Hato Viejo

Introduction

Hato Viejo is a small reserve nestling in the Farallones de Cali, and on the edge of the Farallones National Park. The reserve is administered by Fundación Farallones who can be contacted at Cra 24B #2A-99, Cali - Valle or writing to them at AA20803, Cali - Valle; Telephone 5566835. They will issue you with a permit. An accommodation cabin or camping are both available. You can camp and still eat in the cabin if you want.

Getting to the reserve

Take any bus heading to Pance, easiest at weekends, and get off in Pance. From here ask for directions to take you to the entrance to the reserve. Cross the river and you start a walk of at least two hours climbing from 2200 m.a.s.l. to 2800 m.a.s.l. Take warm clothes as it gets cold up here, also waterproofs for the rain.

Birds to look for

The area is particularly good for Tanagers similar to those at El 18. However, Crested Ant-tanager is a strong possibility here. Listen for them as they move through the forest in small groups. Andean Cock-of-the rock has also been recorded along the route. Scarlet-fronted Parakeets are common higher up. Look carefully at the Great Thrushes as some are Glossy-black Thrushes, especially around the lemon groves along the trail. Around the cabin look for Emerald Toucanet in the early morning, also White-tipped Dove along the trail to El Mirador (the viewpoint).

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