Birding Experience at Isla Del Encanto with Transportation
A guided 2-hour visit to the National Aviary followed by transfer to Isla del Encanto for buffet lunch and access to hotel pool, sunbeds and beach facilities. Meet at the aviary entrance in Barú; the full excursion runs about 7 hours.
In Collaboration with Hotel Isla del Encanto. Updated on May 8, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Hotel Isla del Encanto, inspired by the tour Birding Experience at Isla Del Encanto with Transportation. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- 2-hour guided tour at the National Aviary
- Buffet lunch and pool/beach access at Isla del Encanto
- Air-conditioned vehicle transfers between sites; sunbeds included
Explore all itineraries in Cartagena.
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet & check-in at Aviario Nacional de Colombia
Meet at the entrance to the National Aviary (Km 14.5 Vía Barú). Short registration, then a guided 2-hour tour of aviary enclosures and observation paths. Two bottles of water per person are provided during the tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10–15 minutes before the start time to complete registration at the aviary entrance.
- Wear lightweight, breathable clothing and closed shoes; bring a hat and sunscreen—some observation paths have limited shade.
- This site is not wheelchair accessible; supervise children near enclosures and do not climb barriers.
Transfer to Isla del Encanto — buffet lunch and hotel pool/beach time
After the aviary tour, transfer by air-conditioned vehicle/boat to Isla del Encanto. Enjoy the included buffet lunch (non-alcoholic beverage included) and use of hotel facilities: pool, beds and sunbeds. Time allocated for swimming, sun and beach relaxation before return to the meeting point.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring swimwear, a towel, and reef-safe sunscreen; sunbeds and pool access are included with the activity.
- If travelling with young children, bring swim diapers and a change of clothes; supervise children at the pool and on the beach at all times.
- Alcoholic drinks are not included; confirm any special dietary needs with the guide before the buffet service begins.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 2 |
| Total Places | 2 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Hotel |
Birding Experience at Isla del Encanto
Why this experience
Isla del Encanto is part of Colombia's national aviary system, making it a prime destination for spotting tropical species you'll never see outside the Caribbean. Your guided 2-hour birding tour focuses on finding and identifying local birds—toucans, parrots, hummingbirds, herons, and countless others—in their natural wetland and forest habitat. Transportation from Cartagena is included, so you'll arrive refreshed and ready to explore with binoculars in hand. Your guide will share natural history, behavior, and photography tips, transforming an outing into a real education. This experience shines during the dry season when birds are more active and water levels lower, though migration patterns mean interesting species appear year-round on the Colombian coast.
Before you go
- Best time: Dry season for highest bird activity; shoulder season brings migratory species
- Budget: Guide and transportation included; bring cash for optional tips or lunch
- Difficulty: Easy—mostly walking on level ground with frequent stops for observation
- What to bring: Binoculars, field guide or birding app, camera with zoom lens, water bottle, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent
- Getting there: Pickup from central Cartagena; transportation to Isla del Encanto is arranged as part of the tour
- Accessibility: Trails are mostly flat and well-maintained; inform your guide of any mobility concerns
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be an experienced birder? No. Beginners are welcome and encouraged. Your guide will point out birds, explain identification marks, and adapt the pace to your comfort level.
How many species might we see? On a good morning, you could spot 20–40 different species depending on the season, weather, and water levels. Migration periods in spring and fall bring additional visiting species.
What's included in the tour? Your booking through TheNextGuide includes round-trip transportation from Cartagena, a 2-hour guided birding walk, and the expertise of a local guide who knows where birds congregate. Confirm whether binoculars, field guides, or other equipment are provided when you book via the Bokun widget.
Is this family-friendly? Yes, especially for children aged 6 and up who can walk steadily for 2 hours. Younger children may find the pace slow; older kids often become captivated by the search.
What's the best time of day to bird? Early morning is ideal—birds are most active at dawn. Tours typically start between 6 and 7 a.m. to maximize sightings.
Complete your trip in Cartagena
Combine this peaceful nature outing with the adrenaline of eFoiling at Barú for contrast. Relax afterward with a VIP boat tour to Rosario Islands for snorkeling and island time. Then taste the local flavors with a Colombian cooking class.
Browse all Cartagena itineraries at TheNextGuide.
