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Bird Watching Holidays In Colombia: Highlands + Tayrona + Santa Marta Mountains

Birding Holiday - Colombia: Andes + Caribbean

14 NIGHTS FROM:

$6,074

Per person sharing

Scheduled flights quoted separately

7GPA14B

• Bird Watching Holidays In Colombia

• Bogota

• Chingaza National Park

• Guasca Subparamo

• Bella Vista Reserve

• Rio Blanco Cloud Forest

• Tayrona National Park

• Santa Marta Mountains

• Andean Highlands

• Caribbean Coast

Enquire about our tailor-made bird watching holidays In Colombia that combine the Andean Highlands with Tayrona National Park & the Santa Marta Mountains. Visit Bogota, Chingaza National Park, the Magdalena Valley & Rio Blanco Reserve in the coffee region, then fly to Santa Marta on the Caribbean coast. End your holiday relaxing in the old town of Cartagena. Birding guide, all transfers & park fees included.

Detailed itinerary ▶

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Day 1

You will be met at Bogotá Airport and transferred to your hotel in this high altitude city, located in a valley between the eastern and central Andes mountain ranges at 8,660 ft (2,640 m).

Check in and relax in this sprawling city that is the capital of Colombia.

Day 2

Today enjoy a full day private tour of Bogotá, with an included lunch at a local restaurant.

We start with a walk through the cobbled alleys of La Candelaria, the historic Old Town. Here you will see many beautifully preserved Spanish colonial houses and churches that date back centuries, such as the church of Santa Clara that today contains the Museum of Colonial Art and the 17th century Church of San Francisco, the oldest surviving church in the city.

We also visit the small Botero Museum. Housed in a beautiful colonial mansion, it showcases a collection of artwork donated to the city by Fernando Botero, Colombia’s most famous contemporary artist renowned for his proportionally exaggerated chubby figures. Around 120 pieces of his work are displayed here, including paintings, drawings and miniature sculptures. He also donated his personal collection of original artwork by Picasso, Renoir, Dalí, Degas, Chagall, Matisse, Monet and Giacometti which are on display here.

View the library of Luis Angel Arango as we head for the main square - Plaza Bolívar - where you can see a statue honouring Simon Bolivar, a Venezuelan military leader who played a key role in the revolution against Spain. Here you can see the Metropolitan Cathedral, City Hall, Colón Theatre, Casa de Nariño (the presidential residence, which has an observatory in its gardens), Congress Palace, Palace of Justice, Cardinal's Palace, Independence House and the colonial churches of El Sagrario and San Agustin.

We then visit the Gold Museum - the most important gold museum in the world with a splendid collection of over 36,000 pre-Colombian gold and emerald pieces. Galleries on three levels display exquisitely crafted pieces dating back nearly 2,500 years. Two large carved stones from the San Agustin archaeological site can also be seen here. Visit the vault-like room on the top floor where the most treasured pieces are displayed, including the famous miniature golden raft.

At the end of our tour we ascend Monserrate Hill by cable car or funicular, for panoramic views over the city. The chapel atop this hill can be seen from almost anywhere in Bogota.

Note: When visiting churches and monasteries, women must not wear shorts or miniskirts and men must not wear shorts. The Gold Museum is closed Mondays and Botero Museum is closed Tuesdays.

Day 3

This morning we head out early (departing 05.30) and drive 1.5-hours to Chingaza National Park for a full day of birding in the cloud forests, subparamo and paramo regions found northeast of Bogota.

In the cool subparamo region we target the endemic Brown-breasted parakeet, Slaty brushfinch, Golden-fronted whitestart, Black-billed mountain-toucan, Rufous-browed conebill and numerous other species.

In the High Andean Cloud Forest we target the Coppery-bellied puffleg, Glowing puffleg, Blue-throated starfrontlet, Sword-billed hummingbird, Speckled hummingbird, Amethyst-throated sunangel, Purple-backed thornbill, Great sapphirewing, Black-tailed trainbearer, Green-tailed trainbearer, Mountain velvetbreast, White-bellied woodstar, Tyrian metaltail, Colibri coruscans, Colibri thalassinus and many more. A picnic lunch is included today.

After an included lunch we stop at the Hummingbirds Observatory, which has one of the best set of hummingbird feeders in the country. Here we should get great views of some amazing birds - including the Coppery-bellied puffleg, Blue-throated starfrontlet, Black--tailed trainbearer and Green-tailed trainbearer. At the end of the day we return to Bogota.

Days 4 To 5

This morning we head out early for a full day of birding in Chicaque National Park, situated 30-minutes southwest of the city.

This stunning Andean Cloud Forest has miles and miles of trails, with several waterfalls and incredible views of the park and its nearby mountains. There is great avian diversity in this temperate region, with a good mix of typical Andean birds such as tanagers, flowerpiercers, warblers, flycatchers and many others.

The feeders here are particularly productive, attracting near-endemic hummingbirds such as the Golden-bellied starfrontlet, the Glowing puffleg and Collared inca. You can also hope to see the Moustached brushfinch. Super-slow sloths are sometimes spotted in the trees above. Lunch is included today.

Day 6

Today we drive 4.5-hours through the Magdalena Valley towards Los Nevados National Park, which is situated high above the city of Manizales, with birding stops along the way.

This fertile coffee region is situated in a high valley between the central and western Andes mountain ranges. This verdant region receives a high rainfall and is an abundant producer of coffee, bananas, plantains, papaya, avocados and many other agricultural products. It has year-round greenery, over-sized palm trees and magnificent bamboo forests. Farmers from this region are known as 'paisas' and have a reputation for hard work and getting things done.

After an included lunch, we check in to our lodge situated in the mountains of Los Nevados National Park, where you can relax in natural thermal hot springs.

Day 7

This morning and this afternoon, enjoy birding with your guide in the area around Los Nevados National Park.

In the middle of the day relax at your lodge and enjoy its hot springs.

Day 8

Transfer 2.5-hours to Pereira Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at Santa Marta Airport by your guide, who will give you a brief tour of this busy Caribbean port, which is the oldest city in Colombia - having been founded by the Spanish in 1525 when the country was known as New Granada.

Afterwards we drive 1-hour to Tayrona National Park, which is spectacularly situated on the Caribbean coast, where a dense rainforest plunges into the Atlantic Ocean. Covering an area of over 15,000 hectares, it is one of the most famous reserves in Colombia. Overlooked by the stunning Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range, this is the only place in the world where you can see a mountain by the sea that is permanently capped with snow. On arrival check into your lodge and enjoy birding around the lodge.

Day 9

Enjoy a day of birding in Tayrona National Park, with an included picnic lunch.

Early morning trails can be particularly productive in the search for the critically endangered Blue-billed curassow and the endemic Cotton-top tamarin. Other species you can hope to see include the Southern bentbill, White-bellied antbird, Buff-breasted wren, Whooping motmot, Lance-tailed manakin, White-chinned sapphire, Black-crowned antshrike, Cocoa woodcreeper and Golden-fronted greenlet amongst others.

In the evening we can search for owls around our lodge.

Day 10

There is time for some very early morning birding in Tayrona National Park, before we drive 2-hours into the stunning Santa Marta Mountains.

Enjoy an included lunch at a restaurant with hummingbird feeders in the small mountain village of Minca, which is surrounded by coffee plantations. In this birding hotspot we search for some of the astounding 22 endemics found in the Santa Marta Mountains, including the Chestnut-winged chachalaca, Venezuelan tyrannulet, Coppery emerald and elusive Black-backed antshrike.

You can also hope to see the Golden-winged sparrow, Steely-vented hummingbird, White-necked jacobin, Rufous-breasted wren, Long-tailed hermit, Stripe-throated hermit, Rufous-breasted hermit, Pale-bellied hermit, Pearly-vented tody-tyrant, Black-chested jay, White-vented plumeleteer, Golden-fronted greenlet, Scrub greenlet, Black-throated mango, Rufous-tailed jacamar, Black-headed tanager and, if you are fortunate, the Rosy thrush-tanager. Raptors such as the Solitary eagle can sometimes be seen soaring overhead.

After lunch we continue in a 4x4 vehicle for the ride up to the San Lorenzo Ridge to the remote El Dorado Nature Reserve. Along the way we can search for more endemic and target birds including the Swallow tanager, Bay-and-green tanager, Scaled piculet, Santa Marta antbird, Santa Marta woodstar, Coppery Emerald, Santa Marta Blossomcrown, Santa Marta tapaculo, Santa Marta foliage-gleaner, Santa Marta wood-wren, Santa Marta brush-finch, Colombian brush-finch, White-lored warbler and Rufus-and-white wren. We also search for near endemics such as the White-tipped quetzal, Streak-capped spinetail, Black-fronted wood-quail and Rusty-breasted Antpitta. We then check in to our lodge high in the mountains.

Note: Expect the road to be very bumpy today. Bring warm clothing, as it can get very cold in the mountains at night.

Day 11

We rise early today (04.30) and take a picnic breakfast and boxed lunch to the top of the ridge for a full day of birding in El Dorado Nature Reserve.

This high elevation is home to endemics such as flocks of screeching Santa Marta parakeets, as well as the Santa Marta warbler, Santa Marta bush-tyrant, Santa Marta (Rufous) antpitta, Santa Marta wren, Brown-rumped tapaculo, Rusty-headed spinetail, Yellow-crowned redstart, Black-cheeked mountain-tanager, White-tailed starfrontlet, Black-backed thornbill, Streek-capped spinetail, White-tipped quetzal and Golden-breasted fruiteater.

Other general species we can hope to see include the Black-capped tanager, Black-throated tody-tyrant, Black-banded woodcreeper and the amazing Black-and-chestnut eagle. After dark we will search for the Santa Marta screech-owl and other nocturnal birds.

Note: Expect the road to be very bumpy today.

Day 12

There is time for some more birding around our lodge this morning, before we drive back to Minca with more birding en route.

After an included lunch, we change vehicles at Minca and drive 2.5-hours to Barranquilla, a bustling seaport located on the Magdalena River delta.

Colombia's fourth largest city, it is known for its famous Barranquilla Carnival - the largest and most important in the country and one of the most colourful in the world. Representing the different cultures of the Caribbean coast, the carnival showcases the folklore of the region - with music and dancing in a grand parade. This city is also the birthplace of Latin America's cumbia dance music, which originated here during the days of slavery.

Day 13

We rise early (departing by 05.30) to search for the Chestnut-winged chachalaca about 20-minutes from the city, before returning to our hotel for breakfast.

We then leave Barranquilla and drive 30-minutes to the mangroves of Salamanca Island Wetlands - a RAMSAR birding site of international significance, due to its strategic location on the American migratory route. Situated on the Caribbean Coast between Santa Marta and Barranquilla, the park consists of marshlands, forests and part of the Magdalena River, which flows through it. It has nearly 200 recorded bird species including the Snail kite and many egrets, kingfishers and herons. It is also home to 140 fish, 98 aquatic invertebrates, 35 reptiles and 9 different amphibians. .

Here we search for the endemic Sapphire-bellied hummingbird, which is critically endangered. We also look out for the Sapphire-throated hummingbird, Red-rumped woodpecker, Northern-scrub flycatcher, Black-crested antshrike, Crane hawk, Great black hawk, Russet-throated puffbird, Bicolored conebill, Golden-green woodpecker and Bronzed cowbird.

On our way back to Barranquilla we stop at huge marsh where we look out for species such as the White-faced whistling duck, Fulvous whistling duck, Russet-throared puffbird, Bare-faced ibis, Blue-winged parrotlet, Spot-breasted woodpecker, Pied marsh-tyrant, White-headed marsh-tyrant, Bicolored wren and Black-collared hawk.

After an included lunch, we then drive 2-hours along the coast to Cartagena. Here you will be dropped off at your hotel in this colourful Caribbean port city, whose magnificent 16th century walled Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Note: There are many biting mosquitos in Salamanca Island National Park, so take insect repellant and wear a lightweight long-sleeved shirt and long trousers to protect yourself. Also wear a hat and take sunglasses and sunscreen.

Day 14

This morning enjoy a half day private tour of the city of Cartagena de Indias, starting with a walk up to the 17th century La Popa Monastery situated outside the Old Town on a hill that marks the highest point in the city, with spectacular views over Cartagena Bay and the modern high-rise city, as well as the Old Town. Dedicated to Our Lady of La Candelaria, this charming Augustinian monastery has a beautiful chapel with an ornate gold altar.

We then visit San Felipe Castle located on San Lazaro Hill, the largest Spanish military building in the New World dating back to 1536. It was built to guard the city’s landward side from invasion and has a complex system of tunnels connected to the Old City, used to distribute provisions and for a possible evacuation. The tunnels were built so that any noise would echo along them, making internal communications easier and allowing the citizens to hear even the slightest sound of an enemy advance.

Afterwards we enter the old walled city and walk through Las Bóvedas, a series of 23 vaults built in the 18th century and considered the last major military colonial construction within the city walls. The vaults were used as storerooms for munitions and provisions by the Spaniards and later they became jail cells. Nowadays they are used as crafts markets where you can find handicrafts, antiques, galleries, jewellery, clothing and souvenirs.

Our last stop is the church and convent of San Pedro Claver, built in the early 17th century by the Jesuits in honour of Pedro Claver, a Jesuit priest who spent his whole life ministering to slaves brought from Africa. This lovely baroque church has an imposing stone facade and inside there are fine stained-glass windows and a high altar made of Italian marble. You will also find a beautiful cloister surrounded with trees, a museum and the place where Pedro Claver lived and died.

The rest of your day is at leisure to explore the charming Old Town independently.

Note: Short skirts should not be worn when visiting churches, monasteries and religious shrines. Colombia is the world’s largest producer of emeralds, so let your guide know if you would like to buy one and he will take you to a reputable store.

Day 15

Transfer to Cartagena Airport for your flight home.

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