Aviario Nacional de Colombia - a yellow and green parrot behind a chain link fence
1 / 10

Aviario Nacional de Colombia

4.8
·3k reviews·, Colombia

Discover a vibrant sanctuary teeming with diverse bird species, many roaming freely in naturalistic habitats.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Birds are most active

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Aviario Nacional de Colombia - a yellow and green parrot behind a chain link fence

Aviario Nacional de Colombia

Best Time

Morning

Birds are most active

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover a vibrant sanctuary teeming with diverse bird species, many roaming freely in naturalistic habitats.

4.8
(3k reviews)

"A must-visit destination – the birds are truly amazing!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the expansive grounds and see all the birds. :athletic_shoe:

💧 Stay Hydrated

Colombia can be hot and humid. Bring water or purchase it at the cafeteria to stay refreshed. :droplet:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Free-Roaming Wonders

Free-Roaming Wonders

Throughout the aviary

Witness a stunning array of birds, from vibrant parrots to majestic flamingos, many of which roam freely.

Daily Bird Exhibitions

Daily Bird Exhibitions

Designated exhibition area

Don't miss the captivating daily shows featuring various bird species, a highlight for many visitors.

Iconic Macaws and Toucans

Iconic Macaws and Toucans

Parrot and Toucan enclosures

Marvel at the colorful macaws and striking toucans, a childhood dream for many visitors.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

To avoid the midday heat and potential crowds, aim for an early morning visit. Many birds are most active then, and you'll have a more comfortable experience exploring the expansive grounds. Consider checking the daily bird exhibition times to maximize your visit.

Getting There Smartly

While tours are available, many visitors opt for a more independent approach. Hiring a taxi for the day and having them wait is a cost-effective option for visiting the aviary, especially if you plan to explore other nearby attractions.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Birds are most active
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon (before 3:30 PM)
Why
Catch the second exhibition
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

5 planes para interactuar con animales en Cartagena 🥰🐬 #cartagenadeindias🇨🇴 #quehacerencartagena #tours #oceanario #aviarionacional #islabaru
@tourcartagena7
28K likes • 754.8K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the expansive grounds and see all the birds. :athletic_shoe:

💧 Stay Hydrated

Colombia can be hot and humid. Bring water or purchase it at the cafeteria to stay refreshed. :droplet:

Aviario Nacional de Colombia🦜✨ Explora un paraíso natural único, El santuario de aves más grande de América 🌿🌺 donde más de 170 especies de aves exóticas vuelan en libertad entre senderos ecológicos, lagunas y bosques nativos. Un recorrido que conecta educación, conservación y belleza en un solo lugar 🦩🌳 📸 Ideal para vivir una experiencia sensorial y capturar imágenes inolvidables en medio de la...
bonitacartagena
1.8K likes • 63.5K views
Estuvimos en el aviario nacional de colombia y la experiencia fue increíble, disfrutamos de un recorrido precioso en el que pudimos tener avistamientos de diversas aves durante toda nuestra estancia en el lugar 🦆🪿 este plan se los recomendamos a ojos cerrados, lo disfrutarás de principio a fin y podrás llevarte muchos recuerdos, fotos y videos a casa ❤️ #Cartagena
cartagenatopplaces
216 likes • 13K views

🚗 Taxi for Independence

Hiring a taxi for the day is a popular and cost-effective way to visit without a tour. :taxi:

⏰ Check Exhibition Times

Daily bird exhibitions are a must-see! Check the schedule upon arrival to plan your visit. :alarm_clock:

🐦🦅 TOUR AVIARIO NACIONAL Y PLAYA BLANCA🦉🦆 💫 ¿Sabías que Colombia es el primer país del mundo en diversidad de aves? Nuestro país cuenta con 1.903 especies, lo que equivale al 20 % de las especies de pájaros en la Tierra. Aquí llegan 197 especies de aves migratorias y se cuentan 71 especies endémicas. 💫 Cerca de Cartagena, en la península de Barú, se encuentra el más grande aviario de Latinoamér...
cartagena_adventour
18 likes • 1.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the expansive grounds and see all the birds. :athletic_shoe:

💧 Stay Hydrated

Colombia can be hot and humid. Bring water or purchase it at the cafeteria to stay refreshed. :droplet:

🚗 Taxi for Independence

Hiring a taxi for the day is a popular and cost-effective way to visit without a tour. :taxi:

⏰ Check Exhibition Times

Daily bird exhibitions are a must-see! Check the schedule upon arrival to plan your visit. :alarm_clock:

📸 Bring Your Camera

You'll want to capture the incredible diversity and beauty of the birds. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Aviario Nacional de Colombia for its incredible diversity of birds and the unique experience of seeing many species roam freely. The well-maintained grounds and the engaging daily exhibitions are frequently highlighted as major positives. While some note the limited dining options, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many recommending it as a must-visit attraction.

"Beautiful place to visit with your family or friends! The park has a great layout, allowing you to see various types of birds. There's an incredible variety – you'll love it! One tip: wear comfortable clothing so you can walk and enjoy the birds. Parking is available, and there's a cafeteria on site (no restaurant, though). It's a must-visit destination – the birds are truly amazing."

Stephy M

"One of the highlights of my trip to Cartagena! Since childhood I wanted to see the Ara and Tucano, the green parrots and the flamingos, but today I saw more than this. I would say maybe 70% or even more of the birds run freely, just some are in big cages ( exception the acvila because this bird needs the sky to fly free). The birds are in good condition, they enjoy the care, the food and the tourist attention. Happy I got to see the birds exposition, they have daily at 11: 30 am and 3:30 pm, for 20 minutes or so. I really enjoy the experience ( even as an adult). Amazing place! I definitely recommend it! ❤️ Thank you , Colombia!"

Maria-Cristina Craciunoiu

"I absolutely loved visiting Aviário Nacional! The ticket was included with my tour that I booked from TripAdvisor which also included Playa Blanca. I spent around 2h there, and honestly it flew by.. I could’ve easily stayed there 2h more watching birds all day lol I came to the conclusion that when I get older, birdwatching will become a habit of mine 😂"

Diego Grinberg

What People Like

Amazing bird variety
Free-roaming birds
Well-maintained grounds

What People Dislike

Limited dining options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Aviario Nacional de Colombia is located on Baru Island, near Cartagena. Many visitors opt to hire a taxi for the day, asking them to wait while they explore the aviary. This is often more cost-effective than booking a guided tour if you only plan to visit the aviary. Reddit

Yes, absolutely! You can arrange transportation via taxi or private car. This allows you to set your own pace and spend as much time as you like observing the birds. Reddit

From Cartagena, you can take a taxi or arrange for a private car. Some tours also include transportation to the aviary as part of a larger package. Reddit

The journey from Cartagena to the Aviario Nacional de Colombia typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and your mode of transport.

Yes, parking is available at the aviary, making it convenient for those arriving by private vehicle or taxi. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, but they are generally affordable. Visitors have mentioned prices around $17 USD per person when purchasing directly. Reddit

While online booking options might be available through tour operators, purchasing tickets directly at the entrance is also a common and straightforward method. Some tours may include tickets. Reddit

Information on specific discounts is not widely publicized, but it's always worth inquiring at the ticket counter or checking with tour providers for potential package deals. Reddit

The aviary is typically open daily, but it's advisable to check their official hours closer to your visit, especially for any seasonal changes or special holiday hours.

No, a tour is not mandatory. Many visitors prefer to explore independently by hiring a taxi, which offers more flexibility and can be more budget-friendly than organized tours. Reddit

🎫 🐦 Onsite Experience

You'll encounter an incredible variety of birds, including colorful parrots, macaws, toucans, flamingos, peacocks, tanagers, harpy eagles, and owls. Many birds are allowed to roam freely. Reddit

Most visitors find that 2-3 hours is a good amount of time to explore the aviary thoroughly. However, if you're a keen birdwatcher, you could easily spend longer. Reddit

Yes, there are daily bird exhibitions held at specific times, usually around 11:30 AM and 3:30 PM. These are highly recommended and last about 20 minutes. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a beautiful place for families, offering a chance for children to see and learn about a wide range of bird species in a well-preserved environment. Reddit

The aviary has a great layout for walking. Wearing comfortable clothing and shoes is highly recommended to fully enjoy exploring the diverse habitats and observing the birds. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There is a cafeteria on-site where you can purchase snacks and drinks. However, it's not a full-service restaurant, so keep that in mind for meal planning. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally a good idea to check the aviary's policy on outside food and beverages. Bringing water is usually permissible and recommended due to the climate. Reddit

The cafeteria typically offers light snacks, beverages, and perhaps some simple meal options. It's best for a quick bite rather than a substantial meal. Reddit

Since the aviary is on Baru Island, dining options outside the aviary might be limited. It's advisable to eat before or after your visit, or rely on the on-site cafeteria for refreshments. Reddit

It's convenient for a quick refreshment, but for a full meal experience, consider dining in Cartagena or other areas on Baru Island before or after your visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Everywhere! The vibrant colors of the birds, the lush habitats, and the free-roaming peacocks offer endless photo opportunities. The daily exhibitions also provide great shots. Reddit

Generally, personal cameras and smartphones are welcome for capturing memories. If you plan to use professional photography equipment for commercial purposes, it's best to inquire about specific policies. Reddit

While most areas are open for photography, always be mindful of the birds' well-being. Avoid using flash photography directly at the animals, especially in enclosed spaces. Reddit

Expect stunning close-ups of exotic birds, wide shots of the diverse habitats, and candid moments of birds in their natural-like environment. The variety of species ensures dynamic photos. Reddit

Many birds are quite accustomed to visitors, allowing for relatively close observation. Using a camera with a good zoom and fast autofocus will be beneficial for capturing birds in flight or action. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Aviario Nacional de Colombia is a fantastic destination for families. Children will be captivated by the sheer number and variety of colorful birds, many of which are visible up close or roaming freely. Reddit The daily bird exhibitions are particularly engaging for younger visitors, offering a chance to see different species perform and learn interesting facts. Reddit

Key recommendations for families include:
* Wear comfortable shoes: Little legs will be doing a lot of exploring.
* Bring snacks and water: While there's a cafeteria, having your own provisions can be helpful.
* Arrive early: Beat the heat and see the birds when they are most active.
* Engage with the exhibits: Encourage kids to spot different birds and learn their names.

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Aviario Nacional de Colombia offers great value. The most significant cost-saving tip is to avoid organized tours and instead hire a taxi for the day. Reddit This allows you to pay for your entrance tickets directly and control your transportation expenses. Reddit

Tips for budget travelers:
* Pack your own snacks and water: This reduces spending on on-site purchases. Reddit
* Focus on the free-roaming birds: While exhibitions are great, the majority of the aviary's charm comes from observing birds in their naturalistic settings, which is included with your ticket.
* Consider combining with other Baru Island activities: If you hire a taxi for the day, you might be able to visit other nearby spots on Baru Island to maximize your transportation investment.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Aviary's Design

The Aviario Nacional de Colombia is thoughtfully designed to showcase a vast array of avian species in environments that mimic their natural habitats. A significant feature is that a large percentage of the birds, estimated at 70% or more, are allowed to roam freely within the expansive complex. This creates a more immersive and authentic experience for visitors, allowing for natural behaviors to be observed. Reddit

For birds that require specific conditions for their well-being or flight, such as eagles, larger, well-maintained enclosures are utilized. This approach ensures that all birds receive appropriate care, food, and attention while still offering visitors incredible viewing opportunities. The layout is designed for easy exploration, encouraging visitors to walk through and discover the diverse species. Reddit

This focus on naturalistic environments and free-roaming birds is a key reason why the aviary is considered a highlight by many. It provides a stark contrast to traditional zoos and offers a more engaging and educational experience for all ages. Reddit

Maximizing Your Visit: Tips from Travelers

To truly make the most of your visit to the Aviario Nacional de Colombia, several practical tips emerge from visitor experiences. Firstly, comfortable footwear is essential as the aviary is quite large and involves a significant amount of walking. Reddit

Secondly, staying hydrated is crucial, especially given the tropical climate. While there's a cafeteria on-site for refreshments, bringing your own water bottle is a good idea. Reddit Many visitors also emphasize the importance of checking the schedule for the daily bird exhibitions, which are a major draw and offer a concentrated viewing experience of various species. Reddit

For those looking to save money or have more flexibility, hiring a taxi for the day is a frequently recommended strategy. This allows you to control your itinerary and potentially visit other nearby attractions on Baru Island without the cost of a guided tour. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2