Hummingbird Central



The National Aviary of Colombia

About the Aviary

Sign at the Aviario Nacional colombia
Aviario Nacional Colombia

We love hummingbirds ... actually any kind of birds! So during our recent trip in 2019 to Cartagena, we took the opportunity to visit the National Aviary of Colombia, Aviario Nacional Colombia.

With over 1,900 avian species, more than any other country in the world, Colombia is a birder’s paradise waiting to be discovered! Colombia has over 150 hummingbird species recorded, about 50% of all the world species, more than any other country.

The conservation organization that operates the Aviary seeks, through a modern and representative exhibition of avifauna in natural environments, to promote knowledge about Colombian biodiversity, its sustainable use and responsible management. The facility is relatively new, having opened in February of 2016.

The Aviary is situated on seven hectares of wilderness that allow visitors to observe a unique and wonderful collection of birds from Colombia and all of Latin America. The birds are exhibited in a representation of their natural habitat, in environments very similar to those from which they originate. Three ecosystems are presented: tropical rainforest, coastal zone and desert.

Through various ecological walking trails visitors can enjoy 22 exhibits divided into large immersion aviaries, radial aviaries, swamps and lakes. There are different landscapes, plant and water environments that allow visitors to appreciate a great diversity of bird species.

In the National Aviary there are 190 species, and a total population of about 2,000 birds.

Touring the Aviary

Beautiful, colorful Macaws ... always ready for a photo op at the National Aviary!
Beautiful, colorful Macaws ... always ready for a photo op at the National Aviary!

A tour through the Aviary is traveled via one-way walkways, and takes about two hours. Benches are provided along the way, and there is a covered rest area about half-way along the tour with water, drinks, ice cream and cool fans!

It is typically hot, so dress accordingly and stay hydrated. Mornings are definitely cooler. Also, be prepared with sun screen, although we were pleasantly surprised with the amount of shade in the Aviary. Mosquitoes can be an irritant, so be prepared, but follow the instructions of the staff regarding usage of insect repellents and their effects on birds.

A well supplied gift shop is available (and cool), as are public restrooms and dining facilities.

Location and Directions

The Aviary is located on the Island of Barú about 50 minutes southwest of downtown Cartagena, just off Via a Barú. Bus tours are available from downtown, including those provided by various cruise ship lines. See area map below on this page.

For more information visit the website of the Aviario Nacional Colombia and National Aviary on Facebook or phone 322 552 91 34.

We highly recommend a visit to the Aviary! Included below are a few photo highlights of our recent tour.

Entrance Area: Getting Oriented

Entrance area at the National Aviary of Colombia
Entrance area at the National Aviary of colombia

Map of the grounds, exhibits and facilities at the National Aviary of Colombia (Staff Photo)
Map of the grounds, exhibits and facilities at the National Aviary of colombia

 

Grounds and Exhibits

The Macaw Tower at the National Aviary of Colombia ... a popular gathering point during tours
The bird tower at the National Aviary of colombia ... a popular gatering point during tours

One of the many exhibit areas at the National Aviary of Colombia
One of the many exhibit areas at the National Aviary of colombia

Signs designating some of the bird species seen at the National Aviary
Signs designating some of the many bird species seen at the National Aviary of colombia

Guacamayas y Loros ... Aviario Nacional Colombia
Guacamayas y Loros ... Aviario Nacional colombia

One of the wooden walkways at the Aviary
One of the wooden walkways at the Aviary

 


Highlights of the Birds of the Aviary

Giant Andean Condor at the National Aviary (Staff Photo)
Giant Andean Condor at the National Aviary

Dancing, prancing pink Flamingos ... a popular stop when touring the Aviary (Staff Photo)
Dancing, prancing pink Flamingos ... a popular stop when touring the Aviary

Roseate Spoonbill
Roseate Spoonbill

The magnificent King Vulture at the National Aviary of Colombia (Staff Photo)
The magnificent King Vulture at the National Aviary of colombia

Colorful Peacock ... wandering on the grounds of the National Aviary (Staff Photo)
Colorful Peacock ... on the grounds of the National Aviary inf colombia

Scarlet Ibis at the National Aviary of Colombia
Scarlet Ibis at the National Aviary of colombia

Black Swan
Black Swan

Visitors love getting up close and personal with the birds at the National Aviary!
Opportunities for getting up close and personal with the birds at the National Aviary!

It's not all birds at the Aviary ... Large, intricate Iguana (Staff Photo)
It's not all birds at the Aviary ... Large, intricate Iguana

Tángara Urraca - Cissopis leverianus
Tángara Urraca - Cissopis leverianus

Golden Tanager, one of the many small songbirds seen at the Aviary
Golden Tanager, one of the many small songbirds seen at the Aviary

Colorful Toucan at the National Aviary of Colombia
Colorful Toucan at the National Aviary of colombia

Garzón Soldier - jabiru mycteria (Staff Photo)
Garzón Soldier - jabiru mycteria

Macaws posing for visitors at the National Aviary (Staff Photo)
Macaws posing for visitors at the National Aviary

Gallito de roca - Cock of the rock - Rupicola peruvianus
Gallito de roca - Cock of the rock - Rupicola peruvianus

 

 

Other Facilities

Learning and educational opportunities at the amphitheater
Learning and educational opportunities at the amphitheater

The Gift Shop at the National Aviary of Colombia
The Gift Shop at the National Aviary of colombia

 

Video Courtesy of the National Aviary of Colombia


Interactive Map of the National Aviary Area in Colombia

 

More Area Information

Website of the Aviario Nacional Colombia

Official Tourism Website of the Republic of Colombia

Cartagena Tourism

Cartagena on TripAdvisor

Birding & Ecotourism in Colombia: Audubon Society