The “Viaparque Island of Salamanca” is located to the east of Barranquilla, in an area where the fresh waters of the Magdalena River and the salt marshes of the Caribbean Sea converge. The protected area is a group of small islands separated by narrow channels and formed by sediment accumulation of the Magdalena River. These islands form the natural barrier that separates the Great Marsh of Santa Marta from the Caribbean Sea, maintaining the important water exchange. In 1998, this ecosystem was declared a Ramsar Site of International Importance (Ramsar Wetland Convention) as well as a Man and Biosphere Reserve.
Start time: 15:00
Duration: 4 Hours
We start our tour turning to the south of the city and cross the impressive Magdalena River. Arriving at the park an expert environmental interpreter, a member of the neighboring communities,
is waiting to show us this tranquil and stunning paradise. By path we delve into the woods where the American crocodile can be found, and we can see how the fiddler crab merges with the
mangrove. Afterwards we change to a traditional canoe that is driven by a local “boga” who uses only one rowing oar. He takes us for approximately 90 minute through the park's waterways,
through canals and mangrove tunnels, until we reach the Cienaga de Marchena - a paradise to observe some of the 199 species of birds in the park.
• Northern Shoveler (Platalea Ajaja)
• Great Egret (Ardea Alba)
• Blue-winged teal (Anas Discors)
• Kingfisher (Cerylidae)
• Darters (Anhiga Leocugaster)
• Osprey (Pandion Haliaetus)
• Sapphire-bellied hummingbird (Lepidopyga liliae) (endemic)
• Cowbird (Molothrus armenti) (endemic)
• Laridae (Laridae)
