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Colombia - Santa Marta Extension

© Santa Marta Parakeets by Adam Riley

Colombia has more species of birds than any other country - a staggering 1900 species are to be found within the confines of this incredible nation; of which, at least 89 are endemic. Our endemics-laden extension 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, estuary, 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

brisk pace, some demanding walks

Accommodation

good to very comfortable

Ease of Birding

moderate with some challenging species

Number of Species Expected

270+ (700+ when combined with Northern Andes series)

Other Attractions

spectacular Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta range, Caribbean Sea

Photographic Opportunities

good

What our clients say about us

Robert Williams
CA, Colombia 2017

From the several members of the office staff to the actual tour itself, I have nothing but high praise for my Rockjumper experience. This was my first tour with Rockjumper, but I hope it won't be my last. Alison and Sarah were tremendously helpful. Rob Williams is as good a leader as I have ever experienced. He not only knows the birds, but he made sure that we all got to see them, showing patience way beyond what I thought necessary. When one of our participants lost his passport, Rob bent over backwards to help this hapless person, never complaining while doing so. Rob always told us what the plan was for the next day. When Plan A didn't pan out, he had Plan B ready. If something went askew, he handled it with aplomb, always keeping his sense of humour. Did I mention he showed us wonderful birds? Oh, we saw some beautiful ones!

Stephan Lorenz
KH & DH - Colombia 2019

Stephan Lorenz is an outstanding guide – extremely knowledgeable, extremely diligent in getting target birds, and is full of enthusiasm every day.  A real pleasure.

Tuomas Seimola
GP, Colombia 2019

Tuomas was excellent. He was an excellent birder and group leader, ensuring the everyone saw each bird. He was persistent in pursuing our target birds but knew when enough was enough for the day. Tuomas has an easy going manner, but he (and the local leader) were efficient and effective in dealing with problems in the field or with the accomodation.

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.

Tuomas Seimola
DM, Colombia 2019

Tuomas was an excellent guide and organizer.

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 * GBP1,995 * EUR2,326 * AUD3,823

Single Supplement: USD190 * GBP152 * EUR177 * AUD291

Flight costs: USD90 * GBP72 * EUR84 * AUD138

Can be linked with:

Flight costs (Linked Tour): USD100 * GBP80 * EUR93 * AUD153

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