National Aviary of Colombia

Barú Island

The National Aviary of Colombia, privately and without rushing

Three distinct ecosystems, more than 170 species and around 1,700 birds, on an island south of Cartagena. Most visitors arrive on a coach, walk it in ninety minutes and leave. We take you privately, at your speed, with a guide who can tell you what you’re looking at — and we take the road that shows you a Cartagena the tour buses drive past.

Most tours show you the birds. We show you the country they live in

The drive to Barú runs through Mamonal, Cartagena’s industrial corridor — the port, the refineries, the working city that pays for everything the historic centre is famous for. Almost nobody shows visitors this, and it’s a mistake, because you can’t really understand Cartagena without it. Our guide narrates the whole route.

Then you arrive at the Aviary and we stop managing you. You set the pace. If you want to spend twenty minutes watching a single macaw, that’s a good use of twenty minutes.

What you’ll see

The Aviary is organised into three ecosystems, and the change between them is the point:

  • Coastal: flamingos, shorebirds, and the species that live where the Caribbean meets the mangrove.
  • Tropical rainforest: the loud one. Macaws, toucans, parrots, and the birds that make Colombia the most bird-diverse country on earth.
  • Tropical dry forest: the rarest of the three ecosystems and the one most under threat, with the species adapted to survive it.

You’ll also find iguanas throughout, and if you’re lucky and quiet, a good deal more.

What’s included

  • Hotel → Aviary → hotel transfers
  • Aviary entrance
  • Bottled water
  • Kerü specialist host
  • Travel insurance

Pricing: 1 traveller — $[PRICE] 2 or more — $[PRICE] per person (10% discount)

Frequently asked questions

About an hour each way, depending on traffic leaving the city. The route through Mamonal is part of the experience rather than dead time — your guide narrates it.

Very. It’s one of the best things to do in Cartagena with kids, and because it’s private you can move at whatever pace holds their attention.

The Aviary is a leisurely walk on maintained paths. It’s flat, shaded in stretches, and entirely self-paced with us. Guests who walk slowly do this comfortably.

Light clothing, closed comfortable shoes, sun protection and a hat. If you have a camera with any reach, bring it — this is one of the best photography opportunities in the region.

Yes, and it’s popular with cruise passengers. Tell us your ship and sailing time and we’ll confirm the timing works before you commit.

Go and see it properly

Private, unhurried, and organised end to end.

Practical details

Duration

Around 5 hours including transfers

Starts

Hotel pickup in Cartagena

Location

Barú Island, roughly an hour from the city

Group size

Private — your party only

Languages

English and Spanish

Good for

Families, birders, photographers, cruise passengers

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National Aviary of Colombia