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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Birds are most active
Aviario Nacional de Colombia
Best Time
Birds are most active

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a vibrant sanctuary teeming with diverse bird species, many roaming freely in naturalistic habitats.
"A must-visit destination – the birds are truly amazing!"
👟 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Iconic Macaws and Toucans
Parrot and Toucan enclosures
Marvel at the colorful macaws and striking toucans, a childhood dream for many visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Getting There Smartly
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 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:
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but they are generally affordable. Visitors have mentioned prices around $17 USD per person when purchasing directly.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🐦 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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
Tips for budget travelers:
* Pack your own snacks and water: This reduces spending on on-site purchases.
* 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
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.
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.
Maximizing Your Visit: Tips from Travelers
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. 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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit