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Colombia - Perijá & Santa Marta Endemics (Small Group)

© Santa Marta Parakeets by Adam Riley
Colombia - Perijá & Santa Marta Endemics (Small Group) 2026

12 Jul 2026 - 22 Jul 2026 (11 days)

USD6,900 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Adam Walleyn

Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated and dates may change*

Tour price (Per person): USD6,900 * GBP5,587 * EUR6,625 * AUD10,983

Colombia has more bird species than any other country; a staggering 1 900 species occur within the confines of this incredible nation, nearly 100 are endemic! Our endemics-laden tour of Northern Colombia takes us to the Santa Marta Mountains and the Guajira Peninsula on the northern coast of Colombia, as well as the and the recently explored Perija range on the Venezuelan border. The Santa Marta massif is an isolated mountain range, and its snow-capped peaks are the highest coastal mountains in the world. It is also one of the most endemic-rich regions of South America, hosting nearly 50 endemics and regional specialities plus numerous endemic subspecies (several of which, upon further taxonomic review, are likely to be elevated to full species status in the future). We spend time at both low and high elevations of the Perija Range, birding near Valledupar before basing ourselves at the Chamicero Reserve. Purchased in 2014 after the discovery of good forest tracts on accessible land for the entire suite of Sierra de Perija endemics, including recently described Perija Tapaculo, Perija Starfrontlet, Perija Metaltail, Perija Thistletail and other proposed splits that require more conclusive documentation.

Top Birds

Santa Marta Parakeet; Santa Marta Woodstar; Santa Marta Mountain Tanager; White-tailed, Golden-bellied & Perija Starfrontlets; Santa Marta & White-lored Warblers; Yellow-crowned Whitestart; Rusty-headed Spinetail; Santa Marta Blossomcrown; Santa Marta & Perija Antpittas; Santa Marta Bush Tyrant; Santa Marta Screech Owl; Santa Marta, Perija & Brown-rumped Tapaculos; Vermilion Cardinal; Glaucous Tanager; Sapphire-bellied, Sapphire-throated, Buffy, Shining-green & Scaly-breasted Hummingbirds; Perija Metaltail; Longuemare's Sunangel; Red-billed & Coppery Emeralds; Chestnut Piculet; Rufous-vented & Chestnut-winged Chachalacas; Perija Thistletail; White-tipped & Crested Quetzals; Black-fronted Wood Quail; Turquoise-winged Parrotlet; Stripe-backed & Bicolored Wrens; Russet-throated, Pied & Double-banded Puffbirds; Golden-winged Sparrow; Tocuyo Sparrow; Military Macaw; White-whiskered & Rufous Spinetails; Chestnut-capped, Slaty, Black-fronted, Santa Marta & Sierra Nevada Brushfinches.

Top Mammals

Kinkajou; Red Howler Monkey; Grey-handed Night-Monkey.

Habitats Covered

Rainforest, dry forests, estuarine, xerophytic scrub, paramo grasslands

Expected Climate

Temperate to cold in highlands (El Dorado and Perija), hot and dry in the lowlands (Guajira Peninsula). Rain is likely on some days.

Max Group Size

6 with 1 Rockjumper leader and 1 local leader

Tour Pace & Walking

MODERATE TO CHALLENGING: This tour requires a good level of fitness, stamina, and overall health. It’s best suited for experienced birders who are comfortable with a more active itinerary. Please note that it may not be ideal for avid photographers, new birders, or those with mobility or health concerns.

Moderate. Endemic and target focussed trip. Not suitable for dedicated photographers; inexperienced birders; or anyone with mobility or health challenges. Tour pace is fast.

Accommodation

Mostly comfortable, one lodge is simple to basic.

Ease of Birding

Moderate to difficult. Several skulkers and low-density targets that require repeated efforts. Many species that require patience, persistence & repeat attempts (ie: Antpittas & Tapaculos).

Number of Species Expected

300+

Other Attractions

Cartagena, spectacular scenery of the Santa Marta massif, stunning Caribbean ocean

Photographic Opportunities

Reasonable to good. Typical forest lighting difficulties. Several feeders.

What our clients say about us

Robert Williams
SP, Colombia 2019

Rob did an outstanding job on this tour. He is an excellent birding guide, great personality and provided insights on a variety of diverse subject matters. I was also impressed with the local operator and their quick actions in dealing with unexpected situations like the general strike and road closure to Medellin.

Forrest Rowland
SS - Colombia 2019

First of all, Forrest Rowland's profound knowledge of the full range of bird identification traits, songs and calls, habitat preferences and behavioural detail was indispensable to our ability to view, hear, and understand what we were looking for/at. Even more so, his knowledge and ability to effectively convey such information in a timely and readily comprehensible manner was an essential component of our ability to get on birds effectively. Plus his expertise and experience did not stop with the bird life. Secondly, he was an amazing leader in keeping a diverse group of participants focused on tasks at hand and committed to an inclusive "team" dynamic, not an easy feat! His very personable and easy going style kept everyone engaged and appreciating contributions from the whole group... and no one ever appeared isolated. Lastly, and also crucial to an effective journey of this type, Forrest was always on top of tour logistics and management, which are extremely complex and sometimes change with little notice (e.g. flights being cancelled). ln part this was due to his own experience travelling within Colombia, building upon the wonderful network of supporting "staff/contributors", and he was always able to easily provide next step details, rationales, and alternatives to the group.

Forrest Rowland
AH, Colombia 2018

I have travelled with Forrest before, and still he manages to beat my expectations with his wonderful visual and auditory skills, hard work and preparation, and he is just fun to travel with. Special kudos on this trip for how he continued on despite being very unwell with fever and chills.

Forrest Rowland
MK, Colombia 2017

We had a great time with Forrest Rowland in Colombia. A wonderful country. Forrest is a fantastic birder and a great guide.

Robert Williams
JF, Colombia 2021

The Santa Marta Mountains were truly a great place to bird with several endemics to be seen and spectacular mountains views. The lodge was a fantastic place to stay for three nights. Highly recommend this extension tour!!!!

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