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Colombia - Perijá & Santa Marta Endemics (Small Group)

© Santa Marta Parakeets by Adam Riley

Colombia has more bird species than any other country; a staggering 1 900 species occur within the confines of this incredible nation, of which 89 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 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 the yet-to-be-described Perija Tapaculo and another 35 subspecies that need further research. The local forms of Golden-bellied Starfrontlet, Emerald Toucanet, Rufous Spinetail and Rufous Antpitta are all proposed splits that require more conclusive documentation.

Top Birds

Santa Marta Bush Tyrant, Santa Marta Parakeet, Santa Marta Woodstar, Santa Marta Mountain Tanager, White-tailed Starfrontlet, Santa Marta & White-lored Warbler, Yellow-crowned Whitestart, Rusty-headed Spinetail, Santa Marta Blossomcrown, Santa Marta Antpitta, Santa Marta Screech Owl, Santa Marta, Perija & Brown-rumped Tapaculo, Vermilion Cardinal, Glaucous Tanager, Sapphire-bellied, Sapphire-throated, Buffy, Shining-green & Scaly-breasted Hummingbird, Red-billed & Coppery Emerald, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, Chestnut Piculet, Rufous-vented & Chestnut-winged Chachalaca, White-tipped & Crested Quetzal, Black-fronted Wood Quail, Turquoise-winged Parrotlet, Trinidad Euphonia, Stripe-backed & Bicolored Wren, Russet-throated, Pied & Double-banded Puffbird, Bicolored Conebill, Golden-winged Sparrow, Black-hooded Thrush, Hermit Wood Wren, Tocuyo Sparrow, Rufous Nightjar, Double-striped Thick-Knee, Military Macaw, White-whiskered & Rufous Spinetail, Venezuelan Flycatcher, Venezuelan Tyrannulet, Golden-bellied Starfrontlet, Perija Metaltail, Perija Thistletail, Perija, Chestnut-capped, Slaty, Black-fronted, Santa Marta & Sierra Nevada Brushfinches, Longuemare's Sunangel, Rufous-shafted Woodstar, Klage's Antbird.

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

brisk pace, some demanding walks

Accommodation

very good with some basic

Ease of Birding

moderate with some challenging species

Number of Species Expected

300+

Other Attractions

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

Photographic Opportunities

good to very good

What our clients say about us

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.

Tuomas Seimola
TS & VS, Colombia 2021

Our guide Tuomas was excellent, the trip was excellent!

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!!!!

Tuomas Seimola
MS, Colombia 2021

"Tuomas was excellent. He made extreme efforts to make sure everyone saw the birds. Great itinerary. Covid testing was easy and smooth. Local guides were wonderful. Special dietary needs were met. Thanks again!!"

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.

Colombia - Perijá & Santa Marta Endemics (Small Group) 2024

10 Jul 2024 - 20 Jul 2024 (11 days)

USD6,295 - 3 Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Local Leader

Tour price (Per person): USD6,295 * GBP5,032 * EUR5,868 * AUD9,664

Single Supplement: USD780 * GBP624 * EUR727 * AUD1,197

Flight costs: USD170 * GBP136 * EUR158 * AUD261

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