DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

National Aviary of Colombia

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Animal habitat
—°6
National Aviary of Colombia (Colombia)

Weather…

The National Aviary of Colombia (Aviario Nacional de Colombia), located on the Barú Peninsula near Cartagena, is the largest aviary in the Americas, opened in February 2016. Covering approximately 7 hectares, the facility showcases an incredible variety of bird species living in three meticulously replicated ecosystems: tropical rainforest, coastal areas, and desert zones. The aviary is home to over 1,700 birds belonging to 170 different species, including the Andean condor, the harpy eagle, and various species of macaws and flamingos. Its primary mission is the conservation of endangered birds and raising public awareness about biodiversity protection. Visitors walk along a two-kilometer trail through expansive aviaries designed to let birds fly freely in environments that mimic their natural habitats. The site also functions as a rehabilitation center for wild birds rescued from illegal trafficking. Combining conservation science with world-class ecotourism, the National Aviary has become a significant destination for ornithologists and nature lovers seeking to explore the vast avian wealth of Colombia.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C282829292829292828282828
Rain mm65147618514718017117821617460

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
The National Aviary of Colombia near Cartagena is open year-round, but the dry season from December to April features the best visibility of birds. During the rainy season many species are still active and the lush vegetation is especially photogenic.
🌅
Best time of day
Early morning is the best time to visit when birds are most active singing and feeding. Late afternoon is also good as temperatures drop and birds become active again before nightfall.
📜
Etiquette
Please do not feed the birds as this would disturb their natural behavior and diet. Keep distance from aviaries and avoid loud noises to avoid stressing the birds - especially during breeding season.
🎒
What to bring
A good pair of binoculars is essential for detailed observation of the many Colombian bird species in aviaries and free flight. Light, light-colored clothing and sun protection are recommended as the tropical climate can quickly become very hot.
🧭
Getting there
The National Aviary is located about 15 kilometers from Cartagena on Isla de Barú and is reachable by car or taxi. Many visitors book a guided tour that often includes transport from the hotel.
🦌
What to expect
Birds are accustomed to visitors, but some species are shyer and hide in dense foliage. Take time for a leisurely stroll and occasionally sit on a bench - often the birds will come closer on their own.

Geography

Coordinates
10.21950, -75.59470

Facts

  • The largest aviary in the Americas, inaugurated in February 2016.
  • Home to about 1,700 birds from approximately 170 different species.
  • The facility spans 7 hectares on the Barú Peninsula.
  • Features 3 replicated ecosystems: rainforest, coastline, and desert.
  • Maintains a successful breeding program for the harpy eagle.
  • Visitors explore the site via a circular trail of 2 kilometers.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Fort of San Fernando de BocachicaFort of San Fernando de Bocachica3 km · EExplore →
Sanctuary of Saint Peter ClaverSanctuary of Saint Peter Claver7 km · NEExplore →
Castillo San Felipe de BarajasCastillo San Felipe de Barajas8 km · NEExplore →
Port of CartagenaPort of Cartagena10 km · NEExplore →
Mamonal Industrial ComplexMamonal Industrial Complex10 km · NExplore →
Isla BarúIsla Barú10 km · SExplore →
Rosario Islands OceanariumRosario Islands Oceanarium18 km · SExplore →
TolúTolú19 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town National Aviary of Colombia (6)

Zona de Buceo 2📍 landmark

A tropical underwater site featuring bustling coral reefs convenient for snorkeling and observing marine biodiversity.

Zona de Buceo 1📍 landmark

This coastal diving area has clear visibility of the Caribbean Sea's diverse coral formations.

Aviario Nacional de Colombia🎡 recreation

One of the largest aviaries in the Americas, featuring hundreds of bird species in immersive walk-through habitats.

Playa La Ceiba🎡 recreation

A serene tropical beach on the Barú peninsula known for its fine white sand and clear turquoise waters.

Cigueñas y Garzas🎡 recreation

A specialized wetland habitat within the aviary where various species of storks and herons can be seen at close range.

Playa Blanca📍 landmark

A famous beach on the Barú peninsula renowned for its brilliant white sand and lively blue waters.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about this aviary?
It is the largest in Colombia and one of the largest in the Americas.
What birds can you see?
Condors, flamingos, harpy eagles, and colorful parrots.
Where is it located?
On Barú Island, about an hour from Cartagena.
Is the trail strenuous?
No, it's an easy circular trail through different ecosystems.
When is the best time to visit?
Early morning, when the birds are most active.
National Aviary of Colombia: where is it located?
National Aviary of Colombia is located in Colombia.
National Aviary of Colombia: what is there to see?
Highlights include Zona de Buceo 2, Zona de Buceo 1, Aviario Nacional de Colombia.
National Aviary of Colombia: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
National Aviary of Colombia: why is it worth visiting?
The National Aviary of Colombia (Aviario Nacional de Colombia), located on the Barú Peninsula near Cartagena, is the largest aviary in the Americas, opened in February 2016.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
South America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in South America
More places in Colombia →

Nearby cities

Cartagena — National Aviary of Colombia (Colombia)
Cartagena
Historic colonial city and tourist destination.
Magangué — National Aviary of Colombia (Colombia)
Magangué
Second largest city in the Bolívar department on the Magdalena River.

History & landmarks

San Pedro Claver Church — National Aviary of Colombia (Colombia)
San Pedro Claver Church
The Iglesia de San Pedro Claver is a historic church in Cartagena, named after the Spanish Jesuit who dedicated his life to caring for en…
Clock Tower of Cartagena — National Aviary of Colombia (Colombia)
Clock Tower of Cartagena
The Torre del Reloj is the striking main gate into the walled old city of Cartagena.
Cartagena Convention Center — National Aviary of Colombia (Colombia)
Cartagena Convention Center
The modern Julio Cesar Turbay Ayala Convention Center is located on Las Ánimas Bay.
Old Shoes Monument — National Aviary of Colombia (Colombia)
Old Shoes Monument
The Old Shoes Monument is a giant bronze sculpture in Cartagena depicting a pair of worn-out boots.
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas — National Aviary of Colombia (Colombia)
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is a massive Spanish military fortress in Cartagena, built to defend against pirates and enemy fleets.

More places

Fort of San Fernando de Bocachica — National Aviary of Colombia (Colombia)
Fort of San Fernando de Bocachica
An 18th-century fortress on Tierra Bomba Island that guarded the main entrance to Cartagena Bay.
Sanctuary of Saint Peter Claver — National Aviary of Colombia (Colombia)
Sanctuary of Saint Peter Claver
A church and convent in Cartagena holding the remains of Saint Peter Claver, who ministered to enslaved people.
Palace of the Inquisition — National Aviary of Colombia (Colombia)
Palace of the Inquisition
A colonial building in Cartagena that once housed the Spanish Inquisition.
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas — National Aviary of Colombia (Colombia)
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
A monumental Spanish fortress in Cartagena, built in the 16th century to defend against pirates.
Port of Cartagena — National Aviary of Colombia (Colombia)
Port of Cartagena
One of the most important ports in the Caribbean, central to container freight and the export of industrial and petroleum products.
Convento de la Popa — National Aviary of Colombia (Colombia)
Convento de la Popa
A colonial convent on the highest point in Cartagena, featuring a historical church and panoramic views.
Mamonal Industrial Complex — National Aviary of Colombia (Colombia)
Mamonal Industrial Complex
A massive industrial area near Cartagena, grouping petrochemicals, plastics manufacturing, and energy-intensive industries.
Cartagena Refinery (Reficar) — National Aviary of Colombia (Colombia)
Cartagena Refinery (Reficar)
One of the most modern oil refineries in Latin America, playing a key role in Colombia's energy supply.