UTV Thrills & Horseback Ride at Wildlife Paradise Near Cartagena

The details of this tour definitely don’t do it justice. We were expecting a thrills/adrenaline experience that we did get but it was SO MUCH MORE. Foundacion Loros is the largest macaw rehab and release sanctuary in Colombia and is staffed by ecologists. We had a nice ride with Tony in from Cartagena, and met our guide, Corina, who is so beautifully passionate about the work she does. We were greeted with fresh juice and fruit all grown in the property and then got to help with preparing the food for animals that were in the rehab stages, either confiscated from animal traffickers, turned in by owners, or injured. We got in a UTV and take a trip up the mountain to several other aviators with birds and various stages of recovery. We also were able to see two families of monkeys and enjoying it tortoise on the way, nothing was rushed at all. They then brought out horses that were mostly all rescues as well, and you could just tell they are very well taken care of sis the skinny ones covered in flies that are sometimes used to attract tourists. We rode for about 45 minutes up to the top of a gorgeous Mountain View and spent some time at the top checking out all of the scenery. The UTV met us at the top of the mountain, and on the way back we stopped at the release point near the peak where there were probably 100 because The had been previously through the rehab program and were released. While you don’t directly interact with them, you are very close helping feed them and they are not scared of humans. THEN the adrenaline ride back down the mountain came, high speed and very fun!! when we got back to the starting place, they had prepared for us plantain pancakes, fresh cheese from The cowherd on the property and a very delicious and fresh tomato salsa plus the juice that was freshly made. It was really relaxing way to end what was a peaceful, informative and very fulfilling day. The whole staff was amazing but Corina really made the experience special and you can tell she really loves what she does. Instead of just a “tourist” experience I’m glad to know our money went fully towards supporting all of their hard work with so many amazing animals experiencing a life they would not have had without the foundations work. I thought this initially was very expensive but with all we did, the amazing fresh food, transport and especially knowing now that our money is supporting the animals and the 13 families who live and work there, I think i would have happily paid more, and I made a donation before leaving.

It was an awesome tour and one that I think everyone should experience on visiting Cartagena Colombia. We get to see so much more just by traveling one hour to the destination where we went for our horse back and ATV tour. They picked us up from our hotel, the tour guide was so passionate about the work done there they made us feel we were being part while doing a unique experience. This is something we will always cherish. Warren and Giuliana from Jamaica and Uruguay :)

1st of all you need to change the title...UTV Thrills is very misleading.It's a slow ride with guide and driver through the ranch/rainforest lol! It is a beautiful area and amazing Parrot sanctuary where you chop some fruit up to put in a tray that gets placed on an elevated tree if sorts. You get served some fryit upon arrival. After the UTV ride you can go on horseback for about an hour through the ranch to an elevated point with a view of the entire area...then you ride back innthe UTV. The whole trip is about 6 hours. A little over an hour each way there and back. I think the experience would be enhanced if you where fed a meal while there, tamales or similar, something local. A plantain snack was nice but...We were picked up at noon and dropped off at 7:30, very hungry with muddy shoes and looking like we left the rainforest lol...otherwise we enjoyed the experience.

BEST experience I've had in Colombia. When else do you get to feed macaws and parrots, visit aviaries, ride horses, eat home-cooked foods, pick and eat your own Colombian fruits (cashew fruit was a personal fav), and ride in a UTV to explore a 1200+acre property. I really appreciated them picking me up and dropping me off at my downtown hotel too.

This tour was amazing, very educational and a fun experience. From the food, to interacting with the animals and then the views along the way. All the way amazing

What an absolute amazing experience! From pick up to the excursion itself my family and I had a wonderful time. We love that the foundation is owner owned and operated. We received our tour from Alejandro himself. As animal lovers, we were very impressed how he manages and rehabilitates the animals. You can tell the passion and love he has for what he does. The hands on experience was rewarding and does something for the soul. It’s unexplainable to see the macaws and parrots flying free over head. The Titi monkeys enjoying their jungle and the horses and dogs living side by side. The ATV ride was thrilling! The hospitality and kindness of his staff was amazing. Would book again!

This was truly one of the best tours I have ever experienced. From the very beginning, the team demonstrated a highly professional and welcoming attitude, making the whole experience both smooth and inspiring. I especially appreciated the opportunity to be so close to nature and to hear the meaningful stories behind the rescued birds; it added depth and purpose to the tour. Driving through the forest by car was already fantastic, offering beautiful views and a sense of adventure. However, the most unforgettable part for me - real food for the soul- was riding a horse through the forest, up the hill, at sunset. That moment was incredibly peaceful and emotional, and I know I will remember it for the rest of my life. Thank you to the fantastic team for their dedication and for creating such a unique and heartfelt experience. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of it.

This was a very special excursion. Apparently they started doing this sort of thing this year. It’s a conservatory in the mountains for all sorts of animals and trees. You arrive to a spread of local fruits which is followed by some work lol you get to chop up some vegetables which is then hand given to the birds they are looking after. Then you take an ATV ride through the forrest while viewing the animals throughout the journey. This ends with a transfer onto horseback through the mountains which goes up and down the terrain lasting for about 40 minutes. Very immersive experience. Finally you get to the top and you get to plant a tree that was hand picked by you earlier on. Finally you take an ATV ride back to base where you’re greeted by most of the local animals and given a small meal and local fruit drink. Highly recommend this trip to anyone who adventurous. Not sure about children though.

One of the best tours we did as a family. We really enjoyed all the information they shared with us. We fed birds, dis horseback riding, ATV ride, plant a tree. It was a perfect day.

This was the highlight of our trip to Colombia. Amazing people! We felt welcomed and taken care of, the food was amazing. The birds are absolutely breathtaking and majestic. Thank you! Roshan was very knowledgeable, the horse ride was fun. Our second tour guide alongside Roshan had the best energy and enthusiasm showed. I recommended everyone to go here! Great message! Awesome people! Didn’t miss a beat. Thank you! We will be back