Private Old City Birdwatching

5.0 (7 reviews) 3 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

7 reviews

5.0

Private Old City Birdwatching — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Private Old City Birdwatching, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Nature and Wildlife Tours Walking Tours Ports of Call Tours Bird Watching Wildlife Watching Shore Excursions Involves Animals DSA non-compliant

At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: English, Spanish
Operated by: Colonia Birding

What is included

Included

Included: Transport to and from the tour is free for up to 4 travelers
Included: Bottled water
Included: Bird species checklist
Included: Snacks
Included: Tea and coffee: Coffee and/or Tea

Not included

Not included: Tour participants are recommended to bring their own binoculars.
Not included: Transport fee above 4 travelers is not included in the tour price

Itinerary

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.

Stop 1
Colonia del Sacramento
Barrio Historico
Puerta De La Ciudadela
Muelle del Puerto de Yates

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

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.

End point

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.