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Overview
Welcome to the world's premier birding destination! So much awaits you on this birdwatching tour in Colombia.
Of the over 1,900 recorded species of birds found here, 80 are endemic. You will have the opportunity to see such specialties as the Blue-billed Curassow, the Santa Marta Parakeet, the White-lored Warbler, the Yellow-crowned Whitestart, and dozens more!
Various species of Tanger, parakeet, finch, and sparrow call this area home and will give you the chance to fill your birding journal and hopefully tick off some rare finds.
In addition to the plethora of birds that inhabit Colombia's Caribbean Coast, you will also experience the raw beauty of the Sierra Nevada and La Guajira. Snow-capped mountains, pristine beaches, and unique flora and fauna make this birding tour truly magical.
Highlights
- Dozens of endemic and near-endemic bird species
- Perijá Nature Reserve, protecting a 1,850 acres area of cloud forest which is home to the Perijá thistletail, the Perijá metaltail, the Perijá brush-finch
- Riohacha, capital of La Guajira department and home to the indigenous Wayuu community
- Tayrona National Park, home to 300 species of birds including the Montane Solitary Eagle, the Military Macaw, Black-backed Antshrike, White-bellied Antbird, and the Lance-Tailed Manakin
- The Sierra Nevada, the highest coastal mountain range in the world, with snow-capped mountains within view of the ocean
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Valledupar
Day 2: Los Besotes Reserve & Transfer to Perijá Nature Reserve
Day 3: High-Andean Birding in Perijá Nature Reserve
Day 4: Perijá Nature Reserve
Day 5: Morning Birding & Transfer to Riohacha
Day 6: Los Flamencos Flora and Fauna Sanctuary
Day 7: Tayrona National Park & Transfer to El Dorado Reserve
Day 8: San Lorenzo Ridge & El Dorado Reserve
Day 9: El Dorado Reserve
Day 10: Departure from Santa Marta
Day 1: Arrival in ValleduparBienvenidos a Colombia – Welcome to Colombia!
Upon arrival at Valledupar Airport, you will be greeted by your English-speaking guide, who will transfer you to your hotel. After settling in, enjoy a delicious dinner, offering a preview of the experiences to come on this journey.
Valledupar, located at 180 meters above sea level, lies between the stunning Serranía del Perijá and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. With year-round temperatures averaging 32ºC, it is a warm and inviting city, widely known as the home of Vallenato music, celebrated for its distinctive accordion sounds and lively melodies.
If you have any questions about your itinerary, feel free to ask your guide.
Accommodation: Hotel Arawak-Upar
Meals: DinnerDay 2: Los Besotes Reserve & Transfer to Perijá Nature Reserve
The day begins with a 35-minute transfer to Los Besotes Reserve, Colombia’s first Important Bird Area (IBA). This region is home to an exciting variety of species, including the endemic and critically endangered Blue-billed Curassow, Collared Forest-Falcon, Red-legged Tinamou, Shining-green Hummingbird, Keel-billed Toucan, and Rufous Nightjar. Other species adapted to this arid environment include Northern Scrub-Flycatcher, White-whiskered Spinetail, Black-backed Antshrike, Sooty-capped Hermit, Military Macaw, and Pearly-vented Tody-Tyrant.
After a productive morning of birding, the journey continues toward Perijá, with a mid-morning stop at a local reserve where the Lance-tailed Manakin is commonly observed. The drive to the Perijá Mountains takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, with a field lunch along the way, allowing time to bird the road leading to the reserve. Species to watch for include the Moustached Puffbird, Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant, Golden-breasted Fruiteater, Yellow-breasted Brush-Finch, Bluish Flowerpiercer, Rufous-breasted Wren, and Spectacled Owl.
Accommodation: Perijá Nature Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDay 3: High-Andean Birding in Perijá Nature Reserve
Today will be dedicated to exploring the upper elevations of the Perijá Mountains, a hotspot for many local rarities and high-Andean specialists. Key targets include the endemic or near-endemic Perijá Thistletail (EN), Perijá Metaltail (EN), Perijá Brush-Finch, Perijá Tapaculo, and Phelp’s Brush-Finch. Other high-altitude species to look for include Hooded Mountain-Tanager, Red-crested Cotinga, Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanager, Fulvous-headed Tanager, Golden-bellied Starfrontlet (near-endemic), Mountain Wren, Black-crested Warbler, Rufous Spinetail, and Orange-throated Sunangel.
Additional highlights may include the Crested Quetzal, Glowing Puffleg, Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, Plushcap, Rufous-shafted Woodstar, and Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush. With its unique high-Andean habitat and rich avifauna, Perijá promises an unforgettable day of birdwatching.
Accommodation: Perijá Nature Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDay 4: Perijá Nature Reserve
After breakfast, the day will be spent exploring the lower to mid-altitude elevations around the lodge, searching for species that may have been missed the previous day. The varied forested landscapes offer excellent opportunities to observe additional birdlife and further immerse in the unique biodiversity of the Perijá Mountains.
Accommodation: Perijá Nature Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDay 5: Morning Birding & Transfer to Riohacha
The morning will begin with birding below the lodge, offering a final chance to spot elusive species before departing for Riohacha. The long transfer (approximately 6-7 hours) will include a lunch stop along the way, as arrival in Riohacha is expected in the evening. Upon arrival, you will check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing dinner to conclude the day.
Accommodation: Hotel Gimaura
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDay 6: Los Flamencos Flora and Fauna Sanctuary
Today, you will spend a full day birding at Los Flamencos Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, a unique desert ecosystem home to several local specialties. Among the target species are Bare-eyed Pigeon, Buffy Hummingbird, Chestnut Piculet (near-endemic), White-whiskered Spinetail (near-endemic), Slender-billed Tyrannulet (near-endemic), Northern Scrub-Flycatcher, Orinocan Saltator, Vermilion Cardinal, Glaucous Tanager, Tocuyo Sparrow (near-endemic), and Pileated Finch.
The sanctuary is named after the American Flamingos, which are abundant during certain times of the year. Other remarkable sightings may include the Scarlet Ibis, Crested Bobwhite, Rufous-vented Chachalaca, Dwarf Cuckoo, Blue-crowned Parakeet, Green-rumped Parrotlet, Two-banded Puffbird, Hooded Warbler, and Pale-legged Hornero, among many others.
Lunch will be enjoyed back in Riohacha, followed by an optional afternoon visit to Los Flamencos to focus on species that may have been missed in the morning.
Accommodation: Hotel Gimaura
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDay 7: Tayrona National Park & Transfer to El Dorado Reserve
The day begins with an early morning transfer (approx. 2 hours 15 minutes) to Tayrona National Park, a coastal paradise known for its rich biodiversity. Upon arrival, you will bird along the entrance road, searching for targets such as Jet Antbird, Black-crowned Antshrike, Golden-winged Sparrow (near-endemic), Scrub Greenlet, White-bearded Manakin, Lance-tailed Manakin, Long-billed Gnatwren, Northern Royal Flycatcher, White-bellied Antbird, Ochre-bellied Flycatcher, Rufous-and-white Wren, and the critically endangered, endemic Blue-billed Curassow. Other possible sightings include Yellow-breasted Flycatcher and many more.
By mid-morning, you will head to Minca, a scenic foothill town surrounded by dry, premontane, and montane forests, making it an excellent birdwatching location. The remainder of the morning will be spent along the road between Minca and El Dorado Lodge, searching for species such as Shining-green Hummingbird, Scarlet-fronted Parakeet, Swallow Tanager, Bicolored Wren, Rosy-thrush Tanager, Keel-billed Toucan, Rufous-capped Warbler, Orange-chinned Parakeet, Black-chested Jay, Pale-breasted and Yellow-legged Thrush, Gartered Streaked Saltator, Bay-headed Tanager, and Masked Tityra. Lunch will be enjoyed in the field or in Minca, depending on time.
The day concludes at El Dorado Reserve, where you can take in a stunning view of the Sierra Nevada highlands while watching for specialties at the lodge’s feeders.
Accommodation: El Dorado Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDay 8: San Lorenzo Ridge & El Dorado Reserve
Today will focus on the endemic bird species of Santa Marta. Before dawn, you will take a drive up to San Lorenzo Ridge, where breakfast will be served in the field. This area is home to several Santa Marta endemics, including Santa Marta Parakeet, Santa Marta Blossomcrown, White-tailed Starfrontlet, Santa Marta Woodstar, Santa Marta Sabrewing, Santa Marta Foliage-Gleaner, Santa Marta Antbird, Santa Marta Antpitta, Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant, Santa Marta Mountain-Tanager, Santa Marta Brush-Finch, Santa Marta Warbler, Santa Marta Wood-Wren, White-lored Warbler, Yellow-crowned Whitestart, and Sierra Nevada Brush-Finch. Other possible sightings include the White-tipped Quetzal (near-endemic) and various high-Andean species.
As you descend from San Lorenzo Ridge, time will be spent observing raptors circling above, as well as hummingbirds visiting the lodge feeders. A highlight of the afternoon will be searching for the Black-fronted Wood-Quail, which often visits the feeders and is always a treat to see.
After dinner, there will be an optional night walk, where you may have the chance to spot the Santa Marta Screech Owl, as well as nocturnal mammals such as local Kinkajous and Grey-bellied Night Monkeys that inhabit the forest around the lodge.
Accommodation: El Dorado Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDay 9: El Dorado Reserve
Depending on your sightings from the previous days, today’s activities will be adjusted to focus on specific targets that may have been missed. You may revisit the trails above or below the lodge, or continue exploring the diverse habitats within El Dorado Reserve, searching for elusive species and taking in the last moments of birding in this incredible location.
Accommodation: El Dorado Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerDay 10: Departure from Santa Marta
After an unforgettable journey through Colombia’s birding hotspots, it is time to say goodbye to this beautiful country. Your guide will accompany you to Santa Marta Airport, where you will take a flight to Bogotá to connect with your international departure.
We hope you leave with many wonderful memories and perhaps even a desire to return and explore more of Colombia’s hidden natural gems. And who knows? Maybe you’ll inspire your friends and family to visit this incredible country, known for its breathtaking landscapes and warm, welcoming people.
Meals: Breakfast
Be sure to check out our other birdwatching tours, hiking and walking tours, and bike tours!
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Map
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Accommodation
The accommodations used on this tour include a mix of elegant hotels and unique and beautiful eco-lodges.
Hotel Arawak Upar (1 night) – This is a spacious hotel with large and comfortable rooms located near the historical sector of Valledupar, close to the main plazas, shopping centers, colorful parks, and historical monuments.
Perijá Nature Reserve (3 nights) – The cabins of this lodge are basic, but clean, ample, and comfortable, with private bathrooms and hot running water. A new generator provides electricity. It has a small, quaint restaurant.
Hotel Gimaura (2 nights ) – A colorful beach-front hotel located just outside the main cluster of streets in Riohacha, providing a quiet location for a couple of days exploring La Guajira. All rooms are large, comfortable, and have A/C – very much needed in La Guajira. The hotel has a nice restaurant by the beach, and a beautiful pool surrounded by lush gardens and typical kiosks with hammocks and lounge chairs to relax after a long day.
El Dorado Lodge (3 nights) – This is easily Colombia’s most beautifully designed ecolodge. Rooms are in a wood-cabin-type building with amazing views over the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, and the Caribbean Sea can be seen on a clear day. The Kogihabs are new constructions with morning panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada itself. Beds are clean and comfortable and the rooms are cool, given the lodge’s altitude. Here you’ll be exposed to the various endemics that make the Sierra so special and you’ll understand why it is the world’s best place to bird. There are no other lodging options in the area – we highly recommend staying at the reserve given its distance in by car to Santa Marta (3hrs).
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Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for all nights in twin/double rooms with private facilities
- All land transfers as per the itinerary
- All main meals and snacks as mentioned in the itinerary
- Hydration throughout the tour
- Entrance fees to all reserves, parks, and sites listed in the itinerary
- Professional nature guide from TCP throughout the trip
- Local expert guides for specialized birding locations
- Safety and emergency equipment
- All activities as outlined in the itinerary
What’s Not Included
- Arrival & departure flights
- Excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks with meals
- Birding equipment such as binoculars or cameras
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
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Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Questions about dates or pricing? We’re here to help! Call 800-951-4384 to talk to a Tour Specialist now.
May 15–31 (Daily)May 15–31 (Daily) $ 4123 Book Jun 1–30 (Daily)Jun 1–30 (Daily) $ 4123 Book Jul 1–31 (Daily)Jul 1–31 (Daily) $ 4123 Book Aug 1–31 (Daily)Aug 1–31 (Daily) $ 4123 Book Sep 1–30 (Daily)Sep 1–30 (Daily) $ 4123 Book Oct 1–31 (Daily)Oct 1–31 (Daily) $ 4123 Book Nov 1–30 (Daily)Nov 1–30 (Daily) $ 4123 Book Dec 1–30 (Daily)Dec 1–30 (Daily) $ 4123 Book Pricing details and extra options
- Tour Package 2025 Daily Jan 1–Dec 31 from $ 41232025 departures: Daily Jan 1–Dec 31
2025 January Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 February Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 November Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 December Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Based on double occupancy1 traveler $ 10514 2 travelers $ 6029 3 travelers $ 5171 4 travelers $ 5108 5 travelers $ 4827 6-9 travelers $ 4529 10 travelers $ 4483 11 travelers $ 4389 12+ travelers $ 4123 Single occupancy surcharge Required for 3rd, 5th, 7th travelers and so on in odd-number groups.$ 948 Triple occupancy on request, subject to availability.Tours can only be confirmed based on availability and if the guest(s) provides their passport upon booking, this is a requirement.Prices do not include the Colombian VAT tax (19%), but foreignor travelers do not have to pay this.The mentioned rates might be modified due to currency devaluation.
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
- Tour Package 2025 Daily Jan 1–Dec 31 from $ 4123
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Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
Birding in Colombia involves visits to a wide range of private reserves, national and regional parks, farms, and private properties. Although transport is provided to and from the main birding sites, participants of this tour should be prepared for walking on paved/well-maintained trails, as well as uneven and sometimes steep terrain. At the end of the day, birdwatching can entail as little or as much walking as you want.
Airport Info
Fly into Alfonso López Pumarejo Airport in Valledupar (with connections from Bogota with Avianca, EasyFly, and LATAM Colombia).
Fly out of Simón Bolívar International Airport in Santa Marta.Local Travel
Airport pick-ups and drop offs are included with your English speaking tour guide. Major cities are never too far away from the main birding sites meaning that connections by both road and air are easy to coordinate. Infrastructure is generally excellent in the cities with it understandably lowering in level the more remote you go. Road connections are very good between major cities thanks to the construction of new highways, with most secondary and tertiary (unpaved) roads in good condition.
Recommended
While birding and bird watching does not require a huge investment or much equipment, we absolutely recommended a good pair of binoculars and comfortable boots or walking shoes. A field guide and notebook are also a helpful addition, although your English-speaking guide would be happy to identify the birds you see along the way.
Remarks
Meals: Most meals have been included as detailed in the day-by-day itinerary. Breakfasts will be generally early (around 5 am most days) to ensure we maximize the best times for bird activity. Field or packed lunches will generally be locally prepared dishes with a meat, rice or pasta, salad, and a natural fruit juice or water.
Activities: This is an extensive and well-paced birding itinerary, taking in a vast amount of birds across a wide variety of ecosystems. Expect final bird lists to be long and full of surprises. Most days will include a morning and afternoon session of birding, finishing before the last light which tends to be around 5:30 pm.
Guides: A bilingual Birding Tour Leader will lead the tour from beginning to end and will have great experience at all of the sites mentioned. Local guides will be employed wherever possible to aid in identification and also to involve the local communities as much as possible.
Important to know
Documents
Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. US and Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter Colombia for stays shorter than 90 days. For any other nationality, Colombia's Foreign Affairs website has a useful tool to determine if you will need a visa (scroll towards the middle/end of the page to the dropdown menu and select your home country).
Tour Operator
This tour is run by WhereNext Travel.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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Photos
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Reviews
Reviews
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