Top Cartagena Bird Watching in 2026

Discover the mangroves of Cartagena in a unique way, exploring its incredible biodiversity and learning from the local community about its ecological importance. Live authentic sustainable artisanal fishing, an ancient technique that you can practice while sailing between serene canals. Enjoy a stop on a natural island to discover native species and culminate with a typical refreshing drink. Our experience combines nature, culture and sustainability, offering you a deep connection to the essence of the region.

Colombia's ONLY specialized macaw and parrot rehabilitation center — a working wildlife sanctuary where rescued birds prepare for release. Every visit funds the rehabilitation of 200+ birds currently in care. Ride on horseback to Cerro El Peligro — the active liberation site where rehabilitated macaws take their first free flight. You may see them flying overhead. No other tour in Colombia offers this. Encounter the White-headed Capuchin Tamarin (Saguinus oedipus) — critically endangered and endemic to the Colombian Caribbean coast, found nowhere else on Earth. Help prepare food for the birds, plant a native tree that will feed free-flying macaws for decades, and receive a Rewilding Certificate. Breakfast made with ingredients from 40 allied farming families who protect 500 acres of tropical dry forest from poachers — conservation and community working together.

Uncover the rich biodiversity of Colombia’s Caribbean coast on a private birdwatching tour led by a local expert. Your day begins at dawn with hotel pickup and a scenic drive to a nearby nature reserve — a hidden gem of tropical and gallery forests, just 45 minutes from Cartagena. The tour starts early (5:00 AM) to catch birds in their most active morning hours. With your guide, you'll quietly explore the reserve, scanning the treetops and underbrush for species like pygmy owls, squirrel cuckoos, and rufous-tailed jacamars. Watch for flashes of color as hummingbirds, tanagers, and flycatchers dart through the trees. At 9:00 AM, pause to enjoy a hearty traditional Colombian breakfast amid the sounds of the forest. Continue birding until noon, then return to your hotel with new memories — and a set of curated photos from your guide to commemorate the experience. This is more than a tour — it’s a serene immersion in nature, perfect for bird lovers and curious explorers alike.

Take home the best memories of your Cartagena adventure with a private photo session. This personalized experience is the perfect way to capture engagements, anniversaries, family vacations, or solo adventures. Some of the stunning historic backdrops include Plaza Santo Domingo, the Walled City of Cartagena, Plaza de la Aduana, and the Emerald Center. After the photoshoot, receive your watermarked photos to choose your favorites from the comfort of your home for an additional cost.

Step into the world of conservation at Fundación Loros, a 1300-acre natural reserve located just an hour from Cartagena. This sanctuary is dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing parrots and macaws rescued from illegal trafficking This experience stands out for its unique combination of hands-on wildlife rehabilitation, immersive education, and direct contributions to conservation. Participants are not mere spectators—they actively care for parrots and macaws, gaining insights into the challenges these birds face and the efforts to protect them. With breathtaking landscapes and meaningful activities, this eco-adventure allows you to support a vital cause while connecting deeply with nature and wildlife. Please note: The price does not include transportation. Private transportation to the sanctuary typically costs $75 USD for a 4-passenger vehicle.

Our activity takes you from your door to the heart of our vibrant nature in our beloved local Botanical Garden. As we wander through the carefully curated exhibits, we'll explore the rich variety of fauna and flora, while also having the chance to see some wildlife, such as local birds, monkeys and insects. Along the way we will discuss plants; their individual properties, their importance to our local climate and their cultural importance to Colombians. After this, we moved to a nearby natural hotspot, only known to Cartageneros. Here you will experience how we locals really live; enjoying life through food, music and activities while immersing ourselves in nature, an experience that tourists would not discover otherwise.

Charming birds tour, we will enter the national aviary for a 2 hour tour (we include 2 bottles of water per person during the tour). Once the aviary tour is over we will go to the island of enchantment, where you will have a buffet lunch and the possibility of having a pool, sun and beach time in the hotel facilities, beds and sunbeds are fully included.

Step into the world of conservation at Fundación Loros, a private 1,300-acre tropical dry forest reserve and wildlife sanctuary located just an hour from Cartagena. This sanctuary is dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing parrots and macaws rescued from illegal trafficking, giving these majestic birds a second chance at freedom. The reserve is also a haven for diverse wildlife, including three monkey species— Red Howlers monkey, Capuchins monkey and the endemic titi monkey—as well as macaws, monkeys, toucans, sloths, and turtles. By collaborating closely with local farmers, the reserve promotes sustainable practices and supports community well-being. This is more than a connection with nature—it’s a transformative journey into conservation and biodiversity. Combine horseback riding and UTV exploration for a day of unique experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and meaningful contributions to wildlife preservation. Are you ready?

Get your day off to a great start with a private rooftop brunch in the heart of Cartagena. Join your host in the Getsemaní neighborhood and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and some tapas while you get to know each other. Next, grab your supplies and learn painting techniques to create a beautiful piece of art to take home.

Escape Cartagena's tourist crowds and immerse yourself in Colombian flora and fauna on a private tour of La Virgen Swamp. This half-day adventure takes you to a small fishing village called La Boquilla. Here, you'll enjoy a canoe ride through the natural mangrove tunnels, which present an ideal environment for spotting various birds and fish. Then, visit a local archeology museum and have lunch at a typical restaurant.

In our Bean to Bar: Chocolate and Cacao Workshop, we'll use the finest cacao sourced from the 'Montes de María', a region nestled in the Colombian Caribbean. During our experience, you'll explore the diverse textures and aromas of cacao. You'll enjoy the entire creative process, from the bean, and its entire transformation process to the making of cocoa-derived products such as bars, bonbons, and truffles. You will discover the fascinating world of chocolate, as you will have the chance to design molds using cocoa butter-based paints, work with artisanal chocolate, and decorate with their favorite toppings.

Dive into the world of conservation at Fundación Loros, a 1,000-acre natural reserve located just an hour from Cartagena. This sanctuary is dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing parrots and macaws rescued from illegal trafficking, while also caring for three remarkable monkey species: Cotton-top Tamarins monkeys, Red Howlers, and Capuchins. What makes this volunteer experience truly special? You’ll actively participate in prepare and deliver the food to the monkeys including fruits cultivated in the local area, ensuring a sustainable and nutritious diet. You’ll also contribute to reforestation efforts to restore their habitat and learn about the challenges of conserving these vulnerable species. Important: Please remember that it is not permitted to feed the animals directly, or touch them. All activities take place under the supervision of our trained foundation staff, as this is a rehabilitation center, not a zoo.

Embark on a half-day small-group fishing adventure in the enchanting mangroves surrounding Cartagena. After a tutorial on how to navigate a traditional boat, immerse yourself in serene natural beauty as you cast your line and try your hand at catching a variety of species, including crabs, shrimp, and fish. Your guide will teach you local techniques using manmade nets and traps. Afterward, fry up your catch for lunch.