Discover the magic of birdwatching in the heart of the Colombian Caribbean.



Explore one of the best birdwatching destinations in Colombia’s Caribbean. Discover unique species, natural trails, and an unparalleled experience surrounded by biodiversity.

⭐ Plan 1

  • Admission to Matute Birding Nature Reserve
  • Breakfast
  • Hydration
  • WiFi at the house
  • Insurance
  • Specialized guide
  • Transfer Hotel - Matute Birding - Hotelguide
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📌 Plan 2

  • Admission to Matute Birding Nature Reserve
  • Breakfast
  • Hydration
  • WiFi at the house
  • Insurance
  • Tracker
  • Does not include a specialized guide or transportation

📌 Plan 3

  • Admission to Matute Birding Nature Reserve
  • Breakfast and lunch
  • Hydration
  • WiFi at the house
  • Insurance
  • Full-day specialized guide
  • Transfer Hotel - Matute Birding - Hotel

📌 Plan 4

  • Admission to Matute Birding Nature Reserve
  • Breakfast and lunch
  • Hydration
  • WiFi at the house
  • Visit to Gambote or Puerto Badel for a canoe tour in the wetlands and swamps of "Juan Gómez" and "Mi Ranchito"
  • Insurance
  • Full-day specialized guide
  • Transfer Hotel - Matute Birding - Gambote or Puerto Badel - Hotel

Matute Birding Nature Reserve

Matute Birding Nature Reserve is a natural reserve near Cartagena, Colombia, that provides visitors with the opportunity to explore a tropical dry forest. Here, visitors can walk and marvel at the diversity of flora and fauna that characterize this ecosystem. Some highlights may include streams with crystal-clear waters, centennial trees, unique birds adapted to this environment, as well as the possibility of observing amphibians such as the Dendrobates truncatus frog. Furthermore, the presence of sloths and howler monkeys makes this experience truly special, offering visitors the chance to connect with nature and enjoy the richness of local biodiversity.

Breakfast in Nature 🌿☕

Enjoy an authentic breakfast with fresh, local ingredients: All of this on our terrace, surrounded by the songs of birds and the presence of howler monkeys, cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus), and sloths. A perfect way to start your day of exploration!
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Must-See Species at Matute Birding Nature Reserve

Habia Gorgirroja/Red-throated Ant-Tanager/Driophlox fuscicauda

The Habia fuscicauda, known as the Central American ant-tanager, is a bird native to the tropical forests of Central America. With dark plumage tinged with reddish hues and a distinctive song, it moves stealthily through the foliage, feeding on insects and fruits. Its elusive nature makes it a fascinating challenge for birdwatchers.

Chiroxiphia lanceolata- Lance-tailed Manakin

The Chiroxiphia lanceolata, known as the Lance-tailed Manakin, is a small and striking bird of the tropical dry forest. Males have glossy black plumage with a bright red crown and elongated tail feathers, while females display olive-green tones.

Steely-vented Hummingbird

The Amazilia saucerottei is a hummingbird with shimmering green plumage and a metallic blue tail. It thrives in forests and gardens, hovering swiftly as it feeds on nectar.

Nature Walks 🌿🚶‍♂️

Hiking through natural trails to observe birds in their habitat. These walks usually take place at dawn or dusk, when birds are most active.

Bird Photography 📸🐦

Capturing images of birds in their natural environment. Photographers use telephoto lenses and camouflage techniques to avoid disturbing them.

Species Identification 🧐🔍

Use of specialized field guides, cameras, binoculars, and mobile applications to identify species based on their songs, plumage, and behavior.

Birdwatching Records 📖🖊️

Logging observed species in a field notebook or online platforms like eBird to contribute to citizen science and conservation efforts.

Listening to Bird Calls 🎶👂

Using recordings or simply fine-tuning the ear to identify birds by their songs or calls, a key technique in dense vegetation areas.

Nighttime Birdwatching 🌙🦉

Searching for nocturnal birds like owls and nightjars using red-light flashlights and sound attraction techniques to facilitate sightings.

Gallery

Special Thanks

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the talented photographers whose vision and artistry have brought this project to life. Through their lenses, they have captured the essence and beauty of each moment, allowing us to share these incredible visuals with the world.

📸 Photo Credits:
🔹 [Hugo Vides]
🔹 [Ernesto Vega]
🔹 [Birding Bolivar / Jorge Alcalá]
🔹 [Horses Cartagena Tours / Luis Felipe Zúñiga]

Every image tells a story, and thanks to their dedication and skill, these stories can now be seen and appreciated by many. Thank you for your incredible work!

From cattle ranch to wildlife sanctuary

45 years ago, this land was just a small cattle farm. But as soon as I walked through it, I knew its true purpose was conservation. The tropical dry forest, once thriving here, had been severely impacted. So, I took action—reforesting, restoring habitats, and bringing life back to the land.

As the trees grew, so did the wildlife. Birds, mammals, and reptiles returned, turning this place into a biodiversity hotspot. Scientists, birdwatchers, and nature lovers soon followed, drawn by the incredible transformation.

📍 Today, Matute Birding Nature Reserve is one of the most unique ecotourism destinations near Cartagena, home to over 250 bird species and a thriving ecosystem.

— Celedonio Piñeres

Unforgettable Moments at Matute: Visitor Experiences

Testimonials

Here are some testimonials from visitors who have experienced Matute Birding Nature Reserve. 🌿🐦✨

Beautiful, a lot of birds ! The place, the nature, the huge tres, the river, the birds, the howler monkeys, the sleuths, the host and the food are amazing! Can’t miss it if you are in Cartagena. Best plan: spend your morning there, lunch there, then head to the Cartagena botanical garden, 5 minutes away.
Jean Girard-Arsenault
Awesome place to see many birds and get expert guidance on birds of Colombia!! The grounds are amazing, kept pretty natural and allows an immersion experience in a jungled area.r
Michael Quillen
Comprometidos con la fauna y flora , es un lugar de ensueño.
Karol paulin Julio Ordosgoitia
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