Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Bird Photography Tour | Colombia Endemics
Discover Colombia's avian treasures: photograph unique endemics in the breathtaking Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta on an expert-led tour.
Why Birdwatching in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Colombia is home to more bird species than any other country on Earth, with more than 1,900 recorded species—over a quarter of all bird species found worldwide. Yet among Colombia’s countless birding destinations, few rival the extraordinary diversity concentrated around the Caribbean coast.
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is the world’s highest coastal mountain range and one of the greatest centers of bird endemism on the planet. Rising directly from the Caribbean Sea to snow-capped peaks above 5,700 meters, this isolated mountain range has evolved independently from the Andes for millions of years, creating a remarkable collection of birds found nowhere else on Earth. More than 25 endemic species, including the Santa Marta Parakeet, Santa Marta Sabrewing and Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant, make it a true pilgrimage site for birdwatchers.
But the true strength of this journey lies in exploring several complementary ecosystems, each with its own unique avifauna. Beyond the cloud forests of the Sierra Nevada, we’ll venture into the remote Serranía del Perijá, home to recently described endemics such as the Perijá Brushfinch and Perijá Tapaculo. Along the Caribbean coast, the wetlands of Los Flamencos Flora and Fauna Sanctuary offer exceptional opportunities to photograph flamingos, herons, shorebirds and migratory species, while the tropical forests and beaches of Tayrona National Park provide a spectacular transition between rainforest and coastline, attracting toucans, trogons, hummingbirds and countless Caribbean specialties.
Rather than focusing on a single reserve, this expedition has been carefully designed to showcase the remarkable ecological diversity of northern Colombia. From humid cloud forests and high-elevation páramo to dry tropical forests, coastal lagoons and Caribbean beaches, each habitat reveals a different community of birds. The result is an unforgettable birdwatching experience, combining world-class endemic species with an exceptional diversity of landscapes and photographic opportunities.
Expedition Highlights
Suitability & conditions
A practical overview of the pace, comfort, and conditions to expect on this journey.
The journey at a glance
Following the route
The journey moves gradually through 5 chapters.
Route shown schematically for orientation.
Detailed itinerary
Santa Marta – Minca
- Arrival
- Reception at the airport and meeting with your guide
- Transfer Barranquilla –> Santa Marta
- Transfer Santa Marta –> Minca
- Transfer from Minca to Mundo Nuevo Ecolodge
- Hotel Check-In
- Tour Orientation
- Sunset at Mundo Nuevo Mirador (Photo Activity)
Minca – Cerro Kennedy
- Birdwatching in Mundo Nuevo
- Hotel Check Out
- Transfer Mundo Nuevo Ecolodge –> El Dorado Nature Reserve
- Hotel Check-In
- Hummingbird Feeders & Sunset at Cerro Kennedy
Cerro Kennedy – Minca
- Sunrise at the top of the San Lorenzo Ridge (from Proaves)
- Birding at La Laguna Sagrada
- El Dorado Cloud Forest Descent Birding
- Free Time
- Hummingbird Feeders & Sunset at Cerro Kennedy
- Night Walk Around El Dorado Lodge
Cerro Kennedy – Minca
- Birding to La Cumbre Station
- Free Time
- Hummingbird Feeders & Sunset at Cerro Kennedy
- Nocturnal Owl Search
Cerro Kennedy – Los Naranjos
- Morning at the Lodge Feeders
- White-tipped Quetzal Nesting Site
- Transfer El Dorado Reserve –> Maloka Barlovento
- Sunset photo Activity in Barlovento
Zona Camping Parque El Tayrona – Tayrona Park – Los Naranjos
- Transfer from Maloka Barlovento to Parqueadero Cañaveral Tayrona
- Morning Birding in Tayrona National Park
- Transfer from Parqueadero Cañaveral Tayrona to Maloka Barlovento
- Free Time
Don Diego, Mingueo-Santa Marta – Boca de Camarones
- Hotel Check Out
- Transfer from Maloka Barlovento to Don Diego
- Boat tour on Rio Don Diego
- Birdwatching walk at Taironaka
- Transfer from Don Diego to Boca de Camarones
- Wayuu Ceremonial Yona Dances
Boca de Camarones – Serranía del Perijá
- Flamingo Boat Tour at Los Flamencos Sanctuary
- Birdwatching (Cardinal) in Boca de Camarones
- Hotel Check Out
- Transfer Boca de Camarones –> Reserva ProAves Chamicero del Perijá
- Hotel Check-In
- Feeders & Forest Edge Birding
Serranía del Perijá
- Birding the Perijá Highlands
- Cloud Forest Exploration
Serranía del Perijá – Santa Marta – Taganga
- Final Birding in Serranía del Perijá
- Hotel Check Out
- Transfer Serranía del Perijá –> Santa Marta
- Hotel Check-In
- Transfer from Santa Marta to Taganga
- Sunset in Taganga
- Transfer from Taganga to Santa Marta
Muelle Nautico Pueblo Viejo – Nueva Venecia – Barranquilla
- Transfer from Santa Marta to Muelle Nautico Pueblo Viejo
- Transfer from Muelle Nautico Pueblo Viejo to Nueva Venecia
- Nueva Venecia Boat Tour
- Transfer from Nueva Venecia to Muelle Nautico Pueblo Viejo
- Transfer Muelle Nautico Pueblo Viejo –> Barranquilla
- Evening backup and image review
Target Species
A curated selection of the iconic species we aim to encounter and photograph throughout our journey.
Accommodation
Where you’ll stay
Mundo Nuevo Ecolodge
Minca
1 night · Ecolodge
El Dorado Nature Reserve
Minca
3 nights · Ecolodge
Maloka Barlovento
Los Naranjos
2 nights · Ecolodge
Mar Azul
Boca de Camarones
1 night · Bungalow
Reserva ProAves Chamicero del Perijá
Serranía del Perijá
2 nights · Ecolodge
Camali Hotel
Santa Marta
1 night · Charming Hotel with Character
GHL Hotel Barranquilla
Barranquilla
1 night
Mundo Nuevo Ecolodge
Ecolodge | $$$ | Altitude: 988m (3,241 ft)
Located in the heart of a lush natural environment, Mundo Nuevo Hotel offers an environmentally friendly stay, in perfect symbiosis with the ecosystem of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Offering rustic rooms with a breathtaking view of the beautiful landscapes of the region, the establishment also invites you to taste its vegetarian cuisine, from organic products grown in the garden of the property.
El Dorado Nature Reserve
Ecolodge | $$$$$
Perched high in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, El Dorado Nature Reserve offers an unparalleled eco-luxury experience within a lush cloud forest sanctuary. Guests stay in unique Kogui-style bungalows featuring breathtaking mountain vistas, world-class birdwatching decks, and organic dining facilities. This premier destination combines conservation with comfort, providing guided nature trails and serene spots to witness the world's highest coastal peaks.
Maloka Barlovento
Ecolodge | $$$ | Altitude: 8m (26 ft)
Maloka Barlovento is located 200 meters from the beach and 10 minutes drive from the entrance of Tayrona Park. One of our favorites on the north side of Colombia, it is a haven of peace where you can rest and listen to the birds. The hotel offers a view of the jungle on one side and the sea on the other. Note that the sea is rough, be careful if you want to swim.
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.
Reserva ProAves Chamicero del Perijá
Ecolodge | $ | Altitude: 2,727m (8,947 ft)
Perched within the Perijá Nature Reserve (ProAves), this eco-lodge offers an immersive escape into one of the world’s most biodiverse cloud forests, where guests wake to the dawn chorus of rare endemic birds like the Perijá Metaltail. The experience blends rustic comfort with conservation, featuring guided birdwatching treks, a canopy observation deck, and a natural pool fed by mountain streams. Facilities include a cozy dining room serving local fare, solar-powered cabins with private balconies overlooking the misty peaks, and a hummingbird garden that attracts dazzling species. This sanctuary provides a profound connection to nature, ideal for travelers seeking authentic wildlife encounters in a pristine, remote setting.
Camali Hotel
Charming Hotel with Character | $$$ | Altitude: 11m (36 ft)
Inspired by the architecture of Villa de Leyva, and located in a quiet area of Santa Marta, Hotel Camali features an outdoor pool, a bar, a shared lounge and a garden in Santa Marta. This 4-star hotel offers room service and concierge service. The property features a 24-hour front desk, airport transportation, a shared kitchen and free WiFi access throughout the property. The hotel has select rooms with patio and pool views, and each room comes with a private bathroom and a closet. Camali Hotel offers a continental or American breakfast.
GHL Hotel Barranquilla
GHL Hotel Barranquilla is a modern hotel in the Riomar district, close to the city's business and shopping areas. Rooms are air-conditioned with city views, and the hotel offers an outdoor pool, sauna, fitness centre, restaurant and bar. It is a comfortable base for exploring Barranquilla and the nearby Caribbean coast.
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: 7.095 EUR (591 EUR/day)
- Price for 3 to 4 people: 6.095 EUR (508 EUR/day)
- Price for 5 to 6 people: 4.995 EUR (416 EUR/day)
- Price for 7 to 8 people: 4.495 EUR (375 EUR/day)
** Prices are based on double occupancy / twin share basis.
Single Supplement
- 732 EUR
Included
- Hotels mentioned in the program
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Hotels mentioned in the program- Mundo Nuevo Ecolodge (Room) — 1 night · Ecolodge
- El Dorado Nature Reserve — 3 nights · Ecolodge
- Maloka Barlovento — 2 nights · Ecolodge
- Mar Azul Playa y Turismo — 1 night · Bungalow
- Reserva ProAves Chamicero del Perijá — 2 nights · Ecolodge
- Camali Hotel — 1 night · Charming Hotel with Character
- GHL Hotel Barranquilla — 1 night · Uncategorized Hotel
- Local guides for selected activities
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Local guides are included for- Minca
- Birdwatching in Mundo Nuevo
- Don Diego, Mingueo-Santa Marta
- Boat tour on Rio Don Diego
- Boca de Camarones
- Wayuu Ceremonial Yona Dances
- Flamingo Boat Tour at Los Flamencos Sanctuary
- Birdwatching (Cardinal) in Boca de Camarones
- Serranía del Perijá
- Birding the Perijá Highlands
- Nueva Venecia
- Nueva Venecia Boat Tour
- Minca
- Transportation in comfortable vehicles (Car / Van, 4x4), as well as Local Taxi, Boat / Ferry
- Meals indicated in the program: 11 breakfasts, 9 lunchs, 10 dinners
- Entrance fees to: Tayrona Park
- 1 cocktail before dinner
- Water is included
- Professional photographic guidance & instruction by Tristan Quevilly
- 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
- Lunch on Arrival day, day 8 and Departure day, Dinner on day 7
- Tips
- International flights
- Travel, Medical & Cancellation insurance
- Additional drinks and meals
- Expenses not specified in the program
- Camera Equipment
Deposit
- 30% (1.559 EUR 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 ↗
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.
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.