • Timing and strategy

Alto de Ventanas can be visited all year, although the rainy season might best be avoided. The driest months are December to March, while the highest precipitation is usually reported in April–May and September–October. 

It is highly recommended to drive up to Alto de Ventanas before dawn. The Yellow-eared Parrots leave their roosting sites early in the morning and can then be seen flying over forest clearings. Activity of other species is also highest early morning and drops noticeably towards noon.

You should spend at least one full day along the Ventanas road. If you would like to find many of the scarcer species, you will need more time and a good local guide.

If you would like to have excellent views of Chestnut-naped, Chami and Slate-crowned Antpitta, contact Lucía Morales (+57 314 6837549) who feeds them near her finca "Avistamiento de aves El Roble" 9 km from Alto de Ventanas towards Riosucio. She also has a feeder for Chestnut Wood-Quails, but those are less reliable. Moreover, her feeders for hummingbirds and fruit-eating species provide great opportunities for photographers.

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-08-17 14:04
Alto de Ventanas can be visited all year, although the rainy season might best be avoided. The driest months are December to March, while the highest precipitation is usually reported in April–May and September–October.  It is highly recommended to drive up to Alto de Ventanas before dawn. The Yellow-eared Parrots leave their roosting sites early in the morning and can then be seen flying over forest clearings. Activity of other species is also highest early morning and drops noticeably towards noon. You should spend at least one full day along the Ventanas road. If you would like to find many of the scarcer species, you will need more time and a good local guide. If you would like to have excellent views of Chestnut-naped, Chami and Slate-crowned Antpitta, contact Lucía Morales (+57 314 6837549) who feeds them near her finca 9 finca "Avistamiento de aves El Roble" 9 km from Alto de Ventanas towards Riosucio. She also has a feeder for Chestnut Wood-Quails, but those are less reliable. Moreover, her feeders for hummingbirds and fruit-eating species provide great opportunities for photographers.
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-08-17 13:58
Alto de Ventanas can be visited all year, although the rainy season might best be avoided. The driest months are December to March, while the highest precipitation is usually reported in April–May and September–October.  It is highly recommended to drive up to Alto de Ventanas before dawn. The Yellow-eared Parrots leave their roosting sites early in the morning and can then be seen flying over forest clearings. Activity of other species is also highest early morning and drops noticeably towards noon. You should spend at least one full day along the Ventanas road. If you would like to find many of the scarcer species, you will need more time and a good local guide. If you would like to have excellent views of Chestnut-naped and Chami of Chestnut-naped, Chami and Slate-crowned Antpitta, contact Doña Lucía who Morales (+57 314 6837549) who feeds them near her near her finca 9 km from Alto de Ventanas towards Riosucio. She also has a feeder for Chestnut Wood-Quails, but those are less reliable. Moreover, her feeders for hummingbirds and fruit-eating species provide great opportunities for photographers.
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2020-10-01 12:42
Alto de Ventanas can be visited all year, although the rainy season might best be avoided. The driest months are December to March, while the highest precipitation is usually reported in April–May and September–October.  It is highly recommended to drive up to Alto de Ventanas before dawn. The Yellow-eared Parrots leave their roosting sites early in the morning and can then be seen flying over forest clearings. Activity of other species is also highest early morning and drops noticeably towards noon. You should spend at least one full day along the Ventanas road. If you would like to find many of the scarcer species, you will need more time and a good local guide. If you would like to have excellent views of Chestnut-naped and Chami Antpitta, contact Doña Lucía who feeds them near her finca 9 km from Alto de Ventanas towards Riosucio. She also has a feeder for Chestnut Wood-Quails, but those are less reliable.
  • How to get there

Alto de Ventanas can be reached either from Jardín or from Riosucio, although Jardín is closer. The drive from Jardín takes a bit more than an hour. While it is not evident on many of the popular street maps, it is important to know that the Jardín–Riosucio road is unpaved for long stretches, especially at higher altitudes. The road can be very muddy, especially after rainfalls. It is therefore highly recommended to bring your own 4x4 vehicule or rent one in the village. Alternatively, you may get here by motorbike. It takes about 45 min to reach Alto de Ventanas from Jardín and another 45 min to get to "Avistamiento de aves El Roble".

There are a few buses and chivas per day travelling between Jardín and Riosucio. They can drop you off anywhere along the road and you can either walk down to Jardín (21 km from the highest point) or catch another bus later. For bus schedules, ask at the bus office in Jardín or in your hotel.

Jardín itself is easy to reach from Medellín, buses regularly depart from the Terminal del Sur and take ca. 3.5 hours.

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-08-17 14:07
Alto de Ventanas can be reached either from Jardín or from Riosucio, although Jardín is closer. The drive from Jardín takes a bit more than an hour. While it is not evident on many of the popular street maps, it is important to know that the Jardín–Riosucio road is unpaved for long stretches, especially at higher altitudes. The road can be very muddy, especially after rainfalls. It is therefore highly recommended to bring your own 4x4 vehicule or rent one in the village. Alternatively, you may get here by motorbike. by motorbike. It takes about 45 min to reach Alto de Ventanas from Jardín and another 45 min to get to "Avistamiento de aves El Roble". There are a few buses and chivas per day travelling between Jardín and Riosucio. They can drop you off anywhere along the road and you can either walk down to Jardín (21 km from the highest point) or catch another bus later. For bus schedules, ask at the bus office in Jardín or in your hotel. Jardín itself is easy to reach from Medellín, buses regularly depart from the Terminal del Sur and take ca. 3.5 hours.
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2020-10-01 13:27
Alto de Ventanas can be reached either from Jardín or from Riosucio, although Jardín is closer. The drive from Jardín takes a bit more than an hour. While it is not evident on many of the popular street maps, it is important to know that the Jardín–Riosucio road is unpaved for long stretches, especially at higher altitudes. The road can be very muddy, especially after rainfalls. It is therefore highly recommended to bring your own 4x4 vehicule or rent one in the village. Alternatively, you may get here by motorbike. There are a few buses and chivas per day travelling between Jardín and Riosucio. They can drop you off anywhere along the road and you can either walk down to Jardín (21 km from the highest point) or catch another bus later. For bus schedules, ask at the bus office in Jardín or in your hotel. Jardín itself is easy to reach from Medellín, buses regularly depart from the Terminal del Sur and take ca. 3.5 hours.
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2020-10-01 12:43
Alto de Ventanas can be reached either from Jardín or from Riosucio, although Jardín is closer. The drive from Jardín takes a bit more than an hour. While it is not evident on many of the popular street maps, it is important to know that the Jardín–Riosucio road is unpaved for long stretches, especially at higher altitudes. The road can be very muddy, especially after rainfalls. It is therefore highly recommended to bring your own 4x4 vehicule or rent one in the village. Alternatively, you may get here by motorbike. There are a few buses and chivas per day travelling between Jardín and Riosucio. They can drop you off anywhere along the road and you can either walk down to Jardín (21 km from the highest point) or catch another bus later. For bus schedules, ask at the bus office in Jardín or in your hotel. Jardín itself is easy to reach from Medellín, buses regularly depart from the Terminal del Sur and take ca. 3.5 hours.

Access to the Alto de Ventanas road is not restricted. If you want to visit the Loro Orejiamarillo (Yellow-eard Parrot) Reserve, you need to arrange your visit with ProAves (info@proaves.org).

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2020-10-01 12:44
Access to the Alto de Ventanas road is not restricted. If you want to visit the Loro Orejiamarillo (Yellow-eard Parrot) Reserve, you need to arrange your visit with ProAves (info@proaves.org).
  • Other attractions

The Alto de Ventanas area is not only interesting for birdwatchers but has a rich biodiversity in general. Orchid lovers, for instance, will find a lot to marvel at. For more activities in the area see Jardín village.

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2020-10-01 13:27
The Alto de Ventanas area is not only interesting for birdwatchers but has a rich biodiversity in general. Orchid lovers, for instance, will find a lot to marvel at. For more activities in the area see Jardín village.
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2020-10-01 12:44
The Alto de Ventanas area is not only interesting for birdwatchers but has a rich biodiversity in general. Orchid lovers, for instance, will find a lot to marvel at. For more activities in the area see Jardín village.

The village of Jardín is the best base to get to Alto de Ventanas. It is a popular place for tourists and offers a large range of accommodation as well as restaurants and cafes. 

Lucía Morales offers basic accommodation and food at her finca "Avistamiento de aves El Roble", it is best to contact her in advance (+57 314 6837549).

Optionally, you may stay at the basic ProAves Lodge in the Loro Orejiamarillo Reserve (contact info@proaves.org). You will probably have to bring your own food.

The Restaurante Doña Mira, 8 km from Alto de Ventanas towards Riosucio, offers hot drinks and basic but tasty food.

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-08-17 14:48
The village of Jardín is the best base to get to Alto de Ventanas. It is a popular place for tourists and offers a large range of accommodation as well as restaurants and cafes.   Lucía Morales offers basic accommodation and food at her finca "Avistamiento de aves El Roble", it is best to contact her in advance (+57 314 6837549). Optionally, you may stay at the basic ProAves Lodge in the Loro Orejiamarillo Reserve (contact info@proaves.org). You will probably have to bring your own food. The Restaurante Doña Mira, 8 km from Alto de Ventanas towards Riosucio, offers hot drinks and basic but tasty food.
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2020-10-01 13:27
The village of Jardín is the best base to get to Alto de Ventanas. It is a popular place for tourists and offers a large range of accommodation as well as restaurants and cafes. Optionally, you may stay at the basic ProAves Lodge in the Loro Orejiamarillo Reserve (contact info@proaves.org). You will probably have to bring your own food. The Restaurante Doña Mira, 8 km from Alto de Ventanas towards Riosucio, offers hot drinks and basic but tasty food.
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2020-10-01 12:46
The village of Jardín is the best base to get to Alto de Ventanas. It is a popular place for tourists and offers a large range of accommodation as well as restaurants and cafes. Optionally, you may stay at the basic ProAves Lodge in the Loro Orejiamarillo Reserve (contact info@proaves.org). You will probably have to bring your own food. The Restaurante Doña Mira, 8 km from Alto de Ventanas towards Riosucio, offers hot drinks and basic but tasty food.

Jardín has been very safe for many years, you won't face any security issues while birding along the Jardín–Riosucio road. Still it's advisable to ask locally about the current situation or bring a local guide with you.

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2020-10-01 12:47
Jardín has been very safe for many years, you won't face any security issues while birding along the Jardín–Riosucio road. Still it's advisable to ask locally about the current situation or bring a local guide with you.
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Gallery

Reports

Season:
to
Species:
2018-08-23 to 2018-09-13 Colombia – western and central Andes and Caribbean coast Mathias Ritschard et al.
Alto de Ventanas Road - Orniverse