Santa Marta - birding in paradise tour
A Colombia birding tour focussed on the exciting endemics & speciality species of the region


Introduction to our Santa Marta birding tour
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is arguably Colombia’s most spectacular birding destination. Its towering snow-capped peaks rise as high as 5,700 metres above sea level and overlook sun-drenched beaches and sparkling Caribbean waters far below. Between lies a series of rich and varied habitats, from tropical coastal dry forests and saltwater lagoons, through to lower and mid-elevation cloud forests, all the way up to cool elfin forests and sub-paramo zones. On this 8-day classic Colombian birding tour, we shall spend our time searching out the rich avian diversity found in each of these locations, including 2 nights at the famous El Dorado lodge, which offers access to some of the most exciting birding on the entire South American continent! 

This Santa Marta birding tour will be led by a seasoned expert birding guide who knows the region inside out. We'll also employ local guides to ensure we have the most up-to-date information on bird movements - critical for searching out local owl roosts and other cryptic species! During the tour we'll focus our efforts on seeing the key endemic species of the region, as well as the many regional and range-restricted specialities. The tour pace will be brisk, ensuring we maximise our time in this incredible region. We use the best available accommodations in Minca and the high Sierra (El Dorado lodge), and clean and comfortable modern hotels in Baranquilla and Riohacha. Please scroll down for more information about this Santa Marta birding tour.

Santa Marta - birding in paradise tour. Itinerary at a glance
Day 1
Days 2
Days 3
Day 4
Days 5-6

Days 7
Day 8 
Arrive at the easily accessible coastal city of Barranquilla
Birding coastal dry forests from Isla de Salamanca to Riohacha
Search for exciting range-restricted species of Guajira
Birding near Minca and en route to El Dorado Nature Reserve
Birding El Dorado Nature Reserve – one of the most exciting birding locations in South America
Final birding from Minca for any missing species
The tour ends at Baranquilla airport
Day 1
Days 2, 3
Days 4, 5
Day 6
Days 7, 8
Days 9, 10
Day 11
Days 12-14
Day 15
Day 16
Birding in Paradise- 
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1      Arrive Bogotá
Day 2      Birding La Florida wetlands (near Bogota)
Day 3      Tropical dry forests and coastal lagoons of 
                 the Guajira Peninsula
Day 4      Birding near Minca and en route to El 
                 Dorado Nature Reserve
Day 5-7   El Dorado Nature Reserve – one of the 
                 most exciting birding locations in South 
                 America
Day 8      Birding near Minca and fly back to Bogotá, 
                 where the tour ends 

Arrive in Bogotá
Birding the Eastern Andes from Bogotá
Lowland tropical forests of the Magdalena Valley
Rio Claro to Medellín with birding stops
Cloud forests and cock-of-the-rock lek from Jardin
Maninizales, birding Rio Blanco Reserve 
High altitude Los Nevados National Park 
Birding the mega-diverse Chocó from Montezuma
Otún Quimbaya Reserve 
Fly back to Bogotá where the tour ends
Santa Marta birding in paradise tour details

Tour type: Classic birding tour
Duration of the tour: 8 days        
Group size: Limited to 8 participants

Dates:  New dates coming soon - please enquire below for further details
              
            
We can offer a private/customized version of this Santa Marta birding tour on dates suited to you. Please send an email to info@wildaboutcolombia.com for further details. 

Pricing: TBC
              Single room supplement:
              

Tour leader(s): Expert bilingual birding tour leader + local guides 
Tour highlights 

This Santa Marta birding tour is led by seasoned expert birding guides, ensuring the best possible chance to see the key species of the region. 

We will explore tropical dry forests and lagoons in various locations along Colombia’s Caribbean coast, for range-restricted species such as Chestnut-winged Chachalaca, Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird, Vermillion Cardinal, White-whiskered Spinetail and Chestnut Piculet!

Birding the high elevations of Santa Marta from El Dorado lodge – surely one of the most scenic birding locations in all of South America!

A host of Santa Marta special endemics and near endemics are possible including gems such as Santa Marta Parakeet, Santa Marta Antpitta, Santa Marta Mountain-tanager, Santa Marta Screech-owl and Black-backed Thornbill!

From Minca we search for the likes of Golden-winged Sparrow, Rosy-thrush Tanager, Northern Royal Flycatcher, Black-crowned Antshrike and Keel-billed Toucan.

Enjoy world-class Colombian coffee, delicious food and amazing hospitality throughout the tour

View other Colombia birding and wildlife tours


The Golden Birding Trail
Andes, Magdalena Valley & Choco endemics

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Birds & Mammals 
An all-round natural history tour with time dedicated to mammals 

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