Santa Marta Birding Tour in Colombia

KM 4 AND SALAMANACA ISLAND SANCTUARY 

Early in the morning we will try for the endemic Chestnut-winged Chachalaca and then head  to Km 4. Here the targets include Scaled Dove, Sapphire-throated Hummingbird, the endemic Turquoise-winged Parrotlet, Stripe-backed Wren, Groove-billed Ani, Russet-throated Puffbird. Next we will visit Salamanca Island Sanctuary where we will look for Pied Puffbird, Straight-billed Woodcreeper, Brown-throated Parakeets, Red-rumped Woodpecker, Yellow-chinned Spinetail, Bicolored Conebill and the endemic Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird which is a critically endangered species. We then move to Minca village, a popular  tourist spot where we will spend the second night. In the afternoon our efforts will be focused in the dry forest close to Minca. Some highlights here are Golden-fronted Greenlet, Keel-billed Toucan, Collared Aracari, Rufous-breasted and Rufous-and-white Wrens, and chances to watch the uncommon Military Macaw.

FROM MINCA TO THE SAN LORENZO RIDGE 

We will spend the day working our way up to our carefully chosen lodge near El Dorado Reserve and searching for different endemics on the way. Some of the first we’ll try for are Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner, Santa Marta Antbird, Santa Marta Tapaculo, Santa Marta Woodstar and more. In addition to these endemics, we are also likely to spot other area birds such as Scaled Piculet, Coppery Emerald, Zone-tailed Hawk, White-necked Thrush, Whooping Motmot, Red-billed Parrot, Blue-naped Chlorophonia, the tiny and cute Rusty-breasted Antpitta and the stunning Golden-winged Sparrow. With spectacular views of the Caribbean, we are also likely to enjoy an unforgettable sunset.

CERRO KENEDY AT THE SAN LORENZO RIDGE 

An early wake up is necessary to reach the high altitude San Lorenzo Ridge. With views of the Santa Marta Mountains, this is a very special place to look for endemics in Colombia. Here within a small space  many area specialties can be found: the uncommon Santa Marta Parakeet, Santa Marta Warbler, Yellow-crowned Redstart, Santa Marta Antpitta, Brown-rumped Tapaculo, Hermit Wood-wren, Santa Marta Mountain Tanager, Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant, Sierra Nevada Antpitta, Rusty-headed Spinetail and more. On the way down other endemics can be seen such as Santa Marta Woodstar, White-tailed Starfrontlet, Sierra Nevada Brush-Finch and the subspecies of the Southern Emerald Toucanet known as “Santa Marta Toucanet”. 

This evening we will look for Santa Marta Screech Owl.

MID ELEVATIONS AND LOWLANDS

This morning we will spend time searching for missing species. Some of the targets include Groove-billed Toucanet, Black-hooded and Yellow-legged Thrushes, Black-headed Tanager, King Vulture, Rosy Thrush Tanager, and Streak-capped Spinetail among others. 

After lunch in Minca, we will drive to Riohacha located in the Guajira Peninsula, a different environment from those we’ve explored. On the way to Riohacha we will look for Double-striped Thick-knee and Rufous-vented Chachalaca. We will spend the night and the next morning in this area.

CAMARONES AND LOS FLAMENCOS FLORA AND FAUNA SANCTUARY 

On this special morning we will be looking for incredible targets in and around a unique indigenous community named Camarones which is surrounded by the Flamencos Flora and Fauna Sanctuary. The targets here are the stunning and near endemic Vermilion Cardinal, Green-rumped Parrotlet, Bare-eyed Pigeon, Trinidad Euphonia, Orinocan Saltator, White-chinned Spinetail, Buffy Hummingbird, Chestnut Piculet, the uncommon Tocuyo Sparrow, and Slender-billed Inezia. Near the ocean we expect to see Roseate Spoonbill,  American Flamingo,  Royal Tern, American Oystercatcher and more.  

After lunch we move to a lodge near to the Tayrona National Park where we will bird the next morning.

TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK AND DRIVE TO BARRANQUILLA

Today we visit one of the most emblematic and popular nature places in Colombia, the Tayrona National Park. Walking  the trails here  could provide views of special birds such as the astonishing Lance-tailed Manakin, Orange-crowned Oriole, Rufous-and-white Wren, Southern Bentbill, White-bearded Manakin, White-bellied Antbird, Rufous-tailed Jacamar and, if we are lucky, the endemic and critically endangered Blue-billed Curassow. Another highlight of the park is the endemic primate Cotton-top Tamarin which can be found anywhere on the trails.

After having lunch in a restaurant around Tayrona, we will drive to Barranquilla to spend the night. Your departure can be tonight or the next morning.

DEPARTURES

Departures from the Ernesto Cortissoz Barranquilla International Airport BAQ.