Northern Colombia Birding Trail: Sierra Nevada Mountains & Guajira Desert
Overview
Discover the great diversity of endemic birds of northern Colombia; dry, humid and cloudy forests, protect agreat biological and cultural treasure. 6 days Birding starting in Barranquilla and ending in the city of Santa Marta.
- Day 1: Barranquilla - Salamanca Park - Minca
- Day 2: Minca - San lorenzo Sierra Nevada Mountain
- Day 3: San Lorenzo - Bellavista Sierra Nevada Moutains
- Day 4: Tayrona National Park
- Day 5: Tayrona Park - Don Diego River - Guajira
- Day 6: Los Famencos - Guajira's Desert - Santa Marta
Itinerary
Barranquilla - Salamanca Park - Minca
We start in Barranquilla at 6:00 am, transport to kilometer 4, Vía Parque Salamanca, a place of dry forests, mangroves and wetlands. Here we will look for species such as: Pied Puffbird, Snail Kite, Yellow-chinned Spinet...
Minca - San lorenzo Sierra Nevada Mountain
Starting at 6:00 am, Birding around Minca, return to the hotel for breakfast at 8:30 am, departure on the main road to Campano and Bella Vista, on the way we stop at several places to look for different species of birds ...
San Lorenzo - Bellavista Sierra Nevada Moutains
Breakfast at 6:00 am, Birding on the route: Santa Marta Emerald Tocanet, Spotted Barbtail, Black-fronted Wood-Quail, White-tailed Starfrontlet, Hermit Wood-Wren, Santa Marta Mountain Tanager, Santa Marta Antpitta, Black-...
Tayrona National Park
Starting at 5.15 am – Birding cuchilla de san Lorenzo, we get back to the hostal at 9:00am, check out; especies Santa Marta Parakeet, Yellow-crowned Whitestart, Streak-capped Spinetail, Rusty-headed Spinetail, Paramo See...
Tayrona Park - Don Diego River - Guajira
Starting at 06:00 am – Birding near the hotel: White-bearded Manakin, Lance-tailed Manakin, Blue-billed Curassow, Southern Bentbill, White-bellied Antbird, Crested Guan. Lunch in Don Diego.
Acommodation in Camarones Guaj...
Los Famencos - Guajira's Desert - Santa Marta
Starting at 5.45 am, birding in the dry forest accompanied by a local guide, look for the key species : Chestnut Piculet, Buffy Hummingbird, Trinidad Euphonia, Orinocan Saltator, Vermilion Cardinal, Scarlet Ibis, Tocuyo ...
Trip Details
Country
- Colombia
Group Size
- 8 Travelers Max
Tour Highlights
- Discover one of the most beautiful and biodiverse places by Km2 in the world
- Two especies of manakins with their incredible acrobatic courtship dances
- Endemic and critically endangered species
Next Departures
- Oct 26th, 2024
- Nov 23rd, 2024
Included
- Meals indicated in the program
- Accommodation in standard hotels
- Transportation in comfortable vehicles
- Tour leader and English speaking guide
- Local guides specialized in the region
- Entrance Fees
Not Included
- Domestic flights
- International flights
- Additional drinks and meals
- Medical insurance
- Expenses not specified in the program
- Tips
Payment Options
- Credit Card (+2.5% fee)
- Wire Transfer (no fees)
Video
Gallery
Spotted Species
Here is a non exhaustive list of Animals Species You can spot during this tour
Wood Stork
Huge, long-legged, black-and-white waterbird, about the size of Great Blue Heron. Bill is thicker and more curved than herons. Forages mainly for fish by moving open bill through water until...
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Santa Marta Antbird
The Santa Marta Antbird is an elusive bird species found in the forests of the Santa Marta Mountains in Colombia. It has a brown plumage with intricate patterns, a black...
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Santa Marta Mountain Tanager
Large, colorful tanager found only in the Santa Marta Mountains of Colombia. Note the black mask, yellow dot behind eye, and azure crown; plumage is otherwise blue and yellow. Usually...
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Crowned Woodnymph
The Crowned Woodnymph (Thalurania colombica) favors evergreen forest and edge in tropical lowlands, often near streams. Male is stunning but often looks all dark: note the fairly long, deeply forked...
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Black-collared Hawk
Attractive chunky hawk of marshes and wetlands. Usually seen perched quietly near water, waiting to swoop down and snatch fish or frogs. Adult is distinctive, with mostly orange plumage and...
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Crested Oropendola
Large blackbird with thick triangular bill. Dark blackish plumage, fading to paler reddish-brown at rear. At a distance, appears all black. Striking yellow tail and pale blue eye. Separated from...
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Osprey
The Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) is a large, mostly white raptor that cruises over lakes, rivers, and coastal waterways in search of fish. Impressively widespread: found on every continent except Antarctica....
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Rufescent Tiger-Heron
The Rufescent Tiger-Heron (Tigrisoma lineatum) is a species of heron in the family Ardeidae. It is found in wetlands from Central America through much of South America. Is a medium-sized...
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Russet-throated Puffbird
Chunky, stout billed, and often very conspicuous bird found mainly in dry and semi-humid forest north and west of the Andes. Note the ornate face pattern, buffy throat, and single...
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Scaled Dove
The Scaled Dove (Columbina squammata) is a dove of generally discreet habits, that walks in couples or small groups by the edges of forests, savannahs, orchards, parks and other types...
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White-bearded Manakin
Fairly common and widespread through much of South America. Males are distinctive with white throat, sharply defined black cap, black back and wings, and grayish belly. Legs bright orange-red. Females...
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Vermilion Cardinal
A garish scarlet bird sporting a dramatic spiky crest and a hefty gray bill. Male overall brilliant red with black chin; female brown, gray-headed, with red crest and tail. Often...
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Scarlet Ibis
Unmistakable, beautiful orange-red ibis with black wingtips. Breeding adults have black bills, pink at other times. Immatures are dark above with white bellies and pink bills. Restricted to mangroves and...
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Blue-billed Curassow
Impressively large bird restricted to lowland rainforest in northern Colombia. It is critically endangered due to deforestation and hunting pressure. Male is black with a white belly and tail tip,...
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Red-rumped Woodpecker
The Red-rumped Woodpecker (Dryobates kirkii) is 16.5 cm long and weighs 28g., small, relatively drab woodpecker; olive-brown above and barred brown and white below. Both sexes have a yellow nape...
DiscoverTerms & Conditions
The terms of sale may differ based on the nature of your trip and how close your departure date is. Please review our conditions here for more information.
Practical Information
Colombia is a country located in South America, known for its rich cultural history, diverse landscapes, and warm, welcoming people. It offers a wide range of experiences from its Caribbean beaches to its Andean mountains.
Reasons to Go
1. Stunning natural landscapes
2. Rich cultural heritage
3. Delicious cuisine
4. Vibrant cities like Bogota and Medellin
5. Affordable travel destination.
Country Facts
- Official Name: Republic of Colombia
- Location: South America- Time Zone: GMT-5
- Capital: Bogotá
- Population: ~51 million
- Official Language: Spanish
- Government: Unitary presidential constitutional republic
- Economy: Emerging market economy
Regions at a Glance
Bogotá: The capital city, known for its museums, and vibrant culture.
Medellín: Known as the "City of Eternal Spring" for its pleasant climate.Cartagena: A historical city with beautiful colonial architecture and nearby beaches.
Tourist Attractions
- Cartagena's Walled City (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Tayrona National Park- The Coffee Cultural Landscape
- The Lost City (Ciudad Perdida)
- Medellin's Metrocable
Money Matters
- Currency: Colombian Peso (COP)
- Credit cards are widely accepted in cities but less so in rural areas
- ATMs are plentiful
Packing List
- Light, breathable clothing for the coast
- Warmer layers for mountain regions
- Rain jacket, hiking boots
Healthcare Requirements
- Tap water is generally safe in cities but should be purified in rural areas.
- Street food is generally safe but use your judgment.
Culture
Colombia has a rich cultural landscape influenced by Indigenous, Spanish, and African heritages. From the rhythms of Cumbia and Vallenato to the nation's love for soccer, Colombia is a tapestry of traditions.
Accommodation
- Hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs are widely available.
- Budget options from $20/night, mid-range $40-$80, luxury $100+
- Generally safe for solo female travelers, but always take standard precautions.
Visa Requirements
- Illegal drugs are severely punished
- Respect local traditions and customs
- Public displays of affection are generally accepted but may be frowned upon in rural areas.
Emergency Contact Numbers
Police: 112
Medical emergency: 112
Embassy: Check for your country's embassy contact
Electricity, Plugs, and Voltage
- Plug type: Types A and B
- Voltage: 110V
- Frequency: 60Hz
Climate
Tropical near the coast and in the lowlands, cooler in the mountains. Light clothing for the coast, warmer layers for the mountains.
Public Transportation
- Public buses and TransMilenio in Bogotá
- Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available
- Domestic flights for long distances
Language Spoken
Spanish is the official language. Basic English is understood in tourist areas.
- Useful phrases: "Hola" (Hello), "Gracias" (Thank)
Sustainability Tips
- Use refillable water bottles
- Respect local customs and natural habitats
- Opt for eco-friendly accommodation and tours
Useful Apps & Websites
- Google Translate for language translation
- Uber or local taxi apps for transportation
- TripAdvisor for reviews and recommendations
Colombia offers a rich travel experience that caters to all types of travelers. From its diverse landscapes to its vibrant culture, Colombia is a destination that should not be missed. Check out other resources on our website for more information.
Tour Guide
Jaruen Rodriguez
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