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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 * GBP5,287 * EUR6,365 * AUD10,277

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. 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

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.

Robert Williams
JP, Colombia 2021

I was extremely pleased with Rob and his ability to locate birds and get all members of the group on them for viewing. This was no small task given the reclusive nature of many of the species and the size of our group. In addition to Robs valuable birding skills are his management skills in planning and timing and surmounting both the usual and the unexpected difficulties associated with delays and circumstances. Rob is extremely knowledgeable and has excellent communication skills. His stories are informative and most often entertaining. He was a fun guide and I give him a 5 star plus rating.

Dušan Brinkhuizen
SS, Colombia 2021

Dusan is an excellent guide (best ears in the business!) as well as a wonderful person to share this long of an adventure. He’s very concerned for everyone’s health, safety and enjoyment of the birding.

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!!!!

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.

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