Private Old City Birdwatching

About this experience

As a World Heritage site, the Old City of Colonia is well known for its historical architecture, drawing thousands of tourists every year. Here, typical tours focus mainly on the rich history of the town. But, if you are a wildlife lover, this is the only tour that will show you a more natural aspect of the "Ciudad Vieja".

This activity is particularly interesting for those who are taking their first steps into the birding world. Many birds you will see are common and abundant, meaning you will have several instances of connecting with them and getting to know them well. If you have not been to South America before, almost all species and even bird families will be new to you.

Even if you are an accomplished birder, this tour can yield new sightings and ticks. Some rarities for Uruguay can be seen here: nesting Southern Martins, Patagonian migrants like White-tipped Plantcutters, Straneck's Tyrannulets, and White-banded Mockingbirds, and the elusive South American Painted-Snipe.

At a glance

• Duration: 3 hr
• Private experience

Itinerary and highlights

The old quarters of Colonia del Sacramento might seem like an odd place to go looking for birds, but you might be surprised. This walking tour is specially interesting if you don't have much time in town and you are already staying at one of the several hotels of the old city. It has a low difficulty and is suitable for all ages, although you might want to watch your step on uneven cobblestone streets.

You will start off at the Yacht port, and continue bordering the coastline until the Punta de San Pedro, the Southwestern-most point in Uruguay. You will then walk along a colonial street up to the main square, and past the historical wall through the colonial gate. The tour ends at the beautiful AFE park, the old railway station, with a picnic option.

The streets and gardens are home to several common city birds, and the main square is a roosting spot for several of them, while the waters around the yacht port can yield some aquatic species. The Parque Lineal AFE is a wonderful green area by the river where many passerines can be spotted among the native trees, including forest and scrubland species, as well as some rare winter migrants.

See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.

Meeting and pickup information

• Meeting point is the small car park next to the pier entrance, at the waterside. You will see a tall round building in the fashion of a tower accross the street, as well as a couple of restaurants.
• Pick up is offered, however, if you are staying in the old city or nearby, meeting point is at a walkable distance.

Languages and tickets

• English — Guide
• Spanish — Guide
• Mobile Only

Tour operator

• Colonia Birding

Accessibility and practical details

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Available tour options

• Pickup included