Top Zoos, Aquariums and Bioparks in Colombia

Find here the top zoos of Colombia! In the past entries Can Zoos be Considered as Fair Ecotourism Destinations? and Zoos in Colombia and COVID-19 Crisis: Your Visit Can Help Them, I covered the topics about defendind zoos, or not, why to visit zoos, or not, covid-19 pandemic effect on zoos survival, and about the importance of zoos in Colombia. I recommend you to read those posts to get a broader view about visiting zoos in Colombia, and around the world.

Visitors to zoos traditionally attended for entertainment purposes. Today, besides entertaining, visiting a zoo involves supporting education, awareness, and sensitization programs for the care of wildlife and the environment, and the rejection of wildlife trafficking. Some zoos are considered “a classroom open to research” or “a new place of hope“.

In this post I recommend you the best Zoos, Aquariums and Bioparks to visit in Colombia, specially during the post-covid-19 reality.

#1 Cali Zoo

The Cali Zoo is the best zoo of Colombia by far. There you will find native animals such as the Andean Condor, the Spectacled Bear, the Andean Cock-of-the-rock, the tapir, the puma and some primates, birds, fish and reptiles. There are also exotic animals such as zebras, hyenas, baboons, Bengal tigers, and zuricates, among others.

The Cali Zoo is home to many events, among them the Colombia BirdFair, the most important international bird fair in Colombia, which covers topics such as: conservation, bird watching tourism, education, etc.

Cali Zoo
Cali Zoo

Website

https://www.zoologicodecali.com.co/index.php

Location

FUNDACIÓN ZOOLÓGICA DE CALI, Cra. 2 oeste Calle 14, Santa Teresita. Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia.

Programs

It has education, communication, recreation and research programs for the conservation of Colombia’s biodiversity.

How to get there

The Cali Zoo is located in a noble area of the city. The closest hotels are the Hampton by Hilton, the Intecontinental de Cali, and El Obelisco. The trip from these places can be done on foot or by cab. If you go on foot from one of these hotels, it will be a nice half hour walk along the Rio Cali.

Tickets’ fee

Adults 7USD – Kids 5USD

Notes

It is not alowed the entrace for people older than 70 years old and younger than 6 years old.

#2 Marine World Aquarium, Santa Marta

Marine World Aquarium works to harmonize research, conservation, education and recreation purposes.

The design of the infrastructure of the Marine World Aquarium allows to have replicas of some marine ecosystems and physical phenomena. It constitutes the only engineering work of this type in Colombia, which, due to its specific technical characteristics, makes it possible to develop a great number of observations and investigations that are difficult to carry out in the natural environment.

It has 24 large exhibition aquariums and a giant swimming pool, where the visitor experiences the sensation of being submerged while contemplating the wonderful underwater life.

El Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia.

Website

https://www.mundomarinoacuario.com.co/

Location

The Marine World Aquarium is located in El Rodadero. Carrera 2 # 11-68, El Rodadero, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia.

​Programs

Marine World Aquarium uses a series of exhibition aquariums of the different species and their environments, in order to become an educational and scientific tool.

Its objective is to promote the knowledge, conservation and adequate use of marine resources, and the commitment to the preservation of the environment, and to promote research.

It is also a destination for your company (MICE). Marine World encourages companies with special benefits and discounts if they purchase an Adoption Plan. With this plan you will be helping the care and attention of the species living in the aquarium.

How to get there

If your accommodation is in downtown Santa Marta, Mamatoco, Taganga or any other place in the city, you can get to El Rodadero by cab. It is a distance of about 5 km, and you will arrive in 15 minutes. It is not recommended to go by walk from Santa Marta.

Tickets’ fee

Adults 7USD – Kids 5USD

Notes

You can plan your kids’ birthday party there.

#3 Biopark Guatika

Most of the animals in Guátika have arrived because of the illegal traffic of fauna and have special conditions so they must remain under human care.

In Guátika Bioparque Zoo you can find more than 1000 animals of more than 100 different species. The Zoo has ample spaces, suitable in the best way possible, to provide the best welfare to the animals, for their mental and physical health.

In addition to visiting the animals, the zoo offers adventure activities such as horseback riding, buggy rides, sky coaster, wall climbing, ziplining, among other activities.

Guátika Hotel Boutique ©Booking.com

Website

https://guatika.com.co/ 

Location

Tibasosa at Km 1, Vía las Antenas, Tibasosa, Boyacá, Colombia.

Programs

Special programs for rescued animals from illegal traffic, which cannot be released to the wild and require human care.

How to get there

Tibasosa is a municipality in the department of Boyacá, located between the cities of Duitama and Sogamoso. Tibasosa is located 3 hours from Bogota.  From Bogotá you can take a private transportation to Tibasosa. The zoo is located 800 meters from the main park of Tibasosa

Tickets’ fee

Adults General 9USD – Adults Plus 20USD  – Kids and Older than 65 7.5USD

Notes

The park has the Guatika Boutique Hotel. The hotel houses a children’s club, a restaurant and a terrace. The accommodation has a hydromassage bathtub. Accommodation includes activities at the zoo. 

#4 La Reserva Biopark

The Reserve is a natural theme park and sanctuary for plants and animals rescued from illegal trafficking. This park is specialized in receiving, treating and releasing, when possible, the rescued animals.

As a visitor you will have the opportunity to connect with nature and get to know some of the Colombian ecosystems.

Green Jay – Cyanocorax yncas, La Reserva Biopark

Website

https://www.bioparquelareserva.com/

Location

Abra village, Km 1.2, Cota, Cundinamarca, Colombia. 

Programs

The reserve has developed innovative projects contributing to environmental education in Colombia, scientific research, knowledge about endangered species and the conservation of the country’s biological diversity by promoting respect for nature.

The park also has different projects related to animal care, water protection, and ecological restoration projects in which you can participate and make donations. 

How to get there

The Bioparque la Reserva is located 40 minutes from downtown Bogotá, in the municipality of Cota. From the center of Cota, you will arrive in 10 minutes by car, or in 30 minutes walking.

Tickets’ fee

Adults 8.5USD – Kids Free until 3 yeras old

Notes

Among its especial attractions are:

  • The recreation of a human construction taken by nature, where the visitor finds interpretative exhibitions of opportunistic animals such as rats, mice, cockroaches and snakes.
  • A space dedicated to illegal trafficking where visitors learn about the consequences it has on biodiversity.
  • A space to learn about the science that takes care of animals, the duties we have as pet owners, which animals you can have and which you can’t.
  • A workshop to discover the myths and truths about carnivorous plants.

#5 Ukumarí Biopark

The Biopark is located in one of the most important tourist areas of Colombia: the coffee zone. Ukumarí means, in Quechua language, the “one that has the strength of the Bear”. 

The Biopark has been under construction since 2015 and is expected to be the largest of its kind in Latin America, covering 820,000 square meters.

There will be aquariums, aviaries and attractions in the fourth dimension, as well as interactive games and adrenaline scenarios related to biodiversity.

The transfer of the animals from the old zoo was called Operation Noah’s Ark, which lasted 2 years between 2015 and 2016.

Ukumari Park ©Ukumari Website

Website

https://www.ukumaripereira.com/en

Location

Km 14 Vía Cerritos – Costado Sur – Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia. 21.5 km far from the Matecaña International Airport.

Programs

Ukumari Biopark replaced the old Matecaña zoo, with the purpose of developing a Biopark that would improve the quality of life of the animals, and also contribute to energize the tourist offer of the region.

The Biopark seeks to change man’s attitude towards the planet, the care of species and the environment.

How to get there

The Ukumari Biopark is located at Km 14, south margin, of the road that from Pereira leads to the Cerritos village. At Santa Barbara Station, only 8 km from Matecaña International Airport, you will find the clearly marked main access road that will take you (in a 1 km route) to the entrance of Ukumari and the Biopark parking lots.

Tickets’ fee

Adults 9.5USD – Kids 7USD

Notes

The nearest hotel is the Sonesta Pereira. Very nice Hotel!

#6 Los Ocarros Biopark

The biopark Los Ocarros, is committed to the preservation, rehabilitation and conservation of the native fauna of the Llanos Orientales. It consists of 5.5 hectares that have ample areas, which serve as habitat for about 680 animals of 150 species typical of the ecosystem of the eastern plains region of Colombia.

The visit to the biopark Los Ocarros is an example that tourism and ecological protection can go hand in hand.

Jaguar

Website

https://www.bioparquelosocarros.co

Location

Vanguardia village, Km 3 vía Villavicencio – Restrepo, Meta, Colombia.

Programs

This place focuses on environmental education as a tool for the conservation of the fauna of the eastern plains of Colombia.

It offers a virtual library with scientific documents of research results about the species present in the zoo.

Also, Bioparque los Ocarros, along with other organizations, attends and values confiscated or rescued animals, made available by the environmental authority, until the necessary conditioning is achieved to return them to their wild life.

How to get there

The biopark Los Ocarros, is located on the outskirts of the city of Villavicencio, 5 km from downtown. You can get there by car or walking. The Wyndham Garden Hotel is a recommended hotel to stay near to Los Ocarros. 

Tickets’ fee

Adults 4.5USD – Kids 3.5USD – Seniors 2.5USD

Notes

Guidance service is not included. The park offers specialized tours and events for one or more days, as well as workshops, conferences and seminars. 

Remember

Wild animals are not pets, leave them in their natural habitat, they don’t feel at home in your house! The possession of wild animals is a crime in Colombia and is penalized according to current regulations.

If you want to come to Colombia, don’t hesitate to contact us and plan your trip with us!

Coati walks on a trunk at he Biopark “La Reserva” in Cota, Colombia. The Coati was rescue by Colombian police and handed over to the Biopark to be taken care of.

References


About the author

Sara Colmenares

Current director of Sula. Doctor in Biological Sciences. Her main interests are to explore and understand the organism – environment interactions, taking advantage of emerging knowledge for the management and conservation of species and ecosystem services. She is currently working as a consultant in functional ecology, ecosystem services and conservation projects in Colombia related to ecotourism and birdwatching.

Best Time to Visit Tayrona Park to Avoid Crowds and Bad Weather

Tayrona is one of the most important, and probably the most famous, National Natural Park in Colombia. Most tourists coming to Colombia pay a visit to this park that boasts spectacular beaches apt for adventure sports and an unforgettable getaway. This is definitely a mustvisit destination on your Colombia holiday. 

In this post, you will find all the information you need to know to visit the amazing Tayrona Park in Colombia, such as how to get there, the best time to visit, what you can do there, and some recommendations. 

Discovering Tayrona Park 

Tayrona is a protected area of 150 square kilometers (58 sq mi) in northern Colombia with stunning landscapes and biodiversity. It comprises both the sea territory on the Caribbean Sea and the coasts that plunge into the wild jungle that hosts the highest coastal mountain on earth – the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.  

Flora and Fauna at Tayrona Park

In Tayrona, you can find several bays such as ChengueGayracaCintoNeguanje, Concha, Guachaquita, white-sanded beaches, and mangrove swamps around them, dry, rain and cloud forests, and marine ecosystems such as coastal lagoons, rocky shores, coral reefs, among others. 

In fact, the park has one of the best conserved dry forest in the country. The plant diversity is huge – species such as Ceiba or sandbox tree (Hura crepitans), Trupillo (Prosopis julliflora),  Aromo (Acacia tortuosa),  Brasil (Haematoxylon brasiletto)Caracolí (Anacardium excelsum)Higuerón (Ficus sp.) and avocado (Persea americana) grow in the park. 

Wildlife present in Tayrona Park is also worth mentioning. The place is a paradise for birders since 396 bird species can be spotted, from shorebirds to high mountain birds, among which are the Rufous-vented Chachalaca (Ortalis ruficauda), Blue-billed Curassow (Crax alberti), Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird (Lepidopyga lilliae), Brown-throated Parakeet (Eupsittula pertinax) just to mention some of the forest ecosystem. 

As for the mammals, 59 species are recorded, including the Grey-bellied night monkey (Aotus lemurinus)White-fronted capuchin monkey (Cebus albifrons), Howler monkey (Alouatta seniculus), sloth (Bradypus variegatus), armadillo (Dasypusnovemcinctus)Red brocket deer (Mazama americana), jaguar (Panthera onca), ocelote (Leopardus pardalis), anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), as well as 40 species of bats and 5 marine mammal species. 

Reptiles include the Green, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, and Leatherback sea turtles, the iguana, the American crocodile, and the boa constrictor are found. 

Indigenous at Tayrona Park

Tayrona is outside the territory of indigenous reserves, so no indigenous communities live there. However, the 4 indigenous communities that inhabit the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (Kankuamo, Kogui, Wiwa, and Arhuaco) consider the coastal and lagoon zones within Tayrona as part of the sacred ancestral territory

This land must be respected as part of the cultural heritage of humanity and therefore protected by all visitors. Although a nature area shouldn’t be named an ancestral territory or a protected area for us to preserve it! Check other National Parks in Colombia open for ecotourism 

How to get to Tayrona Park 

Tayrona Park is 34 km (21 mi) from Santa Marta, in the Magdalena department, on the Colombian Caribbean coast. Access from the city is easy. If you haven’t organized a private transfer, you can take a taxi or a bus (usually leaves from the city’s market) and go on the Santa Marta – Riohacha route (called Troncal Caribe) for about 50 minutes. There are 3 entrances:  

El Zaino Entrance

El Zaino is the main entrance and allows you to access the following beaches in this order: CastilleteCañaveralArrecifeArenilla, La Piscina, Cabo San Juan, the Nudist Beach (Boca del Saco) and Playa Brava.  

Neguanje Entrance

If you plan a day trip and are not staying in the park, you can get to the Neguanje entrance (kilometer 5 on the same road to La Guajira), from where you can reach ChengueGayraca and Playa Cristal beaches.  

Calabazo Entrance

Last, 2 km before getting to the Zaino entrance is Calabazo. This is the entrance to reach the ruins of Pueblito, after a 3-hour hike. If you continue the hike, you get to Cabo San Juan and Playa Brava. 

By Boat from Taganga

Access to the park by boat is also possible. The boats leave from the village of Taganga, 5 km from Santa Marta, and take about 45 minutes to drop you in Cabo de San Juan area. 

Best time to visit Tayrona Park 

For quieter beaches and easily available accommodation, schedule your visit to Tayrona Park in September, October, and November. 

Like all tourist destinations in Colombia and the whole world, Tayrona Park gets really crowded during the peak seasons. Peak season in Colombia occurs from June to July and December to February.

Additionally, the holy week, 8 days, is held in March or April. It is better to avoid these moments and all holiday long weekends if you want to access relatively lonely beaches.

You should also check the Parques Nacionales webpage beforehand because the park closes for one month (usually January or February) every year.  

As for the weather, May, JulySeptember, and October are the rainiest months, but rain is occasional and does not greatly affect your plans, while the dry season may restrict bathing on some beaches.

What to do in Tayrona Park 

Lost City – Tayrona Park, Santa Marta

Beaches

In Tayrona, white sandy beaches with crystal waters surrounded by mangrove swamps and forests are the main attractions. The most visited ones are:

  • Cabo San Juan del Guia, which is beautiful and huge,
  • La Piscina (large shore and calm waves)
  • Arenilla (the small zone between Arrecife and La Piscina)
  • Cañaveral (where you find Ecohabs Tayrona, although you cannot swim in there),
  • La Piscinita (small zone next to Cañaveral apt for baths), and
  • Arrecifes (also not allowed to swimmers but with several campsites). 

Hiking

There are 4 hiking trails that go from low to high difficulty and from 1 to 4 hours. 

  • Kogui or Knowledge trail from Cañaveral to Arrecifes (low difficulty, one hour).  
  • Arrecifes Boca del Saco trail going through Arrecifes beach, the natural pool and Cabo San Juan del Guía (low difficulty, 2 hours).  
  • The stone road to Pueblito from Cabo San Juan del Guía (high difficulty, 3 hours).  
  • Calabazo – Pueblito – Cabo San Juan del Guía trail (high difficulty, 4 hours). 

Submarine fun

For those who are more adventurous, snorkeling and diving are available too. The areas for scuba diving are Isla Aguja and Granate, this activity is managed by the diving schools of the village of Taganga.

You can snorkel in Neguanje, in front of Playa del Muerto, or in the Tayrona natural pool. At Gayraca bay you can dive and snorkel. 

Birdwatching

As mentioned above, birdwatching in Tayrona Park is one of the best activities since there is huge diversity of avifauna. 

Fauna and Flora observation

Other animals that can be observed here are the howler monkey, cotton-top tamarin, deer, ocelot, and the jaguar, reptiles such as the blue poison dart frog, iguanas, and the American crocodile. Playful dolphins cheer lucky tourists too. Local flora includes evergreen trees, moss, bromeliads, and orchids. 

Pueblito

Other activities are observation of cultural and archaeological heritage in architecturally important areas. One of them is Pueblito, where you can find ruins of the Tayrona ancient indigenous civilization, after a hike that takes about 3 hours. Its stone structures such as terraces, paths, and stairs are well-conserved. 

Where to stay in Tayrona Park 

There are different types of accommodation in Tayrona Park for all tastes and budgets. 

Lodges 

  • Cañaveral sector: 14 ecohabs (eco-lodges), all for double accommodation, but 11 with an option for extra beds for up to 4 people in family accommodation. Designed like the traditional indigenous houses with views to the Cañaveral beach.  
  • Los Naranjos: ecohabs in Finca Barvolento, 2 minutes from Los Naranjos beach. 8 cabins with a private bathroom and terrace. There is also a private house on this beach, 5 minutes from the main entrance of the park.  
  • Arrecife: 2 independent cabins, each one for up to 5 hosts, in Arrecife beach. 

Camping zones 

Several beaches offer zones to set a tent or a hammock and spend the night under the starred sky. These are: 

  • Cabo San Juan offers public bathroom and a restaurant. A small station of the Colombian Civil Defense is located there. 
  • Playa Brava: a remote beach, 4 or 5 hours walking from Zaino o Calabozo, with public bathrooms, cabins, and a small restaurant. 
  • Arrecife: the best beach to camp, near the police and Civil Defense stations and with a great restaurant. The camping area doesn’t have views of the sea, though. 
  • Cañaveralarea without views of the sea, near La Piscinita. 
  • CastilletesFinca with large camping zones, public bathrooms, and a restaurant. Bathing in this stretch of sea is not allowed. You can get there directly by car. 
  • Bahia Concha: the camping zone is shaded by large trees and the sea is calm and crystalline. You can get there directly by car. 

Tayrona Park 2020 Entrance fees 

The entrance fee to Tayrona National Natural Park varies depending on the nationality and age of the visitors, as well as the season of the year. These are the entrance fees for 2020: 

Peak Season 

(15 June – 15 July, 15 December – 15 January, Holy Week and long weekends) 

  • Colombians, resident foreigners, and tourists from Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru (ages 5 to 25): COP 20,000 
  • Colombians, resident foreigners, and tourists from Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru (over 25 years old): COP 28,500 
  • Non-resident foreigners (over 5 years old): COP 63,500 

Low Season  

  • Colombians, resident foreigners, and tourists from Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru (ages 5 to 25): COP 18,000 
  • Colombians, resident foreigners, and tourists from Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru (over 25): COP 24,000 
  • Non-resident foreigners (over 5 years old): COP 53,500 
  • People born in Santa Marta (ages 5 to 25): COP 9,000 
  • People born in Santa Marta (over 25 years old): COP 12,000 
  • Children under 5 years old and Colombians over 65 years old have free entrance. 

 Additionally, depending on the vehicle you enter to the park in, you have a different fee: 

  • Car: COP 14,500  
  • Van: COP 37,000  
  • Bus: COP 78,000  
  • Motorcycle: COP 10,000 

What you should consider when you visit Tayrona Park 

  • Entry hours are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. 
  • The park has a daily capacity of 6,900 tourists, so make your reservations in advance. 
  • Having yellow fever and tetanus vaccines is recommended. 
  • Always carry your ID, it is required at the entrance. 
  • The introductory talk about environmental education is mandatory. 
  • The climate in the park and surrounding areas is tropical hot, with temperatures ranging from 27 to 35 °C (81 to 95 °F). Therefore, use light cotton clothes, preferably pants and long-sleeve shirts. Also, wear appropriate hiking shoes, waterresistant if possible. 
  • Bring a cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a lantern. 
  • Only swim in permitted areas. Bathing in the sea is allowed until 6 pm. 
  • Access to the indigenous sacred places is forbidden 
  • If you hire a guide, make sure they are certified and preferably local. 
  • Don’t bring any plastic bags, alcoholic drinks, instruments, and pets to the park, these are not allowed. Also don’t leave garbage (even organics) anywhere. 
  • #BreatheTayrona – During January/February, the Tayrona Park closes its doors for allowing the restoration of its ecosystems, by the request of the indigenous communities in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Check the status of the park before your trip. 
References 
About the authors

Ana María Parra

Current content writer for Sula. Modern Languages professional with an emphasis on business translation. Interested in the cultural adaptation of written and audiovisual content.  Passionate about knowing new cultures and languages, tourism, and sustainable living.