Santa Marta Endemics
Observe the most endemic bird species in a short time
Route Details
| Departure dates 2019: | november 19th to 22nd (available) december 4th to 7th (available) december 11th to 14th (available) |
| Departure dates 2020: | january 14th to 19th (available) june 9th to 12th (available) june 16th to 19th (available) september 8th to 11th (available) september 23th to 26th (available) december 9th to 12th (available) |
| Route prices (per person) | USD $949 |
| Number of species to observe | 130+ |
| Difficulty level: | Moderate |
Wake up in the morning with a birds´ choir… So many you cannot identify them! You open a window and you see the silhouette of a band of Santa Marta Parakeet on the horizon, taking flight. The heliconias by your side surprise you with flowers full of nectar awaiting the restless hummingbirds. You hear the call of a White-tipped Quetzal. Meanwhile Francisco, “Pacho Aves”, our expert ornithologist waits for you to start the search.
This is how you confirm you are in Colombia, the country of birds! You are, more precisely, standing in one of the places of highest endemism in the country. Prepare your eBird and your camera for the amount of “lifers” you are going to add to your bird list so that you can share them with all your friends.
Colombia is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with more than 1921 registered species. In the country of Birds the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a privileged place to observe them. In this imposing massif, recently named one of the most mega-diverse places in the world, there are 27 endemic species to add to your “Bird List”. A definite must see for birdwatchers, this beautiful place and its surroundings offer every climate and habitat in which to enjoy birdwatching from beach to Paramo.
Birds you will possibly observe
Black cheeked Mountain-Tanager (Anisognathus melanogenys), Santa Marta Blossomcrown (Anthocephala floriceps), Santa Marta Parakeet (Pyrrhura viridicata), Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant (Myiotheretes pernix), Santa Marta Woodstar (Chaetocercus astreans), White-lored Warbler (Myiothlypis conspicillata), Santa Marta Screech-Owl (Megascops gylesi), Rusty-headed Spinetail (Synallaxis fuscorufa), Santa Marta Antpitta (Grallaria bangsi), Santa Marta Warbler (Myiothlypis basilica), White-tailed Starfrontlet (Coeligena phalerata), Yellow- Crowned Redstart (Myioborus flavivertex), Black-backed Thornbill (Ramphomicron dorsale), Santa Marta Seedeater (Catamenia homochroa oreophila).
Habitats visited
Montane Forest, Tropical Forest, Dry Forest, Rainforest.
Climate
Temperate to Cold in the high zones. Warm and Dry in the low lands. Rain may be probable some days.
Places of interest near by
Teyuna (Ciudad Perdida), Precolumbian archaeological site. Aracataca, home of Gabriel García Márquez and his magical realism, Incomparable beaches of the Tayrona National Park, Cartagena de Indias and its historic district. Regional beaches with coral reefs (Tayrona National Park, Islas del Rosario National Park)
Tour Leader: Francisco Troncoso
Colombian ornithologist with more than 32 years of experience in the activity who has reported a bird species for Colombia: Lilac-tailed Parrotlet (Touit batavicus). Francisco specializes in wetland and wildlife conservation through population studies. He has certified farmland through bird rating and valuation. Speaker at various conferences and seminars in Colombia and Latin America. He has collaborated and lead research studies about birds for different national and international institutions. Recommended guide for the region by Lonely Planet.
Santa Marta Endemics
The trip starts wellcoming our clients in Santa Marta when they arrive with an overview of birdwatching in the Colombian Caribbean Coast. If you arrive early you have the option of an introductory area tour.
This morning´s birdwatching starts going up from Minca to San Lorenzo located at 2.200 m.a.s.l., in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park. We will drive up on a 4x4 traction vehicle until the (Important Avian Conservation Area) AICA Sierra Nevada, a priviledged area where you can see more than 27 endemic species. We offer overnight accommodations at a beautiful area lodge. The birds to see in this area include: Black cheeked Mountain-Tanager (Anisognathus melanogenys), Santa Marta Parakeet (Pyrrhura viridicata), Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant (Myiotheretes pernix), White-tailed Starfrontlet (Coeligena phalerata), and the Santa Marta Seedeater (Catamenia homochroa oreophila).
The day starts with an organic hot chocolate from the region. We head to Cerro Kennedy arriving at “La Laguna Encantada” (The enchanted waterspring). It´s the source of the Gaira River. It nestles a great number of endemic species (ej. Santa Marta Parakeet, Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant, White-lored Warbler) as well as some recently described species that lack basic information. (ej. Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner, Santa Marta Antbird y Sierra Nevada Brushfinch). Some species that can be observed after dark include: Santa Marta Screech Owl (Megascops gilesi), Rusty-headed Spinetail (Synallaxis fuscorufa), Rufous Antpitta (Grallaria rufula), White-tipped Swift (Aeronautes montivagus). Santa Marta Brushfinch (Atlapetes melanocephalus), Black-backed Thornbill (Ramphomicron dorsale). A picnic style lunch will be served at midday followed by a power nap to retake the trail to San Lorenzo trying to observe the endemics. Around 4:00pm, we´ll start our descent towards Minca stopping for birding many times. After dinner, we will compare and confirm the bird list and we close the night at 9pm to rest and start the short drive to Santa Marta in the morning.
Transport from Minca to Santa Marta /End of trip.
The Plan includes
Local guide
Meals (with Vegetarian Option)
Private room accomodations
Transport By 4X4 with A/C
rip Insurance and taxes
Local SIM Card for international calls
The plan does not included
Tips
Airline tickets
Alcoholic beverages
Santa Marta & the Guajira Peninsula
A route through every habitat on the Colombian Caribbean Coast
Route Details
| Departure dates 2020: | february 12th to 20th (available) march 10th to 18th (available) may 12th to 20th (available) august 19th to 27th (available) |
| Duration | 9 days - 8 nights |
| Route prices (per person) | USD $2,879 |
| Number of species to observe | 250+ |
| Difficulty level: | Moderate |
| Domestic Flights: | USD $90. Ask us about them |
Enjoy being in the mountains and observing all the biodiversity surrounding you, including all the birds on your list. This is complemented by a descent where the landscape nuances start changing. We leave behind the cloudy High Mountain Forest, to enter the Tropical Dry Forest and end in the Desert. The pink in the lagoons gives you the introduction to the Flamingo´s dance. In the bushes nearby there´s the contrast of an impressive red silhouette. It´s the slippery Vermilion Cardinal welcoming us. It´s distribution is restricted to this region of the world. The Desert heat was worth it. This is the Magical Realism of Gabriel Garcia Marquez live and direct!
In this route we will visit the Sierra Nevada National Park, a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. You may be able to add 240 bird species to your list, including possibly up to 20 endemic species. When we add this exhuberant landscape to the Guajira Peninsula, we can expect to observe a wide range of biodiversity which includes the Tropical Dry Forest species, Aquatic ones, and High Mountain dwellers. This destination offers bird watching from sea level to snowcapped mountains.
Birds you will possibly observe
Black-crested Antshrike (Sakesphorus canadensis), Vermilion Cardinal (Cardinalis phoeniceus), Black-backed Antshrike (Thamnophilus melanonotus), Slender-billed Tyrannulet (Ineziate nuirostris), White-bearded Manakin (Manacus manacus), Russet-throated Puffbird (Hypnelus ruficollis), Black cheeked-Mountain-Tanager (Anisognathus melanogenys), Santa Marta Parakeet (Pyrrhura viridicata), Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant (Myiotheretes pernix), White-tailed Starfrontlet (Coeligena phalerata), Santa Marta Screech-Owl (Megascops gylesi), Santa Marta Antpitta (Grallaria bangsi), White-tipped Swift (Aeronautes montivagus), Santa Marta Brush-Finch (Atlapetes melanocephalus), Black-backed Thornbill (Ramphomicron dorsale), Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird (Lepidopyga lilliae), Bronzed- Cowbird (Molothrus aeneus armenti), Bicolored Conebill (Conirostrum bicolor), Santa Marta Warbler (Myiothlypis basilica), Santa Marta Seedeater (Catamenia oreophila), Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanager (Dubusia taeniata).
Habitats visited
Mangroves, Xerophytic Scrub, Dry Forest, Rainforest, Montane Forest, High Montane Forest
Climate
Temperate to Cold in the high zones. Warm and Dry in the low lands. Rain may be probable some days.
Places of interest near by
Teyuna (Ciudad Perdida), Precolumbian archaeological site. Aracataca, home of Gabriel García Márquez and his magical realism, Incomparable beaches of the Tayrona National Park, Cartagena de Indias and its historic district. Regional beaches with coral forests (Tayrona National Park, Islas del Rosario National Park)
Tour Leader: Francisco Troncoso
Colombian ornithologist with more than 32 years of experience in the activity who has reported a bird species for Colombia: Lilac-tailed Parrotlet (Touit batavicus). Francisco specializes in wetland and wildlife conservation through population studies. He has certified farmland through bird rating and valuation. Speaker at various conferences and seminars in Colombia and Latin America. He has collaborated and lead research studies about birds for different national and international institutions. Recommended guide for the region by Lonely Planet.
Santa Marta & the Guajira Peninsula Itinerary
The trip starts wellcoming our clients in Santa Marta when they arrive with an overview of birdwatching in the Colombian Caribbean Coast. If you arrive early you have the option of an introductory area tour.
The 2nd day we will drive up to 2.200 m.a.s.l. to the San Lorenzo Ridge in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a special place to observe endemic species. The following 2 days we will travel through the area including the Kennedy mountain Ridge to find the sacred water spring, the habitat for a great number of endemic bird species. Enjoy panoramic views of the Sierra and its highest peaks, taste delicious traditional food and high quality organic hot cocoa.
The fourth day of high mountain bird watching, we will start our descent after breakfast. Slowly enjoying birding while we descend, we will visit Minca and later we will reach Santa Marta to stay overnight.
Among the species that we could observe during these days are: (Grallaria rufula), White-tipped Swift (Aeronautes montivagus), Santa Marta Brushfinch (Atlapetes melanocephalus), Black-backed Thornbill (Ramphomicron dorsale), Santa Marta Screech Owl (Megascops gilesi), Rusty-headed Spinetail (Synallaxis fuscorufa) and the Santa Marta Brushfinch (Atlapetes melanocephalus). We will also probably observe hummingbirds, Toucans, and Tanagers among others.
We will visit Los Flamencos Fauna y Flora Sanctuary, a beautiful place to observe acuatic and desert birds. Here we can see the Vermilion Cardinal (Cardinalis phoeniceus), among others like White-whiskered Spinetail (Synallaxis candei), Tropical Mockingbird (Mimus gilvus), Buffy Hummingbird (Leucippus fallax), Tocuyo Sparrow (Arremonops tocuyensis) and of course, the American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber), the park´s emblematic bird. An evening drive back to Riohacha for the overnight stay, goes through oceanside cliffs and overlooks, the Sierra Nevada and its National Park on the mountain side and the Tayrona National Park towards the Caribbean Sea.
This morning we will walk up along the Don Diego River´s edge till we reach a place called Taironaka a reconstruction of a Tayrona ancestral village. After a snack we will take a boat ride down river to the sea to observe aquatic birds, besides howler monkeys and caimans (a small alligator).
Some species we can observe include Black-crowned Antshrike (Thamnophilus atrinucha), Lance-tailed Manakin (Chiroxiphia lanceolata), Olivaceous Flatbill (Rhynchocyclus olivaceus), Southern Bentbill (Oncostoma olivaceum), Bright-rumped Attila (Attila spadiceus), Orange-crowned Oriole (Icterus auricapillus), Red-legged Honeycreeper (Cyanerpes cyaneus) and White-bellied Antbird (Myrmeciza longipes). After sunset we will drive to Santa Marta.
Waking up early in Santa Marta affords us the opportunity to take a scenic drive to the Vía Parque Isla de Salamanca to observe the endemic Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird (Lepidopyga lilliae), among others species like the Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture (Cathartes burrovianus), White-cheeked Pintail (Anas bahamensis), Bicolored Conebill (Conirostrum bicolor), Bronzed- Cowbird (Molothrus aeneus armenti). Cienaga, the historic home of the folkloric Cumbia rhythm is the setting for our traditional lunch and rest after which we will continue birdwatching. On our return to Santa Marta we will visit the home of the Chestnut-winged Chachalaca (Ortalis garrula) another endemic species around sunset.
This area is located at 75 m.a.s.l. at 10km from Santa Marta and you can observe aquatic birds as well as Tropical Dry Forest dwellers. After a few hours of birding we will descend back to town and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon we will visit Puerto Vale to continue birdwatching. The following species can be observed in these areas: Black-crested Antshrike (Sakesphorus canadensis), Black-backed Antshrike (Thamnophilus melanonotus), Slender-billed Tyrannulet (Inezia tenuirostris), White-bearded Manakin (Manacus manacus), Barred Puffbird (Hypnelus ruficollis).
Breakfast at the hotel and end of trip.
The Plan includes
Local guide
Meals (with Vegetarian Option)
Private room accomodations
Transport By 4X4 with A/C
rip Insurance and taxes
Local SIM Card for international calls
The plan does not included
Tips
Airline tickets
Alcoholic beverages
Book Now
Northern Colombia Birding Trail
One of South America´s richest endemic regions
Route Details
| Departure dates 2020: | april 15th to 27th (available) july 3th to 15th (available) november 18th to 30th (available) |
| Duration | 13 days - 12 nights |
| Route prices (per person) | USD $4,099 |
| Number of species to observe | 320+ |
| Difficulty level: | Moderate |
| Domestic Flights: | USD $90. Ask us about them |
Welcome to “The Heart of the World” as it´s called by the ancient people who live in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Come with us and walk in a Tropical Dry Forest, a habitat at critical risk. Visit mangrove forests. Hike up the highest coastal mountain surrounded by cascading rivers and waterfalls, and find yourself in a Paramo, a little explored place at the top of the range. All of this is possible on the Northern Colombia Birding Trail.
This is one of the most complete routes to travel through the Colombian Caribbean Coast. One of the richest regions of endemic bird species in South America with close to 50 species. We will visit the majority of habitats that form this invaluable Colombian region at a comfortable pace which will allow you to enjoy a great amount of birds and their incredibly exhuberant environment.
Starting in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, with its 27 endemic species, we drive through the Guajira Desert, and finish at the rarely visited Perija Paramo where there are various subspecies that need investigation. With more than 760 bird species, this destination is a must for birdwatching travelers.
Birds you will possibly observe
Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture (Cathartes burrovianus), Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird (Lepidopyga lilliae), White-cheeked Pintail (Anas bahamensis), Bicolored Conebill (Conirostrum bicolor), Bronzed- Cowbird (Molothrus aeneus armenti), Black-crested Antshrike (Sakesphorus canadensis), Black-backed Antshrike (Thamnophilus melanonotus), Slender-billed Tyrannulet (Inezia tenuirostris), Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus), Perija Metaltail (Metallura iracunda), Red-legged Tinamou (Crypturellus erythropus), Chestnut-winged Chachalaca (Ortalis garrula), Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum), Rufous-tailed Jacamar (Galbula ruficauda, Vermilion Cardinal (Cardinalis phoeniceus), Buffy Hummingbird (Leucippus fallax), Santa Marta Warbler (Myiothlypis basilica ), Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanager (Dubusia taeniata), Santa Marta Seedeater (Catamenia oreophila), Slaty Brushfinch (Atlapetes schistaceus), Crested Guan (Penelope purpurascens).
Habitats visited
Mangroves, Xerophytic Scrub, Dry Forest, Rainforest, Montane Forest, High Montane Forest, and Paramo.
Climate
Temperate to Cold in the high zones. Warm and Dry in the low lands. Rain may be probable some days.
Places of interest near by
Teyuna (Ciudad Perdida), Precolumbian archaeological site. Aracataca, home of Gabriel García Márquez and his magical realism, Incomparable beaches of the Tayrona National Park, Cartagena de Indias and its historic district. Regional beaches with coral reefs (Tayrona National Park, Islas del Rosario National Park).
Tour Leader: Francisco Troncoso
Colombian ornithologist with more than 32 years of experience in the activity who has reported a bird species for Colombia: Lilac-tailed Parrotlet (Touit batavicus). Francisco specializes in wetland and wildlife conservation through population studies. He has certified farmland through bird rating and valuation. Speaker at various conferences and seminars in Colombia and Latin America. He has collaborated and lead research studies about birds for different national and international institutions. Recommended guide for the region by Lonely Planet.
Northern Colombia Birding Trail Itinerary
The trip starts welcoming our clients in Santa Marta when they arrive with an overview of birdwatching in the Colombian Caribbean Coast. If you arrive early you have the option of an introductory area tour.
This area is located at 75 m.a.s.l. at 10km from Santa Marta and you can observe aquatic birds as well as Tropical Dry Forest dwellers. After a few hours of birding we will descend back to town and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon we will visit Puerto Vale to continue birdwatching. The following species can be observed in these areas: Black-crested Antshrike (Sakesphorus canadensis), Black-backed Antshrike (Thamnophilus melanonotus), Slender-billed Tyrannulet (Inezia tenuirostris), White- bearded Manakin (Manacus manacus), Barred Puffbird (Hypnelus ruficollis).
We will travel to the Vía Parque Isla de Salamanca, where we will find the endemic Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird (Lepidopyga lilliae) and Bronzed-Cowbird (Molothrus aeneus armenti). We can also observe aquatic species like Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture (Cathartes burrovianus), White-cheeked Pintail (Anas bahamensis), Bicolored Conebill (Conirostrum bicolor). We will enjoy a hearty lunch in the small town of Cienaga the historic home of the Cumbia our traditional National rhythm. On our return to Santa Marta we will visit the home of the Chestnut-winged Chachalaca (Ortalis garrula) another endemic species around sunset.
The 4nd day we will drive up to 2.200 m.a.s.l. to the San Lorenzo Ridge in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a special place to observe endemic species. The following 2 days we will travel through the area including the Kennedy mountain Ridge to find the sacred water spring, the habitat for a great number of endemic bird species. Enjoy panoramic views of the Sierra and its highest peaks, taste delicious traditional food and high quality organic hot cocoa.
The fourth day of high mountain bird watching, we will start our descent after breakfast. Slowly enjoying birding while we descend, we will visit Minca and later we will reach Santa Marta to stay overnight.
Among the species that we could observe during these days are: (Grallaria rufula), White-tipped Swift (Aeronautes montivagus), Santa Marta Brushfinch (Atlapetes melanocephalus), Black-backed Thornbill (Ramphomicron dorsale), Santa Marta Screech Owl (Megascops gilesi), Rusty-headed Spinetail (Synallaxis fuscorufa) and the Santa Marta Brushfinch (Atlapetes melanocephalus). We will also probably observe hummingbirds, Toucans, and Tanagers among others.
This morning we will walk up along the Don Diego River´s edge till we reach a place called Taironaka a reconstruction of a Tayrona ancestral village. After a snack we will take a boat ride down the river to the sea to observe aquatic birds, besides howler monkeys and caimans (a small alligator).
Some species we can observe include Black-crowned Antshrike (Thamnophilus atrinucha), Lance-tailed Manakin (Chiroxiphia lanceolata), Olivaceous flatbill (Rhynchocyclus olivaceus), Southern Bentbill (Oncostoma olivaceum), Bright-rumped Attila (Attila spadiceus), Orange-crowned Oriole (Icterus auricapillus), Red-legged Honeycreeper (Cyanerpes cyaneus), White-bellied Antbird (Myrmeciza longipes). After sunset we will drive to Riohacha, the Guajira´s capital city.
This morning we´ll visit the Los Flamencos Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, a beautiful place to observe aquatic and desert birds. There we can observe the Vermilion Cardinal (Cardinalis phoeniceus), among others like the White-whiskered Spinetail (Synallaxis candei), Tropical Mockingbird (Mimus gilvus), Buffy Hummingbird (Leucippus fallax), Tocuyo Sparrow (Arremonops tocuyensis) and of course American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber), the park´s emblematic bird. From here, we will cross the Guajira Penninsula to reach our rural accommodations.
The 1st day in the Serrania del Perija we will be in Sabana Rubia early in the morning. This placid place surrounded by golden hills intermingling with the paramo. This is the place where we could possibly find bird species like the Slaty Brush-Finch (Atlapetes schistaceus), Perijá Metaltail (Metallura iracunda), Crested Guan (Penelope purpurascens). It is also possible that we will find rare species like the Yellow-throated Toucan (Ramphastos ambiguus), besides the Green Jay (Cyanocorax yncas) who lives here in this habitat. We will return to the cool weather of Manaure, Cesar for the night.
From Manaure, Cesar we will reach San José de Oriente at 2800 m.a.s.l. to continue searching for the emblematic Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus), Black-fronted Brush-finch (Atlapetes latinuchus nigrifrons), Perija Rufous Antpitta (Grallaria rufula saltuensis), Rufous-shafted Woodstar (Chaetocercus jourdanii), and the Rufous Spinetail (Synallaxis unirufa munoztebari).
We will enjoy a picnic style lunch in the paramo to take advantage of every possible moment there. Later, we are afforded stunning vistas as we descend to Valledupar, Cesar´s capital where we will enjoy a dinner with music and a well-deserved rest.
From Valledupar we will drive and then walk to the Besotes Private Natural Reserve to observe Dry Forest species like the Red-legged Tinamou (Crypturellus erythropus), Chestnut-winged Chachalaca (Ortalis garrula), Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum), Rufous-tailed Jacamar (Galbula ruficauda). We will be treated to a succulent country lunch and return to Santa Marta late in the afternoon for the overnight.
Transfer to the airport, end of services
The Plan includes
Local guide
Meals (with Vegetarian Option)
Private room accomodations
Transport By 4X4 with A/C
rip Insurance and taxes
Local SIM Card for international calls
The plan does not included
Tips
Airline tickets
Alcoholic beverages
Book Now
