Colombia Adventure

[sgvcns]

Hello all

I am heading back to Colombia and a friend has pulled out of the trip which is the bad news.

The good news is that there is now room in the 4wd if anyone is interested.

I will be setting off from Cali on the 20th July for 2 weeks travelling to Anchicaya valley and Putamayo region.

I have a guide/driver arranged who I travelled with last year.

He is farly knowledgible and risk averse and last year's trip was spectacular!

I am happy to give more information if anyone is interested in an adventure in spectacular tropical forest.

PM or email svill1@optusnet.com.au .

Hoping to fill the car

Steve

[sgvcns]

Thought I should add some photos from last year to pique interest perhaps

[Peter]

Did you travel with Emilio as your guide? I think I recognize that purple flowering tree(although the name escapes me right now); will someone get some seeds please? :-)

[sgvcns]

Yes that was the trip with Emilio.

I'm not planning to go back to the area but Emilio did arrange for someone in the area to collect seed.

I was planning to check with Emilio re seed.

I've got Emilio to get a pole pruner for this trip to fill up with palm seed!

Steve

[Peter]

Keep me in the loop!

[dan.vagnoni]

Great photos already! Any ideas what that tiny palm in the 3rd and 4th from last photo? some sort of geonoma?

[richnorm]

Great photos already! Any ideas what that tiny palm in the 3rd and 4th from last photo? some sort of geonoma?

Geonoma orbignyana is my guess. For those going to Colombia I would strongly recommend the recently published field guide to the palms of Colombia (in Spanish only I think). This is truly a fantastic work and has pictures of most of not all the species.

cheers

Richard

[Brian Bruning]

Garin Fullington was in Pasto many years ago and brought back seeds of a type of clumping Euterpe. It grew well in our cool summers but died with any amount of frost. Perhaps it would be good for other at high elevations in Hawaii or elsewhere similar. I speak fluent Spanish and would be interested in such a trip.

[sgvcns]

That palm is I believe Geonoma weberbaueri. It was growing at about 3000m elevation.

I love the Vreisa gloriosa growing on the trunk.

Brian if you are interested in joining the trip I don't think you would be disappointed.

The plant diversity is amazing and I'm going to areas especially rich in palm.

High altitude palms can be tricky as I think the extremes of temperature are the problem.

Steve

[Jeff Searle]

Just curious, how safe is it to move around in the countryside these days? Columbia has always been on my radar to travel to and see the vast, diversity of plants there. But, I like coming home at the end of the day, if you know what I mean.

[sgvcns]

Jeff

Like the post says I was there last year.

I did not feel unsafe during the trip & we were well away from the tourist areas.

The army were very obvious and we were stopped regularly for security checks but I treated that as the price for safety.

Emilio who I have engaged on this trip again is very safety conscious and is comfortable with the locale for this trip.

I think anyone with an interest in tropicals will be blown away by what Colombia offers.

A friend pulled out due to family probs & I want to get 1 or 2 more people to cut down the costs.

I can't wait to get back

Steve

[Peter]

Best of luck with your trip Steve. My friends Dylan and Jeffrey Kent just returned from another trip with Emilio and had a fantastic time again.

[sgvcns]

Well looks like it is time to add more photos!

More of a "less jungle feel" this time.

Be aware those jumping the love bus know these are mainly incidentals.

First in best dressed as my mother used to say.

Cheers

Steve

[Pedro 65]

Jeff

Like the post says I was there last year.

I did not feel unsafe during the trip & we were well away from the tourist areas.

The army were very obvious and we were stopped regularly for security checks but I treated that as the price for safety.

Emilio who I have engaged on this trip again is very safety conscious and is comfortable with the locale for this trip.

I think anyone with an interest in tropicals will be blown away by what Colombia offers.

A friend pulled out due to family probs & I want to get 1 or 2 more people to cut down the costs.

I can't wait to get back

Steve

Its tempting..Do you travel to the Cordillera occidental area of Colombia ? Steve, when you post your pics pls make them Larger, I must say the countryside ( apart from palms) looks like here in Far Nth NSW .. Id feel right at home..probably wouldn't want to leave though Pete

[Pedro 65]

Jeff

Like the post says I was there last year.

I did not feel unsafe during the trip & we were well away from the tourist areas.

The army were very obvious and we were stopped regularly for security checks but I treated that as the price for safety.

Emilio who I have engaged on this trip again is very safety conscious and is comfortable with the locale for this trip.

I think anyone with an interest in tropicals will be blown away by what Colombia offers.

A friend pulled out due to family probs & I want to get 1 or 2 more people to cut down the costs.

I can't wait to get back

Steve

Its tempting..Do you travel to the Cordillera occidental area of Colombia ? Steve, when you post your pics pls make them Larger, I must say the countryside ( apart from palms) looks like here in Far Nth NSW .. Id feel right at home..probably wouldn't want to leave though Pete

Steve, I forgot to ask, do you get to see the "Pure stands" of Ceroxylon quindiuense and Dictyocaryums ? Pete

[sgvcns]

Peter

All my Colombia photos are on public Facebook albums.

I don't converse via facebook . Look for Stephen Villiers.

Steve

[Pedro 65]

Peter

All my Colombia photos are on public Facebook albums.

I don't converse via facebook . Look for Stephen Villiers.

Steve

Been on FB and the only Stephen Villiers has no pics are you Stephen De Villiers ?

[sgvcns]

Pete

Sorry but looked at my profile & Steve was it

Steve

[Pedro 65]

Pete

Sorry but looked at my profile & Steve was it

Steve

Steve, I know your "real" from knowing who you travelled with.. but... I can't find you on FB.. Steve, can you Pls tell me "Do you get to view Pure stands of Ceroxylons and Dictyocaryums" ? and did you or will you be going to Cordillera occidental next trip with Emilio ? Pete

[sgvcns]

Pete

The Anchicaya valley is in the Cordillera occidental .This is the western range that is the main target of the trip. The Putamaya region is the southern part of the Cordillera Occidental. If there is a specific area you are interested in then it is only diesel costs and time permitting. The Putamaya region is meant to have the most palm diversity. I was in the northern parts last time(mainly) and that was wonderful. I'm on facebook as Steve Villiers . There were lots of Ceroxylons in the forests but I can't say I recall Dictocaryums specifically.

Steve

Edited March 29, 2013 by sgvcns

[Pedro 65]

Pete

The Anchicaya valley is in the Cordillera occidental .This is the western range that is the main target of the trip. The Putamaya region is the southern part of the Cordillera Occidental. If there is a specific area you are interested in then it is only diesel costs and time permitting. The Putamaya region is meant to have the most palm diversity. I was in the northern parts last time(mainly) and that was wonderful. I'm on facebook as Steve Villiers . There were lots of Ceroxylons in the forests but I can't say I recall Dictocaryums specifically.

Steve

Found you on Fb Steve..Photo overload.brilliant shots..Ardens smiling very happily with Zamia in hand Steve, is Sierra nevada, lost city etc area on this trip ? If so book me in mate Pete

[Pedro 65]

Pete

The Anchicaya valley is in the Cordillera occidental .This is the western range that is the main target of the trip. The Putamaya region is the southern part of the Cordillera Occidental. If there is a specific area you are interested in then it is only diesel costs and time permitting. The Putamaya region is meant to have the most palm diversity. I was in the northern parts last time(mainly) and that was wonderful. I'm on facebook as Steve Villiers . There were lots of Ceroxylons in the forests but I can't say I recall Dictocaryums specifically.

Steve

Steve, sorry mate, I didn't read this "properly", my eyes caught the bottom 1st about not recall seeing Dictyocaryums on yr 1st trip..Now that Ive read it fully I see Cordillera occidental...wow..some very slick palms id "Love" to see in habitat are in this region A must is seeing "pure stands" of Dictyocaryums . Pete

[sgvcns]

Still looking for someone keen for a Colombian palm tour. First in best dressed. Should be an amazing follow up to last years trip. More photos attached. As you all can see lots of different plants and shrines to see. The Jesus Mary Joseph in the truck chassis was my personal favourite

Steve

[Pedro 65]

Our twin Daughters 21st is on the 4th of August so the timing makes it impossible for me, pity its not earlier, the Cordillera occidental would be 1 target area for me too so I can "see and collect seed" of the "elusive" Wettinia Lanata, high high up..Id "have to be chewing coca leaf though" to help my breathing The Sierra Nevada area and Tayrona Nat Pk is an area I would "have to see" when we do travel to Colombia.
Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Costa Rica and Brazil is on our "travel list" when Cassandra and I have at least 2 free months to travel
Have a great trip, look fwd to pics when you return if you post them on PT. Pete

[sgvcns]

Pete

Enjoy the family occasion.

Just over 3 months till I'm back in beautiful cloud forest.

Steve

[Don_Licuala]

All that hiking through the tropical cloud forest looks tiring.

Any planned R&R in Cartegena?

[sgvcns]

Well for me the forest is my R & R. As far as lots of hiking that won't really be the case. I'm heading off first on the old road from Cali to Buena ventura. Here when the area is good I'll walk the road to get a closer look at every thing so it could be a while. If there are streams or paths then they are the best way to get off into the forest(gum boots are good). At the end there is a motorbike driven railway to the destination and I'm looking forward to more time exploring here(trusty GPS to the rescue).

After this it's off south along the Cordillera from Pasto to Mocoa stopping off where possible then crossing the Eastern Andes.

Who would need R&R after that? Who's coming?

I've got a family holiday in Vietnam later in the year and am already planning a side trip to Bach Ma national park to look at the higher growing Licuala. The kids won't know what hit them! Apparently there are more leaches than palms!

Steve

Edited April 11, 2013 by sgvcns

[sgvcns]

Well only just over 2 months till I head back to Colombia for 2 weeks.

Still space available for those adventurous types interested in a plant excursion.

A great opportunity for someone to enjoy the trip without having to organize the guide etc.

Just need to meet in Cali and take off.

I've added more photos to maybe get you motivated to join up but enjoy regardless.

For those who have never been in jungle looking at the flora this is your chance.

For those who have I'm sure you will see something new. I know I will.

Steve

[sgvcns]

Just received my copy of Palmas de Colombia by Galeano and Bernal and I want to say that Richard was right in saying what a cracker of a book it is. I'll have to learn more Spanish! The distribution maps and photos(of nearly every palm) have just made my trip a heap easier! Now I can target what I am after so much more easily. Prestoea ensiformis has now gone to near the top of the list.

Steve

[Brian Bruning]

I travelled thru Mexico 30 years ago when it was semi-safe. Colombia then was crazy. They've changed places. I'd not retake the Mexico trip for all the tea in China. I've researched Colombia and now it is reported to be relatively safe. The drug wars, kidnappings and violence are no more. Just don't go looking for drugs, hookers, watch your wallet, watch for fake currency, count your change and don't accept food or drink from strangers. There is now a travel show about scams. I've seen Prague and Buenos Aires so far. Typical ripoffs.

Colombia is safe now comparatively to lots of other places. Just be wise to the typical scams.

It is beautiful and very historic.

[bgl]

Steve,

Incredible photos and that certainly sounds like it's going to be an amazing trip, in so many ways!

Best of luck!

Bo-Göran

[sgvcns]

Brian

I wouldn't be going back if I felt it was dangerous after last year.

Can't wait to get back in the forest.

Have printed out the road maps for the areas I'm going to so off the main roads I go.

This time I am going to get into the forest more. I now have a handheld GPS so can backtrack with the push of a button. No chance of getting lost.

The excitement levels are certainly building now. Emilio is just finishing a trip with an American palm enthusiast so hopefully that will save time in our search.

Palms Zamias Anthuriums Heliconia Cyclanths Broms the list of possibles is near endless.

Last year Arden was collecting anthuriums and most were new!

If I have time and access to internet I'll post photos on the trip otherwise when I get back I'll show you all what you missed.

BGL

You bet it will be a great trip.

Everyone should get out and see these plants in there environs if they can.

I am lucky enough to have the time now(& money) to pursue my interest so I'm aiming at 1 or 2 trips a year.

Steve

[JasonD]

Just received my copy of Palmas de Colombia by Galeano and Bernal and I want to say that Richard was right in saying what a cracker of a book it is. I'll have to learn more Spanish! The distribution maps and photos(of nearly every palm) have just made my trip a heap easier! Now I can target what I am after so much more easily. Prestoea ensiformis has now gone to near the top of the list.

Steve

Where did you purchase Palmas de Colombia? I would like to get one.

Thanks,

Jason

[sgvcns]

Jason

It can be bought through Bogota Uni(LibreriadelaU.com) but with postage it was cheaper to get from Bioweb Colombia.

You won't be disappointed.

Steve

[Brian Bruning]

How did the trip to Colombia go? I was so disappointed I could not join you. Perhaps another time.

[sgvcns]

Brian

I documented the trip on the forum so you can look it up and see.

I'm going back next year!

Vietnam highlands this year in Sept

Steve

[JakeK]

Steve, do you know to which elevations you found Iriartea deltoidea growing in Colombia? They start growing about 300m lower in elevation from our ranch in Mindo, Ecuador on the western side of the Andes and would love to try them. Have to go seed hunting though since I haven't found a local nursery source.

[sgvcns]

Jake

Ireatea was at 750m up and then petered out at around1400 m and were replaced by Dictyocaryum.

I've had a few sprout from the last trip.

They are one of the prized timbers in Colombia.

Steve

[JakeK]

Jake

Ireatea was at 750m up and then petered out at around1400 m and were replaced by Dictyocaryum.

I've had a few sprout from the last trip.

They are one of the prized timbers in Colombia.

Steve

Steve, that is good to hear. Mindo is at 1250m so perhaps it's a good location for both Iriartea and Dictyocaryum. Socratea hecatonandra is very abundant in the area around Mindo. Bactris gaspiaes, Ceroxylon echinulatum, Presotea acuminata and Geonoma undata are all very common too. Bactris is only found in gardens though.

[sgvcns]

Jake

Should be able to be grown in a warm spot.

I saw Iriartea in the west of Colombia with an almost black crownshaft which looked amazing.

Alas no seed

Steve