Colourful Birds

Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Birding Tour

A flock of pink flamingos standing in shallow water with a blue sky background

Capture unforgettable moments in the world's top hotspot for endemic bird species—an unmatched photographer's paradise.

The tour begins from: Santa Marta or Valledupar.

Location: North of Colombia (Magdalena, La Guajira and Cesar).

This photography tour takes you to some of the most breathtaking birdwatching locations in Colombia, where you can photograph species such as the Blue-naped Chlorophonia, Santa Marta Blossomcrown, Santa Marta Parakeet, Santa Marta Antpitta, American Flamingo, and Vermilion Cardinal, among others. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a true gem, known for its exceptional level of endemism and unparalleled biodiversity. This mountain range, one of the highest coastal ranges in the world, is home to rare and iconic birds, including the Santa Marta Parakeet, Sierra Nevada Antpitta, Tapaculo, and Brushfinch. The lush forests and towering peaks offer photographers endless opportunities to capture the region's natural beauty.




To the north, you’ll encounter the contrasting landscapes of La Guajira, where the vast desert dunes, arid plains, and vibrant indigenous cultures create a striking visual contrast to the lush mountain ecosystems. Despite its dry appearance, La Guajira supports a range of unique wildlife, including migratory birds that stop in this region along their migratory paths.




Just nearby, the Serranía del Perijá, located on the border with Venezuela, adds another layer of ecological richness with its rugged terrain and diverse flora and fauna. Together, these ecosystems—ranging from high-altitude mountains and cloud forests to desert plains—offer an extraordinary backdrop for birdwatching, showcasing Colombia’s incredible natural wealth and making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Day 0: Arrival Day (b,l,d)

Today will be a day for a warm welcome to Colombia, arriving in Santa Marta, and resting after a long trip. At night, Dinner in downtown Santa Marta and talk a little bit about the whole tour.


Day 1: Santa Marta Lagoon System  (b,l,d)

Today, early in the Morning, we are visiting Parque Vía Salamanca. It's a protected area in Colombia, located in the Magdalena department, between the Magdalena River and the Caribbean Sea, near the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta. It is unique for its "Vía Parque" designation, as the road passing through it offers views of the mangroves and marshes along the route connecting Santa Marta with Barranquilla. This park is known as the "international airport of birds" due to the large number of migratory birds it hosts. The highlighted birds here are: Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird, Pearl Kite, Crane Hawk, among others. 

In the afternoon, we are going to Minca. Rest.

 

Day 2: Minca. (b,l,d)

Nestled on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, near Santa Marta, is Minca. Known as Colombia's "ecological capital," it boasts lush natural beauty. Here, we'll walk along trails in search of the area's highlights: Band-tailed Guan, Sooty-capped Hermit, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, Gray Lined Hawk, Gartered Violaceous Trogon, among others. In the afternoon, go to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Rest.


Days 3-4: Sierra Nevada.  (b,l,d)

Rising abruptly from the Caribbean coast, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is one of the world’s most remarkable ecosystems. This isolated mountain range—detached from the Andes—hosts an extraordinary level of endemism, with over 20 bird species found nowhere else on Earth. From humid foothill forests to mist-covered cloud forests and elfin woodlands, each elevation reveals new treasures. Here, you’ll birdwatch iconic species such as the Santa Marta Blossomcrown, Santa Marta Parakeet, Santa Marta Antpitta, Blue-naped Chlorophonia, and Santa Marta Woodstar, among others. Set against a backdrop of towering peaks and lush, green canopies. The diversity of landscapes and light makes this a dream destination for nature photographers.  On day 4, get down from the mountains and Sleep in Santa Marta Downtown. Dinner and Rest.


Day 5 - 6: La Guajira (b,l,d)

Your adventure continues in the arid beauty of La Guajira, Colombia’s northernmost region and a striking contrast to the lush Andes. This semi-desert ecosystem, with its thorny scrublands, cacti, and coastal lagoons, offers unique Birdwatching challenges and rewards. Amidst the golden dunes and the culture of the Wayuu people, we’ll encounter vibrant species such as the Vermilion Cardinal, Orinoco Saltator, Pileated Finch, and coastal birds like the American Flamingo. The combination of desert light, sea breeze, and vibrant wildlife creates a powerful birdwatching journey. On day 6, we travel to Valledupar. Dinner, Rest.



Day 7 - 9: Serrania del Perija (b,l,d)

The Serranía del Perijá is a mountain range, a branch of the Andes, that serves as a natural border between Colombia and Venezuela and covers the Colombian departments of Cesar and La Guajira. It is known for its rich biodiversity and significant water resources, making it a vital territory for several indigenous communities, such as the Yukos-Yupkas and the Baris. The birds we will seek include Painted Parakeet, Perija Metaltail, Perija Starfrontlet, Perija Antpitta, and Perija Brushfinch, among others.


 Day 9: Flight from Valledupar to Bogotá. 


Details
Colorful parrot perched on a leafy branch against a soft green background

Additional information

  • Ground transportation on the stipulated routes.
  • Fourteen days, fourteen nights in double accommodation. 
  • Professional guide.
  • Local guides where necessary.
  • Meals specified for each day: b- Breakfast, l- Lunch, and d- Dinner.
  • Entrance fees to the reserves.
  • Pick up at Santa Marta  International Airport.
  • Drop off at Santa Marta  International Airport
  • Accompany to take every picture as needed

  • International flights.
  • Domestic flights.
  • Nights before or nights after the tour.
  • Meals not stipulated.
  • Wire Transfer extra costs are 0,5% per transaction.
  • Laundry.
  • Alcohol Beverages.
  • Insurance.
  • Other expenses are not specified.
  • Tips.

  • Bring Binoculars
  • Photography equipment
  • External memory for downloading pictures at night.
  • Computer to process at night.
  • Be prepared for rain and sun: waterproof rain jacket and quick-drying clothing.
  • Bring a camera protector.
  • Bring silica gel to store the equipment at night and avoid humidity.
  • Sunscreen, hat, or cap.
  • Waterproof trekking boots or rubber boots.
  • VERY IMPORTANT: insect repellent

LOGISTICS COULD CHANGE FOR MANY REASONS AS FOLLOWS:

a. Bird activity.


b. For the decision of the travellers.


c. Security issued. Healthy issue. Road Issue.


e. Other no specify.


The travellers have to accept any of these changes. If the shift carries extra costs, they assume them. The price is budgeted before the change.


Retorno does not provide equipment rental or loan service; each person must bring their cameras, lenses, batteries, memories and computer to carry out the activity in the best conditions. Retorno is not responsible for the loss, deterioration, or theft of photographic equipment or accessories.


RETORNO does not guarantee any species of birds or photography of them; nature is unpredictable.


RETORNO works hard to have the best logistics and protocols for safety during your visit to COLOMBIA BIRD PARADISE.