In the La Guajira peninsula, northern Colombia, lies an unique pink flamingo sanctuary: The Los Flamencos Flora and Fauna Sanctuary. This refuge, located between the municipalities of Riohacha and Manaure, is the temporary home of hundreds of pink flamingos that migrate each year to feed and reproduce in the region’s coastal lagoons. Although it is not as well known as other natural parks in the country, this sanctuary is a true ecological and cultural treasure, unique in Colombia.
The spectacle of more than 14,000 pink flamingos in Colombia’s La Guajira
One of the most fascinating moments at the sanctuary is the arrival of more than 14,000 pink flamingos, painting the horizon with color as their flocks fly over the shallow waters. This natural phenomenon takes place in the coastal lagoons that make up the protected area brackish water bodies connected to the Caribbean Sea that provide the ideal food for these birds.
The sanctuary covers over 7,000 hectares, which include four main lagoons: Navio Quebrado, Laguna Grande, Cienaga de Tocoromana, and Manzanillo. These water bodies, surrounded by coastal vegetation and sand dunes, are the setting where flamingos feed on crustaceans and microscopic algae rich in carotenoids the pigments that give their feathers their vivid pink color.
Watching them walk slowly in groups, with their characteristic arched necks and long legs against the arid backdrop of La Guajira, is a spectacle no visitor forgets.
In addition to flamingos, the sanctuary is home to more than 185 bird species, making it a privileged place for birdwatching. The vegetation surrounding the lagoons such as mangroves, trupillo trees, and cardon cacti adds a unique contrast between desert and water.
@colombianfamily_ 🦩Este El único lugar en colombia para ver flamencos rosados en su hábitat El santuario de fauna y flora los flamencos fue declarado como patrimonio nacional y cultural de colombia 🇨🇴 Está ubicado en el corregimiento de camarones a 20 minutos de Riohacha en la Guajira. Esta experiencia fue gracias a @SoleraTravels ellos tienen un tour buenísimo para ir a este bello lugar que incluye transporte desde Riohacha, almuerzo, paseo en cayuco, seguro de viaje. Además niños menores de 5 años son gratis en transporte 🙌🏻 La oportunidad de conocer este santuario te recomiendo no saltártela ✨ . . . #flamencosrosados #santuarioflorayfaunalosflamencos #laguajira ♬ sonido original – Colombian Family
How to get to Los Flamencos sanctuary
The sanctuary is located just 20 kilometers south of Riohacha, the capital of La Guajira, which makes it easily accessible for visitors. For those arriving from other parts of the country, the most convenient option is to fly to Riohacha from Bogota, Medellin, or Bucaramanga, and then continue to Camarones.
Travelers can take ground transportation (bus or taxi) to the community of Camarones, which serves as the gateway to the protected area. Once there, visitors can take canoe tours guided by local fishermen, who know the best spots to observe flamingos up close without disturbing them.
Tips for visiting
While the Los Flamencos Flora and Fauna Sanctuary is accessible year-round, the best time to visit is between October and April, when the concentration of flamingos reaches its peak and the weather conditions are most favorable. During the rainy season, from May to September, access roads can be more difficult due to mud.
Some useful tips to make the most of your visit include:
- Wear light, fresh clothing, as La Guajira has a hot and dry climate with temperatures over 30°C (86°F).
- Protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, since much of the tour takes place in open spaces.
- Use comfortable footwear suitable for walking on sandy and rocky trails.
- Hire local guides, who not only know the best ways to observe the flamingos without disturbing their habitat but also enrich the experience with stories about the area.
- Bring binoculars and a camera, essential for birdwatching enthusiasts and nature photographers.
- Be a responsible tourist by avoiding littering, loud noises, or any disruption to the natural environment.