The beauty of Valle del Cauca is infinite, on this occasion we would like to introduce you to Sonso Lagoon or Chircal, this is a protected area declared a Natural Reserve in 1978 that has 2,045 hectares inhabited by a diversity of species of fauna and flora. This is, without a doubt, the heritage of Valle del Cauca.
Image by tierracolombiana.org
How to get to the Sonso or Chircal lagoon?
The Sonso Lagoon is located 250 meters before reaching the Cauca River, to reach this tourist destination you must take the Buga – Mediacanoa road and before reaching the Cauca River take the detour to the left, this point is known as Port Berlin, is uncovered road in poor condition.
Weather and recommendations in the Sonso Lagoon
This reservoir is located at an altitude of 934 meters above sea level, with an average temperature of 28°C. During your visit to this wonderful tourist destination, you will find comfortable clothes for warm climates, shoes for long walks and, if you plan to practice nautical sports, an additional set of clothes. It is essential to protect yourself with sunscreen and, in addition, wear a hat or cap as the sun is usually very strong in this area.
To access the lagoon you must book your visit free of charge, you can communicate to the cell number 318 7848923 or you can write to the email info@lagunadesonso.com, in this must specify the day of the visit, number of people and the time of arrival.
It is important that your visit has food and hydration because within the reserve there are no restaurants.
Activities in the Sonso Lagoon
In addition to its scenic beauty, many travelers are attracted by this place thanks to its wealth of species of fauna and flora that allows bird watching in the lagoon of Sonso, in the reserve are about 156 different species of birds so it is an area recognized as an area of interest for the conservation of birds internationally. Besides this, the lagoon is home to chigüiros, biringos, bats, rabbits, chuchas, iguanas and lizards. Some of the birds you will see in this destination are the osprey, the vulture and the marsh cockerel and the cattle heron.
Birds in the Sonso Lagoon (Source: Elpais.com.co)
Regarding the flora of the place, you will find pastures and reeds, the buchón de agua is one of the species that occupies more space in the lagoon.
The importance of this place for the Valle del Cauca region is so great that it has been the center of studies by the Universidad del Valle. In addition, the administration has implemented important activities of environmental awareness and education, among them, the celebration of the national bird day in honor of the hundreds of species that inhabit the marsh has been carried out for more than 10 years.
Image taken from Calibuenasnoticias.com
You will enjoy a long walk around the lagoon, a direct contact with the tranquility and peace of nature, taking advantage of beautiful landscapes and the singing of birds. To visit the lagoon of Sonso is a plan that you can realize in family, in couple or alone, the important thing is that it takes advantage to the maximum all that the place offers to him, without leaving of side the respect for the environment, without polluting neither mistreating the natural species.
You will be able to go around the lagoon in Kayak and in this way you will be able to watch birds of the lagoon zone, you will also be able to go on foot and observe birds of the swamp and beach zone.
The most visited sites by tourists are the forest of the chatas, located in the eastern zone of the lagoon, the panoramic view of the Cauca River and the observation tower.
Lodging in Buga
Within the zone of the natural reserve you will not find more buildings than a cabin that is the center of environmental education, in it you will not be able to spend the night, reason why it is recommended to lodge in the zones near the reserve, like Buga or Yocotó.
