Fundación Loros Wildlife Sanctuary: Nature, Wildlife & Adventure near Cartagena
Choose this wildlife sanctuary eco-adventure if you want a meaningful nature experience near Cartagena with a guided visit to Fundación Loros, rescued wildlife, horseback riding, UTV trails, tree planting, traditional snack, hydration, insurance, and private round-trip transportation. This is a good fit for families, couples, and nature lovers who want to support conservation while enjoying an active morning outside the city.
Wildlife Rescue, Forest Trails, and Regenerative Travel
Step into a tropical dry forest sanctuary dedicated to the rescue, care, and rehabilitation of Colombian wildlife. Located about one hour from Cartagena, Fundación Loros works with species affected by illegal trafficking, habitat loss, and human impact, including parrots, macaws, monkeys, and other native animals.
This experience combines conservation education with outdoor adventure. You will visit the wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center, learn about the challenges facing Colombian biodiversity, participate in a controlled feeding experience with rescued animals, and explore the surrounding forest landscape through horseback riding and a guided UTV route.
The experience also includes a symbolic tree planting activity, allowing each guest to contribute to habitat restoration and leave a positive footprint beyond the visit. It is designed for travelers who want more than a typical sightseeing tour: nature, purpose, and responsible connection with local conservation work.
What's included?
- Private round-trip transportation from Cartagena.
- Pickup from your accommodation, according to confirmed logistics.
- Guided visit to Fundación Loros wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center.
- Controlled feeding experience with rescued parrots, macaws, and other animals, according to sanctuary guidelines and daily operation.
- Traditional Colombian snack with fresh tropical juice or coffee.
- Water and hydration during the tour.
- Bilingual host.
Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Center
During the guided visit, you will learn how rescued animals are cared for, why illegal wildlife trafficking is such a serious issue in Colombia, and how rehabilitation centers support conservation efforts. Any feeding or animal interaction is supervised and follows the sanctuary’s instructions to protect both guests and animals.
Horseback Riding or UTV Forest Trails
Explore the sanctuary’s rural landscape through a scenic horseback ride or a guided UTV off-road route. The UTV is operated with a driver, allowing guests to enjoy the forest trails, rolling terrain, and viewpoints without needing to drive themselves. Depending on the day’s conditions, you may hear or see wild howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, birds, or other local wildlife, but sightings are never guaranteed.
Tree Planting Experience
As part of the visit, guests participate in a symbolic tree planting activity that supports habitat restoration within the sanctuary’s ecosystem. This small action connects the adventure with the long-term goal of protecting forest corridors for native wildlife.
Not included:
- Additional food, drinks, snacks, or personal purchases not listed as included.
- Tips for guides, drivers, sanctuary staff, or local hosts.
- Extra activities, souvenirs, donations, or animal sponsorships not specifically included.
- Rain jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, or personal outdoor equipment.
Schedule
- 7:00 AM – Pickup in Cartagena: Private pickup from your accommodation, according to confirmed logistics.
- Transfer to Fundación Loros: Travel approximately one hour from Cartagena to the sanctuary area, depending on traffic and road conditions.
- Wildlife sanctuary visit: Learn about the rescue and rehabilitation work of Fundación Loros and participate in a controlled feeding experience according to sanctuary guidelines.
- Horseback riding or UTV forest trail: Enjoy a guided ride through the surrounding rural and forest landscape.
- Tree planting: Participate in a symbolic tree planting activity to support habitat restoration.
- Snack and hydration: Enjoy a traditional Colombian snack with fresh tropical juice or coffee.
- Return to Cartagena: Return by private transportation after the activity.
Total duration is approximately 4 hours of activity plus transportation. Timing, activity order, wildlife feeding, horseback riding route, UTV route, tree planting, and return time may vary depending on weather, sanctuary operation, animal care priorities, trail conditions, road conditions, and safety decisions.
Important Information
- Minimum participants: A minimum of 2 participants is required. If you are traveling solo, please contact us before booking to check whether there is an open group available.
- Conservation-first experience: Fundación Loros is a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center. Animal welfare and sanctuary rules come first. Some activities may be adjusted depending on the animals’ needs and the day’s operation.
- Animal encounters: Feeding or close observation experiences are controlled and supervised. Guests must follow all instructions and should not touch, feed, or approach animals unless explicitly permitted by sanctuary staff.
- Wildlife sightings: Wild monkeys, birds, sloths, or other animals may be present in the forest, but sightings are not guaranteed because wildlife moves freely.
- UTV activity: The UTV route is guided and operated with a driver. Guests are passengers and must follow safety instructions at all times.
- Horseback riding: Guests should feel comfortable around horses and follow guide instructions during the ride. Route and duration may change depending on weather, terrain, and safety conditions.
- Not recommended for: Pregnant travelers or guests with significant mobility restrictions, serious back problems, or conditions that may be affected by horseback riding or rugged UTV trails.
- What to wear: Long pants and closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended for riding, walking, insects, dust, and uneven terrain.
- What to bring: Bring hat, sunscreen, eco-friendly insect repellent, sunglasses, comfortable outdoor clothing, and a small bag for personal items.
- Insurance: A valid ID or passport number is required for each guest to activate mandatory activity insurance.
- Weather and terrain: Expect heat, dust, insects, humidity, and uneven terrain. Rain may affect the horseback riding route, UTV trail, activity order, or total duration.
- Cancellation policy: Free cancellation is available up to 48 hours before the scheduled activity start time. Late cancellations, late arrivals, incomplete insurance information, and no-shows may be non-refundable.
FAQ
Is Fundación Loros a zoo or a sanctuary?
Fundación Loros is a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center focused on conservation, care, and recovery of animals affected by illegal trafficking or other threats. Unlike a traditional zoo, the purpose of the visit is to support and learn about conservation work, not entertainment based on animal display.
Will I be able to feed the animals?
A controlled feeding experience may be included according to sanctuary guidelines and daily operation. All feeding or close observation must be supervised, and guests must follow the instructions of sanctuary staff at all times.
Will I see monkeys in the wild?
Wild howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, birds, sloths, or other species may be seen or heard in the surrounding forest, but sightings are not guaranteed. Wildlife moves freely and depends on season, weather, time of day, and natural behavior.
Is the UTV driven by guests?
No. The UTV ride is guided and operated with a driver. Guests participate as passengers while exploring the off-road trails.
Is horseback riding suitable for beginners?
The horseback ride is designed as a guided countryside experience. Beginners may participate if they feel comfortable around horses and follow guide instructions, but the route may vary depending on safety and terrain conditions.
Is this experience suitable for children?
It can be suitable for families and children who are comfortable with animals, outdoor terrain, heat, and guided activities. Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
What should I wear?
Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent are strongly recommended.
Is pickup included?
Yes. Private round-trip transportation from Cartagena is included, with pickup from your accommodation according to confirmed logistics.
How long does the experience last?
The activity lasts approximately 4 hours plus transportation time. The sanctuary is located about one hour from Cartagena, depending on traffic and road conditions.
What information is required after booking?
A valid ID or passport number is required for each guest to activate mandatory activity insurance.
