The endemic species Podocnemis lewyana, the Magdalena River turtle, is listed worldwide as one of the turtle species at highest risk of extinction, and Trachemys callirostris, the Colombian slider, is the most trafficked turtle species in Colombia. An ethnozoological approach was used to analyze people's attitudes and perceptions on the effectiveness of conservation programs for these species and to identify conservation measures that would contribute to turtle population sustainability. Available statistics on turtle trade were also used as complementary information. We interviewed local residents who were exposed (n = 50) and not exposed (n = 50) to turtle conservation initiatives. When evaluating the two focal turtle species, we found differences in direct use between people exposed and not exposed to conservation programs, where people exposed to conservation initiatives made less direct use of these focal species. However, when other sympatric turtle species were considered, there were no significant differences in levels of turtle exploitation between people exposed and not exposed to conservation programs. Thus, successfully reducing the consumption of a focal turtle species might lead to an increased use of other local turtle species. Almost all interviewed locals were aware of turtle population declines, with the perceived most serious risk to turtle species reported being habitat loss and degradation followed by human consumption. Regarding turtle trade, we did not find significant differences between the two groups. Illegal trade levels in 2010 were 6.5 greater compared to 2016. We propose several new directions for turtle management and conservation of these species.