Birdwatching beyond the walls of Cartagena
A private morning among 200+ species — toucans, parrots and the macaws we set free — in a tropical dry forest and recognized eBird hotspot, an hour from the city.
Private birdwatching: 200+ species where the sky is filling up again.
The tropical dry forest of Villanueva holds more than 200 bird species — from toucans and trogons to Amazonian parrots and macaws in the process of reintegration. The birdwatching outing is private, led by specialist guides who know every nesting site, every water source, and every peak activity window of the day. For experienced birders or those who want to start right, this is one of the most accessible hotspots on the Colombian Caribbean coast.
The day starts early with a traditional breakfast by the lake and a short talk about the foundation's work. Then we head out along forest trails and edge zones with binoculars, a field guide, and a spotting scope where applicable. You'll see resident and migratory birds, along with the released psittacines that now form stable flocks in the wild. Before the day closes, you plant a native tree and visit the nursery that sustains the habitat restoration work.
Why there are so many birds here: 35 km from Cartagena.
The tropical dry forest is one of Colombia's most threatened ecosystems — but also one of the most biodiverse when it's protected. The Fundación Loros reserve protects 1,300 acres in Villanueva, Bolívar — land where the foundation releases and monitors individuals rescued from illegal trade, and where forest restoration is drawing in more and more wildlife.
The full value of your experience is reinvested in the foundation's mission: rehabilitation of psittacines, forest restoration, post-release monitoring, and partnerships with farmers who sustain the ecological corridor.
"A great opportunity to view three species of macaws and numerous parrot species that are being rehabilitated to be released to the wild." — Peter S., Viator (abril 2025)
A glimpse of the reserve
A recognized eBird hotspot
Loros Wildlife Sanctuary is an official eBird hotspot with 200+ documented species — from common residents to genuinely hard-to-find birds. Among the most sought-after by birders:
- Endemic: Forpus spengeli (Turquoise-winged Parrotlet), Ortalis garrula (Colombian Chachalaca)
- Near-endemic: Arremon schlegeli (Golden-winged Sparrow), Chlorostilbon gibsoni (Red-billed Emerald), Nonnula frontalis (Grey-cheeked Nunlet), Picumnus cinnamomeus (Chestnut Piculet), Thamnophilus melanonotus (Black-backed Antshrike), Synallaxis candei (White-whiskered Spinetail), Saucerottia saucerottei (Steely-vented Hummingbird), Chrysuronia goudoti (Shining-green Hummingbird)
- Charismatic: Ramphastos sulfuratus (Keel-billed Toucan)
- Rare: Coccyzus lansbergi (Grey-capped Cuckoo)
Birds of the reserve
A few of the residents our guests have photographed on the trails — hummingbirds, manakins, motmots, jacamars, owls and more.
Frequently asked questions
What's included in the price?+
Round-trip transport from Cartagena, breakfast and lunch made with ingredients from our farm, bilingual guide español/inglés, all program activities, and the conservation contribution.
Do you offer discounts for children or groups?+
Children up to 16 years old pay 50%. For groups of more than 6 people or special inquiries, write to us using the inquiry button and we'll send you a personalized quote.
What is the minimum and maximum age?+
The minimum age is 7 years. There is no maximum age — the experience is suitable for people in good general physical condition. If you have questions about the difficulty level for your group, contact us.
What size are the groups?+
We work with small groups: a maximum of 5 people per bilingual guide. This lets us offer a personalized experience, respect the wildlife, and keep a comfortable pace for everyone.
What should I bring?+
Comfortable, breathable clothing, closed-toe shoes with good grip (no sandals), cap or hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, camera, and water (we provide reusable bottles). For birdwatching and hiking, long trousers are better.
Where do you pick us up, and what time?+
We pick you up at your hotel, accommodation, or an agreed meeting point in Cartagena, in private door-to-door transport. Two shifts are available: morning (pickup 5:30 AM, return ~11:30 AM) and afternoon (pickup 12:00 PM, return ~6:00 PM). The exact point and time are confirmed 24 hours in advance via WhatsApp.
What is the cancellation policy?+
Cancellations more than 72 hours in advance: full refund. Between 72 and 24 hours: 50% refund. Less than 24 hours or no-show: no refund. If we cancel due to weather or safety reasons: full refund or rescheduling.
Is it suitable for people with reduced mobility?+
Some experiences involve hiking on uneven terrain. For guests with reduced mobility, we have adapted options (UTV tours, observation from the farm). Tell us your situation through the inquiry option and we'll put together something that works for you.
What languages is the experience offered in?+
All our guides are bilingual in Spanish and English. If your group needs another language, write to us in advance and we'll see what we can arrange.