I just learned that Colombia has more species of birds than any other country. So naturally, we had to go check out the recently opened National Aviary of Colombia, or in local terms, the Aviario Nacional de Colombia. It was beautifully constructed and thoughtfully planned as you wonder wood planked pathways to discover different species and their habitats.
Visiting the National Aviary of Colombia
The National Aviary of Colombia is a large bird sanctuary located about 50–90 minutes from Cartagena on Barú Island. It’s one of the biggest aviaries in the Americas, home to over 1,800 birds from around 130–170 species, including toucans, macaws, flamingos, and more, all displayed in naturalistic habitats that mimic their native ecosystems.
Visiting:
- The aviary is typically open Tuesday through Sunday from about 9 AM to 5 PM, with daily bird shows and educational programs you can enjoy during your visit.
- Plan to spend a few hours walking the trails and watching birds in flight, and don’t forget water and sun protection, as the grounds are large and the Caribbean climate is very warm.
Tickets & Costs:
- For general admission, prices are usually around 50,000 COP for adults and about 35,000–58,000 COP for children and students (about $9–$13 USD, though rates can vary by season).
- There are also guided tours or full-day excursions available from Cartagena that include transportation, admission, and sometimes additional stops like Playa Blanca — these tours vary in price but are a convenient way to visit if you don’t have your own transport.
Getting there:
Because the aviary is outside the city, most visitors either book a tour with transportation or arrange a taxi/ride-hail service from Cartagena.
It’s a rewarding stop for nature lovers and families, offering a close encounter with Colombia’s rich birdlife and educating visitors about conservation and habitat diversity. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was clean and well-kept with plenty of open air exhibits to give a very natural feel. We walked along wooden plank pathways and well kept gardens to see many different species of birds.
This little guy greeted us at the entrance and you know I can’t resist making a new friend. From the very first step into the Aviary, you are greeted with open air exhibits that don’t close you off from seeing the birds. Like much else in Colombia, you must exercise your own caution as many of the birds are free roaming and can get very close to you.
There were some standout favorites for me, the flamingos were an easy top choice. You enter their exhibit and join them in the open air setting, making you feel like you are seeing them in the wild. They are peaceful to watch and we spent quite a while enjoying them.
The other for me is and always will be the peacocks! They were free roaming and we would see them throughout various parts of the whole Aviary. Is there anything more beautiful? Often they would be displaying their fan of feathers and it was such a stunning sight to see.
We will definitely visit the National Aviary of Colombia again, around an hour’s drive from Cartagena makes it reasonably accessible and fun for a day out of the City. This will become a family favorite.
If you are looking for more fun adventures just outside of Cartagena, check out my posts on some wonderful and unique day trips:
- Volcan Totumo – Visit the famous mud volcano, supposed to have healing properties.
- Botanical Gardens – Take a beautiful stroll through the gardens and spot a sloth along the way.
- Blue Apple Beach House – Spend a day at this beautiful beach just a quick boat ride away.
exploring:
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