Santa Marta Mountains & La Guajira Birding Tour
An eight-day transect of Colombia's Caribbean endemism hotspots: wetlands and dry forest around Barranquilla, the full altitudinal sweep of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta from Minca to the Cuchilla de San Lorenzo ridge, and the arid scrub, marshes and coastline of the La Guajira Peninsula around Los Flamencos Wildlife Sanctuary.
This eight-day journey crosses the full span of Colombia’s Caribbean birding country. We begin among the mangroves and riverine wetlands of Barranquilla and the Magdalena, where the Northern Screamer calls from the reeds and the dry-country endemics — Chestnut-winged Chachalaca, Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird, Turquoise-winged Parrotlet — live along the Isla de Salamanca boardwalk. Then the road climbs into the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the world’s highest coastal massif and an evolutionary island unto itself: three nights around Mountain House Lodge and a full day on the Cuchilla de San Lorenzo ridge bring the Santa Marta endemics within reach, from Parakeet and Antpittas to Warbler, Bush-Tyrant and the 2018-described Screech-Owl, with field meals on the ridge and feeder sessions in the lodge gardens. Finally the landscape flips to the arid Guajira Peninsula, where the scrub and marshes of Los Flamencos Wildlife Sanctuary hold White-whiskered Spinetail, Vermilion Cardinal, Chestnut Piculet and flamingos against a backdrop of Wayúa territory, before we depart from Riohacha. Slow mornings are rare here — the desert rewards early starts — but every day is paced for clean views and good photographs.
Endemic Birds of an Isolated Mountain
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta rises separately from the surrounding Andes, creating a concentrated home for localized birds. This route connects Caribbean wetlands and dry forest with Minca and the high forests of El Dorado, giving time to look for Santa Marta endemics while also experiencing the habitats that surround them.
Los Flamencos: Arid Scrub, Marshes and Coast
La Guajira changes the rhythm of the journey. In Los Flamencos Wildlife Sanctuary, arid scrub, coastal marshes and open shoreline sit side by side, creating a different setting for near-endemic birds, flamingos and shorebirds. Early starts are worthwhile, but access, heat, wind and water levels shape what the day offers.
Expedition Highlights
Suitability & conditions
A practical overview of the pace, comfort, and conditions to expect on this journey.
Seasonality
The journey at a glance
Following the route
The journey moves gradually through 4 chapters.
Route shown schematically for orientation.
Detailed itinerary
Arrival in Barranquilla
Begin your journey with arrival in Barranquilla, where your guide Tristan meets you at the airport for a warm reception. The day’s route then heads toward Santa Marta and Minca, with birding stops along the Caribbean corridor; the vehicle remains close throughout. By late afternoon, the road climbs into the Sierra Nevada foothills, ending at Mundo Nuevo Ecolodge in Minca. A tour orientation covers key itinerary points and tips, followed by dinner, before settling into the lodge’s serene Andean setting.
Key activities
Barranquilla to Minca: the Magdalena wetlands
Travel from Barranquilla toward Minca and the Magdalena wetlands, starting before sunrise with birdwatching in Mundo Nuevo alongside a local guide. Search the forests for mixed flocks and Sierra Nevada species such as Keel-billed Toucan, Black-headed Tanager, White-lored Warbler, Golden-winged Sparrow and hummingbirds, adapting pace to birds and light. Continue with dinner and settle in at Mundo Nuevo Ecolodge, a tranquil retreat with Andean landscape views and vibrant biodiversity, ideal for nature lovers.
Key activities
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Birdwatching in Mundo Nuevo
Minca to Mountain House Lodge (700–2,000 m)
The day climbs from Minca’s warm foothills to Mountain House Lodge at about 2,000 m, birding the ascent with stops for scenery and avian activity. Targets include Santa Marta Antbird, Tapaculo, Blossomcrown, Foliage-gleaner, Woodstar and Brushfinch, plus Coppery and Red-billed Emerald. After arrival, Minca La Casona feeder birding continues before lunch, then the lodge feeders and gardens host Blossomcrown, Sierra Nevada Brushfinch, hummingbirds, tanagers and guans. Dinner precedes a night search for the Santa Marta Screech-Owl along the forest edge, with a second night planned if needed.
Key activities
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Ascent Birding — Minca to Mountain House Lodge (700–2,000 m)
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Minca La Casona Feeder Birding
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Mountain House Lodge Feeders and Gardens
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Night Search — Santa Marta Screech-Owl
Cuchilla de San Lorenzo ridge
An early transfer climbs from Mountain House Lodge to the Cuchilla de San Lorenzo ridge, the highest point of the tour, arriving at first light. The day is a high-elevation endemic quest, with Santa Marta Parakeet, Santa Marta Antpitta, Santa Marta Warbler, Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant, Black-backed Thornbill, Rusty-headed Spinetail and Santa Marta Brushfinch among the targets, alongside near-endemics such as White-tipped Quetzal. A picnic in nature is taken on the ridge, with an optional second night walk for Santa Marta Screech-Owl after dinner back at the lodge.
Key activities
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Cuchilla de San Lorenzo Ridge — High-Elevation Endemic Quest
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Optional Second Night Walk — Santa Marta Screech-Owl
Intermediate altitudes above and below Mountain House
Day 5 focuses on forest birding above and below Mountain House Lodge, around 2,000 m on the San Lorenzo road. After breakfast, the last full mountain day gives remaining targets a second chance, with key species including Black-fronted Wood-Quail, Sierra Nevada Brushfinch and White-tipped Quetzal, plus Rusty-breasted Antpitta, Gray-throated Leaftosser, Golden-breasted Fruiteater and Lined Quail-Dove. Lunch and dinner are included before returning to Mountain House Lodge, where gardens and feeders attract Blossomcrown and sabrewings.
Key activities
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Forest Birding Above and Below Mountain House
Down to Minca, then the coast to Camarones
After breakfast, the day begins with descent birding from Mountain House Lodge to Minca, looking for lower-elevation species missed earlier. Lunch in Minca closes the mountain chapter, then you transfer from Minca to Boca de Camarones, swinging north along the Caribbean coast into the La Guajira Peninsula. The landscape shifts from mountains to cactus, scrub and coastal flats before reaching Camarones. The day ends at Mar Azul Playa y Turismo, marking the transition between the trip’s two halves.
Key activities
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Descent Birding — Mountain House Lodge to Minca
Full day in La Guajira: scrublands, marshes and coast
Begin with breakfast before an early start in the Los Flamencos Arid Scrublands, birding the protected scrub for near-endemics such as White-whiskered Spinetail, Buffy Hummingbird, Vermilion Cardinal and Tocuyo Sparrow. Continue to the Los Flamencos Marshes and Coast for American Flamingo, Reddish Egret, Roseate Spoonbill, ibis, herons and shorebirds including Wilson’s and Collared Plover. Close the day at Mar Azul Playa y Turismo, where La Guajira’s arid interior meets its wetlands and Caribbean coastline.
Key activities
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Los Flamencos Arid Scrublands — Near-Endemic Birding
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Los Flamencos Marshes and Coast — Flamingos and Shorebirds
Farewell birding and departure from Riohacha
Begin your final day with breakfast before heading to Los Flamencos Sanctuary at Camarones for a morning of birding around the indigenous community, dry habitats, and near the ocean. After lunch, enjoy a scenic transfer from Boca de Camarones back to Riohacha. In the afternoon, fly from Riohacha Airport to Bogotá, connecting the Caribbean coast with the capital for onward international departures. The tour concludes with a drop-off at the airport for your flight home.
Key activities
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Los Flamencos Sanctuary Birding
Target Species
A curated selection of the iconic species we aim to encounter and photograph throughout our journey.
Hotels
Mundo Nuevo Ecolodge
Ecolodge | $$$ | Altitude: 988m (3,241 ft)
Located in the heart of a lush natural environment, Mundo Nuevo Hotel offers an environmentally friendly stay, in perfect symbiosis with the ecosystem of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Offering rustic rooms with a breathtaking view of the beautiful landscapes of the region, the establishment also invites you to taste its vegetarian cuisine, from organic products grown in the garden of the property.
Mountain House Lodge
Mar Azul
Bungalow | $ | Altitude: 2m (7 ft)
Mar Azul - Playa y Turismo is located in Camarones and offers a garden view, restaurant, bar, communal lounge, garden and private beach area. Being the best option in Camarones, the place is simple but quiet, ideal for people looking to disconnect and escape from the routine.
Gallery
Price Details
Our tour prices are based on a tiered pricing model. more guests = lower price, per person. That means the prices go down on a per-person basis as more people book onto a specific tour departure.
Price Base
- Price for 2 people: 5.295 USD (662 USD / day)
- Price for 3 to 4 people: 4.595 USD (574 USD / day)
- Price for 5 to 6 people: 3.695 USD (462 USD / day)
- Price for 7 to 8 people: 3.195 USD (399 USD / day)
** Prices are based on double occupancy / twin share basis.
Single Supplement
- 98 USD
Included
- Hotels mentioned in the program
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Hotels mentioned in the program- Mundo Nuevo Ecolodge (Room) — 2 nights · Ecolodge
- Mountain House Lodge — 3 nights · Uncategorized Hotel
- Mar Azul Playa y Turismo — 2 nights · Bungalow
- Local guides for selected activities
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Local guides are included for- Minca
- Birdwatching in Mundo Nuevo
- Minca
- Transportation in comfortable vehicles (Car / Van)
- Meals indicated in the program: 5 breakfasts, 3 lunchs, 5 dinners
- 1 cocktail before dinner
- Water is included
- Professional photographic guidance & instruction by Tristan Quevilly
- Preparation Meeting (Pre-trip briefing and final Q&A session held via Zoom)
- 1h skype session of photo editing in Lightroom or Photoshop
- Restaurant gratuities / tips
- Pre-trip planning assistance
- Detailed trip notes with practical information and cultural insights
- Access to Remote Expeditions custom travel app
Not Included
- Breakfast on day 2 and day 3, Lunch on Arrival day, day 2, day 3, day 6 and day 7, Dinner on day 6 and day 7
- Tips
- International flights
- Travel, Medical & Cancellation insurance
- Additional drinks and meals
- Expenses not specified in the program
- Camera Equipment
Deposit
- 30% (1.109 USD approx)
Payment Options
- Bank Transfer (Recommended): Free
- Credit / Debit Card: Secure payment via Revolut. A 3% processing fee applies.
Booking Conditions
- Deposit: 30% to secure your booking
- Final payment: Due 90 days before departure
- Cancellation more than 90 days before departure: Deposit retained as a 4-year travel credit
- Read the full Terms & Conditions ↗
Services to Expect
Mountain Roads, Ecolodges and Local Guidance
The itinerary combines road transfers along the Caribbean coast and into the Sierra Nevada with stays at ecolodges and nature reserves. Mountain access can be slow and winding. Local knowledge helps us choose productive stops and adjust the day to weather, road conditions and bird activity.
Practical Information
Early Starts and Changing Elevations
This is a focused birding tour with early field sessions, mountain roads and repeated changes in elevation. Some outings are gentle feeder or forest-edge sessions; others involve high-elevation trails and longer days. Sightings are never guaranteed, and the pace follows bird activity, weather, access and the group’s energy.
From Coastal Wetlands to Cloud Forest
Conditions change as the route moves from Barranquilla’s warmer coastal habitats and Isla Salamanca wetlands through Minca to the cooler cloud forests of El Dorado. Expect heat, humidity, rain and cooler mountain mornings, sometimes within the same journey. Comfortable walking and flexibility are important.
Patience, Access and Wild Sightings
The best encounters may come at feeders, on forest trails or during a quiet roadside stop. Patience matters more than a rigid checklist: birds move freely, conditions change and access may be adjusted. Follow the guide’s lead, give wildlife space and allow time for observation rather than expecting a staged encounter.
Birding Gear and Rain Protection
Bring binoculars, a field guide or offline reference, spare batteries and memory cards, together with a manageable telephoto setup if you photograph birds. Pack lightweight layers, comfortable shoes with good grip, sun protection, insect repellent and dependable rain protection for yourself and your equipment.
Detailed Trip Notes, including practical tips, cultural insights, and a complete packing list will be sent to you 60 days before departure.
Booking this tour means you agree to our full Terms and Conditions. Below is a summary of the key points. As life is unpredictable, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance.
- Deposit: A 30% deposit is required to secure your booking. This deposit is refundable for 7 days (less transaction fees), after which it becomes a non-refundable credit, transferable to a future tour offered by Remote Expeditions within 4 years of the cancellation date, less any non-recoverable costs already paid on your behalf.
- Final Payment: The remaining balance is due 90 days before the tour begins.
- Cancellation more than 90 days before departure: You will receive a full refund of any payments made, except for the 30% deposit. Your deposit will be converted into a travel credit valid for 4 years on a future tour Remote Expeditions.
- Cancellation within 90 days of departure: 100% of the tour price is forfeited. There are no refunds or credits.
* This is a summary only. Please read our complete
Terms and Conditions
for full details before booking.
** We strongly recommend all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen events.
A few kind words
Colombia Photography Tour 2026
Top notch photographic experience for enthusiasts of nature, culture, and portraits. Tristan is well connected to the area and the local communities with a specialty in indigenous tribes and less-visited areas. Additionally, he is an excellent teacher and will provide incredibly helpful instruction on exposure, lighting, and composition. Our tour was incredibly well organized and ran on time, with full days of photography. I fully recommend Remote Expeditions for your photographic travels!
You are in good hands with Tristan!
Tristan does an amazing job at putting together a culturally rich experience. He also does a great job at adapting to his clients needs and interests. He responds well to feedback. He is both professional and personable. I feel as though I had the opportunity not only to photograph many different elements of Colombia, but that I truly experienced the country and its culture. Our adventure took us from birding in the mountains outside of Cali, to visiting remote indigenous tribes, to visiting active fishing villages, to learning about local and historical musicians and customs, to beautiful settings in the mountains and along the seashore.
I give Tristan the highest recommendation as a guide for Colombia.
Colombia Birding Tour
I visited Colombia with Tristan of Remote Expeditions and would highly recommend him. He put together a wonderful itinerary with great knowledge of the areas and attention to details to give us a wonderful sampling of the country. He is personally very gentle and fun by nature and you will return home feeling very happy and satisfied. Whatever your special interest is, I’m sure he can make an itinerary to exceed your goals.
The difference is in the details
Journeys shaped by experience
Every route is built from time spent in the field: knowing when to linger, when to move on, and which small details are worth noticing.
Room for the unexpected
The best moments are not always on the itinerary. We leave enough flexibility to follow a good conversation, an unusual sighting, or a changing landscape.
Local relationships that open doors
Our journeys are grounded in long-term relationships with people who know their home intimately and are proud to share it in their own way.
A small group, properly looked after
With only a few travellers, decisions remain personal. We can adapt the pace, answer questions, and make sure everyone feels part of the journey.
Your Tour Guide
Tristan Quevilly
Since my first transformative visit in 2005, Colombia has held a special place in my heart. I returned to build a life here for 10 years, managing and leading tours which allowed me unparalleled access and deep exploration across the country. My expertise is particularly strong in the stunning Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, where I've cultivated relationships and understanding with the land and its indigenous Kogi communities. My photography tours are born from this passion and extensive insider knowledge, offering you a unique opportunity to authentically capture the vibrant spirit and hidden beauty of Colombia.
- Nationality: French
- Languages: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese
- Guiding since: 2003
- Specialties: Photography, Trekking, Indigenous Communities
Extend your journey
Optional extensions and add-ons you may consider for your trip. Each can be added to your itinerary on request — just let me know.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Remote Expeditions journeys are arranged privately, so the pace and rhythm can be shaped around the people travelling together. When a scheduled group departure is offered, it is typically limited to four or five travellers.
No. Photography is one of the ways we observe and connect with a place, but it is not a requirement. Our journeys also welcome travellers drawn to slow travel, wildlife, culture, trekking, landscapes, and genuine encounters. You can join with professional equipment, a simple camera, or just your curiosity.
Every itinerary has its own rhythm. Some journeys are gently paced, while others include long walks, trekking, uneven terrain, altitude, or substantial travel days. The practical details on each tour page explain the expected walking, terrain, altitude, distances, and overall physical level so you can decide whether the journey suits you.
Tristan designs the itineraries and personally leads many Remote Expeditions journeys. Depending on the destination and the character of the trip, trusted local guides, drivers, cultural hosts, or specialist leaders may also join part of the route. This combination gives you direct personal support alongside local knowledge.
Often, yes. Private journeys can usually be shaped around your interests, pace, and available time. Fixed group departures have a defined route and dates, but it may still be possible to arrange additional nights, private extensions, or other travel before or after the main journey. Tell us what you have in mind and we will explain what is practical.
