Sanctuary Of Los Flamencos, An Incredible Corner

The Sanctuary of the Flamingos is located in Colombia, between the Caribbean Sea and the dry forest of the department of La Guajira. It is a surface of swamps, coastal lagoons, desert forest and streams. There lives a high diversity of species of fauna and flora in a very fragile ecosystem.

This is the favorite habitat of several species of birds , among which the flamingo stands out, hence the name of the park. It is a space of more than 7600 hectares declared National and Cultural Heritage of Colombia in 1992. Its four swamps are home to a very interesting and highly productive biological community.

The Sanctuary of Los Flamencos is a dream place where marsupials, fish and birds play among algae and mangroves, while sagebrush feed the flamingos. It is a spectacular corner for those who love and respect all forms of life. If you are interested in living the experience, do not miss the information that follows.

Ecology of the Sanctuary of Los Flamencos

The Sanctuary of Los Flamencos is located between the Tapias river and the town of Camarones. There are a large number of swamps here, but the largest and most important are the Laguna Grande, Manzanillo, Tocoromanes and Navío Quebrado swamps.

All of them are separated from the sea by tongues of sand  that act as natural barriers. However, during the rains they communicate thanks to the local streams, which starts the massive shrimp breeding season. In other areas of the swamps small deltas form.

Most of the Sanctuary of Los Flamencos is populated by mangroves of four different species, as well as trees and shrubs. The white and red thorn or the cardón grow here, next to areas of low forest stubble.

On the other hand, in this sanctuary there is an incredible diversity of fauna, including tigrillos, anteaters, deer, primates and rodents, among others. Of course, this is home to a large number of birds, among which we must mention the flamenco, the cardinal and the guajiro king.

Infrastructure and activities

The Los Mangles visitor center is located in the Los Flamencos Sanctuary. It has hammock areas, a camping area and five cabins. The provision of these ecotourism services is in charge of El Santuario, a community work association in the area. This, in addition, ensures environmental care and awareness.

On the other hand, in the Sanctuary of Los Flamencos you can practice activities such as hiking with local guides. This will allow us to know areas of tropical dry forests, wetlands and mangroves, as well as the species that inhabit these ecosystems.

You can also contemplate the beautiful landscapes in which red trees, rivers, lagoon complexes and the Atlantic Ocean converge, ideal for lovers of photography. Or, if you prefer, you can enter into cultural contact with the community of the Wayuu ethnic group, present in the area.

Of course, it is possible to enjoy bird watching, for which there are trails and observation platforms. There are also small sailing boats that make tours of the areas where flamingos and other species of birds usually land.

How to get to the sanctuary

The Sanctuary of Los Flamencos can be accessed from Bogotá by air to Santa Marta or Riohacha. Then, by land from Riohacha to the town of Camarones, about 20 kilometers. Then you take the road to the sea to the Cabaña Guanebucane Administrative Center.

From Santa Marta you take the Troncal del Caribe to Riohacha to the town of Camarones, about 165 kilometers. Then we continue to the Cabaña Guanebucane Administrative Center, with a total journey of approximately two hours.

Tips for visiting the Sanctuary of Los Flamencos

It is best to have your identification documents and the health service card at hand or, failing that, travel insurance. It is also advisable to hire the services of a guide and not interfere in any way with the cycles of nature that take place in the sanctuary.

It is advisable to wear thin and fresh cotton clothing, long-sleeved shirt and trousers, a cap or hat, and comfortable shoes. Nor can they miss the sunscreen, repellent and biodegradable cleaning supplies. Also put water, medicine, flashlight and batteries in your backpack, the Sanctuary of Los Flamencos does not have electricity or drinking water.