Best Day Hikes and Nature Trails Near Cartagena

If you’re looking for the best places to hike near Cartagena — whether you’re craving a peaceful forest bath, a scenic day trip, or a nature-packed adventure — this list has you covered. From tropical dry forests to cultural hills and hidden jungle trails, here are the top hiking and trekking options in and around Cartagena.

1. Loros Wildlife Sanctuary — Best Overall Day Trip for Nature Lovers

📍 Villanueva, Bolívar (1 hour from Cartagena)

Loros is more than just a hike — it’s a mission. Set on over 1,300 acres, the reserve is the country’s only sanctuary dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of parrots and macaws rescued from illegal trafficking. The trails pass through reforested areas, old-growth forest, fruit orchards, and scenic hills. On clear days, you can even glimpse the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

What makes it unique is the blend of conservation, biodiversity, and culture: visitors often spot sloths, monkeys (three species!), tortoises, iguanas, and dozens of wild bird species. The trails are led by bilingual guides, biologists or veterinarians, and every guest contributes to habitat regeneration — whether by planting trees or helping care for the birds.

If you want the most immersive nature hike near Cartagena, Loros Wildlife Sanctuary is the top choice. More than just a hike, it’s a hands-on experience that supports wildlife conservation in one of the best-preserved tropical dry forests in Colombia.

Visitors are guided by bilingual professionals — including biologists, veterinarians, and park rangers — and get the chance to support the sanctuary’s mission. You’ll visit the psittacine rehabilitation center, learn about parrot behavior, and even help plant native trees. The reserve is also an official eBird hotspot with over 200 bird species, plus monkeys, sloths, tortoises, and iguanas.

The experience also includes a delicious farm-to-table meal prepared with local ingredients. Private transportation from Cartagena is available.

And unlike other wilderness areas, Loros is relatively close to Cartagena, with health services and vehicles on-site for emergencies — a rare bonus for off-the-grid hikes.

🕊️ Wildlife. Science. Culture. Views.
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2. Guillermo Piñeres Botanical Garden — A Tranquil Forest Escape

📍 Turbaco (45 minutes from Cartagena)

Perfect for a shorter, low-intensity forest bath, this botanical garden is home to tropical plants, butterflies, and one of the last pockets of primary forest near Cartagena. Expect peaceful paths, educational signs, shaded rest areas, and good chances to spot birds and monkeys. It’s great for couples, families, or anyone looking for a break from the city heat.

🌿 Calm, beautiful, and easy to reach.

3. Cerro de La Popa — A Hilltop Hike With a View (But Be Cautious)

📍 Inside Cartagena

This short but steep hike leads to La Popa Monastery, the highest point in Cartagena with incredible city views. It’s a local classic, but travelers are strongly advised to go only with a licensed guide due to safety concerns in the area. It’s not about wilderness — but it’s a cool photo opportunity and a cultural site.

🚶 Do it with a guide. Early morning is best.

4. The Jaguar’s Footprint Hike & Music Experience

📍 San Basilio de Palenque area (2.5 hours from Cartagena)

This immersive hike mixes culture, music, and nature. You’ll explore rural Afro-Colombian landscapes while learning about Palenque’s cultural history and biodiversity. The hike is moderately easy and includes live music performances in the forest.

🎶 A cultural hike with rhythm and roots.
🔗 See on TripAdvisor

5. The Howling Trail Hike

📍 Montes de María (2.5 hours from Cartagena)

Guided by local ecologists, this hike takes you deep into the tropical dry forest to spot howler monkeys and native flora. It’s a quieter and more educational hike for nature lovers and conservation-minded travelers.

🦧 Deep forest, local guides, and howlers.
🔗 See on TripAdvisor

6. Santuario de Fauna y Flora Los Colorados

📍 San Juan Nepomuceno (2.5 hours from Cartagena)

This national sanctuary is part of Colombia’s protected areas and requires a guided visit. It’s home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the red howler monkey, and offers several trails through humid and dry forests. A solid option for serious hikers and wildlife watchers, though the distance makes it less suitable for a quick trip.

🗺️ Worth the trip if you have time.

7. Parque Tayrona

📍 Santa Marta (3.5 hours from Cartagena)

Technically not “near” Cartagena — but worth a mention. Tayrona is Colombia’s iconic coastal national park, famous for its jungle-covered trails, white-sand beaches, and mountain views. Plan at least 2–3 days to enjoy it fully.

🌴 Spectacular but not a day trip.

Final Take: Why Loros Is the Best Hiking Day Trip From Cartagena

Cartagena is known for its history and beaches — but nature lovers will find a completely different world just outside the city.

While all the hiking options above offer something special, Loros Wildlife Sanctuary stands out as the most complete, safest, and most transformative. It’s close enough for a day trip, but remote enough to feel wild. It’s educational, hands-on, and deeply connected to both conservation and community.

You’ll hike with experts, spot real wildlife, enjoy fresh local food, and support a meaningful cause — all in one of Colombia’s last remaining tropical dry forests.

🔗 Explore Loros Wildlife Sanctuary