Barranquilla is emerging as an ecotourism destination in Colombia, with the Ciénaga de Mallorquín Ecopark leading this initiative. Mayor Alejandro Char has enhanced the contemplative experience with novel attractions, making it more immersive and offering greater contact with this majestic ecosystem. This development aims to provide a sustainable, ecological, and environmental adventure on a new level for the city. The first section of the ecopark opened in 2023.
Mayor Char stated, “Today, we have inaugurated a beautiful viewing platform, a bird-watching loop, food and beverage shops, and a nautical dock for sports activities like kayaking, kitesurfing, and water biking. Barranquilla pays tribute to nature, a beautiful path immersed among mangroves leading to wetlands, breathing pure air, enjoying tranquility and total disconnection, and discovering the beauty of many species that inhabit here,” via his account on X. “This marsh was once flooded with garbage, and gradually, through education and awareness, we have been taking care of it.”
The Ciénaga de Mallorquín Ecopark joins the environmental tourism initiative like the Gran Malecón, connecting us with the river as a new destination to enjoy its rich ecosystems, including the marsh, mangrove system, bird-watching, and green area protection that serves as the city’s oxygen lungs.
Among the new tourist attractions, Mayor Alejandro Char has introduced sports equipment, allowing non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and water biking, and an environmental education classroom, further promoting nature tourism in the marsh.
The lookout will offer a space for relaxation activities such as yoga, leveraging the connection with nature.
Additionally, bathrooms are now available, and visitors can access the marsh for non-motorized water sports.
Birding
Visitors to the ecopark can access the bird-watching loop. The loop features spiral pathways leading to the treetops, facilitating easier bird observation.
“The Ciénaga de Mallorquín hosts around 155 species of resident and migratory birds. It is the hotel and restaurant for many birds that feed and take refuge here, and protecting this space is a commitment we must all take on.”
Ramón Montes from Atlántico Birding highlighted the project’s importance, stating, “This is a crucial enclave for birds. As our mayor said, we have recorded 155 species here, contributing significantly to Colombia’s tally of nearly 2,000 registered species. This places Colombia as the number one country for birds in the world. It is a point of pride that this single area hosts 155 species, and we continue to record new species daily.”
The expert also noted that six of the observed species are endangered. “The marsh hosts the mangrove hummingbird, found only in northern Colombia, and we have recorded it here. The call is to care for and marvel at this richness.”
Details of the Ecopark
The ecopark’s design and infrastructure are international benchmarks for nature-based solutions. The stilt walkways aim to create experiences that connect visitors with the water and mangroves. They also raise environmental awareness and serve as a protective barrier for conserving this natural habitat.
The ecopark allows visitors to explore the natural scenery through hiking and viewing. It requires responsible behavior, environmental education, respect for nature, and care for the infrastructure.
This area has been significant for birdwatching tourism, identifying a wide variety of resident and migratory bird species. The National Audubon Society has conducted scientific tracking studies. Additionally, there is an upcoming interpretive signage about birds and a recent partnership with the Bediler Forest Center in South Carolina.
The Sendero Manglar and Sendero Estuario entrances are located on Circunvalar de la Prosperidad. Parking is limited, and street parking is not allowed. This area is plastic-free. Visitors must wear closed shoes and pets are not allowed.
The ecopark is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (last entry at 5:00 p.m.). If Monday is a holiday, the park is closed on Tuesday.
