It’s my last day in Colombia, and I opted to take a private, 4-hour walking tour of the Walled City and Getsemani, but never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d see wildlife up close and personal! At 5 am, I was awakened by the squawking of four macaws right outside my hotel window.

The macaws are not the only exotic animals at the Hotel Caribe. There are also white-faced monkeys, a small marmoset, four deer and several sloth bears, which over time have become attractions for tourists staying at the hotel.

Recently, though, the Colombian equivalent of the EPA became aware of the wildlife and seized them. It was difficult for the staff of the Caribe hotel to accept the decision, since they represent more than just wild animals. Based on the fact that the hotel asked the Barranquilla Zoo on how to provide the animals with adequate food and care, the EPA thought it would be best for them to be returned to the hotel, since they are used to the environment and it would be too stressful for them to adapt to another place.

I haven’t yet seen the monkeys, marmoset, deer and sloth bears, but this morning while I was on the four-hour walking tour, I saw monkeys and iguanas in the park! I also saw a Colombian black bird called Maria Muleta, which has been immortalized in paintings and sculptures. According to one blog I read, “Long ago, in the barrio of Getsemani, people and exotic animals co-existed. One of the animals was a vividly colored bird called Maria Mulata. When a raging fire overtook the neighborhood, Maria Mulatas carried the people to safety. The people were saved and forever grateful to their deliverers. Discolored by the fire and smoke, the bird’s colorful feathers remain blackened to this day but with proper sunlight, we can still see a hint of Maria Mulata’s former plumage.” (Two Who Trek)

The neighborhood of Getsemani was once home to the African slaves who arrived during colonial times, but is now a colorful mecca for artists and hip restaurants and bars. There is a lot of street art here as you can see below.

We also were able to enter the Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría today, which Pope John Paul visited. The building dates from 1517 but was severely damaged in an attack on the city by Sir Walter Drake. The cathedral has now been restored as a result of a major donation from the Hyundai company! However, there is no organ or any other musical instrument that I could see.

We ended the tour with Oscar treating me to a Colombian empanada, absolutely tasty, but I’m sure it’s filled with calories!