Epic ATV Expedition through Mountains with Wildlife near Cartagena

Discover Fundación Loros and Its Regenerative Mission

Fundación Loros protects 1,300 acres of tropical dry forest in Villanueva, Bolívar, just outside Cartagena de Indias. In collaboration with the Colombian government, we give a second chance to parrots, macaws, parakeets, and monkeys rescued from illegal wildlife trafficking. Every visit is a journey of regeneration: our visitors help monitor camera traps, protect against poachers, prepare nutritious food for rehabilitation, plant native trees, and collect data that informs conservation decisions. At the reserve, we prove that coexistence between humans and wildlife is possible through education and protection. Join us and become an eco-ranger for a day, leaving a positive mark on this threatened ecosystem.

Epic ATV Expedition Through Mountains with Wildlife Near Cartagena

Join us on a regenerative ATV expedition designed for adventure seekers aged 16 and up who care about nature. This is not a race; it’s a safe and purposeful journey, where every turn on the Honda TRX 250 contributes to wildlife conservation and ecosystem restoration.

1. Welcome and Conservation Talk

• Country Breakfast with Local Flavors: Enjoy seasonal fruits like papaya, mango, Spanish lime (mamoncillo), and starfruit, served with crispy patacones, creamy costeño cheese, and your choice of Colombian coffee or café con leche.

• Our Mission: Learn how we intercept trafficked wildlife, provide veterinary care, and prepare animals for release.

• Behind the Scenes: Tour quarantine aviaries and enrichment areas, and see how habitats are designed to rebuild natural behaviors.

• Release Protocol: Discover our step-by-step process for reintroducing healthy animals into Colombian ecosystems.

2. Tropical Fruit Feeding Workshop

Become a wildlife chef for our rescued fauna:

• Fruit Selection: Papaya, guava, Spanish lime, coastal cherry, mango, sapote, hog plum, and more.

• Preparation Techniques: Disinfect, peel, and chop the fruits to stimulate natural foraging instincts.

• Feeding Station Setup: Build feeding platforms with branches and foliage to simulate natural food sites.

3. Visit to the Rehabilitation Aviaries

• Close Encounters: Walk among flight cages where parrots, macaws, and parakeets strengthen their wings and practice social behavior.

• Conservation Insights: Talk to biologists and vets about enrichment routines, medical checks, and habitat design.

• Key Species: Yellow-crowned Amazon (Amazona ochrocephala), Orange-winged Amazon (Amazona amazonica), Blue-headed Parrot (Pionus menstruus), Brown-throated Parakeet (Eupsittula pertinax), Spectacled Parrotlet (Forpus spengeli), Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao), Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna), Green-winged Macaw (Ara chloropterus), Chestnut-fronted Macaw (Ara severus).

4. Encounter with Cotton-top Tamarins

• Walk Through the Tamarin Habitat: Walk under the canopy where rehabilitated cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus) roam semi-free.

• Behavior Observation: Watch how caregivers use soft calls and fruits to encourage natural play.

• Citizen Science: Record group size, feeding behavior, and vocalizations to support long-term monitoring.

5. Mountain ATV Expedition Through the Reserve

Gear up and begin this regenerative adventure:

• Scenic Trails: Ride smooth paths with spectacular mountain views—fun but always safe.

• Wildlife Monitoring: Stop to refill feeding stations and log sightings, tracks, or feeding signs using a tablet.

• Local Flora and Fauna Highlights:

  • Fauna: Howler monkeys (Alouatta seniculus), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), keel-billed toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus), collared peccary (Pecari tajacu), margay (Leopardus wiedii).

  • Flora: Ceiba tree (Ceiba pentandra), hog plum (Spondias mombin), pink trumpet tree (Tabebuia rosea), camajón (Sterculia apetala), elephant ear tree (Enterolobium cyclocarpum).

• Regenerative Focus: This is not a race—our trails are designed to protect habitats and restore ecosystem connectivity.

• Visit to the Nursery: Learn about native dry forest trees and choose one to plant at the end of the experience.

6. Visit to Ancestral Crops and Talks with Local Farmers

Discover how local farming and conservation intertwine in our traditional cassava and corn fields:

• Harvesting Ancestral Crops: Learn to manually harvest cassava—an ancient practice that sustains both people and wildlife.

• Corn Cultivation Techniques: Observe crop rotation and soil restoration methods that support native species.

• Community Perspectives: Talk with farmers who balance food production with habitat protection, sharing generational knowledge and Caribbean traditions.

• Coexistence with Wildlife: Discover how shaded crops provide corridors for birds, insects, and small mammals.

7. Tree Planting & Ecosystem Regeneration

Duration: 45 minutes
Seal your impact by planting a native sapling in our restoration corridor:

• Species Choices: Algarrobo, jobo, or ceiba—essential for sustaining parrot populations.

Enduring Legacy: Your tree becomes part of a green bridge linking our reserve to the Turbaco range.

8. Tropical Fruit Snack, Wine Tasting & Certificate Ceremony

• Tropical Fruit Snack: Enjoy a refreshing selection of seasonal tropical fruits — a sweet, healthy break to reconnect with the land.

• Artisanal Wine Tasting: Savor our artisanal wine, a special edition made in the reserve. A moment to celebrate with natural, local flavors.

• Conservation Certificate: Receive a personalized certificate recognizing your contribution to wildlife protection and your role as an eco-ranger for a day.

9. Testimonials from Our Visitors and Team

“This was a beautiful experience. It includes delicious food, feeding the birds while learning their story and the story of the sanctuary, and riding the ATV through the reserve, admiring the forest’s beauty. I even got to plant a tree to add to the forest. It gives the journey a purpose. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
— Imani, USA

“It was such a beautiful and amazing experience. Our guide and the other men with her were all so kind and helpful. We got to see many different bird species, enjoy breathtaking views, and at the end, we planted a tree. It was an incredible experience and I would recommend it to anyone!”
— Maggie D., USA

Biologist’s Quote:

“The most wonderful thing is seeing the look of amazement when tourists meet the parrots. They’re surprised by the variety of colors and sounds—especially when they realize not all parrots are the same size or huge birds. That expression of wonder is truly priceless.”
— Dr. Paulina Garzón, Biologist

Veterinarian’s Quote:

“I love that people are interested in learning about conservation projects and connecting with nature. It’s inspiring to see visitors from Europe and the United States wanting to help and contribute to improving life quality in other parts of the world—for both native communities and wildlife.”
— Dr. Andres Cruz, Veterinarian

Volunteer’s Quote:

“I love showing tourists the birds up close and explaining the challenges they face. It’s great that they get such a unique jungle experience, and that in the end, they can leave their mark in Colombia by planting a tree.”
— Roshand, Volunteer

9. Itinerary