Nestled on the picturesque Baru Island, the National Aviary of Colombia offers a captivating experience for nature enthusiasts. With over 1,500 birds across 150 species, visitors can enjoy the vibrant world of macaws, toucans, and other exotic avian life. Complementing this avian adventure, the nearby Mambo Beach Club at Playa Blanca provides a serene oasis for relaxation. However, travelers should be mindful of the persistent vendors during their beach-side sojourn. Exploring the aviary and navigating the island experience promises an unforgettable adventure.

Contents show

Key Points

The National Aviary of Colombia is one of the largest aviaries in Latin America, housing over 1,500 birds across 150 species.
The Baru Island Experience includes a scenic boat ride to Playa Blanca beach, where visitors can relax on sun chairs and swim in the Caribbean waters.
The full-day tour includes hotel pickup, admission to the National Aviary, and a lunch budget of 30,000 COP, operated by Backpackers Travels S.A.S.
The tour is priced from $107.00 per group (up to 15 travelers) and includes various amenities, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable excursion.
While the aviary experience is praised, the beach portion may face vendor pressure, and some guests prefer visiting only the aviary due to transportation issues.

Exploring the National Aviary of Colombia

One of the highlights of the day trip is the visit to the National Aviary of Colombia.

As one of the largest aviaries in Latin America, it boasts an impressive collection of over 1,500 birds across 150 species. Guests can walk through the various aviaries, observing the vibrant array of birds, including macaws, toucans, and parrots.

The knowledgeable guides provide insights into the different species and their habitats. With its lush greenery and serene atmosphere, the aviary offers a peaceful respite from the bustling city.

Visitors are sure to be captivated by the beauty and diversity of the feathered residents.

Looking for more options in Cartagena? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Taking in the Baru Island Experience

After exploring the National Aviary, the tour heads to the picturesque Baru Island.

Guests enjoy a scenic boat ride to the island’s famous Playa Blanca beach. Here, they can relax on sun chairs, swim in the Caribbean waters, and indulge in a provided lunch.

However, travelers should be wary of persistent vendors selling souvenirs and activities.

Persistent vendors selling souvenirs and activities may pester travelers on Baru Island’s Playa Blanca beach.

While the beach’s beauty captivates, some guests report transportation issues and feel the excursion is better suited for the aviary alone.

Itinerary and Tour Details

The full-day trip to the National Aviary of Colombia and Baru Island starts with hotel pickup, providing convenient transportation for travelers.

The tour includes admission to one of Latin America’s largest aviaries and lunch up to 30,000 COP. Up to 30 travelers join per tour, operated by Backpackers Travels S.A.S.

The meeting point is Sibarita del Mar, with departure times ranging from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm. Communication via WhatsApp is recommended.

Guests provide positive feedback on the aviary experience and tour guides, though some report vendor pressure at the beach and transportation timing issues.

Pricing and Inclusions

The tour is priced from $107.00 per group (up to 15 travelers). This includes lunch with a 30,000 COP budget per person, sun chairs, an air-conditioned vehicle, entrance tickets, snacks, fruits, bottled water, and towels.

The lunch menu offers a variety of local and international options to satisfy different tastes. Travelers can expect a comfortable and well-equipped experience, with all the necessary amenities provided for the day’s activities.

Whether exploring the National Aviary or relaxing at the Baru Island beach, the tour’s inclusive pricing ensures a hassle-free and enjoyable excursion.

Meeting and Pickup Logistics

To coordinate the tour, the meeting point is at Sibarita del Mar, located on Av. Blas de Lezo in El Centro, Cartagena.

Departure times are available from 6:30 am to 2:00 pm or 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Communication via WhatsApp is recommended for better coordination with the tour operators.

The key logistics include:

Meeting point, departure times, and WhatsApp communication are the key logistics for coordinating the tour.

Meeting point at Sibarita del Mar, Av. Blas de Lezo, El Centro, Cartagena
Departure times from 6:30 am to 2:00 pm or 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Communication via WhatsApp suggested for coordination

There's plenty more to explore in Cartagena

Guest Experiences and Testimonials

What do guests have to say about their experiences on this tour? The tour receives an impressive 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 52 reviews. Guests praise the beauty of the national aviary and the variety of birds, with one reviewer calling it a "must-see" attraction. However, some common complaints include vendor pressure at the beach and issues with transportation timing. A review breakdown shows:

|———-|———-|———|———-|

| Aviary | 36% | 12% | 4% |

| Beach | 16% | 6% | 22% |

| Transport| 4% | 0% | 8% |

Accessibility and Recommendations

How accessible is this tour?

The National Aviary & Mambo Beach Club Baru tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though service animals are allowed. Infants must sit on laps during the transportation.

The National Aviary & Mambo Beach Club Baru tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though service animals are allowed. Infants must sit on laps during the transportation.

For best experience, the article recommends:

Bring bug lotion for the aviary.
Be prepared for persistent vendors at the beach and bring pesos for purchases.
Consider visiting only the aviary, as the road to the beach can be bumpy and some guests found the beach experience less satisfactory.

Preparing for the Adventure

Although the National Aviary & Mambo Beach Club Baru tour offers an exciting opportunity to explore the natural wonders of Colombia, travelers should prepare accordingly to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Visitors should bring bug repellent for the aviary, as the dense foliage can attract insects. Plus, they should be prepared for the presence of vendors at the beach and have pesos on hand for any purchases.

The road to the beach can be quite bumpy, so guests may want to consider focusing their visit solely on the aviary for a more comfortable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Visit the Aviary and Beach Separately?

Yes, guests can visit the aviary and beach separately. The tour package includes both locations, but travelers can choose to only visit one or the other if they prefer a more focused experience.

Are There Options for Early or Late Tours?

Yes, there are early and late tour options available. The tour operator offers departure times from 6:30 am to 2:00 pm and 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, allowing flexibility in scheduling the visit.

Are There Discounts Available for Larger Groups?

Yes, there are discounts for larger groups. The tour operator, Backpackers Travels S.A.S., offers a price of $107.00 for groups of up to 15 travelers, providing a cost-effective option for those booking the trip in larger numbers.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Beach?

You can typically bring your own food and drinks to the beach, but it’s best to check with the tour operator first. Some beaches may have restrictions or vendors that they prefer you use.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit?

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from December to April, when the weather is sunny and pleasant. Crowds are smaller, and temperatures are more comfortable compared to the hot, humid rainy season.