Arrival at Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ) and transfer to the hotel.
Upon arrival in Barranquilla, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in and rest. Please note that check-in begins at 3:00 PM. If your flight arrives earlier and you would like to request an early check-in, let us know in advance. This service is subject to hotel availability and may incur an additional cost.

Overnight in Barranquilla – Hotel El Prado.

We begin our journey early in the morning near Barranquilla, visiting a variety of productive birding hotspots. Here, we’ll search for specialties such as the Northern Screamer, Caribbean Hornero, Turquoise-winged Parrotlet, Chestnut-winged Chachalaca, Brown-throated Parakeet, Dwarf Cuckoo, Chestnut Piculet, and Spot-breasted Woodpecker.

Our next destination is Isla Salamanca National Park (PNN Isla Salamanca), a prime coastal habitat home to standout species like the Sapphire-throated Hummingbird, Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird, Bicolored Conebill, Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, American Pygmy Kingfisher, and Pied Puffbird, among others.

We’ll pause for lunch en route to Minca, then continue birding in the afternoon with stops to search for more regional highlights such as the Chestnut-winged Chachalaca, Keel-billed Toucan, Rosy Thrush-Tanager, and Whooping Motmot.

Overnight in Minca – Hotel Casa de Hadas (B/L/D).

In the morning, we will visit different birding hotspots close to Minca, a richly biodiverse area nestled in the lower elevations of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
This site offers a mix of secondary forest, open woodland, and shade-grown coffee and cacao plantations—habitats that support a wide variety of birdlife. As we walk through the trails, we’ll focus on locating some of the area’s key species, including the striking Black-backed Antshrike, the vibrant Military Macaw (often seen flying over the canopy), and two charismatic manakins—the White-bearded and Lance-tailed—whose displays are a true highlight. We’ll also keep an eye out for the Golden-winged Sparrow, a regional specialty often seen skulking in the understory.

The combination of lush landscapes, varied microhabitats, and the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada’s slopes makes this day a rewarding experience for birders and photographers alike.

Overnight in Minca – Hotel Casa de Hadas (B/L/D).

After breakfast, we will begin our ascent into the heart of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, focusing on lower elevation habitats that host a remarkable concentration of endemic and near-endemic species.
This region is one of the most important hotspots for endemism in the Americas. Our targets during the morning include specialties such as Santa Marta Antbird, Santa Marta Tapaculo, Santa Marta Brushfinch, Sierra Nevada Brushfinch, White-lored Warbler, and the elusive Rusty-breasted Antpitta. We’ll also be on the lookout for vibrant species like the Bay-headed and Black-headed Tanagers, as well as dazzling hummingbirds including Coppery Emerald, Santa Marta Woodstar, and the stunning Santa Marta Blossomcrown.

Later in the day, we will arrive at the renowned El Dorado Reserve.
Established in 2006 by Fundación ProAves, this private nature reserve was created with the mission to protect critical habitat for the endangered Santa Marta Parakeet (Pyrrhura viridicata). The reserve spans a diverse range of elevations and ecosystems—from humid montane forest to regenerating areas under active restoration—offering exceptional opportunities to observe both flora and fauna unique to this isolated mountain range.

In the afternoon, we’ll continue birding along El Dorado road  where many new species can often be seen as the unique Golden-breasted Fruiteater.
As night falls, we’ll head out in search of the elusive Santa Marta Screech-Owl, a nocturnal endemic that inhabits the fascinating cloud forest around the reserve.

Overnight at El Dorado ProAves Lodge or Mountain House (B/L/D).

We will depart early in the morning toward the highest elevations of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a region that offers some of the most sought-after high-altitude endemics in Colombia.
As we ascend along narrow mountain roads and trails, we’ll explore elfin forests and montane habitats where several rare and range-restricted species occur. Our primary targets include the endangered Santa Marta Parakeet and Santa Marta Warbler, both of which inhabit the upper cloud forest and edges of paramo vegetation.

We’ll also search for other highland specialties such as the Black-cheeked Mountain Tanager, Hermit Wood-Wren, Yellow-crowned Redstart, and the elusive Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant. With patience and luck, we may encounter two of the most difficult and coveted antpittas of the region—the Santa Marta Antpitta and Sierra Nevada Antpitta.

Throughout the morning, we’ll be scanning the forest canopy and flower-laden understory for dazzling hummingbirds like the White-tailed Starfrontlet, and keeping our eyes open for the elegant White-tipped Quetzal, often seen perched quietly in the moss-laden trees.

Overnight at El Dorado ProAves Lodge or Mountain House (B/L/D).

After breakfast at the lodge, we begin our gradual descent toward Minca, with planned birding stops along the way.
This return journey provides excellent opportunities to search for species we may have missed on the way up, as we move through a variety of habitats from cloud forest to lower elevation woodlands.

We’ll continue directly toward the Caribbean coast, where the landscape shifts into tropical dry forest as we approach Tayrona National Park—a region where the Sierra Nevada meets the sea, creating stunning natural contrasts.

Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy lunch near the park, followed by some time to relax or explore the surroundings.

Overnight in Tayrona National Park – Ecohotel or lodge (B/L/D).

We begin the day with an early birding session in Tayrona National Park, where we’ll explore the park’s varied ecosystems in search of some of the region’s most fascinating species.
Our primary focus will be on the elusive Blue-billed Curassow, a rare and striking bird that calls the park home, along with the vibrant Lance-tailed Manakin, whose dramatic courtship displays provide one of the most captivating sights in the forest. As we move through the park, we’ll also be on the lookout for the iconic Cotton-top Tamarin, a small primate with a distinctive white tuft of fur, which is critically endangered and found only in this part of the world.

After our birding session, we will continue our journey toward Riohacha, stopping for lunch en route. In the afternoon, we will visit the Camarones area for some aquatic birdwatching, where we’ll explore the lagoon to observe a variety of waders and waterfowl in their natural habitat.

Overnight in Riohacha – Hotel Taroa (B/L/D).

In the morning, we’ll embark on an exciting birding adventure through the arid landscapes of the Los Flamencos Reserve and the surrounding dry woodlands of Camarones.
This unique desert ecosystem offers the chance to see some of the region’s most sought-after species, including the striking Vermilion Cardinal, the true star of this area. With its brilliant red plumage, this bird is a highlight for any birder and an unforgettable sight. Along with the cardinal, we’ll search for other specialties such as the Orinocan Saltator, Chestnut Piculet, and the elusive Tocuyo Sparrow, as well as the White-whiskered Spinetail, Buffy Hummingbird, and Green-rumped Parrotlet. Keep your eyes peeled for the Rufous-vented Chachalaca and the iconic Double-striped Thick-knee, both of which add to the allure of this exceptional ecosystem.

In the afternoon, we’ll begin our drive back to Barranquilla, ensuring you arrive in plenty of time for your international flight. The journey takes about 4.5 hours, offering one last chance to reflect on the incredible birdlife and landscapes you’ve experienced. If you’d prefer to rest and start fresh the following day, please let us know. We can arrange an additional night’s stay and provide you with the quote for any extra services.

Transfer-out to Barranquilla (B/L/-).