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Colombia - Santa Marta Extension

© Santa Marta Parakeets by Adam Riley

Our Santa Marta tour takes us to the Santa Marta Mountains and the Guajira Peninsula on the northern coast of Colombia. 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 endemic 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.

Top Birds

Santa Marta & Sierra Nevada Brushfinches; Santa Marta Bush Tyrant; Santa Marta Parakeet; Santa Marta Woodstar; Santa Marta Mountain Tanager; White-tailed Starfrontlet; Hermit Wood Wren; Santa Marta & White-lored Warblers; Yellow-crowned Whitestart; Black-backed Thornbill; Rusty-headed Spinetail; Santa Marta Blossomcrown; Santa Marta Antpitta; Santa Marta Screech Owl; Santa Marta & Brown-rumped Tapaculos; Vermilion Cardinal; Glaucous Tanager; Sapphire-bellied, Buffy & Sapphire-throated Hummingbirds; Red-billed & Coppery Emeralds; Ferruginous Pygmy Owl; Chestnut Piculet; Rufous-vented & Chestnut-winged Chachalacas; White-tipped Quetzal; Black-fronted Wood Quail; Bronze-brown Cowbird; Turquoise-winged Parrotlet.

Habitats Covered

Rainforest, dry forests, estuarine, xerophytic scrub

Expected Climate

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

Max Group Size

8 with 1 Rockjumper leader and 1 local leader

Tour Pace & Walking

This is a moderately difficult tour. Not suitable for dedicated photographers; or anyone with mobility / health challenges. Some very early mornings / long days.

Accommodation

Comfortable to good.

Ease of Birding

Moderate to demanding. Bird density is low in some areas, several difficult target species that require patience, persistence & repeat attempts (ie: Antpittas & Tapaculos).

Number of Species Expected

270+

Other Attractions

spectacular Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta range, Caribbean Sea

Photographic Opportunities

good

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.

Forrest Rowland
PI, Colombia 2018

Thank you so much for a wonderful experience on my Remote Colombia Tour. Forrest remains among one of the best guides I have ever travelled with. His knowledge of the areas within Colombia is astounding, he clearly knows his birds and their respective calls, he knows the off-track spots to seek out the more difficult species and the local people he interacts with clearly respect and value their relationship with him. Witnessing the interaction of these relationships makes for such a more enjoyable overall experience. Forrest as a guide brings a strong combination of spotting birds, knowing the bird calls and getting people on the bird. Equally important, he interacts with each and everyone of his participants and just displays such a passion for birds, wildlife and the local culture.

Tuomas Seimola
TK, Colombia 2019

Two great tours led by Tuomas, who is an outstanding birder and great tour leader. Local guides were also very good, so we all saw virtually all of our hit list birds. Thanks to all.

Forrest Rowland
AF, Colombia 2018

Forrest Rowland was superb as usual.  Both his birding skills and people skills are extraordinary.

Forrest Rowland
JA - Colombia 2019

I was thrilled when Forrest Rowland agreed to run another Colombia Mega, as I really wanted to join a tour led by him – he has such extensive experience of this country and its birds. Even with that expectation, the trip exceeded my wildest dreams. Forrest’s grasp of Colombia’s birds, herps, plants, geography and history sets the scene for a magnificent experience. His humour and personality ensure one enjoys every minute.

Colombia - Santa Marta Extension 2025

30 Jul 2025 - 04 Aug 2025 (6 days)

USD2,495 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Alexander Alvarado

Tour price (Per person): USD2,495 * GBP1,971 * EUR2,298 * AUD3,744

Single Supplement: USD190 * GBP150 * EUR175 * AUD285

Flight costs: USD90 * GBP71 * EUR83 * AUD135

Flight costs (Linked Tour): USD100 * GBP79 * EUR92 * AUD150

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