Activities that minimize the negative impact on the land and its communities are the best way to travel. Additionally, it allows us to explore and have a closer look at the surroundings we are visiting. That’s why we’ve created a list to show you the different ecotourism activities in Cartagena, so that you can have an amazing time connecting with nature and discovering the local flora and fauna.
Birdwatching
Colombia is one of the best places to do this activity, since it is the country with the greatest bird diversity, with 1,889 different species living within the country. In Cartagena you can find both native birds and migratory birds. The ideal season for birdwatching in Cartagena is from October to April, and the best place for birdwatching is located in the local community of La Boquilla.
Visit the Botanical Garden
The Guillermo Piñeres Botanical Garden is located just 30 minutes away from Cartagena, in the small town of Turbaco. It is a place little known by travelers, but it is well worth a visit, as in the garden, you can see more than 300 hundred Caribbean plant species. During the tour through the garden you will hear the monkeys howling in the trees, and you will have the opportunity to see a variety of different animals such as iguanas and toucans. The 8 hectare botanical garden is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 8:00am to 4:00pm, and it is closed the first working day of every week. The entrance fee is approximately $9 USD per person.
Visit to the Totumo mud volcano
This mud volcano is an open and natural spa, and going to the Totumo mud volcano is certainly an activity for the adventurous. Once there, visitors will need to climb a small wooden staircase to get to top of the volcano where you will find a warm, thick mud in which it is impossible to sink, and which contains nutrients which are good for the skin. In fact, just 15 minutes is more than enough time to activate the healing properties of the mud.
The mud volcano doesn’t get any funding from the government, so for that reason, its infrastructure is not the best. The association Totumo mud Volcano workers and their families are the ones that manage the site. To know more about this activity click here.
Scuba Diving - Snorkeling in Rosario Island and Baru
Enjoy watching the marine life of the Caribbean plunging into the waters of the Rosario Islands National Park, which is the perfect spot to do these activities due to the visibility and the temperature of the water, the small number of waves, and the beautiful corals. This area was declared a Natural National Park due to the necessity to preserve and protect the coral reefs and the associated ecosystems, such as the seagrass and mangroves, and the numerous species of seaweed and animals that inhabit them.The ideal places to enjoy these activities to the fullest in Cartagena are the Rosario islands and Barú. You can find more information about scuba diving in Barú by clicking here.
Visit the Ekoparque Luna Forest
This park has 23 hectares of tropical dry forest, which makes it a place well connected to nature where you can find different adventure activities such as hiking trails, rope courses and a climbing wall. Additionally, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy other natural areas such as green spaces, playing fields, and lakes where you can go canoeing or kayaking and watch native birds. If you are interested in visiting the Luna Forest Eco Park, you can find their Facebook page here.
Visit the National Aviary of Colombia
This is the biggest aviary in Latin America. It is home to 1,800 birds of 138 different species, which is why this is the ideal place to get to know the great diversity of bird species living in Colombia. The national aviary has simulated habitats that create a unique experience while also promoting the captive breeding of the different bird species, especially the endangered ones, such as the Andean condor. The tour in the aviary takes approximately two hours. This magnificent place is located at kilometer 14 of Barú island and it is open everyday from 8:00am to 4:00pm. The entrance fee is $12 USD for adults and $10 USD for children. You can book a tour to National Aviary by clicking here.
