Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Bird Photography Tour | Colombia Endemics

Transfer Barranquilla –> Santa Marta

Transfer Santa Marta –> Minca

Transfer from Minca to Mundo Nuevo Ecolodge

Transfer by 4×4 to Mundo Nuevo Ecolodge. Be prepared, the road is an adventure in itself.

Hotel Check-In

Tour Orientation

Sunset at Mundo Nuevo Mirador (Photo Activity)

Photo session at sunset at Mundo Nuevo's viewpoint, offering one of the most beautiful views of the entire region.

Dinner at Mundo Nuevo

Birdwatching in Mundo Nuevo

We begin before sunrise to make the most of the morning activity in the forests of Mundo Nuevo. Accompanied by a local birding guide, we search for mixed flocks and some of the Sierra Nevada’s characteristic species, including Keel-billed Toucan, Black-headed Tanager, White-lored Warbler, Golden-winged Sparrow, and numerous hummingbirds, adapting our pace to the birds and the light.

Breakfast

Lunch at Mundo Nuevo

Hotel Check Out

Transfer Mundo Nuevo Ecolodge –> El Dorado Nature Reserve

As we climb from Minca to El Dorado Reserve, we’ll make several birding stops through the Sierra Nevada’s mid-elevation forests. These productive habitats are home to species such as White-lored Warbler, Golden-winged Sparrow, Golden-breasted Fruiteater, and Keel-billed Toucan, offering excellent opportunities before we reach the lodge.

Hotel Check-In

Hummingbird Feeders & Sunset at Cerro Kennedy

We ease into our stay with a relaxed afternoon at the hummingbird feeders near the Senekün restaurant. Set high in the Sierra Nevada, this is an excellent place to photograph species such as White-tailed Starfrontlet, Long-tailed Sylph, Crowned Woodnymph, and, with luck, the endemic Santa Marta Blossomcrown. As the afternoon light softens, we remain on the ridge to enjoy sunset, with sweeping views across the Caribbean coast and, on clear evenings, the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada.

Dinner at El Dorado Nature Reserve

Sunrise at the top of the San Lorenzo Ridge

Before dawn, we drive to the San Lorenzo Ridge, to enjoy sunrise from Cerro Kennedy. On clear mornings, the first light illuminates the snow-capped peaks of Pico Cristóbal Colón and Pico Simón Bolívar while the Caribbean Sea stretches out in the distance, creating one of the most memorable landscapes in northern Colombia.

Breakfast in nature

Birding at La Laguna Sagrada

San Lorenzo is one of the most rewarding birding locations in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Around the lagoon and high-elevation cloud forest, we search for many of the region’s endemic species, including the Santa Marta Parakeet, Santa Marta Antpitta, Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant, Brown-rumped Tapaculo, and Black-cheeked Mountain-Tanager.

Cloud Forest Birding on the Descent

As we make our way back toward El Dorado Lodge, we descend slowly through the cloud forest, stopping whenever bird activity invites us to explore. Mixed-species flocks are common, and the changing elevation brings opportunities for species such as White-lored Warbler, Golden-breasted Fruiteater, Emerald Toucanet, Strong-billed Woodcreeper, and a variety of tanagers.

Lunch

Free Time

Hummingbird Feeders & Sunset at Cerro Kennedy

We ease into our stay with a relaxed afternoon at the hummingbird feeders near the Senekün restaurant. Set high in the Sierra Nevada, this is an excellent place to photograph species such as White-tailed Starfrontlet, Long-tailed Sylph, Crowned Woodnymph, and, with luck, the endemic Santa Marta Blossomcrown. As the afternoon light softens, we remain on the ridge to enjoy sunset, with sweeping views across the Caribbean coast and, on clear evenings, the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada.

Dinner at El Dorado Nature Reserve

Night Walk Around El Dorado Lodge

We continue exploring the cloud forest after dark, searching for the smaller creatures that emerge at night. With the help of our guide, we look for night monkeys, endemic frogs, colourful insects, and sleeping lizards, revealing a different side of the Sierra Nevada’s remarkable biodiversity.

Breakfast

Birding to La Cumbre Station

We spend the morning exploring the trail to La Cumbre Station, where mature cloud forest, bamboo thickets, and forest edges support a rich diversity of birds. Species such as Strong-billed Woodcreeper, Streak-capped Spinetail, White-lored Warbler, Emerald Toucanet, Golden-breasted Fruiteater, and mixed flocks of tanagers are all possible as we follow the trail at a relaxed pace.

Lunch

Free Time

Hummingbird Feeders & Sunset at Cerro Kennedy

We ease into our stay with a relaxed afternoon at the hummingbird feeders near the Senekün restaurant. Set high in the Sierra Nevada, this is an excellent place to photograph species such as White-tailed Starfrontlet, Long-tailed Sylph, Crowned Woodnymph, and, with luck, the endemic Santa Marta Blossomcrown. As the afternoon light softens, we remain on the ridge to enjoy sunset, with sweeping views across the Caribbean coast and, on clear evenings, the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada.

Dinner at El Dorado Nature Reserve

Nocturnal Owl Search

After dinner, we head out in search of the Sierra Nevada’s nocturnal birds. Quiet walks and short drives around El Dorado Lodge offer opportunities to listen for and, with luck, observe species such as Santa Marta Screech-Owl, Rufous-banded Owl, Mottled Owl, and Black-and-white Owl.

Breakfast

Morning at the Lodge Feeders

The lodge’s gardens and fruit feeders provide excellent opportunities for close-up bird photography in the soft morning light. Santa Marta Brushfinch, Black-cheeked Mountain-Tanager, Acorn Woodpecker, Crimson-backed Tanager, and several hummingbird species are regular visitors, making this a rewarding session before heading back into the forest.

White-tipped Quetzal Nesting Site

Before departing El Dorado, we make one final stop near the reserve entrance to visit a known White-tipped Quetzal nesting site. During the breeding season, pairs can often be observed attending the nest, offering a wonderful opportunity to photograph one of the Neotropics’ most iconic birds while maintaining a respectful distance.

Transfer El Dorado Reserve –> Maloka Barlovento

Lunch on the road

Sunset photo Activity in Barlovento

Sunset photography at Barlovento, a hotel situated at the mouth of the Piedras River, with the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada forming a dramatic backdrop.

Dinner

Transfer from Maloka Barlovento to Parqueadero Cañaveral Tayrona

Morning Birding in Tayrona National Park

We begin early to explore the forest trails of Tayrona National Park, where the Caribbean coastline meets one of Colombia’s most diverse ecosystems. This is an excellent opportunity to search for regional specialties such as Lance-tailed Manakin, White-bearded Manakin, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Black-crested Antshrike, Whooping Motmot, and Keel-billed Toucan. Along the way, troops of Cotton-top Tamarins, White-fronted Capuchins, iguanas, and other wildlife often add to the morning’s discoveries.

Transfer from Parqueadero Cañaveral Tayrona to Maloka Barlovento

Lunch

Dinner

Free Time

Breakfast

Hotel Check Out

Transfer from Maloka Barlovento to Don Diego

Boat tour on Rio Don Diego

Then, river trip along the Rio Don Diego ending in the sea. Our expert guide will help us to observe various species of birds, howler monkeys, tiny crocodiles called Babillas, etc. He will also tell us cultural & historical anecdotes in the Taironaka Museum.

Lunch

Birdwatching walk at Taironaka

Transfer from Don Diego to Boca de Camarones

Wayuu Ceremonial Yona Dances

Meet with a woman chief of Wayuu clan who will make us discover her culture with a demonstration of "La Yona" a ceremonial dance.

Flamingo Boat Tour at Los Flamencos Sanctuary

Early wake up early to explore the coastal lagoons of Los Flamencos Flora and Fauna Sanctuary by small boat at sunrise, gliding through shallow waters in search of the American Flamingo. Depending on water levels and the season, large flocks gather here to feed, creating excellent opportunities for observation and photography. The lagoons also support a rich variety of shorebirds, herons, egrets, and terns, making this one of Colombia’s most rewarding coastal birding destinations.

Breakfast

Birdwatching (Cardinal) in Boca de Camarones

After breakfast, we visit a private feeding station designed for close-up bird photography in the surrounding dry forest. This is one of the best places to photograph the striking Vermilion Cardinal, often alongside Chestnut Piculet, Buffy Hummingbird, White-whiskered Spinetail, Bare-eyed Pigeon, and a variety of other species characteristic of Colombia’s Caribbean dry forest.

Hotel Check Out

Transfer Boca de Camarones –> Serranía del Perijá

Hotel Check-In

Feeders & Forest Edge Birding

After arriving and settling into our lodge, we spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the surrounding forest and bird feeders. This first session offers an excellent introduction to the avifauna of the Serranía del Perijá, with opportunities to photograph hummingbirds, tanagers, flowerpiercers, and other montane species while enjoying the peaceful setting.

Dinner

Breakfast

Birding the Perijá Highlands

We leave before sunrise to explore the upper slopes of the Serranía del Perijá, one of Colombia’s least-visited mountain ranges and home to an exceptional number of localized species. Throughout the morning, we search for endemics such as Perijá Metaltail, Perijá Thistletail, Perijá Brushfinch, Perijá Tapaculo, and Perijá Antpitta, along with other cloud forest birds that inhabit these remote elevations.

Lunch

Cloud Forest Exploration

After a midday break, we continue birding along the mountain road and forest trails, adapting our route to recent sightings and bird activity. Mixed-species flocks are often active during the afternoon, offering opportunities to photograph tanagers, mountain-toucans, flowerpiercers, furnariids, and a variety of hummingbirds in the soft evening light.

Dinner

Breakfast

Final Birding in Serranía del Perijá

Our final morning is dedicated to revisiting the habitats that have been most productive, giving us another opportunity to photograph the region’s remarkable endemic birds before beginning our journey onward. Whether along the roadside, at the forest edge, or around flowering shrubs, the morning remains flexible, allowing us to make the most of our time in this unique corner of the Colombian Andes.

Hotel Check Out

Lunch

Transfer Serranía del Perijá –> Santa Marta

Hotel Check-In

Transfer from Santa Marta to Taganga

Sunset in Taganga

Visit of Taganga, a typical fishing village that was once inhabited by the Carib Indians. We will let our curiosity guide us to meet the local fishermen and bring back some unique pictures.

Dinner

Transfer from Taganga to Santa Marta

Transfer from Santa Marta to Muelle Nautico Pueblo Viejo

Transfer from Muelle Nautico Pueblo Viejo to Nueva Venecia

Nueva Venecia Boat Tour

Nueva Venecia is a magical floating village built entirely on stilts over the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, Colombia's largest lagoon complex and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Arrival by speedboat through chocolate-colored waters teeming with birds and mangroves, then explore the vibrant wooden houses, church, and soccer field of this living community of over 3,500 inhabitants. It's a one-of-a-kind immersion into Colombia's "amphibious culture" — a real-life Macondo straight out of García Márquez.

Transfer from Nueva Venecia to Muelle Nautico Pueblo Viejo

Transfer Muelle Nautico Pueblo Viejo –> Barranquilla

Evening backup and image review

Farewell Dinner

Breakfast

Transfer Barranquilla –> Parque Isla de Salamanca

Optionnal Birdwatching in Isla Salamanca (depending on your flight schedule)

We explore the mangroves, coastal lagoons, and dry forest of Isla Salamanca National Park, one of Colombia’s most diverse coastal ecosystems. This unique mosaic of habitats supports an impressive variety of birdlife, with opportunities to observe species such as Northern Screamer, Russet-throated Puffbird, Bicolored Conebill, Black-crested Antshrike, and numerous herons, kingfishers, and shorebirds.

Transfer Parque Isla de Salamanca –> Barranquilla Airport

End of the Adventure