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© Julio Cesar Acosta Burgos

Perquin, Arambala & Joateca

13.93116 , -88.10088

El Salvador

This is a very interesting area with a lot to see. Historically during the 80s it was a stronghold of the guerrillas and for instance there are a lot of remainings of the conflict to be explored. All this area was completely cleaned of mines and other potential explosives by the UN in the 90s so it is safe to walk around. There is a historical museum set by former guerrilla members with their side of the history of the conflict. There are trails with trenches and artificial caves that used to provide shelter to civilians caught in the middle of the conflict of the guerrilla forces themselves in case of bombings by the army. The area is full of pristine water rivers and cascades so fall in the temptation of enjoying a refreshing dip in their cold waters. There are a couple of places with memorials for people that die in a couple of massacres performed by the army and that the inhabitants now feel the responsibility to keep their memories alive. All these combined with amazing birding makes of this area an amazing experience to be enjoyed.

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 changed by Julio Cesar Acosta Burgos : 13.9312/-88.1009 (2021-08-12 01:09:28 )

Site name was changed by Julio Cesar Acosta Burgos into "Perquin, Arambala & Joateca" (2021-08-12 01:09:28 )

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : 13.9305/-88.1023 (2021-01-22 17:40:40 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Reserva Privada Río Sapo" (2021-01-22 17:40:40 )

Edited by Julio Cesar Acosta Burgos on 2021-08-12 23:44:07
This is a very interesting area with a lot to see. Historically during the 80s it was a stronghold of the guerrillas and for instance there are a lot of remainings of the conflict to be explored. All this area was completely cleaned of mines and other potential explosives by the UN in the 90s so it is safe to walk around. There is a historical museum set by former guerrilla members with their side of the history of the conflict. There are trails with trenches and artificial caves that used to provide shelter to civilians caught in the middle of the conflict of the guerrilla forces themselves in case of bombings by the army. The area is full of pristine water rivers and cascades so fall in the temptation of enjoying a refreshing dip in their cold waters. There are a couple of places with memorials for people that die in a couple of massacres performed by the army and that the inhabitants now feel the responsibility to keep their memories alive. All these combined with amazing birding makes of this area an amazing experience to be enjoyed.

  • 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)

Buff-collared Nightjar (Antrostomus ridgwayi)
King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)
Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus)
Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus)
Bat Falcon (Falco rufigularis)
Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)
Rusty Sparrow (Aimophila rufescens)
Black-vented Oriole (Icterus wagleri)
Yellow-backed Oriole (Icterus chrysater)
Grace's Warbler (Setophaga graciae)
Painted Redstart (Myioborus pictus)
Hepatic Tanager (Piranga flava)

Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) was added by Julio Cesar Acosta Burgos (2021-08-12 02:14:44)

King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) was added by Julio Cesar Acosta Burgos (2021-08-12 02:11:31)

Rusty Sparrow (Aimophila rufescens) was added by Julio Cesar Acosta Burgos (2021-08-12 02:11:17)

Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) was added by Julio Cesar Acosta Burgos (2021-08-12 02:10:59)

Painted Redstart (Myioborus pictus) was added by Julio Cesar Acosta Burgos (2021-08-12 02:10:39)

Yellow-backed Oriole (Icterus chrysater) was added by Julio Cesar Acosta Burgos (2021-08-12 02:10:31)

Buff-collared Nightjar (Antrostomus ridgwayi) was added by Julio Cesar Acosta Burgos (2021-08-12 02:10:10)

Bat Falcon (Falco rufigularis) was added by Julio Cesar Acosta Burgos (2021-08-12 02:09:58)

Black-vented Oriole (Icterus wagleri) was added by Julio Cesar Acosta Burgos (2021-08-12 02:09:46)

Hepatic Tanager (Piranga flava) was added by Julio Cesar Acosta Burgos (2021-08-12 02:09:36)

Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) was added by Julio Cesar Acosta Burgos (2021-08-12 02:09:25)

Grace's Warbler (Setophaga graciae) was added by Julio Cesar Acosta Burgos (2021-08-12 02:09:17)

  • Timing and strategy

The North of the province of Morazan in Eastern El Salvador is an amazing place for birding. It is such a big place that you need to plan a couple of days to bird around. The best base is definitely the town of Perquin because of the multiple facilities that offer however if you want to be in the middle of the action you have other choices. The Cabins at Llano del Muerto are comfortable and you are in the middle of the forest already. Another possibility is to camp by Poza de La Culebra in Rio Sapo an arrange with the local guides a hike around the Private Reserve. Either place you stay you have to start birding early in the morning for the best chances of spotting some of the specialties in the area. Rusty Sparrow, White-breasted (Sharp-shinned) Hawk. Bat Falcon, Grace's Warbler. Hepatic Tanager. If you want to spot or hear Buff-collare Nightjar you either have to stay up till 1 a.m or wake early in the morning at 4:00 a.m, this specie is easier to hear that spot for obvious reasons and it is know that it moves around this mountains along the year. If your thing is to spot King Vulture you will have to arrange with a local guide to take you to La Ermita Reserve since this is one of the best places to spot it. Generally speaking the roads around this area are in good condition however a lot of them are dirt roads but in good shape. Best season to visit the area is probably February to March.

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 Julio Cesar Acosta Burgos on 2021-08-12 23:38
The North of the province of Morazan in Eastern El Salvador is an amazing place for birding. It is such a big place that you need to plan a couple of days to bird around. The best base is definitely the town of Perquin because of the multiple facilities that offer however if you want to be in the middle of the action you have other choices. The Cabins at Llano del Muerto are comfortable and you are in the middle of the forest already. Another possibility is to camp by Poza de La Culebra in Rio Sapo an arrange with the local guides a hike around the Private Reserve. Either place you stay you have to start birding early in the morning for the best chances of spotting some of the specialties in the area. Rusty Sparrow, White-breasted (Sharp-shinned) Hawk. Bat Falcon, Grace's Warbler. Hepatic Tanager. If you want to spot or hear Buff-collare Nightjar you either have to stay up till 1 a.m or wake early in the morning at 4:00 a.m, this specie is easier to hear that spot for obvious reasons and it is know that it moves around this mountains along the year. If your thing is to spot King Vulture you will have to arrange with a local guide to take you to La Ermita Reserve since this is one of the best places to spot it. Generally speaking the roads around this area are in good condition however a lot of them are dirt roads but in good shape. Best season to visit the area is probably February to March.
  • How to get there

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

Not available yet

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.

Not available yet
  • Other attractions

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)

Not available yet

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

Not available yet

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

Not available yet
All information about this site was contributed by Orniverse users. Neither Orniverse nor the contributors accept responsibility for the completeness and accuracy of the information provided.

Local guides

Gallery

Reports

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Species:
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Perquin, Arambala & Joateca - Orniverse