If the old town is all stone and the islands are all sea, this excursion brings you into the countryside, among horses, trees and some of the loudest, brightest birds you will ever meet. The experience we link is a horseback ride to a macaw and parrot sanctuary near Cartagena, billed as the only one of its kind in Colombia. The outing takes about six hours, with transport and time in the saddle, and combines riding with wildlife encounters in a nature reserve. It suits animal lovers, people who want to see another side of the region and riders of all levels, since guides generally match the horse and the pace to the rider. It is a good choice for a day when you have had enough of heat and crowds and would like to see something quiet, green and genuinely different from the usual coastal excursions.
How it works
You are collected from the city or meet the group at an agreed point, and you are driven to the reserve, where you are introduced to the horses and given a safety briefing. Guides assess experience and help riders mount, then lead the group through trails in the reserve at a walking pace, with time to stop and watch wildlife. The excursion includes time at the sanctuary, where the parrots and macaws are the stars, and the whole experience lasts about six hours, including transport and breaks.
What to expect
The macaws are enormous, vividly coloured and noisy, and the sanctuary is a good place to learn about their rescue and care and about the conservation challenges parrots face. The ride itself is gentle, with scenery of dry tropical forest, open pasture and trails shaded by trees, and it suits beginners as well as experienced riders. Expect warmth, dust and insects, and a pace that favours observation over speed. Bird sounds fill the air, and the quiet between bursts of squawking is a pleasure in itself.
Making the most of it
Wear long trousers, closed shoes or boots with a small heel, a hat and sun cream, and bring insect repellent, water and a camera with a strap. Tell the guide honestly about your riding experience, because that is how you get a suitable horse. Do not feed or touch the birds unless the staff invite you to, since they are wild animals or rescued ones with their own needs.
If you have a fear of horses or back trouble, consider a different outing. Pack a light layer for the drive back, and plan a restful evening, since a day on horseback tires legs that are not used to it.
Planning around it
Because the excursion takes most of the day, keep your itinerary light and avoid scheduling anything strenuous the evening before. Ask in advance about the pick-up point and the time you will return, so that you can plan dinner. Bring a refillable water bottle, as hydration matters in the heat, and consider a small bag for your camera, wallet and repellent.
If the weather is stormy, check whether the operator will reschedule, because trails and sanctuary visits depend on dry ground and calm skies. Keep your phone in a zipped pocket while riding, and ask the guide before taking photographs of the birds at close range.
What to expect
The experience
A guided horseback ride through a nature reserve to a macaw and parrot sanctuary, with transport and time with the birds.
Best time
Morning departure, to ride before the midday heat.
How long
About six hours including transport.
Tips
Wear long trousers and closed shoes, bring repellent and water, and be honest about your riding level.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Animal lovers and anyone who wants nature rather than another beach or fortress.
- Families
- Older children who are comfortable around horses; check age and weight limits when you book.
- Couples
- A quiet, unusual shared adventure away from the crowds.
- Pair with
- An early dinner and a long sleep.
- Time needed
- A day of about six hours.
Good questions
Do I need riding experience?+
No. Guides match the horse and pace to your experience, so beginners can join. Tell the guide honestly how experienced you are.
How long is the excursion?+
The excursion we link takes about six hours including transport.
What will I see?+
The highlight is the sanctuary, where macaws and parrots are the stars, along with the reserve’s dry tropical forest scenery.
What should I wear?+
Long trousers, closed shoes or boots, a hat, sun cream and insect repellent.
Can I touch the birds?+
Only if the staff invite you to. They are wild or rescued animals with their own needs, so follow the guides’ instructions.
