Cartagena Aviary

Colombia has over 2,000 recorded bird species, more than any other country on earth, and the Cartagena Aviary gives you one of the most accessible introductions to that biodiversity you'll find anywhere. Exotic birds fly freely through walk-through enclosures, many of which exist nowhere else in the world. Plan this as a full day trip since it's a long journey out with no cell service along the way, so coordinate your transport in advance and arrange your return before you leave. The cooler months between December and March are ideal, and we strongly recommend arriving right when it opens at 9 a.m. before the heat builds. From there, call ahead to Casa Manglares (ask for Olga at playamanglares.com) to arrange lunch on a beautiful property a few minutes away, fresh local food right on the water, and some of the best patacones we've ever had. You're well positioned from there to find a quiet stretch of beach and cool off before the journey back.